Triple Zero Roulette Wheel: What You Need to Know
The triple zero roulette wheel is a relatively new variant of the classic roulette game that has been introduced in some Las Vegas casinos and other gaming destinations. Unlike the more familiar European and American roulette wheels, which have one or two green zero pockets respectively, the triple zero roulette wheel features a third zero, marked as “000.” This addition significantly alters the dynamics of the game, increasing the house advantage and changing the overall playing experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the triple zero roulette wheel, its impact on the game’s odds, the layout differences, and whether this version is worth playing. As roulette evolves to meet the demands of both casual players and high rollers, understanding how these changes affect your potential winnings is key to making informed decisions on the casino floor. Let’s dive into what sets triple zero roulette apart from the more traditional versions of the game.
What is Triple Zero Roulette?
Triple zero roulette, sometimes referred to as 000 roulette or triple 0 roulette, is a variant of the traditional roulette game that includes a third green zero pocket alongside the standard 0 and 00 found on the American roulette wheel.
The introduction of the third zero increases the house advantage by giving the casino an additional opportunity to win, while keeping the traditional payouts the same. This game has gained popularity in Las Vegas casinos and other gambling hubs, with notable installations at properties like the Golden Nugget, Planet Hollywood, and New York New York.
Historically, roulette was played with just a single zero, as seen in European roulette. However, when the game spread to the United States, casinos introduced a second zero (00), creating American roulette and increasing the house edge.
The modern trend toward adding a third zero is designed to benefit the casino further, boosting their house edge even more. The decision to play this variant, therefore, should be approached with caution by players who are aware of the increased risk but still enjoy the excitement of roulette.
In triple zero roulette, the presence of the 000 pocket does not change the core mechanics of the game; the wheel is still spun, and the ball lands in one of the numbered pockets. However, with the addition of the extra zero, the odds of winning decrease slightly for all types of bets, from even money bets like red/black and odd/even to more specific wagers such as straight-up bets on individual numbers.
While the gameplay remains the same, the mathematical implications of the third zero mean that players have lower chances of winning on any given spin. This results in a higher house edge, which we will explore in more detail in the sections to come.
The Triple Zero Roulette Wheel Layout
The triple zero roulette wheel introduces a unique layout that sets it apart from both the American and European roulette wheels. In traditional European roulette, there are 37 pockets: 18 red, 18 black, and one green zero (0).
American roulette expands this to 38 pockets, adding a second green zero (00). The triple zero roulette wheel pushes this even further by introducing a third zero pocket (000), increasing the total number of pockets to 39. This seemingly small addition dramatically alters the dynamics of the game, as it directly impacts the odds and the overall house edge.
In this version, the layout maintains the familiar sequence of alternating red and black numbers, with the addition of three green zero pockets: 0, 00, and the new 000. The presence of three green pockets in a single game means that players now have more losing outcomes when they place bets on options like red/black or odd/even. As a result, the odds of winning for the player are reduced, giving the house an even greater advantage.
What makes triple zero roulette especially unique is that while the game functions similarly to other versions, the added zero pocket creates a new layer of complexity, raising the question: “Is it worth it?” As Charles Bukowski once said, “If you’re going to try, go all the way.” However, in the world of roulette, this extra zero might make players hesitate before making that leap.
Triple Zero Roulette Table and Betting Options
The triple zero roulette table is visually similar to the traditional American roulette layout but features some key differences. The standard betting options—such as straight-up bets, split bets, line bets, and even money bets like red/black—are all available, but the additional “000” pocket creates more losing possibilities. This directly affects every type of wager, as the odds shift slightly in favor of the casino due to the number of outcomes going up.
Layout of the Triple Zero Table:
The triple zero roulette table still has the traditional betting zones for inside and outside bets. Players can place chips on numbers, sections of roulette wheels, or even broader categories like red/black or odd/even.
With that being said, the addition of the 000 pocket modifies the placement of inside bets slightly, as there is now another column for players to bet on. This is particularly noticeable with straight-up bets and split bets, as players can now wager directly on the 000 or use it in combination with other adjacent numbers.
The primary impact of the 000 pocket is felt in even money bets, where the greater number of outcomes makes it harder for players to win. In both American and European roulette, betting on red/black or odd/even gives players close to a 50% chance of winning.
Although, the introduction of the third zero in triple zero roulette significantly lowers the probability of winning these bets. To compare, here’s a breakdown of the available outcomes across the three versions:
- European Roulette: 37 pockets (18 red, 18 black, 1 zero), providing a 48.65% chance of winning an even money bet.
