Odds of Hitting Red or Black X Times In a Row In Roulette
Roulette is a widely recognised casino game, whether played in traditional casinos or online. Many appreciate the simplicity of the game, where players aim to predict the landing spot of the ball on a wheel divided into red and black sections.
But how likely is it for the same colour to appear multiple times in a row?
In this article, we’ll examine the odds of such occurrences and provide a clearer understanding of the game’s probabilities.
Is Red or Black 50/50?
It’s a common assumption that betting on red or black in roulette gives you a 50/50 chance, given that each colour covers almost half of the wheel. While this seems logical at first glance, there’s a key detail that affects the odds.
In European roulette, there are 37 slots: 18 red, 18 black, and one green (the ‘0’). The presence of the green slot slightly reduces the probability of landing on red or black to around 48.6%. In American roulette, there’s an additional green slot (‘00’), bringing the total number of spaces to 38. This lowers the chance of hitting red or black further, to just under 47.4%.
Though these differences may seem small, they can make a difference in understanding the game more accurately. If you’re playing online, it might be helpful to check whether you’re playing the European or American version, as the odds can vary.
Odds of Hitting Red or Black X Times In a Row
Now that we’ve established that the odds are not exactly 50/50, let’s discuss what happens when you hope for a run of the same colour over several spins. On a European roulette wheel, the probability of winning a single red or black bet is around 48.6%.
To calculate the chances of a streak, you can multiply this probability by itself for the number of spins you’re interested in. Below are examples based on the European roulette wheel:
3 Times In a Row
Multiply 0.486 by itself three times. The chance is about 11.5%. This means, on average, you might see a streak of three in about one in nine sets of three spins.
4 Times In a Row
The chance drops to around 5.6%, or roughly 1 in 18.
5 Times In a Row
The probability is around 2.7%, or 1 in 37 sequences.
6 Times In a Row
Here, the likelihood is roughly 1.3%, or about once every 76 attempts.
7 Times In a Row
The odds fall to about 0.6%, or 1 in 154 tries.
8 Times In a Row
The probability drops to around 0.3%. This streak could occur about once in every 317 attempts.
9 Times In a Row
The chance is around 0.16%, or once in about 651 nine-spin sets.
10 Times In a Row
At ten in a row, the odds are just under 0.08%. This could happen once in roughly 1,300 sets of ten spins.
Remember, each roulette spin is independent of the next. These calculations highlight how quickly the probability decreases as you look for longer streaks, and serve as a reminder that long runs are rare events, even in a game where the same options can repeat frequently.
Longest Run of Red or Black In Roulette Ever Recorded
One of the most well-known examples of a long streak occurred in 1943, when a casino in Las Vegas reportedly saw red land 32 times in a row. This event is often discussed in books and by gambling experts, highlighting the unpredictable nature of roulette outcomes.
While official records are not typically maintained by UK casinos, long runs can occur at any casino or online venue, as each spin is independent and random. Online roulette uses certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) that are approved by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring fairness in all results. While extraordinary streaks like 32 reds are extremely rare, shorter, noticeable patterns can occasionally happen. It’s important to keep in mind that Roulette is based on chance, and no previous spins can impact the outcome of a game. Players should always gamble responsibly and within their means.Â
Should You Bet The Opposite Colour After a Roulette Streak?
After a streak of consecutive reds or blacks, some players may feel convinced that the next spin is likely to favour the opposite colour. This belief is known as the “Gambler’s Fallacy” – the mistaken idea that past results can influence future outcomes.
However, roulette is a game of chance, and each spin is independent of the ones before it. The probability of landing on red or black remains the same for every spin, around 48.6% on the European wheel. Betting on the opposite colour after a streak does not improve your odds in any way compared to betting at any other point in the game.
UK casinos use either carefully maintained physical wheels or certified RNG software, all of which are regularly tested to ensure fairness by the UKGC. The game does not take past runs into account, meaning that waiting for a pattern to change does not offer any advantage.
How Much Do You Win Betting on Red or Black?
If you bet on red or black in roulette, you are placing an “even money” bet. If you win, you will receive an amount equal to your stake, along with your original stake back.
For example, if you bet £5 on red and win, you will receive a total of £10: £5 in profit and your original £5 stake. This 1:1 payout is consistent across all versions of roulette, whether you’re playing online or in a physical casino.
If the ball lands on green (‘0’), you will lose your even money bets.
Play Roulette Online at Mr Luck Casino
If you’re interested in trying out roulette, Mr Luck Casino offers a range of games, including both European and American versions. All games are powered by RNG software, which is independently tested to ensure that the results are fair and random.
For both beginners and experienced players, you’ll find helpful guides and clear game rules to assist you in understanding how to play. Mr Luck Casino is fully regulated by the UKGC, meaning it adheres to strict standards of fairness and player protection.
Registration is quick and secure, and customer support is available should you have any questions. If you’re looking to explore roulette in a regulated, trustworthy environment, Mr Luck Casino provides a variety of options to choose from.
**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.
 *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.