How Many Numbers Does the Roulette Wheel Have?

We all know the central element of every roulette game – the wheel. Whether it’s an online casino or a brick-and-mortar establishment, you’ve definitely seen it/ However, you may not have realized that depending on the roulette variant, it may have a slightly different layout.

Once you understand just how the wheel is designed, you’ll see how many betting possibilities there are. Also, you’ll learn which variant to choose for better odds.

American and European Wheels

Most importantly, the roulette wheels are divided into two types:

• American roulette has a double zero wheel. Overall, it features numbers from 1 to 36, 0, and 00 – a total of 38 pockets.
• European and French roulette has a single zero wheel. Meaning there are 37 numbers – from 1 to 36 and 0.

Fortunately, the differences are very easy to remember – the most significant one being the additional 00 section on the American roulette. It’s also worth pointing out that other numbers are arranged differently as well and that the language on the table layout remains the same, regardless of the country the game is played in.

Differences in Rules and Odds

The single-zero wheel having 37 numbers and the double-zero wheel having 38 affects their RTPs. While the payout ratios don’t change, the American roulette is considered a worse variant because of the higher house edge and, subsequently, lower RTP.

European (French included) roulette has a 97.3 % RTP, whereas American roulette – 94.74 %. This seemingly small difference in percentages shouldn’t be overlooked, as any professional player will tell you. Therefore, you know which version you should gravitate to for a better chance to win.

As for the rules, there are special bets called "top line" in American roulette. They cover the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. European and French roulette has a bet called "trio" (0-1-2 or 0-2-3) as well as one called "basket" (0-1-2-3). Lastly, French roulette has La Partage" that allows you to recover your stakes after a spin of zero.

The Idea Behind the Wheel Layout

The roulette wheel only seems random to those who don’t know why they are designed this way. Even though it’s not tied to their arithmetic value, it follows a certain structure.

To keep the wheel balanced and completely avoid bias, here is what the layout accomplishes:

• The numbers aren’t in succession. Meaning, there is no apparent sequence to the numbers, and players can’t spot patterns to cheat the system.
• The wheel is alternate red/black.This is a requirement for all roulette variants.
• The numbers are also alternated between low (1-18) and high (19-36).In the European wheel, there are several exceptions. Other than that, the layout does a very good job with this rule. The American wheel, on the other hand, features more numbers that don’t follow this rule.
• Even and odd numbers are uniformly distributed. There aren’t more than two odd or even numbers that are placed near each other.

Picking the Best Roulette Variant

Knowing the difference between single zero and double zero roulette wheels is the very basics of the game. This helps you play roulette more efficiently by choosing the best possible variant – either European or French roulette. While there are many uncertainties in roulette, this is something that you can actually control.

Once you feel ready to hit the table, sign up for an account at Loki Casino and have fun! Terrific games of live roulette online with live dealers and generous promotions that make the games even more enjoyable. Feel free to try out any strategies that are aimed at increasing your chances of leaving the casino with a win.

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