Red or Black Roulette Streaks: Odds of Hitting X in a Row
Roulette remains a well-liked game in both online and land-based casinos, largely due to its simplicity and fast-paced nature. One aspect that often draws attention is the repeated appearance of red or black on the wheel.
It’s not uncommon for players to wonder how likely it is for the same colour to appear several times in a row. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what the numbers say about red or black streaks and what that means for players curious about patterns.
Read on to learn more.
What Is a Roulette Colour Streak?
A roulette colour streak happens when the same colour—red or black—appears over several consecutive spins. These streaks often catch the eye because they seem unusual, even though they’re a natural result of probability.
Roulette wheels contain red, black, and green numbers. The green section, usually the 0 (and 00 in the American version), isn’t part of the red or black count, which can make a streak of the same colour stand out even more.
It’s important to remember that each spin is independent—previous outcomes don’t affect the next one. So, while it might feel like a streak is building momentum, the odds remain the same every time the wheel spins.
Is Red or Black More Likely In Roulette?
At first glance, it might seem that red and black have an equal chance of landing in roulette. However, the presence of green pockets—either a single zero in European roulette or both a zero and double zero in American roulette—means the odds are slightly less than 50% for either colour.
These green pockets create what’s known as the house edge. In European roulette, the house edge is around 2.7%, while in American roulette, it’s higher at 5.26%. Over time, this gives the casino a small but consistent advantage.
Although the difference in probability is minor, it can make an impact across many spins. Understanding the odds and the house edge can support more informed and responsible play.
Odds of Hitting The Same Colour X Times In a Row
In European roulette, the chance of landing on red or black is just under 50% due to the green zero. To calculate the odds of the same colour appearing several times in a row, that probability is multiplied by itself for each spin.
For example, hitting red five times in a row involves multiplying the single-spin odds five times over, making such streaks increasingly unlikely the longer they go.
While colour streaks may seem striking, they’re statistically rare over many spins. Knowing this can help players manage expectations and avoid reading too much into random patterns.
3 Times In a Row
On a European roulette wheel, the chance of landing on red or black is 18 out of 37. To get the same colour three times in a row, this probability is multiplied across three spins: (18/37)^3, which is roughly 21.6%.
This shows that while short streaks may happen, they’re not especially common. Each spin is independent, and previous outcomes don’t influence future ones.
4 Times In a Row
In European roulette, the chance of hitting red or black on one spin is 18 out of 37. To get the same colour four times in a row, that probability is multiplied across four spins: (18/37)^4, which works out to about 14.5%.
5 Times In a Row
Hitting the same colour five times in a row on a European roulette wheel is possible, but not very common. The probability is calculated as (18/37)^5, which works out to roughly 2.73%.
On an American roulette wheel, which includes both a zero and a double zero, the odds drop slightly. The calculation becomes (18/38)^5, giving a probability of around 2.39%, or roughly 1 in 40.9.
6 Times In a Row
When extending a sequence to six consecutive red or black outcomes in European roulette, the probability is about 1 in 74.4, or 1.33%. In American roulette, with the extra green pocket, these odds are slightly lower at around 1 in 87.5, or 1.13%.
7 Times In a Row
Landing the same colour seven times in a row in roulette is a rare event, and the odds reflect just how unlikely it is.
In European roulette, the probability of this happening is about 1 in 154, or approximately 0.65%. For American roulette, which includes an additional green double zero, the chance drops further to around 1 in 186, or 0.54%.
8 Times In a Row
The odds of hitting the same colour eight times in a row are very slim.
For European roulette, the probability is around 1 in 318, or roughly 0.31%. On an American roulette wheel, with an extra green pocket, the chances drop to about 1 in 394, or 0.25%.
9 Times In a Row
Hitting the same colour nine times in a row in roulette is extremely rare.
On a European roulette wheel, the odds of this happening are around 1 in 654, or 0.15%. In American roulette, the chances drop to about 1 in 832, or 0.12%.
Such streaks are infrequent and, when they do occur, are often considered remarkable. However, these sequences remind us of the randomness of the game.
10 Times In a Row
Hitting the same colour ten times in a row in roulette is extremely unlikely.
In European roulette, the odds are approximately 1 in 1,346, or 0.074%. On the American roulette wheel, these odds drop further to about 1 in 1,757, or 0.057%.
These numbers show just how rare such streaks are and emphasise the role of chance in the game. With each additional spin, the likelihood of a streak occurring decreases significantly.
Understanding these odds can help players maintain realistic expectations and reminds them of the house edge, which favours the casino over time. Enjoying the game responsibly and for entertainment should always be the priority.
Should You Bet The Opposite Colour After a Streak?
When players see a colour streak in roulette, they might wonder if it’s time to switch their bet to the opposite colour. This is often a matter of personal preference.
However, it’s important to remember that in roulette, each spin is independent. The previous outcomes do not influence the next spin, and the wheel doesn’t “remember” past results. Every spin has the same odds, regardless of any previous streaks.
Choosing to bet on the opposite colour after a streak is often based on the gambler’s fallacy—the belief that if one outcome occurs repeatedly, the opposite is more likely. In reality, this belief is not supported by the game’s mechanics.
Deciding to switch colours should be a personal choice, guided by individual strategy or preferences, rather than a belief in changing probabilities.
It’s always important to approach these decisions with caution, ensuring that the focus remains on responsible and enjoyable gameplay.
Longest Roulette Streak Ever Recorded
Roulette is a game of chance, but occasionally it produces outcomes that stand out. One such rare event is the longest recorded streak of a single colour landing consecutively.
In 1943, at the Monte Carlo Casino, an extraordinary streak occurred when the colour red appeared 32 times in a row. This remains the longest streak ever recorded in the history of roulette.
While such a streak is incredibly rare, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the game and the variety of outcomes that may occur. The Monte Carlo event is still referenced today by those interested in the probabilities and surprises that may happen in roulette.
Play Roulette Online For Real Money
Playing roulette online for real money offers the convenience of enjoying a casino experience from the comfort of your home. At Ivy Casino, we provide a range of roulette options, all backed by our licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
It’s important to approach online roulette with realistic expectations and an understanding of the game. We encourage players to enjoy roulette responsibly by taking regular breaks and setting limits to ensure a balanced gaming experience.
If you’re interested in playing, visit Ivy Casino to explore the variety of games we have available.
**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.