Best Numbers to Play in Roulette have been a topic of debate for centuries. Roulette, a game of luck and skill, has spawned countless theories on which numbers to bet on. While each spin is random, some numbers have been seen more often and players have superstitions about them.
In this guide we’ll look at what are the best numbers in roulette, the stats behind them and how to improve your chances.
Quick Answer: Best Numbers to Play in Roulette?
- Number 17: A popular choice due to its position on the table and frequent wins.
- Number 7: A lucky number chosen by players looking for luck.
- Number 3, 8, and 23: Cultural significance and perceived luck.
- Number 32 and 26: Statistically proven to hit more often over large spins samples.
- Number Zero (0) and Zero (00): Key bets in European and American roulette, respectively, and the house edge are worth considering for strategic plays.
Most Common & Popular Numbers in Roulette
For many roulette players, the choice of numbers isn’t random. Certain numbers have a reputation for being lucky or statistically better, so they get chosen more often. Whether it’s based on patterns, historical frequency, or superstition, here’s a breakdown of the most popular numbers chosen by roulette players.
1. Number 17
17 is the number with special status among roulette players. This number is often the most popular because of its position and history:
- Central Position: 17 is in the middle of the roulette table, so it’s visually pleasing to players. This centrality gives it a psychological edge, players think it’s more likely to hit.
- Casino Legends: 17 has been linked to big wins in roulette history. Famous gamblers and casino stories have made it even more popular. For example in the early 2000s Mike Ashley, owner of Newcastle United, bet on 17 and won £1.3 million.
- Statistics: There’s no definitive data that proves 17 is more likely to hit but several studies have noted that 17 is one of the most popular numbers to bet on, especially in European casinos.
2. Number 7
Known as the “lucky number” worldwide, 7 is picked in many gambling scenarios, and roulette is no exception:
- Cultural Significance: 7 is considered lucky in many cultures and religions. For example, in Western culture, 7 is associated with good fortune and is strongly present in myths and superstitions.
- Statistical Trends: A study in the Journal of Gambling Studies found that players are drawn to 7 because of its psychological effect. This effect is so strong that even those who don’t believe in superstitions choose 7 as their lucky number.
- Casino Popularity: Casino records and studies have shown that 7 is one of the most popular numbers, and players feel more secure when betting on it.
3. Number 3, 8, 23
These numbers although not as popular as 17 or 7 are still popular among roulette players:
- Number 3: In many cultures, 3 is the symbol of harmony and balance. Many roulette players bet on 3 because of this cultural significance. Betting on 3 is also a strategy associated with betting on consecutive or nearby numbers so it gets chosen more often.
- Number 8: Especially in Asian cultures 8 is associated with prosperity and good fortune. In China 8 sounds like the word for wealth so it’s a very lucky number. Asian casinos report 8 is one of the most popular numbers at roulette tables.
- Number 23: Associated with sports legends like Michael Jordan, 23 has become a popular number across many gambling games. Players believe in the “Jordan effect” where betting on 23 will lead to a lucky outcome inspired by the idea of being great and winning.
More Stats and Facts
- Patterns and Frequency: Although roulette is random, some players believe in patterns. Studies of thousands of roulette spins have shown 17 and 7 are bet on more often than others, not because of probability but because of reputation.
- Casino Superstitions: Dealers and seasoned players have noticed that players bet on their lucky numbers, and some numbers get more chips than others during a game session. 7, 17, 3, 8, 23 get more players.
There’s no mathematical proof that betting on popular numbers like 17, 7, 3, 8, and 23 will increase your chances of winning, but they are popular. Many players choose them because of cultural beliefs, historical records, or simply personal preference, so they are the most played numbers in roulette.
Numbers with the Highest Probability of Hit
Remember though the roulette wheel is a game of pure chance, and although these numbers are popular, every spin has an equal chance of landing on any number.
Roulette is a game of chance, but thousands of spins of data suggest some numbers hit more often. This is not a guarantee of future results, but it is worth noting and influencing betting strategies.
1. 32 and 26
Large data sets from various casinos show 32 and 26 hit more often:
- Statistical Patterns: Studies show these numbers hit more often, possibly due to wheel imperfections or random streaks. Players perceive them as “hot” numbers and bet on them consistently.
