There are 37 numbers on a European roulette wheel and 38 numbers on an American roulette wheel. The American roulette wheel has an extra zero called “double zero” and that accounts for the extra number.
Let’s dive into a bit more detail:
To the untrained eye, all roulette wheels may look alike, but take a closer look, and the differences become evident. When you step into the world of roulette, and this holds true for both online roulette betting and its land-based counterpart, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to spin the European or American roulette wheel.
European vs. American Roulette: Unravelling the Differences
One key difference between these versions is the number of pockets on the wheel. European roulette has 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36, while American roulette adds an extra pocket: 00, alongside numbers 0 to 36. This double zero pocket tips the odds slightly in favour of the house.
European roulette, with just one zero pocket, offers a lower house edge, making it a smarter choice for players looking to minimise long-term losses. Understanding these variations is crucial for savvy roulette bettors, as they directly affect your winning prospects. Interestingly, the original French version of the game had two zero pockets, but the single zero roulette introduced by German casinos became more popular.
European Roulette: The Elegance of Simplicity
Often referred to as French roulette, European roulette features a single zero pocket, making it a preferred choice for those looking to even the odds when online roulette betting. The wheel layout, with a solitary green zero pocket and the remaining 36 pockets split evenly between red and black, offers players a more favourable chance of winning.
Here’s how the clockwise sequence of numbers unfolds on the European roulette wheel: 26, 3, 35, 12, 28, 7, 29, 18, 22, 9, 31, 14, 20, 1, 33, 16, 24, 5, 10, 23, 8, 30, 11, 36, 13, 27, 6, 34, 17, 25, 2, 21, 4, 19, 15, and 32.
American Roulette: Double Trouble
In contrast, the American roulette wheel consists of 38 pockets, or numbers, including a single and a double zero (0 and 00). The presence of the additional double zero increases the house edge, making the American version less favourable. With 18 red, 18 black, and 2 green pockets (0 and 00), the American wheel offers a different dynamic to the game, attracting those who seek a more challenging and higher-risk roulette experience.
The sequence of numbers on the American roulette wheel, in a counterclockwise direction, looks like this: 0, 2, 14, 35, 23, 4, 16, 33, 21, 6, 18, 31, 19, 8, 12, 29, 25, 10, 27, 00, 1, 13, 36, 24, 3, 15, 34, 22, 5, 17, 32, 20, 7, 11, 30, 26, 9, 28.
The Logic of Roulette Wheel Layout: An Artful Deception
One of the intriguing aspects of both types of roulette is the layout of the numbers on the wheel-track. This arrangement plays a crucial role in the game’s unpredictability and fairness. Here are the primary reasons behind this arrangement:
Confusing the Player: It’s challenging for newcomers to visualise the wheel’s layout accurately, which makes it harder to detect biases or bet on specific sectors.
Alternating Colours: Two consecutive numbers must have different colours.
Balancing Low and High Numbers: Low (1-18) and high numbers (19-36) alternate. In European roulette, this rule is broken only in one instance: 5 is next to 10.
Balanced Distribution of Odd and Even Numbers: No more than two even or odd numbers next to each other.
In conclusion roulette is not a complicated game and a complete beginner can play as there is no skill involved and it’s completely luck based. The numbers that make up the roulette wheel are 0 to 36 on a European wheel and 0, 00 to 36 on an American wheel. As both pay-out the same if given the choice when playing live roulette you should always play the European version.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard European roulette wheel has 37 numbers, running from 0 to 36. The American version includes an extra double zero (00), bringing the total to 38.
The key difference is the number of pockets. European wheels have a single zero, while American wheels add a double zero, which slightly changes the odds.
No, the numbers aren’t placed in numerical order. They’re spread around the wheel in a specific sequence designed to balance high and low, odd and even numbers.
The number of pockets affects the house edge. Fewer pockets generally mean better odds for the player, which is why European roulette is often preferred.
European wheels follow a consistent number sequence, but American wheels use a different layout due to the additional double zero.
