How Many Numbers on a Roulette Wheel? The Real Answer for UK Players (Summer 2026 Update)
Look, if you are sitting there wondering “how many numbers on a roulette wheel” because you are trying to figure out your next bet, let me save you the Google search. The answer is not as simple as 37 or 38. It depends on the variant. And if you are playing online in the UK, you better know the difference because it changes your odds and your payout speed. I hate waiting for a slow game to resolve, so let me break this down fast.
The Two Main Answers: European vs American Wheels
The classic European roulette wheel has 37 numbers. That is numbers 1 through 36, plus a single zero (0). That is the standard for most UKGC licensed casinos like Betway or 888 Casino. You get a house edge of 2.7% here. Decent enough.
American roulette? That wheel has 38 numbers. Same 1-36, but they add a 0 AND a 00. This bumps the house edge to 5.26%. Avoid this unless you hate your money. From what I’ve seen, most UK players stick to European because the math is just better.
Then there is the French roulette wheel. It also has 37 numbers (1-36 + 0). But it has special rules like “La Partage” and “En Prison” that cut the house edge even further, down to around 1.35% on even-money bets. That is the one you want if you find it.
Update: June 2026 – Why This Matters for Your Withdrawals
I need to add this because I just checked a few sites. The number of numbers on a roulette wheel directly affects how fast you can clear a bonus. If you are playing at LeoVegas or Casumo, a European wheel (37 numbers) means lower volatility on inside bets. You will hit numbers more often (relatively speaking). This matters because if you are stuck with a 35x wagering requirement on a deposit bonus, you need games that resolve quickly without eating your balance. A 37-number wheel is your friend. American wheels (38 numbers) are just a slow bleed. Avoid them.
Why UK Players Care About the Zero
The zero is the key. The question “how many numbers on a roulette wheel” is really about where the zero sits. On a European wheel, there is one zero. On a French wheel, one zero but with better rules. On an American wheel, two zeros.
Here is a quick table for you because I hate reading walls of text:
| Variant | Total Numbers | Zeros | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 37 | 1 (0) | 2.70% |
| French Roulette | 37 | 1 (0) | 1.35% (with La Partage) |
| American Roulette | 38 | 2 (0, 00) | 5.26% |
If you play at Mr Green or PlayOJO, they almost always offer European. Bet365 does too. Stick with that.
How Many Numbers on a Roulette Wheel Affects Your Betting Strategy
People ask me this all the time. They think a 37-number wheel is the same as a 38-number wheel. It is not. The extra number (00) on an American wheel means you have a 5.26% chance of losing every single bet you place, assuming you bet on red/black or odd/even. On a European wheel (37 numbers), that chance drops to 2.7%. That is nearly half the house edge.
So if you are playing a straight-up bet on a single number, your odds of winning are 1 in 37 (2.70%) on European and 1 in 38 (2.63%) on American. The payout is 35 to 1 on both. That is why the house edge exists. The casino pays you as if there were 36 numbers, but there are actually 37 or 38.
This is basic stuff. But I see players at Unibet and PokerStars burning through their bankroll on American tables because they do not check the wheel. Check the wheel first. It takes 2 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roulette Wheel Numbers
How many numbers on a roulette wheel in the UK?
In UKGC-licensed casinos, you will almost always find the European wheel with 37 numbers (1-36 plus a single zero). French wheels are also 37 numbers. American wheels with 38 numbers are rare in the UK but exist in some live dealer rooms. Always check before you play.
Does the number of zeros change my payout?
Yes and no. The payout for a straight-up bet is 35:1 regardless of whether the wheel has 37 or 38 numbers. But your actual odds of winning are different. On a 37-number wheel, you have a 1 in 37 chance. On a 38-number wheel, you have a 1 in 38 chance. Same payout, worse odds. That is why American roulette is a sucker bet.
What is the best roulette variant for UK players?
French roulette with La Partage is the best. It uses a 37-number wheel but gives you half your stake back if the ball lands on zero on even-money bets. That cuts the house edge to 1.35%. Next best is European (37 numbers, 2.7% edge). Avoid American (38 numbers, 5.26% edge) entirely.
Why does the roulette wheel have 37 numbers?
The European roulette wheel has 37 numbers because it includes the numbers 1 through 36 and a single zero. This design dates back to the 19th century. The American version added a double zero later to increase the house edge. The 37-number layout is the standard for most of the world now.
Best UK Casinos for Roulette (Fast Deposits and Withdrawals)
You do not want to sit around waiting for a KYC check when you want to play. Neither do I. Here are the sites that actually process deposits and withdrawals quickly. These all use European or French wheels (37 numbers) by default.
- Bet365 – Offers European and French roulette. Deposits via debit card are instant. Withdrawals to PayPal usually land within 2 hours. They use a standard 37-number wheel for most tables. Minimum bet is £0.10. Max bet on inside numbers is £100. Wagering on bonuses is 35x within 7 days. Use code ROUGE2026 for a 100% deposit match up to £50 (18+, T&Cs apply).
- 888 Casino – They have a dedicated French roulette section. Deposit with Apple Pay and it is instant. Withdrawal to bank account takes 1-3 days but e-wallets are faster. The wheel has 37 numbers. Max cashout on the welcome bonus is £150. Wagering is 30x on slots and roulette contributes 20%.
- LeoVegas – Mobile-first. Their live dealer roulette uses a 37-number European wheel. Deposits via Trustly are instant. Withdrawals are processed in under 24 hours usually. They have a promo called “Roulette Rush” where you get 50 free spins on a slot if you place 10 roulette bets of £5 or more. Valid until August 2026.
- Casumo – Known for fast KYC. They verify your ID before you deposit, so withdrawals are instant once you request them. They use European roulette (37 numbers) exclusively. Wagering requirements on their welcome offer are 35x, but roulette contributes 100% to wagering (rare). Max bet while wagering is £5.
How to Check the Wheel Before You Bet
I am not going to tell you to “do your research” like some boring guide. Just open the game info or the rules tab. It takes 10 seconds. Look for “European Roulette” or “French Roulette”. If you see “American”, leave. The game will tell you exactly how many numbers on a roulette wheel are used. It will say 37 or 38.
Also, check the RTP percentage. A 37-number wheel (European) has an RTP of 97.30%. A 38-number wheel (American) has an RTP of 94.74%. That is a 2.56% difference. Over 100 spins at £10 per spin, that is £25.60 more you lose on American. Do not be stupid.
Final Thoughts: Stick to 37 Numbers
So the answer to “how many numbers on a roulette wheel” is almost always 37 if you are playing smart. That is European or French. Avoid the 38-number American wheel. It is a trap for tourists. UK players have access to better games at Bet365, 888, LeoVegas, and Casumo. Use them. Deposit fast, withdraw fast, and keep the house edge low.
One last thing: always gamble responsibly. Set a loss limit. Do not chase losses. Roulette is a game of chance. The number of numbers on a roulette wheel does not change the fact that the casino has an edge. But you can pick the smaller edge. That is the only advantage you have. Use it.