How Many Numbers Does the Roulette Wheel Have?

How many numbers does the roulette wheel have

We all know that the central element of every roulette game is the wheel. Whether it’s an online casino or a brick-and-mortar establishment, you’ll definitely see a spinning circle with red and black pockets. You probably know what it looks like, but, you may have no idea that it can have a slightly different layout depending on the roulette variation.

Once you understand how the wheel is designed, you’ll see how many betting possibilities there are. Also, you’ll learn which variant to choose for better odds.

American and European Wheels

Most importantly, the roulette wheels are divided into two types:

  • American roulette has two zero pockets on the wheel, and in overall it features 38 pockets that include numbers from 1 to 36, 0, and 00.
  • European and French roulette has a single zero pocket, which means there are 37 numbers – from 1 to 36, and 0.
How many numbers does the roulette wheel have

Fortunately, the differences are very easy to remember – the most significant one is the additional 00 section on the American roulette. It’s also worth pointing out that other numbers are arranged differently, while the language on the table layout remains the same, regardless of the country the game is played in.

Differences in Rules and Odds

The fact that a single-zero wheel has 37 numbers and a double-zero wheel has 38 has a direct impact on their RTPs. While the payout ratios don’t change, the American roulette is considered a worse variant because of the higher house edge and, accordingly, lower RTP.

European and French roulette variants have a 97.3 % RTP, whereas the return to player rate on American roulette is 94.74 %. This seemingly small difference in percentages shouldn’t be overlooked, as any professional player will tell you. Therefore, you know which version you should gravitate to for a better chance to win.

As for the rules, there are special bets called "top line" in American roulette. They cover the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. European and French roulette has a bet called "trio" (0-1-2 or 0-2-3) as well as one called "basket" (0-1-2-3). Lastly, French roulette has “La Partage" that allows you to recover your stakes after a spin of zero.

The Idea Behind the Wheel Layout

The roulette wheel only seems random to those who don’t know why they are designed this way. Even though it’s not tied to their arithmetic value, it follows a certain structure.

To keep the wheel balanced and completely avoid bias, some core principles are applied:

  • The numbers aren’t in succession. Meaning, there is no apparent sequence to the numbers, and players can’t spot patterns and cheat the system.
  • The wheel has a red/black alternation.This requirement applies to all roulette variants.
  • The low (1-18) and high (19-36) numbers are rotated. In the European wheel, though,there are two exceptions: 5 and 10. These two low numbers are located next to each other. The American wheel is less balanced as there is an additional pocket number 00.
  • Even and odd numbers are uniformly distributed. There aren’t more than two odd or even numbers that are placed near each other.

Picking the Best Roulette Variant

Knowing the difference between single zero and double zero roulette wheels is highly important for a successful game of roulette. This helps you play roulette more efficiently by choosing the best possible variant – either European or French roulette. While there are many uncertainties in roulette, there are some aspects that you can actually control.

Once you feel ready to try your luck, sign up in the Loki Casino and have fun! The gambling platform features terrific games, including live roulette online with real croupiers, and generous promotions that make the games even more enjoyable. Feel free to try out any fair strategies that are aimed at increasing your chances of getting a win from the casino.

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