Strategy

How Many Numbers Are on a Roulette Table

How Many Numbers Are on a Roulette Table
By Victor H. Royer April 22, 2025
14 minute read

How Many Numbers Are on a Roulette Table: What You’ll Learn

  • Variety in Roulette Wheels: Discover how many numbers are on a roulette table, the difference between the number of pockets on European and American roulette wheels, with 37 numbers on the former and 38 on the latter.

  • Understanding Number Arrangement: Learn how numbers are arranged on both the wheel and the betting table, and how this affects gameplay.

  • House Edge Explanation: Gain insights into how casinos profit through the difference between true odds and payout odds, known as the house edge.

  • Betting Options: Explore the different betting options available, allowing players to strategically place their chips based on the numbers and their layout.

  • Historical Context and Evolution: Understand the historical evolution of the roulette table, including its design and the reasons for its lasting popularity in casinos.

Roulette has captivated casino patrons for centuries with its elegant simplicity and thrilling anticipation. At the heart of this iconic game is the question that brings many newcomers to pause: Exactly how many numbers are on a Roulette table?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, with variations across different versions of the game and distinctions between the wheel and the betting layout.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Roulette numbers, their arrangement, significance, and how understanding them can enhance your gaming experience.

Image Credit: 360VP/Shutterstock

History of Roulette – Origins and Evolution

Roulette’s fascinating history dates back to the 17th century, when the French mathematician Blaise Pascal inadvertently created an early version of the wheel during his quest to invent a perpetual motion machine.

While Pascal failed in his original endeavor, his creation evolved into one of the most recognizable casino games in the world.

The modern version of Roulette emerged in 18th century France, with the earliest documented references appearing in French casino regulations from 1796. These early wheels included both a single zero and a double zero, similar to today’s American Roulette.

The game quickly spread throughout Europe, and eventually to America where it became a staple of gambling establishments.

The single-zero wheel that characterizes European Roulette was introduced in the 1840’s by François and Louis Blanc, who established this version in the German spa casino town of Bad Homburg.

Their innovation reduced the house edge significantly, making the game more appealing to players and helping spread its popularity across the continent.

Variations of Roulette – American, European, and French

Today, these three main variations of Roulette exist as the most common games you will find in land-based casinos, as well as online – each with different number configurations:

How Many Numbers Are on a Roulette Table: European Roulette

This game features 37 numbers – 1 through 36 plus a single zero (0). This is the most player-friendly version of the game, with a house edge of only 2.7%.

How Many Numbers Are on a Roulette Table: American Roulette

This game has 38 numbers – 1 through 36 plus both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). The addition of the double zero (00) increases the house edge to 5.26%.

How Many Numbers Are on a Roulette Table: French Roulette

This version of the game uses the same 37 numbers as European Roulette (1-36 plus 0), but it includes special rules called “La Partage” or “En Prison” that reduce the house edge on even-money bets to just 1.35%, when the ball lands on zero (0).

The total number of pockets on the wheel corresponds to these variations: 37 for European and French wheels, and 38 for American wheels. Understanding these differences is crucial for any serious Roulette player, as they significantly impact your odds of winning.

Understanding the Roulette Wheel – Layout Logic and Design

The sequence of numbers on a Roulette wheel follows a specific design that appears random, but is actually carefully engineered. The numbers are not arranged in consecutive order. Instead they follow a pattern that creates balance and unpredictability.

European Roulette

On a standard European wheel, the 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

This arrangement ensures several balance characteristics:

  • High numbers (19-36) alternate with low numbers (1-18) around the wheel
  • Red and black pockets alternate, with no more than two consecutive pockets of the same color
  • Odd and even numbers are distributed as evenly as possible
  • The sum of adjacent numbers tends to be large (e.g., 17 is next to 34, which sums to 51)

Image Credit: 360VP/Shutterstock

American Roulette

On an American wheel, the sequence differs slightly, and includes the additional double zero (00) positioned opposite the single zero, typically:

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

Asymmetries and Frequent Numbers

Despite the balanced design, some interesting asymmetries exist in Roulette wheel layouts:

  1. Sector Imbalances: Some sections of the wheel contain clusters of high or low numbers, which professional players sometimes target through “section betting.”
  1. Color Distribution: In the number range 1-10 and 19-28, odd numbers are red and even numbers are black. This pattern reverses in the number ranges 11-18 and 29-36, where odd numbers are black and even numbers are red.

