Roulette is a popular game in casinos, and its rules can vary slightly depending on the type of game being played. The version of roulette most commonly played in America includes two green pockets, labeled as '0' and '00'. These can be bet on just like any other individual number on the wheel.

A bet on the 0 or 00, as mentioned before, is called a straight-up bet. It pays out at odds of 35 to 1 if successful. That is, if you place a $1 bet on either 0 or 00, and the ball lands on your chosen number, you would win $35 plus your original $1 bet, for a total return of $36.

In addition to straight-up bets, there are various other types of bets that can be placed in roulette, which involve betting on different combinations of numbers or colors. However, each of these bet types carries its own payout and odds. It's important to note that while the payout for a straight-up bet is high, the odds of winning such a bet are relatively low due to a large number of possible outcomes (38 in the case of American Roulette).

Can You Bet at 0 in European roulette?

European Roulette, another popular variation of the game, only has a single 0, so there's no 00 to bet on in that version. If you're betting on the 0 in European Roulette, the same principles apply: it's a straight-up bet that will pay out at 35 to 1 if the ball lands on 0.

Does betting on 0 or 00 give you any mathematical advantage in roulette?

No, betting on 0 or 00 does not give you a mathematical advantage in roulette. The house edge is the same whether you bet on a specific number like 0 or 00, a group of numbers, red/black, even/odd, or any other bet in the game.

In American Roulette, the house edge is 5.26%. This is due to the existence of both the 0 and 00 pockets. The probability of winning a straight-up bet (betting on a single number including 0 or 00) is 1 in 38, or about 2.63%, but the payout is only 35 to 1.

In European Roulette, where there's only a single 0, the house edge is lower, at 2.7%. The probability of winning a straight-up bet is slightly higher, at 1 in 37, or about 2.70%, but the payout is still 35 to 1.

The house edge is the difference between the true odds and the odds that the casino pays you when you win. It represents the average gross profit the casino can reliably expect to make from each game. So, regardless of where you place your bet, the house always has an advantage.

Understanding these odds can help you make more informed decisions when playing, but it's crucial to remember that roulette is primarily a game of chance, and the house always has the advantage in the long run.