Thinking about playing roulette but not sure where to begin? Whether you are new to casino games or just curious, understanding how many numbers are on a roulette wheel could help the game make more sense. There are several types of roulette wheels, each with its own set of numbers that affect how the game works.
This guide explains the main roulette wheels, what makes them different, and how the rules can vary at different casinos. Read on to learn more.
What Is a Roulette Wheel and How Does It Work?
A roulette wheel is a spinning device used in casinos, both online and in person. It is circular and contains numbered pockets, each with a colour of red, black, or green. The numbers follow a fixed sequence rather than being placed randomly.
The game begins when the croupier, or a computer in online versions, spins the wheel in one direction and rolls a small ball in the opposite direction. When the wheel slows down, the ball lands in one of the pockets. The number in that pocket is the result of the spin.
Before each spin, players place bets using chips. You can bet on a single number, groups of numbers, colours such as red or black, or whether the result will be odd or even. Different bet types offer different payouts. Even-money bets, such as red or black, pay 1:1, and a straight-up bet on one number usually pays 35:1 in standard roulette versions. This payout means you receive 35 units in winnings plus your original stake.
Online games display a digital wheel and betting table. Rules can differ between games, so it might be useful to check the information section for details of bet types, payouts, and any special features.
If you do decide to try your hand at roulette, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Many Numbers Are There on a Roulette Wheel?
Each roulette wheel includes a specific number of pockets you can bet on.
The version most often found in the UK is European roulette, which has 37 pockets. These include the numbers 1 to 36 and a single green zero. The numbers are arranged in a fixed pattern around the wheel rather than in numerical order.
American roulette is another version sometimes offered at online casinos. This type includes 38 pockets in total: numbers 1 to 36, a green zero, and an extra green double zero (00). The addition of 00 slightly changes the probabilities.
A third version, French roulette, also features 37 pockets with numbers 1 to 36 and a single green zero. This version is available at some land-based and online casinos.
It could be worth checking which wheel a game uses before placing bets. This information appears in the game’s help or description section. The wheel type affects the odds, payouts, and house edge.
European vs American Roulette: What’s the Difference?
Why Does American Roulette Have an Extra Number?
When comparing roulette games, you will usually encounter two main types: European and American. Both use a spinning wheel, a small ball, and a table of numbered bets. The key difference is that the American version includes an additional pocket.
European roulette features numbers from 1 to 36 and one green zero, giving 37 pockets in total. This is the version most common at UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)-licensed casinos. American roulette includes the same numbers plus a green double zero, taking the total to 38 pockets. The double zero increases the house edge, as there are more possible outcomes.
With standard payouts, European roulette has a theoretical house edge of about 2.70%. American roulette has a higher house edge of around 5.26%. Although a straight-up bet pays 35:1 on both wheels, the extra 00 changes the odds slightly. Many players choose the European version for its lower house edge, while others explore the American version for variety.
French Roulette Explained
French roulette is based on the original form of the game and retains many of its traditional features. It uses a wheel with 37 pockets, numbered 1 to 36 plus a single green zero. The table layout is slightly different, with French terms such as “Manque” for low numbers and “Passe” for high numbers.
French tables often include extra betting options called announced bets, which refer to specific sections of the wheel. These bets correspond to how the numbers are positioned rather than the layout on the main table.
French roulette can also feature two special rules that apply to even-money bets: La Partage and En Prison. If the ball lands on zero:
- La Partage returns half of your stake on even-money bets.
- En Prison holds your stake for the next spin, and the bet is settled based on that result.
These rules lower the house edge on even-money bets to about 1.35%. Other bet types remain around 2.70%. Not all French roulette games include these rules, so you might want to check the game information before playing.
How Number Layouts Affect Roulette Odds
The placement of numbers on a roulette wheel is carefully designed. Reds, blacks, highs, and lows are arranged to create balance rather than clusters. European and French wheels share the same sequence, while the American version uses a different layout to include the double zero.
The wheel layout matters most for bets linked to neighbouring numbers or specific wheel sections. These bets, sometimes shown on a racetrack display, depend on how the pockets are arranged.
From a numerical point of view, the difference between wheel types is clear. A straight-up bet on a European or French wheel with 37 pockets has a 1 in 37 chance of winning, which is around 2.70%. On an American wheel with 38 pockets, the chance is about 2.63%. Since the payout remains 35:1, the extra pocket on the American wheel increases the house edge.
The wheel type, number sequence, and table rules all shape how roulette plays. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.