Roulette Wheel Guide – How Many Numbers on the Layout
Roulette Wheel Basics
The iconic design of the roulette wheel is instantly recognisable even if you’ve never set foot in a casino. If you’re new to the concept of playing roulette and the intricacies of the wheel, let’s dive into the specifics.
The classic European Roulette wheel has 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36. The American Roulette version features an additional double zero pocket, amounting to 38 pockets in total.
As the game starts, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball onto the outer ring. After spinning for some time, complete with the legendary noise that accompanies it, the ball finally lands in a numbered pocket, determining any winners. Here are the key components of the roulette wheel:
- Diamonds – Strategically placed obstacles that modify the ball’s path, ensuring that the game’s outcome remains unpredictable and fair.
- Ball Track – The designated path the ball travels through. Traditional casinos often opt for wooden tracks coated with a protective epoxy resin layer to combat wear.
- Rotor – The heart of the roulette wheel’s movement. Weighing in at nearly 15kg, its design aims to counteract wheel bias. Being the sole moving component, it’s also the most susceptible to wear and tear and is replaced regularly on physical roulette wheels.
- Pockets – The numbered slots, either 37 or 38 in total, where the ball can land. Each pocket, coloured either black or red (or green in the case of 0 or 00), has a unique number.
- Base – A fusion of wood and metal that serves as the wheel’s protective outer layer, designed primarily to safeguard the ball track.
There are usually few differences when comparing a traditional and online roulette wheel. In most cases, online variants stay loyal to the classic look. While some online roulette games alter the look in some way, this is not common. Changes are usually made to gameplay as opposed to wheel design.
The main distinction in roulette wheel design is found between the European and American variants. We will explore the differences between the two wheel types in the following sections.
The European Roulette Wheel
Tracing back to the 18th century, European Roulette is the most popular variant at the best online roulette casinos. The wheel has 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36. Each pocket is coloured either red or black, except for 0, which is green.
For the number ranges spanning 11 to 18 and 29 to 36, odd-numbered pockets are black, while even ones are red. For the ranges 19 to 28 and 1 to 10, these colours are reversed.
The defining characteristic of the European Roulette layout is its singular zero. This feature creates odds of 1/37 on a single number bet, and a house edge of 2.70%, in contrast to American Roulette’s 5.26%.
Popular European Roulette Wheel Bets
The most popular roulette bets are split into two main types: inside and outside bets. The first involves wagers placed on the inside of the roulette table, signifying bets on specific numbers. Outside bets cover combinations of multiple numbers.
Here’s an overview of the most popular European Roulette wheel bets:
| European Roulette Bet | Roulette Wheel Numbers |
|---|---|
| Reds | 1, 3, 5 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 32, 34, 36 |
| Blacks | 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 33, 35 |
| Evens | 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 |
| Odds | 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35 |
| Low | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 , 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 |
| High | 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 |
The popularity of these bets comes from their comparatively lowest risk, with almost 50% winning probability yielding a straight 1:1 payout. These wagers are particularly favoured by newcomers getting to know the roulette wheel.
Note that roulette odds vary significantly for different types of bets. This is especially notable with French Roulette, a variant that has the same wheel design as its European sibling, but provides player-friendly rules such as La Partage, which can soften the house edge in some cases.
The American Roulette Wheel
At first glance, the American Roulette wheel might seem like a mirror image of its European counterpart. Components such as the ball track, rotor, diamonds, and base are virtually identical. However, the key difference lies in the pockets.
The American version introduces an extra pocket labelled “00”. This seemingly minor addition impacts the probabilities and payouts of various bets and gives American Roulette a higher house edge of 5.26%.
This house edge gives American Roulette an RTP of 94.74%, compared to 97.30% for European Roulette. This translates to an average payout of £94.74 for every £100 wagered on the American Roulette wheel, compared to £97.30 on its European counterpart. Remember, RTP is taken as an average of thousands of hypothetical plays and should not be considered a guarantee.
The number arrangement on the American Roulette wheel might seem random, but upon closer inspection, you’ll see that’s not the case. In fact, consecutive numbers are positioned directly opposite each other on the wheel.
The image above displays the typical European and American wheel designs, highlighting their subtle differences. Remember that American Roulette’s extra “00” pocket alters number sequences.
The extra zero pocket on the wheel also impacts call bets. Call or neighbour bets are specialised wagers encompassing diverse number combinations, which typically allow larger bets.
The 0 and 00 Bets
The American Roulette game introduces not just an extra pocket but also extra betting opportunities. With the inclusion of the “00”, players can place two additional wagers. The first bet is the 0 and 00, both of which are individual number bets.
