Roulette Wheel Guide – How Many Numbers on the Layout
Roulette Wheel Basics
The allure of the roulette wheel is undeniable. Whether you’ve glimpsed it in a bustling land-based casino, a film, within an online game, or even on a gambling cake, the wheel’s iconic design is instantly recognisable. For those perhaps less acquainted, let’s break it down.
The classic European Roulette wheel has 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36. The American Roulette version features an additional double zero pocket, meaning it has 38 pockets in total.
As the game starts, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball onto the outer ring. As it slows down, the ball lands in a numbered pocket, determining the winner. Here are the key components of the roulette wheel:
Check out the best online casinos in the United States
- Diamonds – These are strategically placed obstacles that modify the ball’s path, ensuring that the game’s outcome remains unpredictable and fair.
- Ball Track – This is 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.
- Pockets – These are the designated slots, either 37 or 38 in number, where the ball eventually rests. Each pocket, coloured either black or red, has its unique number, with the sole exception of the green 0.
- Base – Serving as the wheel’s protective outer layer, it’s a fusion of metal and wood, designed primarily to safeguard the ball track.
There are very few differences when comparing a traditional and online roulette wheel. Both game developers and online casino operators strive for utmost authenticity. While some games might venture into abstract interpretations of this age-old design, they are rare.
As touched upon earlier, the key distinction lies between the European and American Roulette wheel design. We will explore the differences between the two wheel types in the following sections.
European Wheel – All You Need to Know
European Roulette is the most popular version, and its origins trace back to the late 18th century. This version boasts 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36. Every 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. Conversely, for the ranges 19 to 28 and 1 to 10, odd pockets are red, and even ones are black.
The defining characteristic of the European Roulette layout is its singular zero slot. This feature creates a house edge of only 2.70%, which is a stark contrast to the 5.26% featured in American Roulette.
Placing single number bets provides odds of 1/37 of winning, consistent across all European Roulette tables in both land-based and online casinos. It’s crucial to debunk a common myth: players cannot influence the game’s outcome or eliminate the house edge.
Popular European Roulette Wheel Bets
As we delve deeper into the details of European Roulette, it’s essential to spotlight the most frequently placed bets. At the core, roulette bets are split into two main types: inside bets and outside bets.
The first involves wagers placed on the inside of the roulette table layout, signifying bets on specific numbers. In contrast, the latter covers 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 |
These bets are particularly popular as they feature the lowest risk with almost 50% winning probability. These bets yield a 1:1 payout, which, while not the most exhilarating, can potentially return decent wins.
They’re particularly favoured by newcomers, making them a staple recommendation for those just getting started with the game of roulette. Note that roulette odds vary significantly for different types of bets.
American Wheel – In a Nutshell
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. In American Roulette, the house edge is 5.26%, which is significantly higher than the 2.70% in European Roulette.
The RTP of American Roulette is 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.
The number arrangement on the wheel might seem random, but upon closer inspection, you’ll see that’s not the case. The numbers on a roulette wheel are placed in a pattern, with consecutive numbers positioned directly opposite each other on the wheel layout.
For instance, 2 sits opposite 3, 14 faces 13, and so forth. 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.
Given its relatively higher winning odds, this bet particularly appeals to newbies or those with a tighter roulette budget. Still, even money bets remain the most popular among inexperienced players.
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.
While every number has an equal chance of winning, it’s intriguing that certain numbers, like 20, 29, 2, and 5, are believed to appear more often. However, it’s crucial to remember that these observations aren’t backed by scientific evidence.
So, when you’re placing your chips on the roulette table, remember that you are relying on luck. While various roulette strategies exist, there is no way to influence which numbered pocket the ball will land on.
Roulette Wheel History – How It All Started
The origins of roulette are shrouded in mystery, with its inception believed to be in the early 1700s. 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.
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 0 roulette wheel, adding a fresh twist to this age-old game. Several innovative online roulette games have also been launched in recent years.
Roulette Number Sequence & Wheel Layout Logic
If you take a quick look at the numbered pockets on a European or American Roulette wheel, you may think they have been placed randomly. However, there is a logic behind the placement.
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 familiar with the wheel and its layout.
Play Roulette for Real Money
Playing roulette becomes even more thrilling when real stakes are involved. When you play for real money, it’s crucial to confirm the gaming platform’s credibility and to choose the right roulette variant.
Fortunately, 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. Each answer is concise yet informative, ensuring you’re well-equipped with knowledge.
More Roulette Guides
We have aimed to address all your queries about the roulette wheel comprehensively. If you’re keen on delving deeper into the topic of roulette, we encourage you to explore our other roulette guides.
Direct links to these guides are provided below. Dive in to uncover valuable insights and exclusive bonus offers and promo codes. Enhance your roulette knowledge with our help!