Betting on Zero in Roulette

When playing Roulette, you can place your bets on zero too. Playing zero on European and American Roulette comes with different odds, which also depend on the type of bet you play. In this article, we will show you how you can bet on zero, which types of bets cover this number and what are odds and payouts you can expect. In addition, we will present you the so-called James Bond strategy which includes placing a bet on zero as insurance.

Types of Zero Bets

In case you play the European version of the game, you can place your bet on a single zero while the American variant contains two zero pockets, meaning that you can bet on both zeros. When you bet on either 0 or 00, which means placing bets on a single number, you can win a payout of 35:1.

Apart from playing a Straight Up bet, you can also play other Inside bets that include zero. They are Basket or Five-Number bets you place on the group of numbers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3 in American Roulette and First Four bets, where you place your bets on the numbers 0, 1, 2 and 3 in European Roulette. Betting on zero is also possible with so-called Call bets such as Voisins du Zero or neighbours of zero that covers 17 numbers between 22 and 27, Jeu Zero or zero game, where you bet on the numbers between 12 and 15 closest to zero or Neighbour bets where you can wager on five numbers also known as zero and the Neighbours.

Zero Bets Odds and Payouts

Playing a Straight Up bet on zero in European Roulette just like on any other single number comes with odds of 2.7% or 36/1. When it comes to the American version of the wheel with two zero pockets, the odds of winning a bet on a single number are lower, 2.36% or 37/1. In both cases, a Straight Up bet pays 35:1. As we have pointed out in our previous articles, the European version of the game is more favourable to the player with a house edge of 2.7% when compared to the American variant of the game having a house edge of 5.26%.

As for other bets that cover the zero pocket, here is an overview of odds and payouts:

  • Basket or Five-Number bet in American Roulette pays 6:1 and comes with odds of 13.16% which makes it one of the worst bets in Roulette;
  • Basket or First Four bet available in European Roulette only pays 8:1 and comes with odds of 10.81%;
  • Voisins du Zero bet requires wagering nine chips, comes with odds of 45.9% and can pay depending on the sector where a winning number is included up to 17:1;
  • Jeu Zero bet requires four chips, pays 17:1 or 35:1 and comes with odds of winning of 18.9%;
  • Neighbour bet requires five chips as you wager on five single numbers and odds of winning are 13.5%.

James Bond Strategy Explained

You are familiar with the fact that Baccarat was the casino game James Bond loved to play, but he also loved to play a round or two of the game of Roulette. The strategy named after our favourite secret service agent requires a 20-unit stake and it is a flat betting system. The bet covers all numbers except from the sequence of numbers between 1 and 12.

This strategy applies to the European version of the game with a single zero and the bet is placed as follows:

  • 14 chips are placed as an Outside bet on the numbers from 19 to 36
  • 5 chips are placed as an Inside 6-line bet on the numbers 13-14-15-16-17-18
  • 1 chip is placed as an Inside bet on a single zero

As you can notice, most chips are placed as an Outside bet that pays a lower prize but comes with higher odds. If the ball falls into any pocket between 19 and 36, you will profit 8 units. In case it lands on the numbers between 13 and 18, you profit 10 units. Finally, if it lands in the zero pocket, you will profit 16 units. However, hitting any of the numbers between 1 and 12 will result in a loss of a 20-unit bet. In this case, the Martingale system should be applied and bets placed on the same numbers in the next round. This means that you should double your bet in case you lose which can result in a 14-unit win if the ball lands on the numbers from 19 to 36. Since the 6-line bet and zero bets lose, you will still profit 8 units.

James Bond Strategy Pros and Cons

The strategy can be effective since you play three different kinds of bets that cover most of the table. On the other hand, the numbers between 1 and 12 stay uncovered and the ball can still land on them. In case you lose and apply the Martingale system, your bankroll can easily get drained. Keep an eye on your balance regardless of the strategy you use and have fun, that’s what Roulette should be all about.