Most Common and Best Numbers to Play on Roulette
Roulette remains a popular game at many online casinos, thanks to its straightforward rules and the variety of betting options available. For newcomers, the numbers on the wheel can initially seem a little confusing.
This blog post takes a closer look at some of the numbers most frequently discussed by players, whether certain numbers appear more often, and which ones tend to be favourites. It also explains how the numbers are arranged on the wheel, the difference between inside and outside bets, and the different choices within each category.
Read on to find out more.
What Are the Most Common Roulette Numbers?
Roulette wheels are designed so that each number has the same chance of being selected on every spin. The layout includes numbers from 1 to 36, with a single zero on a European wheel and an additional double zero on an American wheel.
Some players mention certain numbers as being “common” or appearing more frequently. However, with a fair and properly maintained roulette wheel, no single number should appear more often than others over time. Potential streaks and clusters that occur occasionally are simply part of normal variation.
If you choose to focus on particular numbers, it is worth remembering that every spin is independent and previous results do not influence what happens next.
With that in mind, what about the idea that some numbers hit more often than others?
Do Some Numbers Hit More Often Than Others?
All numbers on a standard roulette wheel are intended to have an equal chance on each spin. In regulated settings, this is supported by how physical wheels are balanced and how online games use Random Number Generators (RNGs).
It is common to notice the same result a few times in a row during a session. These runs do not indicate a pattern that can be relied upon, and they do not change the underlying probabilities. Over time, each number is expected to settle at the same rate.
For online play, licensed operators use independently tested RNGs to keep outcomes unpredictable and fair. In casinos, wheels are checked and maintained to meet the required standards.
If no number is favoured, why do certain ones become player favourites?
10 Best Numbers to Play on Roulette
There is no way to predict which numbers will come up on any given spin. Every number on the roulette wheel has an equal chance of landing, whether you’re playing on a physical table or an online version.
Online roulette games use RNGs to ensure each spin is entirely random, while physical wheels are regularly maintained and tested for fairness. This means no number holds an inherent advantage over another.
If you’re curious about how the wheel’s layout might influence your betting, you might want to understand how the numbers are arranged and how different types of bets work.
How Are Roulette Numbers Distributed on the Wheel?
The numbers on a roulette wheel follow a set sequence that is different from their numerical order on the table. This design spreads out odd and even results, and mixes high and low values, so that similar numbers are not clustered.
On a European wheel, there are 37 pockets, numbered 0 to 36. On an American wheel, there are 38 pockets, with 0 and 00 added. The two versions use different number sequences. The extra green pocket on the American wheel increases the house edge to around 5.26% compared with the European version, which has a house edge of approximately 2.70%.
Pocket colours alternate between red and black, with the zeroes in green. That consistent pattern underpins outside bets such as red or black and odd or even. For players who enjoy inside bets, knowing where neighbouring numbers sit on the wheel can help when choosing small groups or sections to cover.
Best Numbers to Play for Inside Bets
Inside bets cover specific numbers or tight clusters on the central part of the betting layout. These include straight-up bets on single numbers, splits on two numbers, streets on three, and other patterns that group nearby spots on the felt.
There are no inside numbers that carry a better chance than others. Many players pick numbers with personal meaning or use table coverage to include several selections at once. Some focus on neighbours on the wheel or a small section that contains a few favourites, accepting that the overall chance still comes from the total quantity of pockets covered, not the identity of the numbers.
No system has been shown to improve the underlying probabilities for inside bets, so selections are best made for interest and consistency rather than expectation.
If inside bets prioritise precision, outside bets take a different approach.
Best Numbers to Play for Outside Bets
Outside bets group many numbers together rather than targeting individual pockets. Options include red or black, odd or even, and ranges such as 1 to 18 or 19 to 36. Column and dozen bets are spread over 12 numbers each.
Because these bets do not rely on specific numbers, there is no single “best” number to pick. A wager on red, for example, includes all 18 red pockets. The trade-off is simple: broader coverage with lower potential payouts compared with inside bets that focus on fewer numbers.
Choosing among outside bets usually comes down to how a player prefers to structure their session. Some like the steady rhythm of even-money outcomes; others mix in dozens or columns for variety.
So, once you have a shortlist, is it worth sticking with the same numbers?
Should You Always Stick to the Same Numbers?
There is no requirement to use the same numbers every time. Each spin is independent, and past results do not affect future ones.
Some players enjoy returning to the same selections because they feel familiar. Others switch regularly or choose new combinations as they go. Neither approach changes the underlying chance of any outcome.
If using favourite numbers adds to the experience, that is fine, as long as choices stay within a set budget and expectations remain realistic.
Key Things to Remember When Choosing Roulette Numbers
Every number on the roulette wheel has an equal chance of appearing with each spin. Any patterns or streaks you might notice during a session don’t change these odds.
You might choose numbers for personal reasons, such as birthdays or meaningful dates, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, it’s important to remember that no approach has been shown to influence the outcome of the game.
If you do experience runs of repeated numbers or streaks, it’s best to see them as natural fluctuations rather than indicators of what will happen next.
Before you start playing, it’s wise to set a clear budget and stick to it. If gambling ever feels difficult to manage, responsible gambling tools are available, and support can be found through regulated services offered by UK-licensed operators.
Keeping these points in mind helps to maintain realistic expectations and ensures your experience remains responsible and within your means.
**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.