Enhance your roulette skills by mastering the secrets of the roulette numbers, wheel, and table layout—unlock hidden strategies to improve your game and boost your chances!
The roulette wheel is an iconic symbol of excitement and chance in the world of casinos. Whether you’re playing online or at a live casino, understanding the roulette wheel and the patterns behind roulette numbers can give you a better edge when placing your bets. In this guide, we break down the logic behind the wheel, the importance of understanding roulette numbers, and tips for making the most of your next spin.
The Logic Behind the Roulette Wheel and Numbers
At first glance, the roulette wheel might look random, but its design follows a careful, calculated pattern. In European (single zero) roulette, the wheel contains 37 pockets numbered from 0 to 36. In American roulette, there’s an additional “00,” making 38 pockets in total.
Why do roulette wheels have such a peculiar number sequence? This is one of the most closely guarded secrets, and it’s also why roulette is considered a highly balanced game. The arrangement of numbers on the wheel is meticulously designed to achieve four key objectives:
- Confusing the player: The sequence makes it challenging, especially for new players, to understand the relationship between numbers and sectors. This makes it nearly impossible to track specific sections of the wheel for strategic betting. However, experienced players often memorize the sequence to gain an edge.
- Alternating colors: Consecutive numbers must always be different colors. This is a fundamental rule for both American and European roulette wheels.
- Alternating low and high numbers: The sequence aims to alternate low numbers (1-18) and high numbers (19-36) as much as possible. In European roulette, this pattern is broken only once—where 5 is next to 10. In the American wheel, there are several sectors with adjacent low or high numbers, which is why it’s considered less balanced compared to the European version.
- Even distribution of odd and even numbers: The goal is to evenly distribute odd and even numbers across the wheel, ensuring no more than two consecutive odd or even numbers appear next to each other.
If you closely study the European wheel, you’ll notice some intriguing patterns. For instance, if you divide the wheel in half from the zero, one side contains all the black low numbers and red high numbers. On the opposite side, you’ll find the high black numbers and low red numbers. Additionally, in the nine-number sector of 29-7-28-12-35-3-26-0-32, there is no number from the second dozen (13-24), further demonstrating the unique and deliberate structure of the game.
Single Zero vs. Double Zero Roulette Wheels
There are two main types of roulette wheels:
- Single Zero Roulette Wheel (European Roulette): This version has 37 numbers (0-36) and offers a lower house edge (2.7%), making it more favorable for players.
- Double Zero Roulette Wheel (American Roulette): With 38 numbers (0, 00, and 1-36), this version has a higher house edge (5.26%) because of the extra “00.” While it’s popular in the U.S., players face slightly worse odds.
Choosing the right wheel can make a big difference in your long-term chances of winning.
Odds in Different Roulette Versions
No matter which bet you choose or how popular a number is, remember that while this information can help guide your strategy, it doesn’t guarantee a win — the house always holds the advantage.
In European roulette, the house edge is 2.7%. On the other hand, American roulette, with its additional double zero (00), has a higher house edge of 5.3%, making it harder for players to win. The odds of winning depend on several factors, including the type of bet, the casino edge in different roulette variations, and, of course, luck.
French roulette, however, offers an even lower house edge. Fun fact: “roulette” is a French word meaning “little wheel,” and the game gained widespread popularity after the French Revolution. The roulette wheel was first introduced in the 17th century by Blaise Pascal, a French physicist, philosopher, and inventor, as part of his search for a perpetual motion machine. He combined elements of English wheel games of the time to create what would become the foundation of modern roulette.
The game as we know it began being played around 1760 in France. Interestingly, the first French roulette wheels featured two zeros, but this changed when German casinos introduced the single-zero wheel to attract more players.
The Importance of Understanding Roulette Numbers in Winning
While roulette is a game of chance, understanding how the numbers are arranged on the roulette wheel can improve your betting strategy. Knowing that numbers alternate between high/low or odd/even helps you make more informed bets. It also allows you to place bets on sections of the wheel where you might believe patterns could emerge.
The better you understand the logic of the wheel and the layout of the roulette numbers, the more you can anticipate outcomes and develop a well-rounded strategy. While nothing is guaranteed, knowledge is always power in any form of gambling. And you can always test this knowledge of yours on some low-stakes roulette games.
The numbers on the wheel alternate between red and black, with the zero (and double zero in American roulette) marked in green. But the placement of the numbers isn’t random. The numbers are positioned to balance out the chances of hitting high and low, red and black, odd and even numbers. This ensures that no section of the wheel has an unfair advantage, maintaining the game’s randomness.
Number sequences in different roulette wheels
Let’s take a look at the number sequences on the different roulette wheels.
In American roulette, the clockwise sequence of numbers is: 0, 28, 9, 26, 30, 11, 7, 20, 32, 17, 5, 22, 34, 15, 3, 24, 36, 13, 1, 00, 27, 10, 25, 29, 12, 8, 19, 31, 18, 6, 21, 33, 16, 4, 23, 35, 14, 2.
In European roulette, the clockwise sequence of numbers is: 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25, 17, 34, 6, 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33, 1, 20, 14, 31, 9, 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26. French roulette follows the same number sequence as European roulette.
