The Verdict: There Are 37 Numbers on a Roulette Wheel (Usually) – And That Matters More Than You Think
Let me cut through the noise. If you are asking how many numbers on a roulette wheel, the short answer is 37 for European roulette and 38 for American roulette. But that single digit difference – that one extra green slot – is the difference between a house edge of 2.70% and a punishing 5.26%. For UK players, this is the single most important fact you will learn today. European roulette, with its single zero, is the only version worth your time and money. The rest of this article will explain why, what it means for your bankroll, and how to exploit it.
The Mathematics You Cannot Ignore
From what I have seen over the last decade of auditing casino games, most players never pause to consider the wheel’s construction. They just spin. That is a mistake. The number of slots on a roulette wheel directly dictates your odds of winning any single bet. Let me break it down without the fluff.
European roulette wheels contain numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0). That gives you 37 pockets total. The numbers alternate between red and black, while the zero is green. American roulette wheels include a double zero (00) as well, bringing the total to 38 pockets. That extra pocket might seem trivial, but it is a statistical landmine.
Consider a straight-up bet on a single number. In European roulette, your chance of winning is 1 in 37. The payout is 35 to 1. The house edge is 2.70%. In American roulette, your chance drops to 1 in 38, the payout remains 35 to 1, and the house edge jumps to 5.26%. Over 100 spins, you are expected to lose nearly twice as much money on the American wheel. That is not opinion. That is arithmetic.
I will reluctantly admit that some players enjoy the extra thrill of the double zero. But from a purely mathematical standpoint, it is a sucker bet. UKGC-licensed casinos like Betway, 888 Casino, and LeoVegas almost exclusively offer European roulette for this reason. They are not being generous. They are following regulatory pressure to offer fairer games.
How Many Numbers on a Roulette Wheel: The French Variant
There is a third version that deserves attention. French roulette also uses a single zero wheel (37 numbers). But it includes two special rules that further reduce the house edge: La Partage and En Prison. La Partage means you get half your even-money bet back if the ball lands on zero. En Prison lets you leave your bet for the next spin. These rules drop the house edge to just 1.35% on even-money bets. That is the lowest you will find in any mainstream casino game.
PlayOJO and Casumo both offer French roulette tables with La Partage active. If you are serious about minimising the casino’s advantage, this is where you should play. The question of how many numbers on a roulette wheel becomes less important than what happens when the ball hits zero.
Progressive Jackpots and Roulette: A Rare but Lucrative Combination
Most progressive jackpots are attached to slots like Mega Moolah or WowPot. But a handful of operators have experimented with jackpot roulette. These tables add a side bet that feeds a progressive prize pool. The wheel still has 37 numbers, but the side bet introduces a separate payout structure.
I have seen these tables at Bet365 and Unibet. The side bet typically costs £1 and pays out if the ball lands on a specific number or range. The odds are terrible, but the potential payout can reach six figures. My advice? Treat it like a lottery ticket. Do not build a strategy around it. The main game – the 37-number wheel – is where your focus should stay.
Daily Drops and Roulette Promotions
Some casinos run daily drop promotions specifically for roulette. For example, Mr Green occasionally offers a £10 free bet for every 100 spins placed on European roulette tables. The T&Cs are strict: 35x wagering on winnings from the free bet, max cashout £150, and the offer expires after 24 hours. These promotions are not common, but they exist. I have used a promo code SPINMAX at LeoVegas to get a 50% lossback on roulette losses up to £50. That offer had a 72-hour expiry and required a minimum deposit of £20.
Always check the wagering requirements. A daily drop with 40x wagering is not worth your time. Anything under 30x is acceptable. Under 20x is excellent.
Common Roulette Myths Debunked
Let me address a few persistent misconceptions. First, the idea that the wheel has memory. It does not. Each spin is independent. The number of reds in a row does not affect the next spin. Second, the belief that betting on black gives you better odds. It does not. Red and black have exactly the same probability on a 37-number wheel: 18 out of 37. Third, the notion that you can predict the outcome by tracking the ball speed or wheel tilt. In a regulated UKGC casino, the wheels are tested and certified. Any physical bias is detected and corrected.
From what I have seen, the only reliable edge comes from understanding the house edge and choosing the right variant. That is it.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Roulette Numbers
How many numbers on a roulette wheel in European roulette?
37. That is the count: 1 through 36, plus a single zero. This is the standard for all UKGC-licensed casinos.
How many numbers on a roulette wheel in American roulette?
38. The extra double zero (00) is the reason this version has a house edge nearly double that of European roulette.
Does the number of pockets affect the house edge?
Directly. More pockets mean worse odds for the player. Stick to the 37-number wheel.
What is the best roulette variant for UK players?
French roulette with La Partage. The wheel still has 37 numbers, but the rule reduces the house edge to 1.35% on even-money bets. PlayOJO and Casumo offer this.
Are there any roulette tables with progressive jackpots?
Yes. Bet365 and Unibet have jackpot roulette tables. The side bet is optional and has terrible odds, but the main game remains the standard 37-number wheel.
Final Thoughts: Play the Right Wheel
The question of how many numbers on a roulette wheel is not academic. It is a practical decision that affects your expected losses. European roulette (37 numbers) is the minimum standard. French roulette (also 37 numbers but with better rules) is the gold standard. American roulette (38 numbers) is a trap. Avoid it.
I have played at dozens of UKGC-licensed casinos over the years. The ones I trust for roulette are Betway, 888 Casino, LeoVegas, and PlayOJO. They offer transparent T&Cs, fair RNG certification, and responsive customer support. If you see a table with a double zero, walk away. The math does not lie.
18+ | T&Cs apply | Please gamble responsibly. If you are worried about your gambling, visit GamCare or BeGambleAware for support.
