What Are the Best and Most Common Numbers in American and European Roulette?

Eddie Griffin

Written by: Eddie Griffin

Last Updated: Mon Jan 20, 2025, 22:23 PM

Read Time: 11 minutes

Roulette remains one of the most popular casino games worldwide, with its elegant simplicity and potential for strategic betting attracting players of all experience levels. But what are the most successful and most popular numbers that players use in roulette?

While roulette is fundamentally a game of chance, understanding number frequency patterns and optimal betting strategies can enhance your playing experience and help you make more informed decisions at both American and European tables.

On this page, we break down the best and most common roulette numbers, how different betting styles can affect number selection, numbers that players may avoid, and more.

This guide is for informational purposes only and isn’t meant to influence your betting decisions. However, it can’t hurt to be armed with this knowledge when you step up to the roulette table at a physical casino or play a game at Wild Casino, DuckyLuck Casino, or other top online casinos.

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Understanding the Differences: American vs. European Roulette

Before diving into specific numbers and strategies, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental differences between American and European roulette wheels.

European roulette features 37 numbers (0-36), while American roulette includes an additional double zero (00), bringing the total to 38 numbers. This additional pocket significantly impacts the house edge, with European roulette offering a more favorable 2.7% house edge compared to American roulette’s 5.26%.

The physical layout of these wheels also differs notably. In European roulette, the numbers are arranged in a single sequence around the wheel, with the zero marked in green and the remaining numbers alternating between red and black.

The sequence of numbers on a European wheel follows a specific pattern designed to maintain balance: 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.

American roulette wheels feature a different sequence: 0-28-9-26-30-11-7-20-32-17-5-22-34-15-3-24-36-13-1-00-27-10-25-29-12-8-19-31-18-6-21-33-16-4-23-35-14-2.

This arrangement, combined with the additional double-zero pocket, creates different betting patterns and strategies. The double-zero pocket also sits directly opposite the single zero, affecting the distribution of high and low numbers around the wheel.

These structural differences impact several key aspects of gameplay at traditional casinos and real money online casinos. In European roulette, players benefit from two advantageous rules often not found in American roulette.

The “en prison” rule allows players to recover their even-money bets if the ball lands on zero – the bet remains “imprisoned” for the next spin, and if it wins, the player receives their original stake back. The “la partage” rule, a variation of “en prison,” allows players to immediately recover half their even-money stakes when zero appears.

Most Common Numbers in European Roulette

In European roulette, certain numbers have shown higher frequency rates in both physical and online casinos like Lucky Red Casino and Super Slots Casino. The numbers 17, 23, 24, and 27 consistently rank among the most frequently hitting numbers.

The prevalence of these numbers can be attributed to their position on the wheel and the physical properties of traditional roulette wheels. The number 17 holds particular significance as it sits in the center of the table layout and appears in multiple popular betting patterns.

The middle column numbers (2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35) have historically demonstrated slightly higher hit frequencies in European roulette. This pattern, while not guaranteed due to the game’s random nature, has been observed across multiple casinos and extended playing sessions.

Popular Numbers in American Roulette

American roulette’s additional double-zero pocket creates different frequency patterns compared to its European counterpart. Numbers 23, 24, 36, 35, and 14 have shown notable frequency in American roulette outcomes.

The presence of the 00 pocket influences betting patterns, with experienced players often incorporating both zero pockets into their betting strategies.

The second dozen (13-24) in American roulette has historically attracted more bets due to its central position on the table layout and the perception of balanced probability distribution. While this does not affect actual odds, these numbers often see higher betting volume in U.S. casinos and American roulette games.

Strategic Number Selection and Betting Patterns

When selecting numbers for roulette play, considering combination possibilities often proves more effective than focusing on single numbers or focusing on only inside bets or outside bets. The “neighbor bets” strategy, particularly popular in European roulette, involves betting on a specific number and its adjacent numbers on the wheel.