Roulette Numbers and Colors
The roulette wheel is evenly split between black roulette numbers and red roulette numbers, with only the zero (and double zero) in green. Knowing the distribution of roulette numbers and colors helps you when placing even-money bets, such as red vs. black. In all types of roulette (European, American, and French), the numbers are assigned the same colors:
- Red numbers: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 32, 34, 36.
- Black numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 33, 35.
- The zero (0) in all roulettes and the double zero (00) in American roulette are green.
Roulette Numbers and Payouts: What You Need to Know
In roulette, the type of bet you place determines the payout. Here’s a breakdown:
- Straight Up (betting on a single number): 35:1 payout
- Split Bet (betting on two adjacent numbers): 17:1 payout
- Street Bet (betting on three numbers in a row): 11:1 payout
- Corner Bet (betting on a block of four numbers): 8:1 payout
- Line Bet (betting on six numbers): 5:1 payout
- Dozen/Column Bets: 2:1 payout
- Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1-18/19-36 (even-money bets): 1:1 payout
These payouts vary slightly between the European and American versions due to the extra double zero pocket, which increases the house edge.
Good Roulette Numbers: Do They Exist?
You may hear players talking about the “best” or “lucky” roulette numbers, but is there any truth to it? Statistically, all numbers have an equal chance of hitting on any given spin. However, some numbers do appear to be more popular:
- Most Common Roulette Numbers: Numbers like 17, 23, and 7 are popular among players, often considered “lucky.”
- Best Roulette Numbers: In terms of odds, no number is inherently better, but some players swear by betting on red 7 or black 17.
- Roulette Lucky Numbers: Numbers like 7 and 13 are considered lucky by some, though this is purely superstition.
- Most Frequent Numbers in Roulette: No number hits more frequently, but players tend to believe certain numbers get “hot.”
At the end of the day, roulette numbers are all about chance, and no one can predict the outcome with certainty.
Unlucky and Most Unpopular Roulette Numbers
While some numbers are seen as lucky, others are thought to bring bad luck. For instance, the number 13 is often considered unlucky in many cultures, and some players avoid betting on it. However, from a mathematical perspective, all numbers are equally likely to come up.
What is the Best Bet in Roulette?
For most players, the best bet in roulette is an even-money bet, such as betting on red/black, odd/even, or 1-18/19-36. These bets have the highest probability of winning (close to 50%), though the payout is only 1:1. For those seeking bigger payouts, betting on individual numbers (35:1 payout) offers the highest reward but comes with much lower odds.
Roulette Bet Types: Inside Bets vs. Outside Bets
Roulette bets can be broken into two categories: Inside and Outside bets. Inside Bets are bets placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. They have higher payouts but lower odds. While Outside Bets cover larger sections of the table, such as red/black or odd/even. They offer lower payouts but higher chances of winning.
Those type of roulette bets are named based on their positions on the layout table. Inside bets offer higher payouts but lower odds of winning, while outside bets provide better chances of winning but come with smaller payouts. Here’s a breakdown of the different bets, their probabilities, and payouts:
Inside Bets
- Straight Bet: Betting on a single number (including zero or double zero in American roulette). The payout is 35-1. Probabilities: 2.70% (European/French) and 2.60% (American).
- Split Bet: Betting on two adjacent numbers by placing the chip on the line between them (can include 0 and 1, 0 and 2, or 0 and 3). The payout is 17-1. Probabilities: 5.4% (European/French) and 5.3% (American).
- Street Bet: A three-number bet on numbers in the same row, placed at the end of the row. The payout is 11-1. Probabilities: 8.1% (European/French) and 7.9% (American).
- Corner Bet: A four-number bet placed at the intersection where the numbers meet (e.g., 0, 1, 2, and 3). The payout is 8-1. Probabilities: 10.8% (European/French) and 10.5% (American).
- Line Bet: Betting on six numbers in two consecutive rows by placing the chip at the end of the two rows. The payout is 5-1. Probabilities: 16.2% (European/French) and 15.8% (American).
Outside Bets
These bets are more popular due to their higher chances of winning but offer lower payouts.
- Column Bet: Betting on 12 numbers in a column. The first column is 1-4-7-10-13-16-19-22-25-28-31-34, the second column is 2-5-8-11-14-17-20-23-26-29-32-35, and the third column is 3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36. The payout is 2-1. Probabilities: 32.40% (European/French) and 31.6% (American).
- Dozen Bet: Betting on 12 numbers in sets of 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. On French tables, these are labeled as Premier Douzaine (1-12), Moyenne Douzaine (13-24), and Dernière Douzaine (25-36). The payout is 2-1. Probabilities: 32.40% (European/French) and 31.6% (American).
- Colour Bet: Betting on either all red or all black numbers. The payout is 1-1. Probabilities: 48.60% (European/French) and 47.4% (American).
- Odd/Even Bet: Betting on all odd or all even numbers, placed in the “Odd” or “Even” boxes. The payout is 1-1. Probabilities: 48.60% (European/French) and 47.4% (American).
