Roulette Inside & Outside Bets
Roulette is a popular casino game with a wide selection of wagers, generally divided into 'inside bets' and 'outside bets'. Understanding the features, odds, and payouts of both categories can help you choose how to approach the table.
Inside Bets: The Basics
Inside bets can produce substantial payouts because their chance of winning is relatively low. They cover individual numbers or combinations of up to 6 numbers on the roulette layout. The number of available inside bets differs slightly between European and American roulette because the American wheel includes an additional double zero.
Types of Inside Bets
- Straight Up Bet (En plein): Known as “En plein” in French, this wager covers one number. Place the chips in the centre of that number’s box on the roulette layout. You may make more than one ‘straight up’ bet. The winning odds are 37-to-1 on European roulette and 38-to-1 on American roulette. Both versions pay 35-to-1 for a winning ‘straight up’ bet. With the same payout, European roulette gives this wager the better chance of success.
- Split Bet: In French, this is called “Cheval”. It covers two adjoining numbers joined vertically or horizontally on the layout, and pays 17-to-1.
- Street Bet: The French term is “Transversale”. This wager covers three numbers arranged along the same horizontal line on the roulette layout and pays 11-to-1.
- Corner Bet: Known as “Carre” in French, this bet covers the meeting point shared by four numbers. Put the chips at the central point where those four numbers meet on the roulette layout; the payout is 8-to-1.
- Double Street Bet: Called “Sixainne” in French, this wager combines two adjoining streets, with each street being a horizontal line of three numbers. It pays 5-to-1.
- Top Line Bet (Basket Bet): Also called the ‘five line’ bet, this option is available only on American roulette. It covers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. Place the chips at the corner of 0 and 1 or at the corner of 00 and 3. The payout is 6-to-1.
- Trio Bet: This wager combines the zero, or the double zero in American roulette, with two other numbers. For example, a European roulette trio could cover 0, 1, and 2.
Advantages of Inside Bets
- Thrill Factor: Landing a 'straight up' bet can deliver an especially exciting moment.
- Emotional Appeal: Wagering on meaningful dates or "lucky numbers" can make the choice feel personal.
Pitfalls of Inside Bets
- Bankroll Drain: Because the risk is high, your funds may run down quickly.
- Lower Probability: These wagers usually have a lower chance of winning.
- Strategy Combination: Combining inside and outside bets may help spread exposure and balance potential losses.
Outside Bets: An Overview
Outside bets take a more conservative approach by covering larger groups of numbers and generally offering a higher chance of winning. Their potential payouts are reasonable, but smaller than those available from inside bets.
Types of Outside Bets
- Red or Black
At a roulette table, you will find two adjoining betting boxes on the layout. One normally shows a red rectangle and the other a black rectangle. Some layouts spell out “red” and “black”, although many display only the respective colours.
The 36 roulette numbers are split between 18 numbers with a red background and 18 numbers with a black background. Betting red or black means predicting that the ball will finish on a number bearing the colour selected.
Red or Black wagers pay even money, or 1-to-1, when successful: your original stake is returned alongside an equal payout. The 0 and 00 spaces are green, so neither belongs to red or black. A wager on either is lost when the ball lands on 0 or 00, except where the “En Prison” rule applies in some European and French roulette games.
- Even or Odd
The 36 roulette numbers are categorised as either even or odd, allowing you to predict which type the ball will land on. The even box sits to the left of the red box, while the odd box is to the right of the black box. Both Even and Odd bets pay 1-to-1 to winning players.
- Low or High
Roulette numbers are grouped into low numbers (1-18) and high numbers (19-36). On the layout, the low box appears to the left of the even box and the high box to the right of the odd box. Their labels read ‘1 to 18’ and ’19 to 36’.
- Dozen Bet
The 36 numbers on the wheel form three groups of a dozen. On the table layout, three boxes sit between the numbered spaces and the even-money bets. The first box covers the first 12 numbers (1-12) and is labelled “1st 12”. The second covers the second 12 numbers (13-24) and is labelled “2nd 12”. The third covers the third 12 numbers (25-36) and is labelled “3rd 12”.
Dozen bets do not pay even money; their payout is 2-to-1. Since this is not an even-money wager, the “En Prison” rule does not apply to it.
- Column Bet
The 36 wheel numbers are arranged in three columns, with 12 numbers in each column. Each column has a dedicated betting box at the bottom of the roulette layout. The three boxes show the column-bet payout of 2-to-1.
Every row on the layout contains three consecutive numbers: 1-2-3 on the first row, 4-5-6 on the second, 7-8-9 on the third and so on. Consequently, numbers in a column sit three numbers higher or lower than the number above or below them; the first column, for example, is 1-4-7-10….
- Snake Bet
The snake bet is a special dozen wager covering 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32 and 34. Like other dozen bets, it pays 2-to-1. To place it, put the chips on the low corner of 34, next to the 19-36 bet (High even-money bet).
Advantages of Outside Bets
- Bankroll Longevity: Their lower-risk profile can suit longer gameplay sessions.
- Higher Chances: They generally provide better winning odds than inside bets.
- Versatility: Beginners and seasoned players alike may prefer their straightforward coverage.
Pitfalls of Outside Bets
- Conservatism: Their restrained character may not suit thrill-seekers.
- Modest Returns: These wagers pay less than their inside-bet counterparts.
Strategies and Further Reading
Inside and outside bets call for different approaches, with each category offering its own way to structure play. Learning more about roulette strategies can add context to your decisions. For more detail, read our roulette strategies guide. You can also browse Best Online Casinos and different online roulette games.
Summary
Roulette offers many betting choices, and every option has both strengths and drawbacks. Inside bets can deliver larger payouts but carry greater risk, whereas outside bets support a more cautious, longer gameplay style. Understanding the distinctions and considering your approach can help you read the roulette layout with greater confidence.
