Best quick check: count the green pockets. One zero is better than 0 and 00; a French even-money rule can be better still.
Core wheel comparison
| Game / wager | House edge | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Single-zero, standard bets | 2.70% | One green pocket among 37 |
| Double-zero, standard bets | 5.26% | Two green pockets among 38 |
| Triple-zero, standard bets | 7.69% | Three green pockets among 39 |
| Single-zero even money with la partage | 1.35% | Half the stake returns when zero lands |
| American five-number bet 0-00-1-2-3 | 7.89% | Its 6:1 payout is especially poor |
Why systems do not beat the wheel
On a single-zero wheel, a straight-up number wins with probability 1/37 and pays 35:1. For a one-unit wager, expected value is (1/37 × 35) − (36/37 × 1) = −1/37, or −2.70%. Changing stake size after wins or losses changes volatility and total action, not the expectation of each spin.
Bet selection
- Inside and outside bets share the same 2.70% edge on a standard single-zero wheel.
- On double-zero wheels, avoid the five-number bet because its edge is higher than the other standard bets.
- La partage and en prison apply only to even-money wagers; verify the actual rule.
- Maximums can stop progression systems before a hoped-for recovery.
Scope
Standard payouts with no commission. Edge is expected loss divided by initial wager. Last reviewed September 20, 2026.