- American Roulette: 38 pockets (18 red, 18 black, 2 zeroes), reducing the chance to 47.37%.
- Triple Zero Roulette: 39 pockets (18 red, 18 black, 3 zeroes), further decreasing the chance to 46.15%.
Betting Options:
Despite the additional zero pocket, triple zero roulette offers the same range of betting options as European and American roulette. Players can place the following types of bets:
- Inside Bets: These include straight-up bets on a specific number, split bets (two numbers), street bets (three numbers in a row), corner bets (four numbers), and line bets (six numbers).
- Outside Bets: These cover larger sections of the table and include even money bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low, as well as dozen bets (groups of 12 numbers) and column bets (12 numbers in a column).
Due to the presence of the 000 pocket, the odds and payouts of these bets are impacted. Players need to be aware that while the betting options remain the same, the probability of winning has decreased. This means that the house now has a higher advantage with every bet placed.
At the end of the day, while the triple zero roulette wheel layout looks familiar, it presents a new challenge for players due to the extra zero. As legendary poker player Doyle Brunson once remarked, “The key to no-limit betting is knowing when to fold.” In triple zero roulette, that wisdom might translate to carefully choosing whether the allure of the game is worth the increased house edge.
How the Triple Zero Affects Roulette Odds
The addition of a third zero on triple zero roulette wheels introduces a significant change in the odds, directly impacting the player’s chances of winning and increasing the house edge. Each zero pocket on the roulette wheel—whether it’s a single zero, double zero, or triple zero—favors the casino. The more zeros present on the wheel, the greater the house’s advantage, and as a result, the player’s odds decrease with every new zero added.
In triple zero roulette, the game still follows the same basic rules as its European and American roulette counterparts, but the extra 000 pocket shifts the probabilities in favor of the casino. Since players now have 39 total pockets (compared to 37 in European roulette and 38 in American roulette), the odds of winning a standard bet—like red/black or odd/even—are reduced. For the casino, this extra zero means they have more ways to win, giving them a stronger edge over time.
While this version of the game offers the same familiar betting options, it’s essential to understand that the extra zero pocket has a real impact on the odds for every bet you make. For those stepping up to the triple zero tables, this subtle change might be easy to overlook, but it makes a notable difference in the long run.
House Edge: Triple Zero Roulette vs. Other Variants
The house edge is a term used to describe the statistical advantage that the casino has over the player, and in roulette, it’s largely determined by how many zeros are on the roulette wheel. Let’s break it down across the different versions:
- European Roulette (Single Zero): With 37 pockets (including one green zero), the house edge is 2.7%. This version of roulette gives players the best odds since there’s only one zero pocket, meaning there are fewer ways for the casino to win.
- American Roulette (Double Zero): The addition of a second green zero (00) brings the total number of pockets to 38, and the house edge jumps to 5.26%. While still popular in many Las Vegas casinos, this version gives the house a considerably higher advantage compared to European roulette.
- Triple Zero Roulette (000): With 39 pockets in total (thanks to the extra 000), the house edge on triple zero roulette tables climbs even higher to 7.69%. This makes it the most favorable version for the casino, with the house winning more often over time.
To put this into perspective, in European roulette, for every €100 wagered, the casino expects to keep around €2.70. In American roulette, that figure rises to €5.26, while in triple zero roulette, it spikes to €7.69. The jump in the house edge as more zeros are added is clear, and while the game remains fun and fast-paced, it’s important to keep in mind that the extra zero raises the difficulty of winning over multiple spins.
If you’re playing on triple zero roulette tables, the added house edge means it’s harder to build momentum and string together wins. For those who enjoy taking chances and don’t mind the greater risk, this version of the game may still hold appeal, but players seeking better odds may prefer to stick to European or American roulette instead.
Triple Zero Roulette Payouts: What Players Need to Know
Despite the higher house edge, the payout structure in triple zero roulette remains the same as in other versions of the game, which is something players need to be aware of. In both European and American roulette, standard bets like straight-up bets, split bets, and even money bets all have consistent payouts across the board. Triple zero roulette follows this same structure, even though your odds of winning are lower due to the extra 000 pocket.
Here’s a quick comparison of how the payouts look in triple zero roulette and other versions:
- Straight-Up Bet (betting on a single number): Pays 35:1 in all versions, but the odds of hitting that exact number are reduced to 1 in 39 in triple zero roulette.
