{"title":"Roulette Wheel Numbers and Variants at Smooth Spins","description":"Numbers on a roulette wheel impact odds and RTP. Smooth Spins features games with 37 or 38 pockets, including European, French, and American variants.","custom_path":"/en-gb/pages/roulette-wheel-numbers","heading":"","heading_tag":"h1","nofollow":false,"noindex":false,"has_custom_schema":true,"schema_json":[{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the difference between European and American roulette?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"European roulette has one zero and a lower house edge, while American roulette includes a double zero which reduces the odds of winning."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Does French roulette offer better odds?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, French roulette offers the best odds on even-money bets when La Partage or En Prison rules are active."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Are odds different on mobile roulette?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No, odds and outcomes remain the same on mobile and desktop platforms for any certified roulette game."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the house edge on American roulette?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The house edge on American roulette is 5.26% due to the extra double zero pocket."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which roulette type is most common in UK online casinos?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"European roulette is the most widely used variant in UK online casinos for both live and RNG formats."}}]}],"has_toc":false,"alternate_languages":[],"copy_sections":[{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eA Brief History of the Roulette Wheel\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe origins of roulette trace back to France during the late 1700s, when a fixed wheel was introduced to bring structured probability into gambling. Early versions included both a single zero and a double zero, but the single zero layout became the preferred choice across much of Europe. This design led to what are now known as European and French roulette, both featuring 37 pockets. American roulette kept the additional zero, resulting in a 38-pocket structure that continues to affect game odds today. These formats remain widely used across digital platforms, particularly in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.smoothspins.co.uk/en-gb/live-casino\"\u003elive casino\u003c/a\u003e at Smooth Spins, where streamed tables follow the original layouts found in land-based settings. Their lasting presence reflects both long-term player habits and the importance of consistent regulatory standards.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eInside the Structure of a Roulette Wheel\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe core design of a roulette wheel features a circular track with numbered slots. These numbers are not arranged in numerical order but distributed in a way that balances low and high numbers, even and odd, as well as red and black colours. The table layout, where players place bets, mirrors these positions through columns and rows, enabling a broad selection of betting types. In \u003ca href=\"https://www.smoothspins.co.uk/en-gb/slots\"\u003eslot games\u003c/a\u003e, players usually interact with spinning reels and fixed paylines, whereas in roulette, each number has a physical or visual location tied directly to the betting structure.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\" style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eNumber Order and Colour Distribution\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eThe numbers on a roulette wheel follow a non-sequential order designed to reduce bias and create unpredictability. Red and black alternate around the wheel, except green pockets are used for zeroes. This distribution also maintains a balance between high and low numbers, as well as between even and odd numbers, offering a mathematically consistent structure across spins.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\" style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eTable Layout vs Wheel Structure\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eThe table layout presents bets in rows and sections, such as dozens, columns, and outside bets like red/black or even/odd. Each of these corresponds to specific positions on the wheel. Straight-up bets target individual numbers, while combination bets cover adjacent or grouped pockets. The relationship between table layout and wheel structure is central to understanding how each bet type maps to the spin result.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eHow Roulette Formats Affect Odds and RTP\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eEvery \u003ca href=\"https://www.smoothspins.co.uk/en-gb/online-roulette\"\u003eonline roulette\u003c/a\u003e variant is defined by its number of pockets and the rules that govern specific bet types. These structural elements determine the house edge, affect return percentages, and guide long-term strategy for players. While most wheels follow one of three common formats, some less typical versions introduce additional pockets or bonus mechanics that alter the game flow and statistical balance.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\" style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eEuropean Roulette\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eThe European wheel contains 37 pockets, numbered 1 to 36 plus a single green 0. It is the most widely used format in UK online casinos, especially for both RNG games and live casino tables. The house edge is fixed at 2.70%, producing an RTP of 97.30%. With no rule modifications, this version is often recommended for players who prefer a clear layout and standardised risk structure across all bet types.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\" style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eFrench Roulette\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eFrench roulette also uses 37 pockets with an identical layout to the European wheel. The difference lies in optional rules such as La Partage and En Prison, which apply to even-money bets. These rules return half the stake or hold it for the next round if the ball lands on zero. When active, they reduce the house edge on even bets to 1.35% and increase the RTP to 98.65%. This version is more commonly found in live casino environments or higher-limit tables where players seek improved long-term value.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\" style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eAmerican Roulette\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eThe American wheel includes 38 pockets, made up of numbers 1 to 36 plus both a single 0 and a double 0. This additional green pocket lowers the probability of every bet outcome and raises the house edge to 5.26%. RTP drops to 94.74%, which is the lowest among standard roulette formats. The five-number bet that includes 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 carries a 7.89% house edge, the highest of any bet in this version. Due to these limitations, American roulette is rarely featured in UK casinos and is usually avoided by players looking for consistent returns.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"bvs-h3\" style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eLess Common Variants\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eSome roulette wheels introduce formats that are not widely used but appear in promotional or novelty games. \u003cstrong\u003eTriple Zero Roulette\u003c/strong\u003e increases the total number of pockets to 39 by adding a third green slot marked 000. The extra pocket further reduces the probability of winning and increases the house edge beyond the American version. \u003cstrong\u003eMini Roulette\u003c/strong\u003e, often found in digital-only formats, simplifies the wheel to 13 pockets. Although payout structures are adjusted, the lower RTP makes it more suitable for casual players or short-term play styles.