Roulette is one of the most popular casino games, enjoyed both in land-based and online casinos. With a history spanning centuries, it remains an enduring favourite, captivating players with its timeless charm and simplicity. At the heart of the game lies a straightforward concept: players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. Yet, the strategy behind these bets is anything but simple, as the way they are placed significantly affects the odds and potential payouts. This strategy is built around two primary categories: inside bets and outside bets.
Understanding how these bets work is essential for making strategic choices when playing roulette online or at an Old School brick and mortar casino.
Understanding Inside Bets
Inside bets involve wagering on individual numbers or small number groups within the main betting grid. These bets offer higher payouts but come with lower odds of winning. They appeal to players who prefer higher risk in exchange for bigger potential rewards.
Types of Inside Bets
- Straight-up Bet – A bet placed on a single number. If the ball stops on that exact number, the payout is 35 to 1.
- Split Bet – A wager covering two neighboring numbers, placed on the line that separates them. The payout is 17 to 1.
- Street Bet – A wager covering three numbers in a horizontal row. The chip is placed on the outer edge of the row, with a payout of 11 to 1.
- Corner (Square) Bet – A bet covering four numbers in a square formation. The chip is placed at the intersection of the four numbers, with a payout of 8 to 1.
- Line Bet – A wager covering six numbers in two adjacent rows. The payout is 5 to 1.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Inside Bets
Inside bets are best suited for players looking for high-risk, high-reward gameplay. While they offer the largest payouts in roulette, they also come with the lowest probability of winning. For instance, a straight-up bet has only a 2.7% chance of winning in European roulette and an even lower chance in the American version, which includes an extra double zero pocket.
Understanding Outside Bets
Outside bets encompass broader sections of the roulette wheel, providing a greater probability of winning but with smaller payouts. These bets are placed outside the numbered grid, covering broader categories rather than individual numbers. Because of their higher probability of success, they are often the go-to choice for players who prefer steady gameplay over risky wagers. In roulette real money games, outside bets can be particularly appealing to those who want to extend their bankroll while still enjoying consistent action.
Types of Outside Bets
- Red or Black – A bet on whether the ball will land on a red or black number. Pays 1 to 1.
- Odd or Even – A wager predicting if the winning number will be odd or even. Pays 1 to 1.
- High or Low – A bet on whether the winning number falls between 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Pays 1 to 1.
- Dozen Bet – A bet covering a group of 12 numbers: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. The payout is 2 to 1.
- Column Bet – A bet covering one of the three vertical columns on the betting layout. The payout is also 2 to 1.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Outside Bets
Outside bets are ideal for players who prefer steady, lower-risk gameplay. Since they cover larger sections of numbers, the probability of winning is much higher than with inside bets. However, the payouts are lower. For example, red or black has nearly a 50% chance of winning, but only offers even money (1 to 1).
Which Bet Type Is Better?
There is no single “better” bet—inside and outside bets are simply different and strategy depends on the player’s risk tolerance. Those who enjoy chasing big payouts may prefer inside bets, while those who prefer more consistent wins may lean toward outside bets. Many players mix both types to balance risk and reward.
Leveraging Your Risk Tolerance
Understanding the distinction between inside and outside bets is crucial for improving your online roulette experience. Inside bets offer high-risk, high-reward opportunities, while outside bets provide lower-risk, frequent wins. The best approach depends on your playing style, bankroll, and risk preference. By knowing how each bet works, you can make more informed choices and enjoy a strategic edge when playing one of the most popular games available to online players.