Why Do Some Roulette Wheels Have 00?

When you think of roulette, you likely think of the classic casino game with a wheel, a ball, and a table covered in a green felt. While this is the most popular version of roulette, there are actually several different types of the game.

One common variation is American roulette, which includes an extra green slot on the wheel labeled “00.” So why do some roulette wheels have 00?.

The answer has to do with odds and probability. In a standard game of European roulette, there are 37 slots on the wheel: 18 red, 18 black, and 1 green (0). This gives the house an edge of 2.7%, since the chance of the ball landing on 0 is 1 in 37.

In American roulette, there are 38 slots: 18 red, 18 black, and 2 green (0 and 00). This gives the house an extra edge of 5.26%, since the chance of the ball landing on 0 or 00 is now 1 in 38.

While this may not seem like a big difference, over time it can add up. For example, let’s say you bet $1 on black for 100 spins of the wheel in European roulette. Your expected loss would be $2.70 (2.

7% of $100), but your actual loss could be anywhere from $0 to $54. In American roulette, your expected loss would be $5.26 (5.26% of $100), but your actual loss could be anywhere from $0 to $108.

So why do casinos still offer American roulette if it gives them such a big advantage? The answer is simple: because people will still play it! Many gamblers mistakenly believe that the extra green slot somehow makes it easier to win, when in reality it does just the opposite. So while American roulette may not be the best game for players, it’s still one of the most popular versions of the game – and that’s why you’ll find it at most casinos.