Is the zero always black?
American roulette and the European game have a green zero. In the early and mid-nineteenth century, it was painted black. From Jacques Lablé’s 1801 History of the Player, we know that the “0” was red and the “00” was black.
Instead of black, green grain was used for the following purposes:
- Create a separate area on a table or wheel. It is different from the regular numbers and gives you the opportunity to risk an unconventional bet.
- Increase the probability of winning and casino profitability. In one out of 35 cases, most players will lose their bets, or half of their money.
What is the role and meaning of the zero sign in roulette?
On roulette, the zero is a green number that is different from even and odd, red and white. It allows the casino to make a steady profit over a long period of time. If a zero falls out, you lose all outside bets and most numbers. Only players who bet can get the money:
- They will win on classic European roulette with odds of 35 to 1
- on the “First Four” (0, 1, 2, 3) in Euro Roulette and on the “First Five” (0, 1, 2, 3) in American Roulette
- on one of three splits: 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0.
- On a straight consisting of three numbers: 0-1-2 or 0-2-3.
To what extent does a Zero affect the probability of winning bets?
A zero reduces the probability of a player winning and tilts the casino toward winning. To give you an example:
In European roulette, there are two classes of sectors: black and red numbers from 1 to 36. A player who chooses one of the colors has a 50% chance of winning with no zeroes, i.e. 18 out of 36.
Add a “zero” to the 36 colored areas. This changes the ratio to 18 out of 37 or 48.65%. The probability of hitting a zero sector is 1 in 37 cases, or 2.7%.
2.7% is the mathematical advantage of the casino over the player, ensuring the profit of the organizer. Zero is guaranteed to reduce the probability of winning bets over a long period of time.
What is the difference between one zero and two zeros in roulette?
European roulette uses a single zero. The American version has two green sectors on the table and wheel: 0 and 00. They increase the casino’s odds of winning to 5.4%. If there are no two zeros, players’ chances of winning drop to 18 out of 38, or 47.3%.