As for “frequent numbers,” it’s important to understand that in a perfectly balanced wheel with no mechanical bias, ALL numbers have the exact same probability of appearing. Any observed frequency variations in the short term are due to statistical variance, rather than any inherent property of the numbers themselves.

That said, mechanical imperfections or wear in physical wheels can sometimes create slight biases that skilled observers might detect. Casino operators regularly check their wheels for such biases and replace or repair them when found.

Casino House Edges – Differences Among Roulette Variations

The number configuration directly impacts the house edge, which represents the casino’s mathematical advantage:

  • European Roulette (37 numbers): With one zero, the house edge is 2.7%, calculated as 1÷37 = 0.027 or 2.7%.

  • American Roulette (38 numbers): With both a zero and double zero, the house edge increases to 5.26%, calculated as 2÷38 = 0.0526 or 5.26%.

  • French Roulette (37 numbers with special rules): The “La Partage” rule returns half your stake on even-money bets when zero hits, reducing the house edge to 1.35% on these bets.

This difference in house edge is SUBSTANTIAL. For every $100 wagered:

  • In European roulette, the casino expects to keep $2.70
  • In American roulette, the casino expects to keep $5.26
  • In French roulette, the casino expects to keep just $1.35 on even-money bets

This mathematical reality makes European Roulette – and especially French Roulette – a significantly better choices for players, when available.

Inside and Outside Bets – Types of Bets and Their Odds

The Roulette table layout offers a variety of betting options, divided into “inside bets” (on specific numbers or small groups of numbers) and “outside bets” (on larger groups of numbers).

Inside Bets:

  • Straight Up: Bet on a single number, including 0 or 00 (pays 35:1)
  • Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers (pays 17:1)
  • Street: Bet on three numbers in a row (pays 11:1)
  • Corner: Bet on four numbers that form a square (pays 8:1)
  • Six Line: Bet on six numbers that form two adjacent rows (pays 5:1)
  • Trio: Bet on three numbers including at least one zero (pays 11:1)
  • Basket: In American roulette, bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 (pays 6:1)

Image Credit: 360VP/Shutterstock

Outside Bets:

  • Column: Bet on all 12 numbers in one of the three vertical columns (pays 2:1)
  • Dozen: Bet on numbers 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36 (pays 2:1)
  • Red/Black: Bet on all red or all black numbers (pays 1:1)
  • Odd/Even: Bet on all odd or all even numbers (pays 1:1)
  • 1-18/19-36: Bet on the low or high half of the numbers (pays 1:1)

Betting Payouts and Strategies

Roulette payouts are structured to give the casino its edge. For example, a straight-up bet on a single number in European Roulette has a 1 in 37 chance of winning (2.7%), but pays only 35:1 instead of the true odds of 36:1.

This discrepancy between true probability and payout odds creates the house edge. The same principle applies to all bet types on the Roulette table.

Some players employ betting strategies like:

  • The Martingale: Doubling bets after losses to recover previous losses plus a small profit.

  • D’Alembert: A more conservative progression where you increase bets by one unit after losses and decrease by one unit after wins.

  • Number Coverage: Placing multiple bets to cover a larger portion of the wheel.

  • Section Betting: Targeting specific sectors of the wheel where numbers are clustered.

While these strategies can be entertaining, none can overcome the built-in house edge in the long run. Roulette remains fundamentally a game of chance.

Roulette Wheel Colors and Numbers – Significance of Colors

The Roulette wheel features three colors: red, black, and green. The color distribution adds visual appeal and provides betting options:

  • Red Numbers: In standard layouts, these are: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 32, 34, 36 (18 total)

  • Black Numbers: These are: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 33, 35 (18 total)

  • Green Number(s): The single zero (0), and in American Roulette also the double zero (00)

This color distribution allows for even-money bets on red or black, which cover 18 of the 37 or 38 total numbers. The green zero (and double zero in American roulette) represent the house edge, as they are not included in red/black, odd/even, or high/low bets.

Popular and Symbolic Numbers

Certain numbers hold special appeal to Roulette players for various reasons:

  • 17: Often considered lucky in roulette, partly because it sits in the center of the table layout and was reportedly James Bond’s favorite number in the novels.

  • Red 7: A number associated with luck in many cultures and a popular choice among players.

  • Number 0: The iconic green zero immediately stands out on the wheel and represents the house’s advantage.

  • Birthday Numbers: Many players bet on numbers associated with birthdays or anniversaries.