- Low/High Bet: Betting on either the low numbers (1-18) or the high numbers (19-36), placed in the “Manque” (low) or “Passe” (high) boxes. The payout is 1-1.
The “En Partage” and “En Prison” Rules in French Roulette
French roulette offers a key advantage with the “En Partage” and “En Prison” rules, especially for even-money outside bets like Colour, Odd/Even, and Low/High, which pay 1-1.
If the ball lands on zero (0) when a player has placed one of these bets, the player can either:
- Receive 50% of their bet back immediately (La Partage), or
- Leave the full bet “imprisoned” (En Prison) for the next spin. If the bet wins in the next round, the player recovers the full amount but without any additional winnings. However, if the ball lands on zero again, the entire bet is lost.
These rules reduce the house edge to just 1.35%, significantly better than the 2.7% in European roulette and 5.3% in American roulette.
In casinos where La Partage is the default, players can still opt to imprison their bet under En Prison or simply accept half their stake back.
What Bets Are Based on Roulette Wheel Sectors?
In European roulette, players can place special ‘Announced’ and ‘Call’ bets, which are unique as they’re based on the layout of the wheel, not the table. Here’s a closer look at these strategic bets:
Neighbours of Zero (Voisins du Zero) – Covers 17 numbers: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, and 25. This bet involves nine different bet combinations with a total success rate of 45.9%. It includes two bets to cover 0/2/3 (8.11% chances of winning 22 times your bet, equal to 15 times your bet as profit), two bets to cover 25, 26, 28 and 29 (10.8% winning chances) and five bets on the doubles 4-7, 12-15, 18-21, 19-22 and 32-35. Each has 5.4% probability and 9x profit, after deducting the other 8 losing bets.
Thirds of the Wheel (Tiers du Cylindre) – Covers 12 numbers: 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, and 33. Players place six bets on pairs 5-8, 10-11, 13-16, 23-24, 27-30 and 33-36, each with a 5.4% winning chance. The overall chance on this bet is 32.4% which translates to winning 17x your bet and a profit of 12x after deducting the 5 combination bets.
Zero Game (Jeu de Zero) – Covers 7 numbers: 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, and 15. Using four chips, players bet on combinations such as 0-3, 12-15, 32-35 and a single bet on 26. The odds of winning are 18.92%.
The Orphans (Orphelins) – Covers 8 numbers: 1, 20, 14, 9, 17, 34, 6, and 31. With five chips, bets are placed on pairs like 6-9, 14-17, 17-20 and 31-34, giving players a 24.3% chance of success.
These unique bets add an extra layer of strategy to European roulette, making it a compelling choice for players who want more control over their game. Understanding these nuances can improve your overall roulette experience.
Common Misconceptions About Roulette Numbers
One common misconception is that previous spins affect future outcomes, often referred to as the “Gambler’s Fallacy.” Players believe that if a certain number hasn’t hit in a while, it’s “due” to hit. In reality, each spin is independent, and the odds remain the same regardless of previous results.
The Importance of Bankroll Management in Roulette
While roulette is a game of chance, smart bankroll management is key to staying in the game longer. Set limits, know when to walk away, and avoid chasing losses. By managing your bankroll wisely, you can enjoy the game without burning through your funds too quickly.
Luck in Roulette
At its core, roulette is a game of pure luck. No strategy can guarantee a win, and every spin offers the same odds. Luck plays a huge role in each outcome, so play for fun and always gamble responsibly. Some of the roulette systems and strategies players prefer the most include the Martingale strategy, the D’ alembert system, the Labouchere, The Oscar ’s Grind, the Hollandish system, the Straight Up betting system, etc
Famous Roulette Number Patterns and Stories
One of the most famous stories in roulette history involves the number 17. Legendary gambler Sean Connery famously bet on 17 and won big after it hit three times in a row in 1963. While this streak is purely luck, it adds to the allure and mystique of roulette numbers.
Online Roulette vs. Live Roulette
The excitement of live roulette can’t be beaten, but online roulette offers convenience and endless availability. Many players enjoy online roulette for its speed and ability to play multiple variants, while others prefer the atmosphere of a real casino. Either way, understanding the roulette wheel remains key in both settings.
Mastering the Art of the Roulette Wheel and Numbers
There’s no foolproof way to “beat” the roulette wheel, but understanding how it works and the logic behind the roulette numbers can improve your game. Whether you’re placing inside bets, outside bets, or just playing for fun, knowing the odds, payouts, and bet types gives you the best chance at success. Understanding the roulette wheel and the logic behind the roulette numbers can make the game more enjoyable and potentially more profitable.
FAQ on Roulette wheel and numbers
In European roulette, there are 37 numbers (0-36). In American roulette, there are 38 numbers (0, 00, and 1-36).
Single zero (European) roulette has 37 pockets and a lower house edge (2.7%). Double zero (American) roulette has 38 pockets and a higher house edge (5.26%).
There’s no “best” number, but popular ones include 7, 17, and 23. All numbers have the same probability of landing.
Inside bets are bets on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. Outside bets cover larger sections, like red/black or odd/even.
In American roulette, the odds of hitting 00 are 1 in 38.
A straight-up bet on a single number pays out 35:1.