- Split Bet (betting on two adjacent numbers): Pays 17:1, with lower odds of winning in triple zero due to the extra zero pocket.
- Even Money Bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low): Still pay 1:1, but with the added 000 pocket, the odds of winning these bets drop to roughly 46.15%, compared to 48.65% in European roulette.
The fact that triple zero roulette payouts remain unchanged might seem like a fair deal at first glance, but with a higher house edge, players are actually getting worse odds with each bet they place. For casual players looking to enjoy the thrill of the game for a few rounds, this may not be a dealbreaker, but for seasoned players who are more attuned to the finer details of odds and strategy, this could be a major consideration.
In Las Vegas, you’ll find this variant at some of the more tourist-centric casinos like Planet Hollywood, where players might be drawn in by the novelty of trying something new. For players looking for excitement, the next spin on a 000 wheel may offer a new challenge, but the decreased of winning can be a real eye-opener once the game gets underway.
In conclusion, while the payouts in triple zero roulette mimic those in other versions, the reduced odds of hitting winning numbers, combined with the higher house edge, make this version of the game a bigger risk for players looking to maximize their chances.
Is Triple Zero Roulette Worth Playing?
When deciding whether triple zero roulette is worth your time and money, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. On the one hand, the game offers a fresh take on roulette with the introduction of the 000 pocket, which adds an element of novelty for those seeking a new gaming experience.
This version of roulette can also be exciting due to the risk and the quick pace of each spin. For many players, the appeal lies in the thrill of playing in a high-energy environment, especially at popular Las Vegas casinos like Planet Hollywood or the Golden Nugget. The addition of the third zero can make the game feel more challenging, and some players might enjoy this.
However, from a purely strategic standpoint, triple zero roulette presents some serious downsides, particularly for players who care about optimizing their chances of winning. The double zero wheel in American roulette already gives the casino a higher advantage compared to the single zero wheel in European roulette.
Adding a third zero on the wheel further tilts the odds in favor of the house, increasing the casino’s take over time. For those concerned with the numbers, the increased house edge—rising to 7.69% in this variant—means that players are more likely to lose in the long run.
It’s also important to consider the minimum bet required to play on triple zero roulette tables. Typically, the minimum bet on these tables can be higher than on standard roulette tables, meaning that players who choose to play will need to wager more per spin. For casual players or those on a limited budget, this can quickly add up, especially with the higher house edge making it more challenging to win consistently.
Ultimately, whether or not triple zero roulette is worth playing comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you’re a tourist looking for some fast-paced fun at a Las Vegas casino and don’t mind the lower odds, it could be a fun game to try for a few rounds.
But if you’re more focused on improving your chances and sticking to the rules of good bankroll management, you might find that traditional European or American roulette is a better fit. In short, triple zero roulette offers excitement but at the cost of higher risk, and players should be fully aware of this trade-off before sitting down at the table.
Conclusion
The introduction of the triple zero wheel brings a new dimension to the classic roulette game, especially in vibrant Las Vegas casinos known for innovation and excitement. With the addition of the 000 pocket, the game becomes riskier, as the house edge rises to 7.69%, making it the most favorable version for the casino but less so for players. While the basic rules and payouts remain the same, the extra zero increases the difficulty of winning each spin, which should give serious players pause.
For casual gamblers or those seeking a fun and fast-paced experience, triple zero roulette offers a fresh challenge. Yet, for players who prioritize strategy and want to minimize their losses, it’s worth considering whether the higher house edge justifies the excitement.
The bottom line is that it comes down to personal preference and how much risk you’re willing to take for the next outcome. As with any roulette game, it’s important to understand the odds and make informed decisions before placing your bets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is triple zero roulette?
Triple zero roulette is a variation of the traditional roulette game that includes an additional 000 pocket, increasing the total number of pockets on the wheel to 39. This extra zero raises the house edge and decreases the player’s chances of winning.
Is there 000 in roulette?
Yes, triple zero roulette includes a 000 pocket in addition to the traditional 0 and 00 found on the American roulette wheel. This pocket further increases the casino’s advantage over the player.
Is single zero roulette better?
From a strategic standpoint, yes. Single zero roulette (commonly referred to as European roulette) offers a lower house edge—2.7%—compared to American and triple zero roulette. This makes single zero wheels a better option for players who want better chances of winning.
Is there a 00 in roulette?
Yes, the double zero wheel is a standard feature of American roulette, which includes both a 0 and a 00 pocket, increasing the house edge to 5.26%.