  • Hot Numbers: Some players track which numbers have hit recently and bet on them, despite the fact that past results don’t influence future spins.

The fascination with certain numbers adds to the mystique and tradition of roulette, even though each number has exactly the same probability of appearing on any given spin.

The “Devil’s Wheel” and Other Trivia – Origins of the Moniker

Roulette is sometimes called the “Devil’s Wheel” or “Devil’s Game” because the sum of all the numbers on the wheel (1 through 36) equals 666, which is associated with the devil in Christian tradition. This coincidence has added to the game’s mystique and allure over the centuries.

The nickname gained popularity in the 19th century and has persisted as part of Roulette folklore. Whether this numerical relationship was intentional in the game’s design, or merely coincidental, remains a subject of debate among gambling historians.

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How Many Numbers Are on a Roulette Table: Interesting Historical Facts

The world of Roulette is filled with fascinating historical anecdotes:

  • Monte Carlo Legend: In 1873, Joseph Jagger hired six clerks to secretly record the results of Roulette wheels at the Monte Carlo Casino, discovering a biased wheel that helped him win the equivalent of several million dollars in today’s money.

  • Einstein’s Quote: Albert Einstein reportedly said, “The only way to beat Roulette is to steal money from the table while the dealer isn’t looking,” highlighting the mathematical certainty of the house edge.

  • The “Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo”: This was a British engineer, Charles Wells, who famously “broke the bank” at Monte Carlo in 1891, winning over a million francs in an extended gambling session that inspired the popular song: “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo.” He became famous for supposedly inventing the only true “system” which could beat the game.

    However, in subsequent visits he was never again able to duplicate his original feat, eventually losing all his winnings, as well as more money on top of that, including his own, as well as loans and “investments” provided by others. In the end he was forced to admit that his original and incredible “feat” was simply due to an extraordinary run of pure luck!

  • French Origins: The word “roulette” means “small wheel” in French, reflecting the game’s origins.

  • Zero Innovation: The single zero was introduced by François and Louis Blanc specifically to compete with other casinos by offering better odds to players.

These historical tidbits add to the rich tapestry of Roulette’s enduring appeal in gambling culture.

Construction and Trustworthiness of Roulette Wheels – Manufacturing Techniques

Modern Roulette wheels are precision-engineered devices designed to ensure completely random results:

  1. Materials: High-quality wheels feature a solid mahogany or oak base with a bowl containing the ball track made of polished hardwood, or sometimes synthetic materials.
  2. Pocket Separators: Known as “frets,” these are typically made of metal and carefully designed to be identical in size and shape.
  3. Balance and Level: Wheels are meticulously balanced and must be perfectly level to avoid any bias.
  4. Ball: Traditionally made of ivory, but today mostly from Teflon, or nylon, they are engineered to have consistent weight and size.
  5. Rotor: The central spinning component containing the number pockets, designed to rotate smoothly with minimal friction.

Casinos invest thousands of dollars in each wheel and regularly inspect them for any signs of wear or bias that might compromise randomness.

Deceleration Rates and Gameplay Impact

The physics of the Roulette wheel play a crucial role in gameplay:

  1. Spin Speed: Dealers are trained to spin the wheel at consistent speeds to maintain game pace and randomness.
  2. Ball Deceleration: The rate at which the ball slows down is carefully engineered to provide enough revolutions for truly random outcomes.
  3. Pocket Depth: Modern wheels have pockets of identical depth to prevent any numbers from being more likely to catch the ball.
  4. Diamond Obstacles: The small deflectors (called “diamonds”) around the wheel rim cause the ball to bounce unpredictably.

These physical properties ensure that predicting the outcome of a spin remains practically impossible, maintaining the game’s integrity as one of pure chance.

Tips and Strategies for Betting – Choosing the Right Bet

When approaching the Roulette table, consider these factors when selecting your bets:

  1. Risk Tolerance: Inside bets offer higher payouts, but lower probabilities of winning. Outside bets provide more frequent wins, but with smaller payouts.
  2. Bankroll Considerations: Your available funds should dictate your betting approach. Smaller bankrolls generally favor outside bets to extend playing time.
  3. Game Version: Always choose European or French Roulette when available, to benefit from the lower house edge, as compared to American Roulette.
  4. Betting Combinations: Many experienced players combine inside and outside bets to balance risk and potential reward.
  5. Table Limits: Be aware of minimum and maximum bet limits, especially for specific bet types.