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eHow Wheel Structure Affects Odds\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe structure of the roulette wheel directly influences the odds for each type of bet. When a wheel includes fewer green pockets, such as a single zero, the chance of winning increases slightly for every bet, especially even-money wagers. European and French wheels give an 18 in 37 chance on outcomes like red or black, while American wheels reduce this to 18 in 38 due to the additional 00 pocket. Although payouts remain fixed, the reduced probability lowers the long-term return. Special rules such as La Partage apply only to even-money bets and return half the stake when the result is zero, improving the RTP without changing the payout itself. The wheel structure always affects expected returns.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003ePopular Roulette Games Featuring Different Wheel Formats\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eMany versions of roulette found in online casinos follow the same structure as physical wheels while introducing added features that do not affect the underlying layout. Key differences between games often come from the number of pockets and the specific rules applied to certain bet types. Understanding these details helps players select a format that suits their approach to risk and long-term return.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.smoothspins.co.uk/en-gb/casino/games/2007308-european-roulette\"\u003eEuropean Roulette\u003c/a\u003e includes 37 pockets with numbers from 1 to 36 and a single green 0. This layout is widely used in both digital and live casino games due to its balanced house edge of\u003cstrong\u003e 2.70%\u003c/strong\u003e. It supports all standard bet types without additional rules.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.smoothspins.co.uk/en-gb/casino/games/2007309-french-roulette\"\u003eFrench Roulette\u003c/a\u003e uses the same 37-pocket layout as the European version but adds optional rules such as La Partage and En Prison. These rules apply to even money bets and return part of the stake if the ball lands on 0. As a result, the house edge on qualifying bets is reduced to 1.35%.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.smoothspins.co.uk/en-gb/casino/games/2007288-american-roulette\"\u003eAmerican Roulette\u003c/a\u003e adds a second green pocket, called the double zero, increasing the total number of pockets to 38. The extra 00 decreases the probability of all winning bets and raises the house edge to 5.26%.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.smoothspins.co.uk/en-gb/casino/games/2014043-lightning-roulette\"\u003eLightning Roulette\u003c/a\u003e follows the European wheel structure but adds multipliers that randomly apply to selected straight-up numbers during each round. These multipliers can significantly boost payouts without changing the base odds for other bet types. The core layout remains unchanged, making it familiar to most players.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.smoothspins.co.uk/en-gb/casino/games/2000466-roulette-touch\"\u003eRoulette Touch\u003c/a\u003e is designed specifically for mobile platforms and uses a simplified European layout. Controls are optimised for smaller screens, and the interface is streamlined for quick access to bets, payouts, and game rules. It retains all core features while improving usability for touchscreen devices.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.smoothspins.co.uk/en-gb/casino/games/2014049-xxxtreme-lightning-roulette\"\u003eXXXtreme Lightning Roulette\u003c/a\u003e builds on the Lightning Roulette format by increasing the frequency and value of multipliers. It uses the same 37-pocket layout but introduces higher volatility and larger potential payouts on straight-up bets. This version is aimed at players who prefer more variable outcomes within a familiar wheel structure.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eGame Providers and Wheel Format Variations\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eOnline roulette games are created by licensed studios that use verified number layouts and certified random number generators or live-streamed equipment. These providers are responsible for maintaining accurate odds, clear return values, and consistent gameplay across platforms. Each developer may offer slight design differences, but the wheel structure remains tied to established formats such as European, French, or American. The choice of provider can influence visual design, user interface, and available rule variations.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvolution\u003c/strong\u003e offers multiple versions, including French and European formats, as well as games with added features like Lightning Roulette, which includes random multipliers.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlaytech\u003c/strong\u003e creates roulette titles based on the European layout and includes rules such as La Partage on selected tables.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthentic Gaming\u003c/strong\u003e broadcasts live roulette from real casino settings, using both American and European wheels depending on the table.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePragmatic Play Live\u003c/strong\u003e focuses on European wheel designs and builds fast-loading interfaces that work across desktop and mobile.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlay’n GO\u003c/strong\u003e delivers a random number generator-based roulette with a European layout and a simplified on-screen display.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eWhat to Know Before Choosing a Roulette Game\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eWhat to Know Before Choosing a Roulette Game\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003eSelecting a roulette game involves more than picking a visual style or game speed. Understanding how the wheel is structured and how certain rules apply allows players to make more informed decisions and manage expectations across different sessions.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheck the Wheel Type\u003c/strong\u003e: Always confirm whether the game uses a single zero, double zero, or any additional pockets, as this directly affects the house edge and RTP.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnderstand the Bet Options\u003c/strong\u003e: Inside bets involve fewer numbers with higher payouts but lower probability, while outside bets provide more frequent wins with smaller returns.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLook for Rule Variations\u003c/strong\u003e: Features like La Partage or En Prison reduce losses on even-money bets if the result is zero, helping improve long-term value without changing the payout.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli style=\"margin-left:0px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlat Betting and Bankroll Control:\u003c/strong\u003e Keeping the bet amount the same for each spin can reduce large fluctuations and help maintain balance across extended play.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"toc_title":"","title":"\u003ch2 class=\"bvs-h2\"\u003eMaking Informed Choices Based on Wheel Structure\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h2\u003e","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe layout of a roulette wheel influences more than just appearance. It affects the chance of winning, the expected return, and the overall experience of the game. Whether selecting the structured format of European roulette, the favourable rules found in French tables, or exploring alternative formats with extra features, understanding the number of pockets and how rules apply is essential. Players who take time to review the wheel format and betting options can make more confident decisions that match their approach to gameplay and balance control.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"}]}