How Many Numbers in Roulette? Wheel Layout & Types
If you’re just starting out with roulette, the wheel can look a little puzzling. The layout isn’t decorative; every pocket and number has a role in how the game works.
There’s more than one style of roulette, and the way the numbers are set out changes with the version. Online platforms often include several types, so it might help to know what you’re looking at.
UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)‑licensed games follow strict standards for fairness, which may be useful context as we explore how the wheels are built and why the numbers sit where they do. Read on to learn more.
What Is the Layout of a Roulette Wheel?
A roulette wheel is divided into small pockets, each marked with a number. The numbers are not arranged in numerical order, and each pocket is coloured red, black, or green.
On most wheels, red and black pockets are split evenly, with green reserved for zero and, in some versions, double zero. The wheel spins one way and the ball spins the other before dropping into a pocket.
The layout looks simple at first glance, but it is designed for balance. Colours alternate, and odd and even numbers are spread out around the rim to avoid clusters. Online versions mirror this, though some games tweak features or add variants, so it may be worth glancing at the game info or paytable to see exactly what is in play.
If you do decide to try your hand at any type of roulette, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Many Numbers Are There on a Roulette Wheel?
Most casinos in the UK use the European wheel with 37 pockets, numbered 0 to 36. The single zero is green, and the remaining numbers are split between red and black.
You will also see American wheels online, which have 38 pockets in total because they include a green double zero. That extra pocket changes the probabilities slightly, so it might be wise to check which version you are playing.
French roulette also uses 37 pockets but can introduce table rules that handle zero in different ways. If a game mentions additional rules or special bets, a quick read of the on‑screen guide will most likely tell you how it works.
European vs American Roulette: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to roulette, the key distinction between European and American versions lies in the wheel itself; and that single difference can significantly affect a player’s odds.
Why Does the Extra Zero Matter?
European and American roulette look similar, but the extra double zero on the American wheel is important. European wheels have 37 pockets; American wheels have 38.
For a straight‑up bet on a single number, a European spin gives a 1 in 37 chance, about 2.7%. On an American wheel, it is 1 in 38, roughly 2.63%. That extra pocket raises the house edge on the American version, which is why many UK venues favour the European layout. Online sites often offer both, so it pays to know which one you are choosing.
How Are the Numbers Arranged on a Roulette Wheel?
Numbers on a roulette wheel are positioned to balance the game, not to count upwards. High and low, odd and even, and red and black are mixed to avoid long runs of similar results around the rim.
On a European wheel, the single zero sits in a green pocket. From there, the sequence zigzags in a way that avoids easy patterns. You might see 32 red next to 15 black, then 19 red, and so on, with no obvious pairings. American wheels use a different sequence and add the double zero, but the intent is the same: spread out similar numbers and colours.
Why Are Roulette Numbers in That Order?
The order exists to create a balanced game where outcomes remain hard to predict from one spin to the next. By spacing out similar features, such as odd and even or high and low, the wheel avoids bunching numbers that would potentially make some sections feel dominant.
On the European wheel, numbers 1 to 36 are distributed around the rim with a single zero. Each side looks different, so no area carries special weight or meaning. On American wheels, the double zero sits opposite the single zero, and the remaining numbers are set to maintain the same idea of balance.
Are the Colours on the Wheel Evenly Split?
Roulette wheels use three colours: red, black, and green. Green is reserved for the zero, and in American roulette, the double zero as well. The colours are purely for identification; they do not influence where the ball lands, and each spin is an independent event.
On a European wheel, there are 18 red pockets, 18 black pockets, and one green zero. American wheels have 18 red, 18 black, and two green pockets for zero and double zero. The numbering sequence differs between formats, but the distribution of red and black pockets remains balanced, with green breaking the symmetry.
This green pocket (or pockets) creates the house edge, so even-money bets are not true 50/50 propositions. The additional double zero on American wheels increases that edge further. No staking system can remove this built-in advantage; it might be a good idea to set limits and play responsibly.
Different Types of Roulette You Can Play
Roulette comes in several versions, especially online.
European roulette is the most common in the UK, but American and French variants appear. The core idea is the same, with differences in wheel pockets, table rules (e.g., La Partage), and bets; licensed sites display rules and RTP and promote responsible play.
French Roulette and Its Unique Layout
French roulette uses the same 37‑pocket wheel as European roulette, but the table looks different and often includes rules such as La Partage or En Prison. These affect what happens when the ball lands on zero, sometimes returning half of an even‑money stake or holding it for the next spin, typically on even‑money bets only. This can lower the effective house edge compared with standard European rules when zero appears, but it does not change the random nature of the game.
The wheel itself is familiar, yet the presentation and rules give it a distinct feel. You may also see French‑language layouts and classic call bets such as Voisins, Tiers, and Orphelins, which add to the traditional style of the game.
Availability varies by venue and operator, so you might find it helpful to check the table rules, bet limits, and payout information before considering playing.
Mini and Multi-Wheel Variations Explained
Online platforms also offer creative twists. Mini roulette shrinks the wheel to 13 numbers, from 0 to 12. It plays faster, and because the wheel is smaller, the odds and payouts are adjusted to reflect that change.
Multi‑wheel roulette lets you place one set of bets across several wheels at once, often six or eight, producing multiple outcomes from a single round. These versions are subject to the same testing and standards as the classic games. If a variant catches your eye, the game rules will show how its features work in practice.
What Does the Roulette Wheel Design Mean for Players?
Wheel design shapes the experience. By mixing number properties and separating colours, the layout supports random outcomes and keeps sections of the wheel from behaving in a way that feels predictable. No colour or number group receives preferential treatment.
That design also underpins the odds for different bet types, from single numbers to larger outside bets such as red or black. The position and number of zeros influence the house edge, which is why versions with an extra zero may have different returns.
Digital wheels follow the same principles. Some add side bets or modern features, but the core layout remains consistent. Taking a moment to understand the design could make the whole game easier to understand.
Play Roulette Online at Rose Casino
If you want to try roulette firsthand, Rose Casino offers a choice of classic and modern styles in an easy‑to‑use online setting. You will find a range of unique variations, each designed for clarity and fairness. All our roulette games are fully licensed and regularly checked under UKGC standards.
Our digital tables show the layouts clearly, so you can get familiar with the numbers and betting areas before getting involved. You can explore different bet types, from single numbers to broader options, at your own pace. If you would like more detail, our info sections explain every rule and variant.
Setting up an account is straightforward and secure. Your details are protected, transactions are safe, and support is available if you need it. If you are curious about online roulette, Rose Casino is a simple, reliable place to start. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.