Remember that no betting selection can overcome the mathematical house edge in the long run, but strategic choices can maximize your enjoyment and playing time.

How Many Numbers Are on a Roulette Table: Maximizing Potential Winnings

While Roulette remains a game of chance, these approaches can help optimize your experience:

  1. Look for French Roulette: The “La Partage” or “En Prison” rules provide the best mathematical odds for players.
  2. Set Win Goals: Decide in advance what profit level will prompt you to walk away satisfied.
  3. Establish Loss Limits: Similarly, determine how much you’re willing to lose before quitting.
  4. Practice Bankroll Management: Bet only a small percentage (1-5%) of your total bankroll on any single spin.
  5. Avoid Progression Systems: Be wary of systems that require escalating bet sizes, as they can deplete your bankroll quickly during inevitable losing streaks.
  6. Enjoy the Experience: Remember that Roulette is primarily entertainment, and any winnings should be viewed as a bonus rather than an expectation.

Image Credit: 360VP/Shutterstock

Popular Numbers and Betting Myths – Why 17 and 24 Are Popular

The number 17 has achieved almost legendary status among Roulette players for several reasons:

  1. Central Position: It occupies a central position on the table layout, making it visually prominent.
  2. Cultural Associations: In many cultures, 17 is considered lucky or significant.
  3. Famous Wins: Several well-publicized big wins have occurred on 17, reinforcing its perception as lucky.
  4. James Bond Connection: In early James Bond novels, 17 was reportedly 007’s favorite Roulette number.

Similarly, 24 has gained popularity due to:

  1. Even Split: It sits between the middle and high number sections.
  2. Color Pattern: As a black number, it forms part of various pattern-based betting systems.
  3. Numerological Significance: Some players ascribe special meaning to numbers divisible by 12.

Debunking the “Lucky Number” Myth

Despite player perceptions about “hot” or “lucky” numbers, mathematics tells a different story:

  1. Independent Events: Each spin is completely independent of all previous spins. A number that has hit recently is no more – or less – likely to appear on the next spin.
  2. Equal Probability: On a fair wheel, every number has exactly the same probability of occurring: 1/37 (2.7%) on a European wheel or 1/38 (2.6%) on an American wheel.
  3. Gambler’s Fallacy: The belief that past results influence future outcomes leads many players to bet on “due” numbers that haven’t appeared recently, but this strategy has no mathematical validity.
  4. Confirmation Bias: Players tend to remember when their “lucky” numbers win, but forget the many times they lose, thus creating a false impression of success.

Understanding these mathematical truths can help players make more rational betting decisions, and avoid superstition-based approaches that have no effect on outcomes.

Responsible Gaming – Setting a Budget

Responsible Roulette play starts with appropriate financial boundaries:

  1. Predetermined Limits: Decide before playing exactly how much you can afford to lose.
  2. Separate Entertainment Fund: View your Roulette budget as an entertainment expense, not as an investment or income source.
  3. No Credit Play: Never borrow money or use credit cards to fund gambling activities.
  4. Session Bankrolls: Divide your total gambling budget into smaller amounts for each playing session.
  5. Cash Management: Consider leaving credit/debit cards at home and bringing only the cash you’ve budgeted to spend on this form of entertainment.

These practices ensure that Roulette remains an enjoyable entertainment activity, rather than a financial stressor.

Understanding Game Etiquette

Proper casino etiquette enhances the experience for all players:

  1. Chip Handling: Wait until the dealer has cleared all losing bets and paid all winners before placing new bets.
  2. Table Limits: Be aware of and respect the minimum and maximum betting limits.
  3. Dealer Interactions: Be courteous to dealers and tip them generously, especially after winning sessions. Almost all casino dealers are paid the lowest wages possible, and therefore earn the majority of their income solely from “tips” from the players.
  4. Space Awareness: Don’t crowd other players, or interfere with their betting areas. If you cannot reach the area where you want to place your bets, simply ask the Dealer to place your bets where you want them to be. This way you won’t have to reach over other players, or crowd them, or interfere with their play.
  5. Timely Betting: Place your bets promptly to maintain game flow. Don’t try to “rush” your bet just at the time when the Dealer is about to say “No more bets, please.” This is considered a big No-No, and could result in conflicts, and sometimes in the spin being called a “Non-Event.”
  6. Clear Communication: When buying in, place your money on the table rather than handing it directly to the dealer. But be careful not to put it directly into the betting area, because the Dealers may sometime assume that you are betting “Cash Plays,” which is a bet made by players without first changing their cash into betting chips. Always say clearly: “Chips, please.” Or: “Change, please.” That way there is no mistake about what you are actually wanting to do.
  7. Emotional Control: Maintain composure regardless of winning or losing outcomes.

