Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games, loved for its blend of strategy, luck, and excitement. The game’s wheel, covered in numbers, is central to its appeal. However, the number of slots on a roulette wheel can vary depending on the type of roulette being played, with different layouts and rules in European, American, and French versions. This guide provides an in-depth look at the numbers on roulette wheels, the differences between versions, and how these variations affect odds and strategies.
The Basic Roulette Wheel Layout
The classic roulette wheel has numbered pockets that alternate between red and black, with a single or double green slot representing zero(s). The numbers on the wheel are arranged in a particular order, designed to balance the distribution of red, black, high, and low numbers.
- Numbers on a Wheel: Traditional roulette wheels have 37 or 38 numbered slots.
- Color Pattern: Red and black numbers alternate, with one or two green slots for zero(s).
- Order of Numbers: The numbers are arranged in a non-sequential pattern to prevent predictability.
| Roulette Version | Number of Pockets | Zero Pockets | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 37 | Single (0) | Red, Black, Green (0) |
| American Roulette | 38 | Double (0, 00) | Red, Black, Green (0, 00) |
| French Roulette | 37 | Single (0) | Red, Black, Green (0) |
European Roulette: 37 Numbers and a Lower House Edge
European roulette, the most popular version in online and land-based casinos, features 37 numbers, including a single zero. The numbers on the wheel range from 1 to 36, split evenly between red and black, with the zero in green. The single zero gives European roulette a house edge of 2.7%, making it a favorite among players seeking better odds.
- Single Zero Advantage: The single zero slot lowers the house edge, providing players with a higher return.
- Balanced Distribution: Numbers alternate between high and low, odd and even, red and black.
- Popular in Europe and Online: European roulette is the standard in European casinos and popular in online casinos worldwide.
American Roulette: 38 Numbers and a Higher House Edge
American roulette, typically found in North American casinos, has 38 numbered pockets. This version includes both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00), which are both green. The extra zero increases the house edge to 5.26%, almost double that of European roulette, which can impact players’ odds and strategies.
- Double Zero: The addition of the double zero pocket increases the house edge, making American roulette less favorable for players.
- Number Distribution: Like European roulette, numbers alternate between red and black, odd and even, high and low, but with an additional zero slot.
- Risk and Payout: Although payouts are similar to European roulette, the odds of winning are lower due to the double zero.
| European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|
| 37 numbers (1-36, 0) | 38 numbers (1-36, 0, 00) |
| House edge: 2.7% | House edge: 5.26% |
| Single zero | Single zero and double zero |
French Roulette: 37 Numbers with Unique Rules
French roulette is similar to European roulette, with 37 numbers, including a single zero. However, this version includes additional rules that give players better odds in certain situations. The “La Partage” and “En Prison” rules apply to even-money bets, allowing players to recover half their bet or leave it for the next spin if the ball lands on zero, effectively reducing the house edge to around 1.35% on even-money bets.
- La Partage: Players lose only half of their even-money bets if the ball lands on zero.
- En Prison: Even-money bets stay “in prison” for another spin if the ball lands on zero; if the next spin wins, the player recovers the bet without profit.
- Lower House Edge for Even-Money Bets: The house edge on even-money bets is reduced to 1.35%, making French roulette one of the most player-friendly versions.
| French Roulette Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Single zero | 37 numbers, similar to European layout |
| La Partage rule | Lose only half of even-money bets on zero |
| En Prison rule | Bet remains on the table for another spin on zero |
Betting Options and Odds Based on the Number of Pockets
Roulette offers a wide range of betting options, allowing players to bet on single numbers, combinations, and groups. The number of pockets affects the odds and payouts for each type of bet, especially in European and American versions.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are wagers placed on specific numbers or combinations on the roulette table layout. These bets have higher payouts but lower odds of winning.
- Straight-Up Bet: Bet on a single number (payout of 35:1)
- Split Bet: Bet on two adjacent numbers (payout of 17:1)
- Street Bet: Bet on a row of three numbers (payout of 11:1)
- Corner Bet: Bet on a square of four numbers (payout of 8:1)
- Five-Number Bet: Unique to American roulette, covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 (payout of 6:1)
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout | Odds (European) | Odds (American) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight-Up | 1 number | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.63% |
| Split | 2 numbers | 17:1 | 5.41% | 5.26% |
| Street | 3 numbers | 11:1 | 8.11% | 7.89% |
| Corner | 4 numbers | 8:1 | 10.81% | 10.53% |
| Five-Number (American only) | 5 numbers | 6:1 | N/A | 13.16% |
Outside Bets
Outside bets are placed on larger groups of numbers, offering lower payouts but higher odds of winning. These bets include color (red or black), odd/even, and high/low (1-18 or 19-36).
- Red/Black: Bet on the color of the winning number (payout of 1:1)
- Odd/Even: Bet on whether the winning number is odd or even (payout of 1:1)
- High/Low: Bet on whether the winning number is in the range of 1-18 or 19-36 (payout of 1:1)
- Dozen Bet: Bet on a group of 12 numbers, such as 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36 (payout of 2:1)
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout | Odds (European) | Odds (American) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red/Black | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 48.64% | 47.37% |
| Odd/Even | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 48.64% | 47.37% |
| High/Low | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 48.64% | 47.37% |
| Dozen | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% |
Roulette Strategy and How the Number of Pockets Affects Outcomes
The number of pockets on the wheel influences the game’s house edge, impacting the player’s odds and preferred strategies. In European and French roulette, players generally have better odds, especially when using strategies for even-money bets. American roulette, with its additional double zero, creates a higher house edge, which often makes strategies less effective.
Martingale Strategy
The Martingale strategy involves doubling the bet after every loss, aiming to recover losses with the first win. This strategy is popular on even-money bets (red/black, odd/even), but the higher house edge in American roulette makes it more challenging to succeed.
- Best for: European or French roulette with a single zero
- Risk: Higher in American roulette due to the increased house edge
D’Alembert Strategy
The D’Alembert strategy is a more conservative approach, where players increase their bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it after a win. This method is less risky than Martingale and works best with even-money bets.
- Best for: European or French roulette with even-money bets
- **
Risk**: Works better with a lower house edge, as in European and French versions
| Strategy | Description | Ideal Version |
|---|---|---|
| Martingale | Double bet after each loss | European/French |
| D’Alembert | Increase/decrease bet by one unit | European/French |
Final Thoughts on Roulette Wheels and Choosing the Right Game
Understanding the number of pockets on a roulette wheel and how it affects your odds is essential for successful gameplay. European and French roulette offer a lower house edge with a single zero, while American roulette’s double zero raises the house edge, presenting a greater challenge. By choosing the right version and applying suitable strategies, players can enhance their roulette experience and improve their chances of success.
