Odds of Same Colour Streaks in Roulette
Roulette has a special place in many casinos because of its simple rules and the appealing mix of red, black, and green pockets. Watching the same colour appear spin after spin often catches attention and sparks curiosity about how likely these streaks really are.
Let’s break down the odds behind same colour streaks and uncover why these events occur. Read on to learn more.
How Often Can the Same Colour Hit in a Row?
The European version of roulette features 37 pockets: 18 red, 18 black, and one green 0. Because of that green 0, the probability of red or black landing on a single spin is about 48.6%.
When looking at longer streaks, such as the same colour appearing over multiple spins, the chance decreases with each additional spin. For instance, the chance of a colour repeating twice in a row is about 0.486 × 0.486, which equals roughly 23.6%. As the number of repeated spins increases, the percentage becomes smaller.
Roulette also comes in other variations, such as American roulette, which uses 38 pockets due to the addition of a second green pocket (00). This changes the outcome probability slightly. If you’re playing online, it could be worth checking which version of the game you’re using.
Each spin is random and not influenced by previous spins.
Breaking Down the Odds of Red or Black Repeating
As noted, a European roulette wheel contains 18 red pockets, 18 black, and one green zero. The chances of seeing one colour multiple times in a row drop with each spin. Here are some estimates:
Red or Black 2 Times in a Row
With a 48.6% chance per spin, two of the same colour in a row occurs in around 23.6% of two-spin sequences.
Red or Black 3 Times in a Row
The probability here drops to around 11.5%.
Red or Black 4 Times in a Row
This figure is approximately 5.6%.
Red or Black 5 Times in a Row
For five identical outcomes, the probability is close to 2.7%.
Red or Black 6 Times in a Row
This happens around 1.3% of the time.
Red or Black 7 Times in a Row
Seven repeated colours is estimated at around 0.6%.
Red or Black 8 Times in a Row
This occurs in roughly 0.3% of eight-spin sequences.
Red or Black 9 Times in a Row
The chance of this result is about 0.15%.
These probabilities assume a European wheel. If playing with an American wheel, the outcomes become less frequent due to the additional green pocket.
Longest Same Colour Streak In Roulette History
One well-known example took place at Casino de Monte Carlo in 1913, when black came up 26 times in a row. This occurred during live play and has often been referenced in discussions about roulette probability. It highlights that while such events are statistically unlikely, they can still happen in independent trials.
There are also records of sequences reaching 14 or more consecutive outcomes of the same colour. Regardless of the length of the streak, each spin is still a separate and random event.
When playing at a UK-licensed online casino, game outcomes are determined by certified Random Number Generators (RNGs). These are tested regularly by independent labs to ensure fairness and compliance.
Is Red or Black Always a 50/50 Bet?
Although red and black appear to offer even chances, the presence of a green zero changes the probability. On a European roulette wheel, this means there are 18 pockets for each colour out of 37 in total. This puts your chance at around 48.6% rather than 50%.
On an American wheel, which includes two green pockets, the probability for red or black is about 47.4%. Understanding which version you’re playing on could potentially help you better interpret the likelihood of outcomes.
Should You Bet Against the Streak?
It might seem that after a string of the same result, the opposite is more likely to occur. This idea is known as the “Gambler’s Fallacy.” However, each spin of the roulette wheel is random. Past results do not influence future ones.
While it is possible to see sequences of the same colour, the chance of red or black appearing on the next spin remains the same each time. UK-licensed online casinos use certified software to ensure that every spin is independent.
If you play on different versions of the wheel, such as European or American, the odds for each colour may differ slightly. However, the outcomes remain random and unaffected by earlier spins.
Play Roulette Online at Rose Casino
If you’d like to try different roulette games online, Rose Casino offers several choices for players of all kinds. Holding a UKGC licence, the casino’s focus is on player safety, fair play, and secure gaming.
You’ll find a range of versions including European and American, each clearly explained with easy-to-read rules. Live dealer tables and digital games are ready to explore at any time, so you can pick the type that suits you best.
Getting started is straightforward, and if you ever need help, friendly support is on hand. As mentioned, responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion, are available to help you manage your play.
**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.