Green Payouts in Roulette Explained: What Are They and How Much?
Roulette tables stand out with their red, black, and the less talked about green sections. Many new players notice the green numbers and wonder how they change the game.
Green payouts are worth understanding because they shape how different bets work and why returns vary across wheel types. The numbers marked in green behave differently from the rest and often surprise newcomers.
This blog post explains what green numbers represent, how many appear on each wheel, how much they pay on straight-up and other bets, and why they influence the house edge. You will also find clear worked examples for European and American wheels, plus a look at common myths so you can approach the game with realistic expectations.
Read on to learn more.
What Are Green Numbers In Roulette?
In roulette, the green numbers are the pockets for zero (0) and, on some wheels, double zero (00). They appear in green on both the wheel and the betting layout and do not belong to either red or black.
European and French roulette have a single green zero. American roulette has two green pockets: 0 and 00. These pockets are part of the game’s core design. They create outcomes that sit outside simple red/black or even/odd bets, and they are a key reason the house maintains an edge.
How Many Green Pockets Are There On Different Wheels?
Different roulette wheels use different counts of green pockets, which changes the underlying probabilities.
European wheels have one green pocket, the single zero (0).
French wheels mirror this, with a single green zero (0).
American wheels include two green pockets, 0 and 00.
That one-pocket versus two-pocket difference may look small, but it drives the payout maths you will see next.
How Much Does A Green Number Pay On A Straight-Up Bet?
A straight-up bet is placed directly on a single number, which can be 0 on European or French wheels, and 0 or 00 on American wheels.
If the bet wins, the standard payout is 35 to 1. For example, a £1 bet on 0 that wins returns £35 in winnings plus the £1 stake, totalling £36. This 35 to 1 rate applies to green numbers in the main versions of roulette.
Because a single number is hard to hit, straight-up wins are infrequent. That is why the next section looks at how green fits within other bet types.
Payouts For Other Bet Types That Include Green
Roulette also offers combination bets that can include green numbers. The layout allows a few special positions around 0.
- Split: Covers two adjacent numbers. Splits that include 0, such as 0/1, 0/2, or 0/3, typically pay 17 to 1 if either number hits.
- Trio (three-number bet with 0): Covers 0/1/2 or 0/2/3 and typically pays 11 to 1. These are the only three-number combinations that can include 0.
- Corner (or square): Covers four numbers that meet at a corner and typically pays 8 to 1. A common example is 0/1/2/3 on single-zero wheels.
- Basket/Top Line: On European (single-zero) wheels, the first four bet 0/1/2/3 typically pays 8 to 1. On American wheels, the top line 0/00/1/2/3 typically pays 6 to 1.
These options let players involve green in ways other than a single-number wager, but the extra coverage comes with different payouts. That trade-off links directly to the house edge.
Why Green Numbers Change The House Edge
Green numbers affect the house edge because they sit outside the even-money outside bets like red/black or even/odd. If the ball lands on green, those outside bets lose, which lowers their long-term return.
- European and French roulette have one green pocket, which produces a house edge of 2.70% across most standard bets.
- American roulette adds 00, raising the house edge to 5.26% for equivalent bets.
Some French tables apply La Partage or En Prison on even-money bets, which softens the impact of zero and can reduce the effective edge on those particular bets. The green pockets themselves, however, are the underlying reason the edge exists.
With that in mind, it helps to see the numbers in action.
How To Calculate Expected Return For A Green Bet?
Expected return shows the average outcome over many spins. For a straight-up green bet, the calculation combines the chance of winning with the payout and the chance of losing with the stake at risk.
The worked examples below use £1 stakes to keep things simple.
Worked Examples For European And American Wheels
European Roulette
On a European wheel, there are 37 pockets in total (numbers 1–36 and a single green 0). A straight-up bet on green zero pays 35 to 1.
Chance of winning: 1 in 37
Payout for a £1 bet: £35 winnings plus £1 stake returned
Expected value (net):
(1/37 x £35) + (36/37 x -£1) = £0.9469 – £0.9730 = -£0.0270
So the expected loss per £1 straight-up bet on 0 is about 2.7 pence, which matches the 2.70% house edge.
American Roulette
On an American wheel, there are 38 pockets (numbers 1–36, green 0, and green 00). A straight-up bet on one specific green number pays 35 to 1.
Chance of winning: 1 in 38
Payout for a £1 bet: £35 winnings plus £1 stake returned
Expected value (net):
(1/38 x £35) + (37/38 x -£1) = £0.9211 – £0.9737 = -£0.0526
Here, the expected loss per £1 stake is about 5.3 pence, reflecting the higher 5.26% house edge on American wheels.
Do Any Roulette Variants Pay Differently For Green?
In the main versions of roulette, green pays the same as any other number for straight-up bets: 35 to 1, with the stake also returned on a win. That consistency underpins the game’s maths and the house edge.
You may see variants with side bets, multipliers, or bonus features that change returns on certain outcomes. These usually leave the core straight-up payout on 0 or 00 unchanged while adjusting other parts of the game. Always check the rules or paytable if something looks unfamiliar.
With the basics covered, it is easier to separate solid information from common myths.
Common Myths About Green Payouts
A frequent myth is that green pays more than other straight-up bets because it is harder to hit. In reality, 0 and 00 pay the same 35 to 1 as any other single number.
Another belief is that certain patterns or strategies can make green appear more often. Each spin is independent, and green does not have a special cycle or timing.
It is also sometimes claimed that betting on green reduces the house edge. The opposite is true: green pockets are what give the house its advantage on many bet types.
If you choose to play, set limits that suit your situation and avoid chasing losses. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential help.
Play Roulette Online at Mr Luck
If you are interested in exploring online roulette, Mr Luck offers a licensed and regulated experience for players in the UK. Our site operates under a UK Gambling Commission licence and follows strict rules designed to keep games fair and secure.
You can choose from both live dealer and RNG tables. Live games stream from a professional studio and follow published rules, while RNG tables use certified technology to produce outcomes.
We also provide tools to help manage play, including deposit limits, time reminders, and self-exclusion options. These features are there to support informed choices.
If you would like to try our tables, feel free to create an account at Mr Luck, add funds, and explore the games at your own pace. Whether you prefer European or American wheels, understanding how green payouts work helps you play with clearer expectations.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