For example, a neighbor bet on 17 would include coverage of 2-3 numbers on either side, providing broader coverage while maintaining focus on your target number.

Hot and cold numbers, while not statistically significant in predicting future outcomes, often influence player behavior. Hot numbers (those that have hit recently) and cold numbers (those that haven’t appeared in some time) can be incorporated into betting strategies. But it is essential to remember that each spin remains an independent event.

Best Numbers for Different Roulette Betting Styles

Understanding your betting style is crucial for selecting the most appropriate numbers and combinations in roulette. Whether you prefer a conservative approach focused on preservation of bankroll or an aggressive strategy aimed at maximizing potential returns, certain numbers and combinations tend to work better for different playing styles.

Conservative Betting Approaches

For conservative players, focusing on the middle columns and dozens often provides more consistent results. Numbers 13-24 offer opportunities for multiple betting combinations while maintaining reasonable coverage. These numbers work well with even-money bets and can be incorporated into progressive betting systems. The middle dozen is particularly attractive because it allows players to combine their bets with other options like even/odd or red/black wagers.

A popular conservative strategy involves focusing on numbers 13-24 while simultaneously covering even-money bets. For example, players might place a small bet on the second dozen while covering black numbers, effectively creating multiple winning possibilities without excessive risk. Numbers 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 within this range are particularly versatile as they can be included in various combination bets.

Conservative players often utilize the “column overlay” technique, where they combine a column bet with specific numbers from that column. For instance, betting on the middle column (2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35) while placing smaller bets on specific numbers like 17 and 20 provides good coverage while maintaining moderate risk levels. This approach works especially well in European roulette where the house edge is lower.

Aggressive Betting Strategies

Aggressive players might prefer corner bets using numbers like 17, 20, 23, and 24, which allow for multiple combination possibilities. These numbers frequently appear in professional betting patterns due to their position on both the wheel and table layout. The corner bet combining 17, 18, 20, and 21 is particularly popular as it covers numbers that tend to see high betting volume in both online and land-based casinos.

For players seeking higher volatility strategies, the “Square Action” approach involves selecting four adjacent numbers and placing both corner and straight-up bets on them. For example, betting on the corner of 23-24-26-27 while also placing straight-up bets on 23 and 24 creates opportunities for significant payouts while maintaining coverage of a specific table section.

Advanced aggressive players often implement the “Section Attack” strategy, focusing on a specific wheel section rather than table layout. Numbers 22-25 form a natural section on most wheels and can be combined with their neighbors for comprehensive coverage. This approach typically involves placing straight-up bets on key numbers (like 23 and 24) while covering their adjacent numbers with split and corner bets.

Combination Approaches

Many experienced players blend conservative and aggressive elements in their number selection.

A balanced approach might involve:

  1. Placing a primary bet on the second dozen (13-24)
  2. Adding corner bets on key numbers like 17-18-20-21
  3. Including straight-up bets on historically frequent numbers like 23 and 24
  4. Supplementing these with even-money bets on black or even numbers

This combined strategy allows players to maintain consistent action while positioning themselves for larger payouts when their selected numbers hit. Numbers 17, 20, 23, and 24 work particularly well in this approach. This is because they can be incorporated into multiple betting patterns simultaneously.

Adapting Number Selection to Table Conditions

The choice of numbers and betting style should also consider table conditions such as minimum and maximum bet limits. In tables with higher minimums, conservative players might need to focus more on even-money bets while selectively choosing their number combinations. Aggressive players at tables with favorable maximum bet limits can implement more complex number combinations and sector-based betting patterns.

Are There Roulette Numbers to Consider Avoiding?

While mathematically all numbers have an equal probability of hitting on any given spin, certain numbers and combinations might be worth avoiding based on practical considerations.

The zeros (0 and 00 in American roulette) typically offer the highest house edge. As a result, we recommend approaching them cautiously, especially in combination bets. These numbers don’t participate in even-money bets and can’t be effectively incorporated into most standard betting patterns. One exception is the James Bond betting strategy, which incorporates the zero.

