European Roulette Wheel: Layout and Odds

August 10, 2026
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european roulette wheel layout and odds

By far the most popular roulette wheel to play is the European roulette wheel. This is due to its simple layout and the fact that there is only one zero on the wheel. The differences between American roulette and European roulette are the odds. Playing on a European roulette wheel means you get better odds than playing the American version. It is critical to understand the wheel layout as well as the odds that come with it. If you are a new player to European roulette, learning these key points will give you a higher chance to win. 

A European Roulette Wheel

There are always 37 numbers on a European roulette wheel, 1 to 36 with a zero pocket added. The numbers 1-36 are mixed red and black, with the zero pocket always green. The wheel will spin in one direction while the ball heads the other way until it lands in a numbered pocket. The fact that European roulette only features one zero pocket is what makes it more popular than the American version, which has a double zero pocket too. 

Online European Roulette 

There are two versions that online casinos offer players: either live dealer roulette, where a real wheel is spun in real time, or digital roulette, which uses software. Modern software games always use RNG in roulette with the best odds; this makes sure that each spin is random and fair. All casinos that hold a license test their Random Number Generator on a regular basis to ensure the game is fair. 

Many players like to play European online roulette as it offers:

  • Low minimum bets
  • It is mobile-friendly
  • Different betting limits
  • Quick gameplay
  • Live dealer tables

These are some of the advantages that come with playing online European roulette. 

European vs American Roulette  

When you first take a look at the European and American wheels, they look very similar, but that one extra zero pocket found on the American wheel changes everything.

FeatureEuropean RouletteAmerican Roulette
Total pockets3738
Zeros12
House edge2.70%5.26%
Better odds for playerYesNo

Whenever possible, try to play European roulette instead of the American version because of the better odds. It is a good idea to use a roulette payout calculator as it will assist you in making better choices, which can mean bigger wins. 

European Wheel Layout

The betting table matches the numbered pockets found on the wheel, while offering several outside betting options. It looks like this:

  • Straight up bets on individual numbers
  • Splits between two numbers
  • Street bets, three numbers 
  • Corner bets on four numbers
  • Six line or double streets, six numbers
  • Column bets
  • Dozen bets
  • Red or black
  • Odds or evens
  • High or low

The wheel may seem random, but it is carefully arranged to equally spread high and low, odd and even, red and black numbers around the wheel. 

The European Roulette Wheel Number Order

The numbers on the wheel do not appear in order in any way. The clockwise sequence looks like this: 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25, 17, 34, 6, 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33, 1, 20, 14, 31, 9, 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26. 

This means all numbers are randomly next to each other, which creates a more balanced wheel. When you have a good understanding of the wheel layout as well as betting options, you will become a more efficient roulette gambler. Compare roulette odds so that you can figure out the bets that will bring you the most profit. 

Why The Single Zero Matters

It is quite easy for a newbie to underestimate the power of a single-zero wheel. The zero pocket is the reason the casino holds the edge over players. Because European roulette only uses one zero rather than two, each bet has a slightly better chance of winning compared to American roulette. 

If you were to play roulette over a long time with thousands of spins of the wheel, it can make a big difference. For any gamblers looking to get the most out of roulette, European roulette is certainly the go-to choice. 

European Roulette Wheel Strategy 

Unfortunately, there is no strategy that can overcome the house edge, but learning about the wheel gives you a better chance of winning. These are some useful tips that can make a difference: 

  • Always stick to European roulette
  • Know what your bankroll is before betting
  • Understand the payout odds 
  • Blend inside and outside bets
  • All spins are random, so the past does not dictate the future

There are various betting strategies such as Martingale, Fibonacci, and D’Alembert, but they do not affect the overall probability that the house has. 

European Roulette Betting Odds

As there are so many different bets in roulette, there are different probabilities and payouts: 

roulette

A roulette payout calculator is a useful tool to help you check potential winnings before placing a bet. 

Final Thoughts

If you are searching for excitement, entertainment, and adrenaline, European roulette is a good choice. As it offers gamblers a single zero, it gives better odds compared with the American version. If you are a beginner to the game of roulette or an experienced player, it is certainly the better option. Our advice would be to learn about the wheel and the betting options so you are fully prepared. 

To be even further prepared, it is a good idea to use reliable and trusted operators, so checking our 2026 list of best NZ online casinos is a reliable way to compare licensed sites, bonuses and payment methods before betting.    

Written by
Sophia Novakivska
10 years experience Pokies & Live Games Specialist

Sophia Novakivska has already been spending 12 years on everything related to gambling writing. Slot and casino reviews, comparisons, top options for different audiences, news, how-tos and gambling history - she knows the area and proved it with her publications on Better Collective, AskGamblers and Gambling.com. For four years, Sophia is into NZ iGaming niche where she analyzes the online casino bonuses, live games, new slot releases, and sport news. Sophia’s credentials: GLI University’s iGaming testing & compliance course (2020) and UKGC-approved Responsible Gambling certification (2022).

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