Roulette has long been part of casino floors and online game libraries in the UK. The spinning wheel, the layout of numbers, and the variety of bets can seem complex at first glance.
This blog explains how a roulette table works, the different bet types, and what those bets may pay. It also looks at which numbers are often talked about most, the myths many people believe, and the facts behind them.
If you are curious about the game and want straightforward answers without unnecessary jargon, you will find clear explanations here.
What Is a Roulette Table and How Does It Work?
A roulette table is made up of two main parts: the wheel and the felt layout. In the UK, the most common version is European roulette, which has 37 numbered spaces: numbers 1 to 36 plus a single zero.
The felt layout is where you place your chips. You can bet on a single number, a group of numbers, or broader outcomes, such as red or black. Each option pays differently.
A game begins when the croupier spins the wheel and drops the ball. When the wheel slows, the ball lands in one of the numbered pockets. That result decides which bets win. Each spin is a fresh event. What happened before does not influence what comes next.
Understanding the Different Roulette Bets
Roulette bets are usually split into inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets cover fewer numbers and can pay more if they win. Outside bets cover more numbers and can pay less, but might settle more often.
Here are some common options on a European wheel:
- Straight Up: A single number, for example 17. Pays 35 to 1.
- Split: Two numbers side by side, such as 8 and 11. Pays 17 to 1.
- Street: A row of three numbers, like 10, 11 and 12. Pays 11 to 1.
- Corner: Four numbers that meet at one corner, such as 1, 2, 4 and 5. Pays 8 to 1.
- Line (Six-Line): Two adjoining rows, six numbers total. Pays 5 to 1.
- Column: One of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers. Pays 2 to 1.
- Dozen: 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36. Pays 2 to 1.
- Even-Money Bets: Red or black, odd or even, low (1–18) or high (19–36). Each pays 1 to 1.
For example, if you place £1 on red and the ball lands on a red number, you get £2 back (£1 stake plus £1 profit).
If you bet £1 on number 17 and it wins, you get £36 back (£1 stake plus £35 profit).
It’s important to remember that roulette is a random game of chance and any winnings can never be guaranteed.
Which Numbers Come Up Most Often in Roulette?
On a European wheel, each of the 37 numbers has the same probability of being chosen: 1 in 37, or about 2.7%. That means number 7 has exactly the same chance as number 32 or number 0.
Sometimes, certain numbers may appear more frequently. That is normal in random sequences. If you see the same number appear twice in a row, it is not a sign of a pattern, just chance. Over thousands of spins, each number should even out close to the same frequency.
Are There Really Best Numbers to Play on a Roulette Table?
There is no number that gives you a greater chance of winning. Choosing 7, 17, or your birthday does not change the probability, as every number has the same fixed chance on each spin.
What people often mean when they talk about “best” is preference. For some, a favourite number might feel meaningful. Others may prefer to stick with outside bets, such as red or black, as those have the potential to settle more frequently. Someone else may enjoy betting on one number, knowing the possible payout is higher if it lands.
The “best” option is therefore personal, depending on your own personal preferences.
Common Roulette Myths Explained
When you play roulette or talk about the game, you might come across certain beliefs that may be widely repeated, but not based on how the game truly works.
Understanding these myths can help set realistic expectations, especially in settings where games are monitored for fairness.
Does a Roulette Wheel Have a Memory?
A wheel does not keep track of past outcomes. The idea that a number is “due” because it has not appeared for a while is known as the gambler’s fallacy. In reality, every spin is independent. If black has come up five times in a row, the chance of red on the next spin is still 18 out of 37.
Can Betting Systems Guarantee Wins?
Systems such as the Martingale (doubling after a loss) or Fibonacci (using a sequence) may change the pattern of your bets. However, they do not alter the underlying maths. The house edge on European roulette remains about 2.7%, no matter how you stake your bets. Over time, no system can guarantee a profit.
Is There a Hot or Cold Number in Roulette?
It is common to hear players describe numbers as “hot” if they have appeared recently, or “cold” if they have not. Short streaks or dry spells happen naturally in random games. They do not mean that a number is more or less likely on the next spin.
European vs American Roulette Tables
In the UK, you will usually find European roulette, with 37 spaces. Some venues and online platforms may also offer American roulette, which has 38 spaces. The difference is the extra double zero (00).
That additional pocket makes a difference to the odds. On American wheels, the probability of winning a single number bet is 1 in 38 (about 2.63%) compared with 1 in 37 (2.7%) on a European wheel. While the payouts look the same, the extra zero increases the house edge from 2.7% to about 5.26%.
Checking the paytable and rules of the version you are playing can help you know which format you are on and how bets are settled.
Roulette is a random game of chance. There are no strategies or numbers that can change the odds. If you choose to play, keep it for entertainment only. Decide on a limit that feels comfortable, do not spend more than you can afford, and take breaks when you need them. If the game stops being enjoyable, step away.
*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.
**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.