Corner positions that bridge multiple sections of the table (such as numbers connecting the first and third dozens) often create awkward betting patterns that can be difficult to manage effectively. These positions, while not inherently disadvantageous, can complicate betting strategies and make bankroll management more challenging.

Additionally, players might want to avoid placing too many bets on numbers that are closely grouped on the wheel. Why is that the case? Doing so can leave large sections of the wheel uncovered, which can affect odds of success depending on other bets.

This is particularly relevant when using neighbor bet strategies, where spreading coverage across different wheel sections often proves more effective than concentrating bets in one area.

It’s worth noting that some players avoid certain numbers based on superstition or personal preference. While these beliefs don’t affect the mathematical probability of winning, they can impact a player’s confidence and decision-making. If certain numbers make you uncomfortable or affect your ability to maintain disciplined betting patterns, it’s reasonable to avoid them in favor of numbers that better align with your strategy and comfort level.

Online vs. Land-Based Casino Roulette Number Selection

Most online roulette games use random number generators (RNGs) to determine outcomes. That eliminates any potential physical biases that might exist in land-based wheels. However, this can come into play if you play live dealer roulette, which is available at sites like OnlineCasinoGames, SlotsandCasino, and HighRoller Casino.

That said, the most commonly played numbers remain relatively consistent across both formats. Online players often gravitate toward numbers 17, 24, and 36 due to their central positions and combination betting possibilities.

Land-based casino players might benefit from observing physical wheel characteristics and dealer patterns. However, modern wheels are precisely engineered to minimize any predictable patterns. Numbers near the wheel’s center (22-25) often receive more attention in physical casinos due to their visibility and betting accessibility.

Optimal Betting Combinations

Rather than focusing solely on individual numbers, successful players often combine their number selections with complementary bets.

For example, betting on 17 while covering its street (16-18) and corresponding dozen provides multiple ways to win while maintaining reasonable risk levels. Similarly, combining hot numbers with their adjacent corners or splits can create more comprehensive betting patterns.

Responsible Number Selection and Bankroll Management

Regardless of which numbers you choose to play, maintaining strict bankroll management remains crucial. Limit single number bets to a small percentage of your total bankroll, typically no more than 1-2%. When playing multiple numbers, ensure your total exposure aligns with your predetermined betting limits and risk tolerance.

Conclusion

While no number or combination can guarantee success in roulette, understanding frequency patterns and popular betting combinations can enhance your playing experience. The most popular roulette numbers are popular for a variety of reasons, but you should only choose to use them if you feel confident and comfortable doing so.

Remember that each spin remains an independent event, and past results don’t influence future outcomes. Focus on developing a comfortable betting strategy that aligns with your playing style and risk tolerance, whether you prefer European or American roulette, online or land-based casinos.

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Best and Most Common Roulette Numbers FAQ

Which single number hits most frequently in roulette?
While every spin is independent, statistics from multiple casinos show that 17 consistently ranks among the most frequent numbers in both American and European roulette. This is likely due to its central position on the wheel and betting layout.
Does betting on multiple roulette numbers improve your odds of winning?
Betting on multiple numbers increases your chances of hitting a winning number on any given spin. However, it typically requires higher total wager amounts and provides proportionally adjusted payouts.
Are online roulette numbers truly random?
Licensed online casinos use certified random number generators (RNGs) that ensure completely random outcomes for each spin. That makes number selection truly unpredictable and fair.
Why do professional roulette players prefer certain numbers?
Professional roulette players often select numbers based on their position on both the wheel and table layout. This allows for efficient betting patterns and coverage of multiple betting combinations.
Should I avoid certain numbers in roulette?
No number is inherently better or worse than others in roulette, as each has the same mathematical probability of appearing on any given spin, regardless of previous results.