- Player Psychology: Knowing these patterns, many players treat 32 and 26 as strategic choices, even if their reasoning is based on luck.
2. 0 (or Double 0)
The green 0 (or double 0 on American wheels) is important in roulette due to the house edge:
- House Edge: European roulette has a 2.7% house edge with a single 0, and American roulette has a 5.26% house edge with a double 0. Despite this disadvantage, players often include 0 in their betting strategy to hedge against losses.
- Betting Practices: Many experienced players bet on 0, knowing it’s important to balance overall odds and cover all possibilities.
3. 14, 17, 20 and 29
These numbers are noted for hitting more often:
- Statistical Trends: Casino spin data shows 14, 17, 20, and 29 as frequently hitting numbers. This trend attracts players, especially those looking for patterns in recent spins.
- 17: Known for being popular, 17 also appears in statistical analysis and reinforces its legendary status.
- 14, 20, and 29: These numbers get attention when they appear in clusters or streaks, and players bet on them when patterns are seen.
While 32, 26, 0, 14, 17, 20, and 29 hit more often, roulette is a game of chance. These observations could be due to wheel biases or coincidental patterns, but for players looking for an edge, betting on these numbers adds a strategy to the game.
Hot and Cold Numbers: Understanding Patterns
Roulette tables display “hot” and “cold” numbers based on how often they’ve hit over recent spins. However, remember that each spin is independent, and these trends don’t predict future outcomes.
Hot Numbers
- Definition: Numbers that have appeared frequently in recent spins, such as 3, 7, or 12.
- Betting Appeal: Players often bet on hot numbers, thinking they are on a streak, which adds excitement.
Cold Numbers
- Definition: Numbers that haven’t shown up in many recent spins, like 25 or 32.
- Betting Strategy: Some players wager on cold numbers, hoping they’ll soon appear, while others avoid them.
Key Insight
Although hot and cold numbers make betting feel strategic, every roulette spin is random. Statistically, no number is more likely to hit based on past results, so betting on these trends comes down to personal preference.
Best Numbers in American vs European Roulette – Which Offers Better Odds?
The type of roulette wheel you play on makes a difference. American and European roulette differ mainly in the number of pockets which affects the house edge and betting strategies.
1. European Roulette (Single Zero)
- House Edge: 2.7% with a single zero (0) so it’s the better option for players.
- Best Numbers to Bet: 17, 23, and 34 are popular numbers, and players benefit from rules like En Prison or La Partage, which can reduce losses if the ball lands on zero.
- Player Preference: With better odds and more rules to reduce losses, European roulette is the preferred choice for players looking to hit specific numbers.
2. American Roulette (Double Zero)
- House Edge: The double zero (00) increases the house edge to 5.26% so it’s not as good for players.
- Popular Numbers: Players bet on numbers like 7, 13, 22 and 35 but with the higher house edge winning is more statistical.
- Strategy Tip: If you have a choice, avoid American roulette and opt for the European version to win more.
Bottom Line
Better odds for players, European roulette. Betting on numbers is more statistical on the European wheel.
Best Strategies for Choosing Numbers
Choosing numbers in roulette is not just about luck; strategy can also play a part. While the game is random, knowing the strategies and applying them can make the game more enjoyable. Here are the best tips for choosing numbers in roulette, backed by facts.
1. Betting on Consecutive Numbers
Many experienced players bet on consecutive numbers that are next to each other on the roulette wheel, not the betting table. The idea is that if one part of the wheel gets hot or has a winning streak, these consecutive numbers are more likely to hit.
- Example: If the ball lands in the section with 5, 8 and 10 a lot, betting on this group may be a good idea. By betting on several numbers next to each other, you are effectively hedging your bets on a part of the wheel.
- Statistical Reason: This strategy takes advantage of the possibility of wheel bias or consistent results in a part of the wheel. While this doesn’t mean you will win, it has been observed that wheels with small imperfections can make certain sections more favorable.
2. Martingale System
The Martingale System is one of the most popular roulette betting strategies. It involves doubling your bet after every loss to recover your previous losses and make a profit when you win:
- How it works: If you bet $10 on red and lose, you double your next bet to $20. If you lose again, you double to $40 and so on. When you win, you recover all your previous losses plus your original bet.
