The law of the third: What is the gap theory in roulette?

Even before online casinos came into existence, roulette has already been considered one of the greatest casino games in traditional casinos. Unlike slot games that mostly depend on luck, this table game opens doors for probabilities and betting strategies, allowing you to plan before a round starts. This is because roulette is based on solid mathematics that eventually resulted in the creation of number sequences and roulette strategies, including the gap theory.

If you’re a novice player just starting to explore casino games, the term might sound like it’s straight out of a calculus textbook. However, what many people don't know is that this concept is easy to understand and can help you double your payouts in just a single round. As long as you understand the logic behind the roulette wheel layout, then you can use the gap theory to master the game. 

If you’re curious to know more, continue browsing through the article below!

What you should know about the gap theory in roulette

When playing roulette, there is a thing called a gap, which refers to the total amount of spins between hits of similar numbers. For instance, if the number 3 hits on the 2nd spin and the 40th spin, then the gap would be 38 (40 minus 2). If 12 hits on the 10th spin and hits once again on the 41st, 31 would be the gap (41 minus 10). In short, a gap means the amount of time a number would hit again on the wheel. 

The logic behind the roulette wheel layout

To better understand the gap theory, you have to understand first the logic behind the layout of a roulette wheel and how its design creates well-balanced gameplay. Although the numbers might seem randomly placed at first glance, their sequence is meticulously arranged. The whole arrangement and number sequences follow this particular layout: 

• The odd and even numbers are distributed equally on the wheel. This is why when playing European roulette, you’d notice that there are no more than two even or odd numbers sitting adjacent to each other.
• Whether it’s American, European or French roulette, the colours are alternated on the roulette wheel. Two adjacent pockets have different colours to balance the colour distribution on the table. 
• Low (1-18) and high (19-36) numbers must completely alternate to a certain degree. However, American roulette does not follow this layout. You’ll observe that there are lots of low and high numbers adjacent to each other. That’s why if you want a more balanced wheel, European roulette is a better option. 
• If you’re a bit intimated to place your bets in roulette because it seems too confusing, the good news is you’re not alone. It’s difficult to make sense of the number sequences and sectors, making it harder for players to rig the game and wager on a certain number. 
  
• So, if you’re not busy playing a round of roulette, it is highly recommended that you study the table layout. This would greatly help you grasp the different probabilities and odds, especially the concept of the gap theory. 

Is there a pattern in roulette?

Some new players often ask the old-age question in roulette: Is there a pattern or can it be rigged? Is it possible to know the secrets behind the game, have the upper hand and eventually beat the house edge? Most of all, where does the roulette number sequence come from?

Before placing your bets, keep in mind that roulette is considered to be a semi-random game. This does not mean that you should expect a number to eventually win just because it hasn't won yet. This has been proven given that a roulette wheel, whether in online or land-based casinos, does not have the mechanism to record information about earlier spins. 

If you need to understand the roulette number sequence, check out these examples below:

Repeating numbers

Do you ever wonder if a specific number on the wheel can win twice? If so, then the good news is yes. For instance, the possibility of the number 8 to have two consecutive wins comes from the concept of individual probabilities, with a formula of 1/38 x 1/38 = 1/1,444. It could win three times in a row with a combined probability of 1/38 x 1/38 x 1/38 = 1/ 54 872. A combined probability of 1/38 x 1/38 x 1/38 x 1/38 = 1/2 085 136 can help you achieve four consecutive wins with the same number. 

With every repetition that happens, the chances of this occurring get lesser and lesser.

Some roulette players also believe that if the number 8 becomes the winner four times in a row, you are faced with bigger odds. However, this is not entirely true. Remember that the first three spins can overcome the odds, so the fourth spin only has to defeat a probability of 1/38.

Number spans

When it comes to playing American roulette, perhaps the most well-known adjacent bet combination is focused on the centre column of the wheel. 

If you use this betting strategy, then you’d already cover a total of 15 numbers which comprises ⅖ of the wheel’s measurements. Typically, it can be used in different ways, including:

Column and Straight-up

Aside from placing four chips or more on the centre column, players also have the option to place a bet on the numbers 0, 7, 9, 28 or 30.

