Roulette is a game where every spin is random, yet it’s not unusual for sequences to catch our eye—like the same number appearing several times in short succession. Though these patterns may look extraordinary, each outcome is purely the result of chance.
Curious about just how rare it is for a number to repeat itself in this way? You’re definitely not alone.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what the chances are, how they’re worked out, and what this tells us about the game.
In Roulette, each spin is completely independent—the wheel and ball don’t have any memory of previous results. That means no matter what happened on the last spin, the odds stay the same for every number each time the wheel turns.
That said, it’s still possible to calculate the probability of a number appearing again by applying simple probability principles. Understanding these odds can help you appreciate just how rare—or not—those repeating number streaks actually are.
Let’s start simple: what are the chances of a number coming up twice in a row? In European roulette (which has 37 pockets), the odds are 1 in 1,369. For American roulette (38 pockets), it’s 1 in 1,444. It’s an event so rare that, if you witness it, you’re seeing something that doesn’t happen at most tables.
Now add an extra spin. To see the same number land three times back-to-back in European roulette, you’d need to beat odds of 1 in 50,653. If it’s American roulette, it’s 1 in 54,872. These kinds of streaks are not something players should expect to see.
Should you see the same number hit four times running, that’s rarer still: 1 in 1,874,161 for European roulette, and 1 in 2,085,136 for American roulette.
The numbers grow even bigger. European roulette odds for this streak go up to 1 in 69,343,957. If you’re on an American wheel, it’s 1 in 79,235,168.
If the same number landed for ten spins straight, the statistics move way beyond everyday possibility: 1 in 4,808,584,372,417,846 for European roulette and 1 in 6,278,211,847,988,228 for American roulette. Most players, even those who play for many years, will never see such an event.
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Over time, certain numbers—like 17 or 7—have gained a reputation among players for appearing more often than others. These ideas usually come from personal stories or anecdotes, but the truth is much simpler.
As we’ve already mentioned, every spin in roulette is completely random, whether it’s a physical wheel in a casino or a computer-generated result online. Casinos use carefully engineered wheels and verified algorithms to ensure fairness. So, if a particular number seems to show up more frequently, it’s simply part of the natural randomness of the game, not a pattern you can rely on.
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If this sounds of interest to you, then feel free to visit Dream Jackpot and browse our selection of roulette games at a pace that suits you.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.