Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games, known for its spinning wheel, bouncing ball, and the thrill of chance. But beyond the excitement lies a world of numbers, probabilities, and strategies. As someone who has spent countless hours at both physical and online roulette tables, I’ve come to appreciate the game’s mathematical beauty.
In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about roulette numbers—from their layout on the wheel to betting strategies—so you can approach the game with confidence.
The Basics: How Roulette Numbers Are Arranged
Roulette wheels come in two main variations:
European Roulette – Features numbers 1 to 36 plus a single 0 (37 numbers total).
American Roulette – Includes numbers 1 to 36, plus 0 and 00 (38 numbers total).
The extra 00 in American roulette increases the house edge, making European roulette the preferred choice for many players.
The Number Layout on the Wheel
Contrary to what you might expect, roulette numbers aren’t arranged sequentially. Instead, they follow a carefully balanced pattern designed to create randomness while maintaining wheel balance.
Here’s how the numbers are distributed on a European roulette wheel:
Number Color Odd/Even High/Low Dozen Column
0 Green – – – –
1 Red Odd Low (1-18) 1st Dozen 1st Column
2 Black Even Low 1st Dozen 2nd Column
3 Red Odd Low 1st Dozen 3rd Column
… … … … … …
36 Red Even High (19-36) 3rd Dozen 3rd Column
(A full table can be found in roulette strategy guides.)
Interesting Fact:
“The sum of all numbers on a European roulette wheel (1-36) is 666, which is why some call it the ‘Devil’s Game.’”
Betting on Roulette Numbers: Inside vs. Outside Bets
When placing bets, you’ll typically choose between Inside Bets (on specific numbers) and Outside Bets (on broader categories like colors or odds/evens).
Inside Bets (Higher Risk, Higher Reward)
Straight-Up – Betting on a single number (pays 35:1).
Split – Betting on two adjacent numbers (pays 17:1).
Street – Betting on three numbers in a row (pays 11:1).
Corner – Betting on four numbers forming a square (pays 8:1).
Six Line – Betting on two adjacent streets (pays 5:1).
Outside Bets (Lower Risk, Lower Reward)
Red/Black – Betting on color (pays 1:1).
Odd/Even – Betting on number parity (pays 1:1).
High/Low – Betting on 1-18 or 19-36 (pays 1:1).
Dozen Bet – Betting on 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36 (pays 2:1).
Column Bet – Betting on one of the three vertical columns (pays 2:1).
Popular Roulette Number Strategies
Over the years, players have developed strategies to try and “beat” roulette. Here are a few famous ones:
1. The Martingale System (Doubling Down on Losses)
How it works: Double your bet after each loss to recover previous losses.
Best for: Outside bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even).
Risk: High—can lead to big losses in a long losing streak.
2. The Fibonacci System (Following a Mathematical Sequence)
How it works: Follow the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…) and move one step forward after a loss, two steps back after a win.
Best for: Outside bets.
Risk: Moderate—slower progression than Martingale.
3. The James Bond Strategy (Covering Most Numbers)
How it works: Bet £140 in total:
£50 on High (19-36)
£10 on 0
£10 on 13-14-15-16-17-18 (Six Line)
Best for: Medium-risk players.
Risk: Moderate—covers a wide range but not all numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is There a Way to Predict Roulette Numbers?
No—roulette is a game of chance. While physics-based “wheel bias” theories exist, modern wheels are balanced to prevent predictability.
2. What’s the Best Number to Bet On?
Statistically, no single number is “luckier.” However, some gamblers swear by 17 (a central number) or 7 (considered lucky in many cultures).
3. Which Roulette Version Is Better: American or European?
European (single zero) has a 2.7% house edge, while American (double zero) has 5.26%. Always choose European if possible.
4. Can Counting Numbers Help?
Unlike blackjack, counting numbers doesn’t give an advantage since each spin is independent.
5. What’s the Most Money Won on a Single Number?
In 2004, Ashley Revell famously sold everything he owned and bet $135,300 on Red—and won, doubling his money.
Final Thoughts: My Personal Take on Roulette Numbers
After years of playing, I’ve realized that roulette is less about “beating the system” and more about enjoying the unpredictability. Whether you’re betting on your lucky number, chasing patterns, or just enjoying the thrill, remember:
“Roulette is a game where the house always has an edge—but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while playing!”
If you approach it with discipline, set limits, and play responsibly, roulette remains one of the most exciting casino experiences.
What’s your favorite roulette number or strategy? Let me know in the comments! 🎲