Understanding Hot & Cold Numbers in Roulette Games

Have you ever noticed certain numbers appearing more often than others in a roulette game and wondered why that happens? You might have come across the terms “hot” or “cold” numbers when playing online or at a casino.

This blog looks at what these phrases mean, how they are shown to players, and whether they should influence your decisions. You will also find a quick look at how roulette works in the UK and what to expect from different versions of the game.

By the end, you will understand how hot and cold numbers fit into the bigger picture, so your time at the wheel makes more sense.

What Are Hot & Cold Numbers in Roulette?

In roulette, “hot” and “cold” numbers are simple labels based on recent results. A hot number is one that has appeared more often than others within a chosen window of previous spins. A cold number is one that has appeared less often in the same window.

Roulette is played on a wheel with numbered pockets. European roulette, which is the most common version in the UK, has 37 pockets in total, numbered 0 to 36. American roulette has 38 pockets, with 0 and 00 as well as 1 to 36.

These labels are most visible in online games, where recent results are tracked automatically. If the number 17 shows up five times within 50 spins, it will usually be flagged as hot for that session. A number that has not landed in that period might be marked as cold.

They are simply a running record of what has happened. Each new spin is separate from the last, so the chance of any number landing is the same every time.

So, how does the game decide which numbers count as hot or cold in the first place?

How Are Hot and Cold Numbers Determined in Roulette?

Hot and cold numbers are calculated by looking at a moving set of recent results. Many games display statistics for the last 20, 50, or 100 spins and update the list after every spin. If a number appears more often than the others within that window, it is shown as hot. If it appears rarely or not at all, it is shown as cold.

There is no universal standard for the size of this window. Some games use a fixed number of spins, while others use a sliding scale that constantly refreshes. A few versions let players choose the window themselves. The choice of window only affects how the on-screen chart looks, not how the wheel behaves.

This tracking does not change the odds of future spins. It is there to summarise the session, nothing more. Why that matters becomes clearer in the next section.

Do Hot and Cold Numbers Really Affect Roulette Results?

Short answer: no. Hot and cold numbers describe the past, but they do not influence what happens next. In UK casinos and online rooms, outcomes come from either a properly maintained physical wheel or a certified random number generator. In both cases, each spin is independent.

It is common to think that a hot number is more likely to appear again soon, or that a cold number is somehow “due”. This is known as the gambler’s fallacy. The wheel has no memory; the odds remain the same on every spin regardless of what came before.

Keeping an eye on session stats can be interesting and may help some players follow the flow of a session. It does not provide an advantage or a way to predict future outcomes.

To see why this holds true online, it helps to look briefly at how outcomes are created on screen.

The Role of Random Number Generators in Online Roulette

How RNGs Influence Hot and Cold Number Patterns

In digital roulette, every result is produced by a random number generator, or RNG. This is a piece of software designed to generate outcomes that cannot be anticipated. In UK-licensed online casinos, RNGs are tested and certified by independent labs to make sure the results are fair and unpredictable. If a number appears several times close together, it is a natural cluster within random play, not a hidden pattern.

Live Casino Roulette works differently. There is a real wheel and a live dealer using professional equipment. The movement of the ball and where it lands come from physical factors, much like what you would see in a land-based casino.

Both formats are games of chance. Hot and cold charts that appear on screen in either version are there for information and interest. They reflect what has happened recently, but they do not change the underlying probability. If you want to read more about how your chosen game is tested and run, you can check the rules and certification available in the game lobby.

Play Roulette Online at Slotzo

Slotzo is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. You will find a range of roulette tables and other casino games from trusted providers.

If you would like to explore, log in or join Slotzo to see what is on offer. Our games are independently tested, and we focus on a straightforward, secure experience.

Hot and cold numbers can add context to a session, but they do not predict what comes next. If you play with us, set limits that work for you and use our safer gambling tools. Please play 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.}

_{**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.}