inside and outside bets in roulette
Roulette is one of the most recognizable casino games, combining simple rules with a wide variety of betting options. However, understanding where to place your chips is essential before spinning the wheel.
Every traditional roulette table offers two main categories of wagers: inside bets and outside bets. These betting options differ in the number of outcomes they cover, their potential payouts, and how frequently they can win.
Whether you’re discovering roulette for the first time or exploring different betting approaches, understanding these two categories will help you make more informed decisions.
What Are Inside Bets in Roulette?
Inside bets are wagers placed directly on the numbered section of the roulette betting table.
They typically cover between one and six numbers, offering higher payouts but lower probabilities of winning compared with outside bets.
Players who prefer targeting specific numbers often choose inside bets because of their larger potential returns.
Types of Inside Bets
There are five common types of inside bets in roulette.
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 1 number | 35:1 |
| Split | 2 numbers | 17:1 |
| Street | 3 numbers | 11:1 |
| Corner | 4 numbers | 8:1 |
| Six Line | 6 numbers | 5:1 |
Straight Up Bet
A straight-up bet involves placing a chip directly on a single number. For example, betting on number 17 means you win only if the ball lands on 17.
This wager offers the highest standard roulette payout of 35:1.
Split Bet
A split bet covers two adjacent numbers. Players position their chips on the line separating the selected numbers.
If either number wins, the payout is 17:1.
Street Bet
A street bet covers three numbers positioned in a horizontal row on the betting layout.
For example, a player might wager on 1, 2, and 3.
The payout is 11:1.
Corner Bet
A corner bet covers four numbers forming a square on the betting table.
The chip is placed where the four numbered squares meet, and the payout is 8:1.
Six Line Bet
Also called a double street bet, this option covers six numbers across two adjacent rows.
Its payout is 5:1.
Although inside bets offer attractive payouts, covering fewer numbers also means a lower chance of winning on any individual spin.
What Are Outside Bets in Roulette?
Outside bets are wagers placed in the designated betting areas surrounding the numbered grid.
Unlike inside bets, these wagers cover larger groups of numbers.
As a result, they generally offer higher winning probabilities but smaller payouts.
Outside bets are particularly popular among beginners because their rules are easy to understand.
Types of Outside Bets
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Red or Black | 18 numbers | 1:1 |
| Odd or Even | 18 numbers | 1:1 |
| Low (1–18) | 18 numbers | 1:1 |
| High (19–36) | 18 numbers | 1:1 |
| Dozens | 12 numbers | 2:1 |
| Columns | 12 numbers | 2:1 |
Red or Black
This is one of the simplest roulette bets.
Players predict whether the winning number will be red or black.
Each color covers 18 numbers, and a successful wager pays 1:1.
However, the green zero means the winning probability is slightly below 50% on a standard European wheel.
Odd or Even
Players predict whether the winning number will be odd or even.
The zero is neither odd nor even, so it does not count toward either selection.
Low or High
This wager divides the numbered outcomes into two groups:
Low: numbers 1 through 18.
High: numbers 19 through 36.
Both options pay 1:1.
Dozens
Dozen bets divide the numbers into three groups:
First dozen: 1–12.
Second dozen: 13–24.
Third dozen: 25–36.
Each successful dozen bet pays 2:1.
Columns
A column bet covers one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers on the betting table.
Like dozen bets, columns offer payouts of 2:1.
Inside vs Outside Bets: Key Differences
The main difference between inside and outside bets is the relationship between winning probability and payout size.
| Feature | Inside Bets | Outside Bets |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Numbered grid | Surrounding betting areas |
| Coverage | Usually 1–6 numbers | 12 or 18 numbers |
| Payouts | 5:1 to 35:1 | 1:1 or 2:1 |
| Winning frequency | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Variance | Usually higher | Usually lower |
| Beginner friendliness | Requires more familiarity | Easier to understand |
Inside bets create opportunities for larger individual payouts, while outside bets generally produce more frequent but smaller wins.
Neither category removes the casino’s mathematical advantage.
Understanding Roulette Odds and Probabilities
Roulette probabilities depend on the wheel variation.
European roulette contains 37 pockets, numbered 0 through 36.
American roulette contains 38 pockets because it includes both 0 and 00.
This additional pocket changes the probability of winning.