These bets carry a probability of 1/38 or 2.63%. Interestingly, despite the added pocket, the payout for staking on either 0 or 00 mirrors that of European Roulette. A winning bet will pay out 35 times your initial bet.
| American Roulette Bet | Roulette Wheel Numbers | Payout | Probabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero | 0 | 35/1 | 2.63% |
| Double Zero | 00 | 35/1 | 2.63% |
| Row | 0 and 00 | 17/1 | 5.26% |
American Roulette’s other unique betting option is the row bet. Here, you’re wagering on the ball landing on either the 00 or 0. This bet presents a probability of 1/19, or 5.26%. A successful prediction will pay 17x your stake. Although slightly higher than a single number bet, it’s worth noting the odds of winning a 0-00 row bet are still very low.
The Most Popular Roulette Wheel Numbers
When it comes to roulette games, superstitions and myths often intertwine with reality. Modern roulette wheels, crafted with precision over the past few decades, operate seamlessly and are devoid of any bias.
Yet, many players cling to the belief that if a number hasn’t won for a while, it is due to hit. That is a prime example of the gambler’s fallacy.
However, catering to this notion, several software developers have incorporated hot and cold number sections in their online roulette interfaces. These sections highlight numbers that have frequently or seldom been hit. You will commonly see this feature when playing live roulette.
Howerver, it’s important to remember this is simply a design impact, and hot and cold numbers do not really exist when the outcome of every spin is completely random. While various roulette strategies exist, these focus on bankroll management and are not and cannot be designed to make wins more likely.
The History of the Roulette Wheel
The renowned French mathematician Blaise Pascal is credited with creating an early version of the roulette wheel in his quest for a perpetual motion machine in 1720.
However, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that roulette, as we recognise it today, made its debut in European casinos. The game’s evolution can be attributed to Francois Blanc, who introduced a roulette wheel with a single zero pocket, reducing the house edge and essentially creating the first European Roulette table.
Blanc’s innovation attracted more gamblers, who appreciated the improved winning chances. The popularity of roulette spread across Europe and North America, solidifying its status as a casino staple.
| Year | Roulette Wheel Event |
|---|---|
| 1720 | Blaise Pascal’s early roulette wheel concept emerges |
| 1796 | Roulette debuts in its modern form |
| 1843 | Francois Blanc revolutionises roulette with a single zero pocket |
| Late 1800s | Roulette’s popularity surges in Europe and the US |
| 1970s | The global casino boom, with roulette at the forefront |
| 2016 | The Venetian Las Vegas unveils the world’s first triple 0 roulette wheel |
The latter part of the 20th century saw minimal changes to the game’s mechanics, adhering to the adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Advancements in technology have led to the production of high-quality roulette wheels, eliminating biases that might arise from manufacturing imperfections.
A significant milestone in recent roulette history was 2016 when The Venetian Las Vegas launched the pioneering triple zero roulette wheel, adding a fresh twist to this age-old game. Several innovative online roulette games have also been launched in recent years, such as Evolution’s Lightning Roulette which adds multipliers to specific numbers on every spin of the wheel.
Roulette Number Sequence & Wheel Layout Logic
The design of the roulette wheel has evolved over the years, with specific reasoning behind its current layout. Here’s a breakdown of the principles guiding the wheel’s design:
- Alternating Colours – This principle ensures that no two adjacent pockets share the same colour, enhancing the wheel’s visual appeal and randomness.
- Intentional Player Confusion – Newcomers often find the roulette wheel layout perplexing. This complexity is intentional, adding an element of challenge and intrigue to the game.
- Alternation of Low and High Numbers – Just as with colours, low and high numbers are arranged to alternate as much as possible. The European Roulette wheel’s 5 and 10 are the sole exceptions to this rule.
- Strategic Distribution of Odd and Even Numbers – The layout ensures that no more than two consecutive pockets are either odd or even, maintaining a balanced distribution.
While the roulette wheel’s design might initially seem bewildering, regular gameplay will demystify its layout. Once you learn the roulette rules and start playing the game, you will soon become more familiar with the wheel
Play Roulette for Real Money
Most online casinos allow you to play roulette for real money. It’s crucial to confirm the gaming platform’s credibility and to choose the right roulette variant.
We’ve tested online casinos and selected the best among them. We have conducted detailed reviews to rank the top operators and help you choose a trusted roulette casino in the UK.
Every online casino featured on our site holds the necessary licences and certifications, ensuring a secure gaming environment. They’ve earned endorsements from reputable bodies like eCOGRA, GLI, and the UK Gambling Commission. So, betting on an online roulette wheel is safe and fair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrapping up our comprehensive guide on the roulette wheel, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to address any lingering curiosities. Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
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