Following these etiquette guidelines ensures a positive atmosphere at the Roulette table for everyone involved, and therefore better enjoyment for all.

Image Credit: 360VP/Shutterstock

FAQ – How Many Numbers Are on a Roulette Table

What happens if you put $5 on a number in Roulette?

If you place a $5 straight-up bet on a single number:

  • If your number hits, you win 35 times your bet ($175) plus your original $5 stake, for a total of $180.
  • If any other number hits, including zero or double zero, you lose your $5.

This bet type offers the highest payout in Roulette (35:1) but also the lowest probability of winning: 1 in 37 (2.7%) on a European wheel, or 1 in 38 (2.6%) on an American wheel.

Many casinos allow minimum bets as low as $1 on straight-up number bets, even when the table minimum for outside bets is higher.

Is Roulette 100% luck?

Yes, Roulette is essentially 100% luck. Unlike games such as poker or blackjack, where skill and strategy can influence outcomes, Roulette results are determined entirely by chance. Here’s why:

  1. Random Physical Process: The ball’s landing position is determined by complex physics that neither the player nor the dealer can control.
  2. Independent Spins: Each spin is completely independent of all previous spins.
  3. Fixed Odds: The probability of any outcome is fixed and unchangeable by player actions.
  4. No Skill Element: There are no decisions a player can make during play that affect the outcome of the spin.

The only exceptions might be:

  • Extremely rare cases of biased wheels (virtually non-existent in modern casinos)
  • Theoretical physics prediction systems requiring supercomputers (which are impractical and prohibited)

For all practical purposes, Roulette outcomes are determined purely by luck, making it one of the truest games of chance in the casino.

What number hits the most in Roulette?

On a properly maintained, unbiased Roulette wheel, NO number hits more frequently than any other in the long run. Each number has exactly the same probability of occurring on any given spin:

  • On a European wheel (37 numbers): 1/37 or approximately 2.7% chance per spin
  • On an American wheel (38 numbers): 1/38 or approximately 2.6% chance per spin

Players sometimes perceive certain numbers as “hot” based on short-term results, but this is simply statistical variance – random fluctuations that even out over time. Casinos often display recent results or “hot numbers,” which can reinforce this misconception, but these displays have no predictive value.

If a physical Roulette wheel did consistently favor certain numbers, this would indicate a mechanical bias. Modern casinos regularly inspect and maintain their wheels to prevent such biases from developing.

Does Roulette pay 36 to 1?

Straight-up bets on single numbers in Roulette pay 35 to 1, not 36 to 1. This distinction is crucial:

  • A winning $1, ‘Straight Up’ bet returns your original $1 plus $35 in winnings
  • The true odds would be 36 to 1 on a European wheel and 37 to 1 on an American wheel
  • The difference between the true odds and the payout odds creates the house edge

If Roulette paid true odds of 36 to 1 on a European wheel, the game would have no house edge and would be mathematically neutral in the long run. By paying slightly less than the true odds, casinos ensure their profit margin.

This principle applies to all Roulette bets – the payouts are always slightly less than the true mathematical odds, creating the house advantage that makes the game profitable for casinos.

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How Many Numbers Are on a Roulette Table: Spin the Wheel

The question “How many numbers are on a Roulette table?” opens the door to understanding the rich complexity of this casino classic. With 36 standard numbers plus either one or two zeros, depending on the variation, Roulette combines mathematical precision with the thrill of chance in a way few other games can match.

The arrangement of these numbers – both on the wheel and the table layout – reflects centuries of evolution and refinement. From the wheel’s carefully balanced design to the strategic betting options on the table, every aspect of Roulette has been engineered to create a game that is both fair and entertaining.

Whether you’re placing your chips on the green felt for the first time, or are a seasoned player seeking to refine your approach, understanding the numbers, their arrangement, and their significance can enhance your appreciation of this enduring game.

Remember that while strategies and systems abound, Roulette ultimately remains a game of chance where each spin writes its own story, independent of what came before.

And now you know!

So until next time – Best of Luck to all!

Title Image Credit: 360VP/Shutterstock