For example, consider a bet on red.
European roulette
48.65%
18 winning pockets out of 37
American roulette
47.37%
18 winning pockets out of 38
European roulette generally offers a lower house edge of approximately 2.70%, compared with 5.26% in American roulette for standard bets.
Some French roulette variations also feature special rules, such as La Partage, which can reduce the house edge on qualifying even-money bets to approximately 1.35%.
These mathematical differences are worth considering when choosing a roulette variation.
How to Place Inside and Outside Bets
Placing roulette bets is relatively straightforward, especially when playing online.
First, select the chip value that matches your preferred stake.
Next, decide whether you want to target individual numbers or larger groups of outcomes.
For inside bets, place chips directly on numbers or the lines separating them.
For outside bets, select the corresponding red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozen, or column area.
After confirming your selection, the roulette wheel spins and determines the result.
Online roulette interfaces usually highlight winning numbers and calculate payouts automatically.
Are Inside Bets Better Than Outside Bets?
There is no universally better betting category.
Inside bets may appeal to players who enjoy the possibility of larger payouts from individual spins.
Outside bets can suit players who prefer covering more outcomes and receiving smaller payouts more frequently.
However, an important mathematical principle applies to both.
On standard European roulette, inside and outside bets have the same 2.70% house edge.
For example, betting on a single number does not improve the expected return compared with betting on red or black.
The main difference is how frequently wins occur and how large those wins are.
Furthermore, betting systems cannot guarantee profits or overcome the house edge.
Tips for Roulette Beginners
Understanding the roulette betting layout makes the game easier to follow.
Start by learning the standard payout table and how each betting option works.
If you’re unfamiliar with the mechanics, outside bets may be easier to understand because they involve straightforward predictions.
You can also explore demo versions of roulette where available to become comfortable with chip placement and the flow of the game.
Set a spending limit before playing, avoid increasing bets to recover previous losses, and remember that each roulette spin is independent.
Previous results do not influence where the ball will land next.
Explore Roulette at WildTornado Casino
Roulette combines a familiar casino atmosphere with a variety of betting possibilities.
From single-number wagers to red-or-black predictions, understanding the differences between inside and outside bets can make the experience more accessible.
At WildTornado Casino, players can explore the available casino game selection and check roulette titles, rules, and betting limits where offered.
Before placing a wager, review the specific game’s payout table and remember that roulette outcomes are determined by chance.
The most important part of roulette is not finding a guaranteed winning method, but understanding the game and playing responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between inside and outside bets in roulette?
Inside bets cover individual numbers or small groups
of numbers on the roulette grid. Outside bets cover
larger groups, such as red or black, odd or even,
dozens, and columns. Inside bets offer higher payouts,
while outside bets generally win more frequently.
Which roulette bet has the highest payout?
A straight-up bet on a single number offers the
highest standard roulette payout of 35:1.
However, it also has a low probability of winning.
Are outside bets safer than inside bets?
Outside bets generally win more frequently because
they cover more numbers, but they are not risk-free.
Standard inside and outside bets have the same
house edge within a given roulette variation.
What happens to outside bets when zero appears?
Outside bets normally lose when the ball lands
on zero or double zero. However, special rules
such as La Partage or En Prison may modify
the outcome of qualifying even-money bets.
Can you combine inside and outside bets in roulette?
Yes. Players can usually place both inside and
outside bets during the same spin, subject to
table limits. Combining bets changes the
coverage and total amount wagered but does
not eliminate the house edge.
Which roulette bets are best for beginners?
Outside bets such as red or black and odd or even
are often easier for beginners to understand.
However, no roulette bet guarantees a win,
and players should always set spending limits.
Author
I am the Director of a company that specializes in providing a range of services including marketing analytics, web design, email marketing, content creation, and graphic design. With over 13 years of experience in analytics and marketing, I have successfully managed teams and developed strategies that cater to various client needs. My role involves overseeing projects, ensuring quality service delivery, and driving business growth through effective marketing solutions.
I am the Director of a company that specializes in providing a range of services including marketing analytics, web design, email marketing, content creation, and graphic design. With over 13 years of experience in analytics and marketing, I have successfully managed teams and developed strategies that cater to various client needs. My role involves overseeing projects, ensuring quality service delivery, and driving business growth through effective marketing solutions.
