Explaining the Payout on Green in Roulette: What Makes It So Important
Discover how the roulette payout on green impacts your overall strategy and why this choice plays a crucial role in the game.


Updated January 24, 2025.

In this article
What Are the Green Spaces?
European vs. American Roulette: How Green Spaces Make a Difference
What Does Green Pay in Roulette?
Is Betting on Green Worth It?
Show More
When you first see a roulette wheel, the red and black spaces might catch your eye, but it’s the green spaces that truly stand out. These iconic green pockets are small yet vital, playing a key role in how the roulette wheel operates and shaping the game's dynamics.
In this guide, we’ll break down why these green spaces matter, how they influence payouts, and their impact on your overall strategy.
» Try your hand at playing roulette online and see how the green spaces impact your game
What Are the Green Spaces?
In European roulette, there's one green 0. American roulette has two green sections: 0 and 00. These numbers give the casino an edge. Without them, betting on red or black would give you an equal chance of winning or losing. But the green spaces tip the odds in the casino's favour.
» Curious about the intricate design of the roulette wheel? Explore the mechanics behind the game and how each element affects your odds
European vs. American Roulette: How Green Spaces Make a Difference
The main difference between European and American roulette is the number of green spaces. This might seem like a small thing, but it impacts the game. American roulette's extra green 0 means the casino has a bigger advantage.
Example: In European roulette, for every $100 that people bet, the casino keeps about $2.70 on average. In American roulette, it's about $5.26. So, European roulette is usually better for players because the casino's advantage is smaller.
The way these green spaces are arranged on the wheel is also different. In European roulette, the single 0 is placed to balance out the red and black numbers around the wheel. In American roulette, the 0 and 00 are opposite each other. This changes how the numbers are laid out and can affect how people bet.
» New to American roulette? Check out these essential tips for beginners to get started on the right foot
What Does Green Pay in Roulette?
If you bet on green and win, you get 35 times your bet plus your original bet back. So if you bet $1 and win, you get $36 back—that's $35 in winnings plus your $1 bet.
This large payout is because it's hard to win on green. In European roulette, you have a 1 in 37 chance of the ball landing on the green 0. In American roulette, it's 1 in 38 for each green space (remember, there are two of them).
» Understand roulette odds and payouts to find your wagering sweet spot
Note: This payout is the same for any single-number bet in roulette, not just the green spaces.
Is Betting on Green Worth It?
Betting on green is a high-risk, high-reward bet. You're less likely to win than when betting on red or black, but if you do win, you win big.
Some players like the thrill of possibly winning a lot of money from a small bet. They enjoy the excitement of taking a risk. Others prefer safer bets with better odds of winning, even if the payout is smaller. These players might stick to bets like red or black, which don't pay as much but are more likely to win.
There's no right or wrong choice here—it depends on what kind of experience you're looking for when you play roulette. If you're playing for fun and don't mind losing your bets most of the time, green can be exciting. If you want to play for longer and have a better chance of winning something, even if it's small, other bets might be safer.
» Discover the best roulette numbers to bet on to improve your chances of winning
Why Some High-Stakes Players Bet on Green
Players who bet a lot of money (high-stakes players) sometimes include green bets in their game plans. They might do this for a few reasons:
- They can win a lot from a small bet, which can be useful for balancing out their other bets. If they're betting large amounts on other outcomes, a small bet on green (that pays 35 to 1) can help offset potential losses.
- It helps keep their overall betting strategy unpredictable. In games where you're playing against other people, being unpredictable can be an advantage.
- They might time these bets for when they think they'll have the most impact. For example, they might place a green bet after a series of wins or losses, either trying to capitalize on a lucky streak or recovering from several losses.
» Learn the best strategies to dominate the roulette table
Should Beginners Bet on Green?
For most beginners, betting on green isn't a good idea. It's a high-risk bet that can quickly use up your money. When you're just starting out, it's usually better to focus on understanding how the game works and making your money last longer so you can enjoy playing.
However, there are times when even beginners might consider a green bet. If you're just playing for fun and don't mind losing, placing an occasional small bet on green can add some excitement to the game. Just remember that you're likely to lose these bets most of the time.
If you're new to roulette, stick with simpler bets like red or black. These give you a nearly 50% chance of winning (it's slightly less because of those green spaces), and they can help you get a feel for the game without risking too much.
» New to the game? Check out our beginner's guide on how to play roulette
How to Manage Your Money When Betting on Green
If you do decide to include green bets in your roulette strategy, you need to be smart about how you use your money:
- Set aside a small amount of money just for these bets. Think of it like a separate budget for high-risk bets.
- Only bet what you can afford to lose. Remember, the odds are against you winning these bets, so don't use money you can't afford to lose.
- Don't place too many green bets in one session. Spread them out over time to make your money last longer and to avoid the temptation to chase losses with more high-risk bets.
» Use these effective bankroll management techniques for roulette
Understanding How Roulette Results Can Vary
In roulette, results can swing back and forth a lot, especially with risky bets like green. You might win big once, then lose many times in a row. Or you might have a long losing streak before a win. This up-and-down nature of the game is normal, and it's called variance.
Understanding variance can help you make better decisions and avoid getting too excited about wins or too upset about losses.
A win or a loss doesn't change the odds for the next spin—each spin is independent.
Green spaces play a significant role in creating this variance. Because they offer large payouts but have a low chance of winning, they can cause big swings in your results.
» Wondering how roulette compares to other casino games? Find out which casino game has the best odds and explore your winning chances
Balance Risk and Reward With Green Numbers
Betting on green in roulette comes with high risk and high potential payout. This combination creates much of the excitement in roulette and influences how people play. Some players enjoy the possibility of a big win from a green bet. Others see it as a test of probability. In both cases, these green spaces add complexity and interest to the game.
But whether you include green in your bets or not, always play responsibly and within your limits.
» Play roulette online and see how understanding the green spaces can enhance your game