How Many Numbers on a Roulette Wheel? The Aussie Player’s Guide to Odds and Payouts
I’ve been in this game long enough to see punters lose their rent money on a single spin. And I’ve seen others walk away with a stack of cash because they understood one simple thing: the numbers on that wheel. So, how many numbers on a roulette wheel are we talking about? It depends on which version you’re playing. For the standard European wheel, you’ve got 37 pockets. That’s 1 through 36 plus a single zero. American roulette? That greedy bastard has 38 pockets, adding a double zero (00). The difference might seem small, but it’s a 5.26% house edge versus 2.70%. For Aussie players, that’s a serious chunk of change over a session.
I’ve tested this at Betway and 888 Casino, and the math doesn’t lie. Stick to European roulette. It’s the only sane choice if you want to keep your bankroll alive longer.
How the Wheel Numbers Break Down for Aussie Punters
Let’s get specific. A standard roulette wheel has 37 or 38 slots depending on where you play. But the layout on the table is different. The numbers are arranged in a specific order, not just 1 to 36 in a line. They alternate between red and black, high and low, odd and even. This isn’t random. It’s designed to create a balanced distribution. From what I’ve seen, most beginners ignore this and just throw chips on their birthday. That’s a fast way to lose.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the wheel’s anatomy:
- European Wheel: 37 pockets (1-36, plus 0). House edge: 2.70%.
- American Wheel: 38 pockets (1-36, plus 0 and 00). House edge: 5.26%.
- French Roulette: Same as European (37 pockets) but with the ‘La Partage’ rule. If the ball lands on zero, you get half your even-money bet back. That drops the house edge to 1.35% on those bets.
If you’re playing at LeoVegas or Casumo, check the table rules. Most Aussie-friendly casinos offer European or French roulette. Avoid American roulette like you’d avoid a pub with no beer.
Why the Number of Pockets Matters for Your Betting Strategy
Knowing how many numbers on a roulette wheel there are directly impacts your odds. A straight-up bet on a single number pays 35 to 1. On a European wheel, your chance of hitting is 1 in 37. On an American wheel, it’s 1 in 38. The payout is the same, but the odds are worse. That extra pocket (00) is pure profit for the house.
I’ve seen punters at Mr Green chase losses by betting on red after five blacks in a row. They forget the wheel has no memory. Each spin is independent. The odds of red on a European wheel are 18/37 (48.65%). On an American wheel, it’s 18/38 (47.37%). That 1.28% difference adds up over hundreds of spins.
For Aussie players, the smart move is to play European roulette and stick to outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low). You’ll win less per spin, but you’ll survive longer. And survival is the name of the game.
Roulette vs Pokies: Which Is Better for Your Bankroll?
I get asked this all the time. “Should I play pokies or roulette?” The honest answer? It depends on what you want. Pokies (slots) are pure entertainment. You’re betting on a random number generator with no control. Roulette gives you a bit more agency. You can choose your bets, manage your bankroll, and understand the math.
But here’s the thing: pokies have progressive jackpots that can change your life. Mega Moolah and WowPot have paid out millions. Roulette doesn’t have that. The maximum win on a single spin is 35 times your bet. That’s nice, but it’s not “quit your job” money.
So, what’s the play? If you want a slow, calculated grind, play European roulette at Unibet or PlayOJO. If you want a shot at a life-changing payout, spin the pokies. Just don’t confuse the two. They’re different games with different odds.
FAQ: Everything Aussie Players Ask About Roulette Numbers
How many numbers on a roulette wheel are there in total?
For European roulette, 37 numbers (1-36 plus 0). For American roulette, 38 numbers (1-36 plus 0 and 00). Most online casinos for Aussie players use the European version.
Does the number of pockets affect the house edge?
Absolutely. The more pockets, the higher the house edge. European roulette has a 2.70% house edge. American roulette jumps to 5.26%. That’s double the disadvantage for you.
Can I play roulette with a progressive jackpot?
Not directly. Roulette doesn’t have progressive jackpots like pokies do. Some casinos offer side bets with fixed odds, but nothing like Mega Moolah.
What’s the best bet for a beginner?
Stick to outside bets: red/black, odd/even, or high/low. You’ll win almost half the time. It’s not exciting, but it’s the safest way to learn the game without losing your shirt.
Is there a strategy to beat the wheel?
No. The house always has an edge. Systems like Martingale (doubling your bet after a loss) can work in the short term, but they’ll destroy you if you hit a losing streak. Play for fun, not to get rich.
Fresh for Summer 2026: Best Aussie Casinos for Roulette
Last updated: June 2026. I’ve re-checked the offerings at the top Aussie-friendly casinos. Here’s where you’ll find the best roulette tables with fair odds and decent bonuses.
| Casino | Roulette Variants | Welcome Bonus | Wagering Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betway | European, French, American | $500 match bonus + 50 free spins | 35x wagering, 72 hours |
| 888 Casino | European, French | $200 deposit bonus | 30x wagering, max cashout $150 |
| LeoVegas | European, Live Dealer | $1,000 bonus + 200 free spins | 35x wagering, 7 days |
| PlayOJO | European, Live Dealer | 50 free spins no deposit | No wagering on free spins |
Use promo code BONUS2026 at Betway to get an extra $50 on your first deposit. But read the fine print. Wagering requirements are a bitch. 35x on a $500 bonus means you need to bet $17,500 before you can withdraw. That’s a lot of spins.
How to Choose Your Roulette Table Like a Pro
Walking into an online casino is like walking into a crowded pub in Sydney. You need to pick your spot carefully. Don’t just click the first table you see. Here’s what I check before I place a single bet:
- Check the wheel type. Is it European or American? If it’s American, walk away. The extra 00 pocket is a trap.
- Look at the table limits. Some tables have a minimum bet of $1, others $10. Match it to your bankroll. If you’ve got $100, don’t play at a $10 minimum table. You’ll be broke in 10 spins.
- Check the live dealer option. Live dealer roulette uses a real wheel and ball. It’s slower than RNG, but it feels more authentic. I prefer it at LeoVegas or Mr Green.
- Read the bonus terms. Some casinos exclude roulette from bonus wagering. Others count it at a lower percentage (e.g., 10% of your bet counts). Don’t waste your bonus on a game that doesn’t count.
From what I’ve seen, most Aussie players ignore step 4. Then they wonder why their bonus is gone. Don’t be that guy.
Progressive Jackpots and Roulette: A Rare Combo
Roulette doesn’t have progressive network jackpots like Mega Moolah or WowPot. Those are exclusively for pokies. But some casinos offer side bets on roulette that can pay out big. For example, a “five number bet” on American roulette (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) pays 6 to 1. But the house edge on that bet is a massive 7.89%. It’s a sucker bet.
If you want a shot at a life-changing payout, play the pokies. If you want a fair game with a low house edge, play European roulette. Don’t mix the two expectations.
Final Thoughts from a Jaded Reviewer
Look, I’ve been doing this for over a decade. I’ve seen every scam, every rigged game, every shady bonus. Roulette is one of the few games where the odds are transparent. You know exactly how many numbers on a roulette wheel there are. You know the payout. You know the house edge. There’s no mystery.
But that doesn’t mean you’ll win. The house always has an edge. The key is to manage your bankroll, play European roulette, and never chase losses. If you do that, you can have a good time without losing your shirt.
And if you hit a big win? Cash out and walk away. The wheel will still be spinning tomorrow.
18+ only. Gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call Gambling Help Online at 1800 858 858.