- Pairing with Common Numbers: Although this system doesn’t focus on specific numbers, players often pair it with common numbers or even-money bets (red/black or odd/even) to increase the chances of winning. The system requires a big bankroll and high table limit to sustain consecutive losses.
- Statistics and Risk: The Martingale System can work in the short term but it’s very risky. For example, a 6 bet losing streak starting at $10 would require a $640 bet on the 7th bet. If the streak continues, the losses will add up fast so be careful.
3. Covering Parts of the Wheel
Another strategy is to cover large parts of the wheel with multiple bets. This is useful when certain numbers or groups of numbers are hot:
- Sector Betting: Players can bet on a quarter or a third of the wheel by betting on several numbers in that section. For example, betting on 22 to 25 would cover that part of the wheel.
- Neighbor Bets: In European roulette, neighbor bets are common. This means betting on a number and the two numbers on either side of it on the wheel. For example, if you bet on 7, you would also bet on 28 and 29 (its neighbors), so you cover more.
- Statistical Advantage: This doesn’t give you an edge over the house but it increases your chances of winning by covering more of the wheel. This is useful when you notice a trend where certain parts of the wheel are hot.
Additional Insights and Considerations
- Budget Management: Whatever strategy you use, bankroll management is key. The Martingale system is risky if not used carefully and sector betting requires planning to not blow your bankroll too fast.
- Table Rules and Variations: Know the type of roulette wheel you’re playing on. European roulette has better odds than American roulette because of the zero. Using these strategies on a European wheel will give you a slight edge.
No strategy can guarantee a win in roulette, but methods like betting on consecutive numbers, the Martingale System, or covering parts of the wheel can make the game more fun. These strategies are based on observation, probability, and risk management. Remember, roulette is a game of chance, so always play responsibly and within your means.
Action Numbers System
The Action Numbers System is spreading bets across specific numbers in clusters. Although roulette is random some players think this helps them win.
How It Works
- Coverage: Bet on “action numbers” in clusters, where the ball is more likely to land.
- Adjustments: Experiment and adjust as the game goes on to maintain coverage.
You can’t predict roulette but the Action Numbers System gives you a structure to focus on key number clusters.
Best Way to Play Numbers
Choosing how many numbers to play is key in roulette. Fewer numbers means higher payouts but lower odds, more numbers means higher chances but lower payouts.
1. Optimal Number of Numbers
Strategy: Playing 5-10 numbers is the balance between reasonable odds and decent payouts. This is a moderate risk and reward approach that is popular among players.
2. The Action Numbers System
Description: This system is a mix of inside bets to cover specific areas of the table to win as much as possible. Many guides and books explain how to use this system by focusing on sections of the wheel, so it’s a structured way to play.
Play Roulette Numbers! 🎲️️️️️️️️️️️️️️
Key Facts and Stats
- Zero’s Impact: The green zero makes a big difference in the house edge. In European roulette, the single zero has a 2.7% house edge, while in American roulette, the double zero increases the edge to 5.26%.
- Most Hit Numbers: After thousands of games of roulette we have found that numbers 32 and 26 come up a lot. While this doesn’t mean they will come up again, it’s what players use in their strategies.
- Betting Trends: Players bet on “lucky” numbers like 7 and 17, even though roulette is random. These numbers are popular choices and are the reason for the betting trends in the casinos.
Fun Roulette Facts and Trivia
Here are some interesting statistics and trivia that can make your roulette experience more enjoyable:
- The odds of hitting a single number in European roulette are 1 in 37, while in American roulette, they’re 1 in 38 due to the additional 00 pocket.
- James Bond’s Favorite Numbers: Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, supposedly favored numbers 17, 8, 14, and 20 as a part of his unique roulette strategy.
- Longest Recorded Streak of a Single Number: In Monte Carlo Casino, the number 32 reportedly hit five times in a row, although rare events like these are purely coincidental.
Conclusion:
No guarantees in roulette but understanding the odds and mixing in some stats and strategy will help. Remember roulette is a game of chance and choosing numbers is fun and strategic but most importantly play responsibly and enjoy.
Note: Ballersbet is a betting platform for users 18+. Betting carries financial risk, so please gamble responsibly and make informed choices.