Column and Street

You can place more than two chips on the centre column—one chip in the row comprising the numbers 7, 8, and 9, as well as in the row including 28, 29 and 30.

Center Column Bet

With the centre column bet, you can place your chips right on the centre column and hope the ball does not stop on any of the five gaps.

Number sequences

When you visit casino sites, the recommended betting technique states that you have to place your bets on adjacent numbers across the roulette wheel. This is because the inventors of American and European wheels created layouts that urge players to scatter the chips across the betting board. That way, placing bets on adjacent sectors is unattainable.

Just make sure that you know what type of wheel you’re playing, so you know how to properly spread your bets. For example, some casinos have hybrid roulette wheels containing one zero-pocket but follow the number sequence of American roulette. 

Spin the wheel: All about the roulette law of third

To further discuss the gap theory in detail, it’s important to know about the Law of the Third. It is a mathematical law explaining the frequency of a winning number repeating in a game of roulette, using past spins to determine the outcome. This means that after 14 spins, the chances of hitting the same number again becomes 14 out of 37; then on the next spin, you have a probability of 15 out of 37, and so forth.

How to apply the Law of the Third to roulette

One of the best ways to use the law of the third strategy is to keep a record of your spin results. Whether you’re playing in an online or land-based casino, keep a pen and paper by your side. Make sure to follow these steps:

1. List down all the numbers you hit until you have a total of nine on your end.

2. Once done, use your chips for one spin and place a series of bets before the betting time ends. Hopefully, one of the 9 numbers would appear again, resulting in a win and doubling your bets.

3. You will receive a payout of 35:1 but you are going to risk losing a total of 27 units. However, since you won’t be betting on the same number anymore, you’ll have an additional 9 units. You get the chance to win a third of the 27 units you lose, which captures the essence of the law of the third.

4. If you’re lucky enough to hit a second number, your reward can go as high as 45 chips. This strategy offers a jackpot worth of 81 chips, covering three full sessions of roulette.

The law of the third does not differ from other betting systems, especially when it comes to establishing your bets and bankroll. Although you can set your budget, it’s recommended that you should start with a few chips first to try if the system works for you.

You have two options: play conservatively or aggressively. Choosing the latter if you have more than 54 units during your gameplay, bet on the nine numbers for two units. If you’re lucky enough to hit more than one number, then you will receive a hefty payout in no time. 

Additionally, just like any other theoretical test used for casino games, the law of the third has been studied and tested through practice, statistical data and computational imitation for the spins. The law highly depends on mathematics, making it a valid strategy for roulette games.

The law of the third: Does it work?

There’s no doubt that the law of the third works in most cases, giving you high expectations when playing roulette, especially when you’re a newbie. However, even though the strategy has been proven by many casino enthusiasts, you still have no way of predicting where the ball will land. Results are determined by random chance since the roulette wheel can’t keep track of your previous spins. 

Keep in mind that what you have is statistics. This makes your betting system highly methodical, but it does not influence the movement of the ball on the wheel. Applying the law of the third during your roulette sessions does not automatically guarantee big wins and improve your odds, so watch out for your bankroll from time to time. Just like any other casino game, success in roulette still depends on pure luck. 

So, when you follow this system, use it not as a money-maker but as a bankroll management tactic. Once you’ve reached your loss limit, it’s time to exit the session and try again another time. 

Moreover, it’s also important to remember that this system may work better for more experienced players who have enhanced mental calculation and good memory. The only way you can achieve that is to keep practising your roulette skills on reliable online casinos like Bitcasino. 

Try the gap theory when you play live roulette in Livecasino

There’s a reason why betting systems and strategies were invented—to help players make their betting more efficient. From the reverse martingale system, labouchere system and the law of the thirds, placing your chips effectively and planning becomes possible. This is especially true for people struggling with impulsive gambling decisions, making them more disciplined through loss limits and systems. 

Luckily, here at Livecasino.io, you have the chance to play several roulette titles and learn about the gap theory, number sequences and the law of the third firsthand! 

This includes Lightning Roulette, Roulette Pro and Speed Auto Roulette developed by the best software developers in the industry. All you have to do is sign up, make a deposit and choose your preferred title to start placing your bets. Join us today and win big!

Words by: Rachelle Bulalacao