The Old-School Question: How Many Numbers on a Roulette Wheel?
I miss the old internet. You know, when forums were full of grainy JPEGs and people argued for pages about whether the 00 pocket was rigged or not. Back then, everyone knew the basics. But now? I see new players at Bet365 or 888 Casino scratching their heads. They jump from a live blackjack table to the sportsbook to place a bet on Man United, and they get confused. They see a roulette wheel spinning on the screen and wonder, “Wait, how many numbers on roulette wheel is that exactly?”
It sounds simple. But the answer has changed since the early 2010s. It’s not just one number anymore. Let me break it down for you. No fluff. Just the facts from someone who watched the transition from Flash-based casinos to the modern hybrid sportsbook/casino apps we have today.
European vs. American: The Two Standard Wheel Configurations
There are two main types of wheels you will find at any UKGC licensed site like LeoVegas or Casumo. The European wheel and the American wheel. The difference? It is not just about geography.
- European Roulette: This has 37 pockets. The numbers are 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0). So the total count of numbers on the roulette wheel here is 37.
- American Roulette: This has 38 pockets. You get 1 through 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). That brings the total to 38 numbers.
Most UK players stick to European roulette. Why? Because the house edge is lower. 2.7% versus 5.26%. That double zero on the American wheel is a killer. It is a relic from the old days. I remember when I first started playing, everyone warned me to stay away from the American wheel unless you had a death wish for your bankroll.
Why the Transition Between Casino and Sportsbook Matters Here
Here is the thing. You are probably reading this because you are logged into a site like Betway or Unibet. You finished a session on the slots, and you want to check the odds for the Premier League. But the roulette table is right there. You click it. You see the wheel. And the first question is always the same: “How many numbers on this roulette wheel?”
The modern sportsbook-casino hybrid makes this confusing. On the same platform, you might find multiple roulette variants. One table has 37 numbers. Another might have a “French Roulette” version (which is basically the same as European but with different rules like *La Partage*). Then there is the “Mini Roulette” variant which only has 13 numbers (0-12). Do not get me started on that one. It is a trap.
When you switch from betting on a football match (which has fixed odds based on 3 outcomes) to roulette (which has 37 or 38 outcomes), you need to reset your brain. The maths is different. The strategy is different.
A Common Gambling Myth: The “Hot Number” Fallacy
I hear this all the time in the casino lobbies. Someone will say, “Number 17 has hit three times in a row! It is hot! Bet on it!”
This is a classic gambler’s fallacy. It is wrong. The roulette wheel has no memory. The total count of numbers on the roulette wheel does not change based on past results. Whether it is 37 or 38 pockets, the ball has an equal chance of landing in any specific pocket on every single spin. The wheel does not care what happened five minutes ago. It is a purely random event. Do not fall for the “hot number” trap. It is a fast way to lose your money.
Why the Number of Pockets Affects Your Strategy
Let me give you a real example. You are playing European roulette (37 numbers). You decide to bet on a single number. Your odds of winning are 1 in 37. The payout is 35 to 1.
Now, if you accidentally join an American table (38 numbers) and bet the same way, your odds drop to 1 in 38. The payout is still 35 to 1. That extra pocket (the 00) is pure profit for the house. It is a subtle difference, but it adds up over hundreds of spins.
This is why I always check the game rules before I spin. I look for the “0” or “00” indicator. It takes two seconds. If the wheel has a double zero, I leave. I go back to the European version. Simple as that.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About the Wheel Numbers
Here are the questions I get asked most often. I have compiled them based on my own experience and the chatter I see on the forums.
Does the number of numbers on a roulette wheel ever change?
No. Not for the standard game. The wheel has been 37 or 38 pockets for decades. The only exception is novelty variants like “Mini Roulette” which have 13 numbers. But those are not common at major UK sites.
Is the zero considered a number on the roulette wheel?
Yes. When someone asks “how many numbers on roulette wheel”, they usually mean the total pockets. The zero is a pocket. It is green. It is not part of the red/black bet, but it is still a number (0).
Which is better for a beginner? 37 or 38 numbers?
Stick with 37 numbers (European). The house edge is lower. You will lose money slower. I learned this the hard way. I lost a full deposit on an American wheel in 2012. Never again.
Does the sportsbook section affect the roulette table?
Not directly. But the transition is annoying. Some sites require you to switch between “Casino Mode” and “Sports Mode”. If you are betting on a football match and then want to spin the wheel, make sure you are in the correct lobby. The number of pockets does not change based on your sports bets.
My Personal Take on the Modern Wheel
I miss the old days when every casino site had one clear roulette table. Now, you have to click through menus. You have to check the RTP. You have to verify the total count of numbers on the roulette wheel before you bet.
But I will give a reluctant compliment to the modern sportsbook-casino hybrid. It is convenient. I can watch a Champions League match on one tab, place a bet on the next goal scorer, and then spin the roulette wheel on another tab. It is all in one place. But you have to pay attention.
If you are at a site like Mr Green or PlayOJO, they usually highlight the wheel type in the game title. Look for “European Roulette Pro” or “French Roulette”. If it just says “Roulette”, assume it is European (37 numbers) unless you see a double zero symbol.
Last Updated: June 2026 – Fresh for Summer
This information is current as of Summer 2026. The regulations have not changed much. UKGC still requires fair RNG. But some sites are introducing new “Lightning Roulette” variants which have the same 37 numbers but with random multipliers. The core wheel stays the same.
I checked 888 Casino and Bet365 yesterday. Both are still using the standard 37-number European wheel for their main tables. The American version is still available, but it is buried in the game list. That is a good sign. The market knows players prefer the lower edge.
One thing I noticed: the transition from the sportsbook to the casino is getting smoother. On Betway, you can now place a roulette bet directly from the same sidebar where you check your football accumulators. It is a small change, but it saves clicks.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple
Here is the bottom line. If you want to play roulette at a UKGC licensed site, always pick the table with 37 numbers. Not 38. The total count of numbers on the roulette wheel determines your odds. Do not let the flashy graphics or the “VIP” table names fool you.
I have seen players lose hundreds because they did not check the wheel type. They assumed it was the same as the last table they played. It is not.
So next time you log into your account, whether you are coming from the sportsbook or the slots, take two seconds. Look at the wheel. Count the zeros. If you see a single zero, you are good. If you see two, walk away.
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