Roulette Inside and Outside Bets
Roulette is a popular casino game with a wide range of wagers, usually grouped into 'inside bets' and 'outside bets'. Knowing how each category works, including its odds and payouts, can help you decide how to play.
Inside Bets: The Basics
Inside bets offer the potential for substantial payouts because their chances of winning are relatively low. They cover individual numbers or combinations of up to 6 numbers on the roulette layout. The available inside bets vary slightly between European and American roulette because the American wheel has an additional double zero.
Types of Inside Bets
- Straight Up Bet (En plein): Known as “En plein” in French, this bet covers one number. Place your chips in the center of that number’s box on the roulette layout. You can place 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 on a winning ‘straight up’ bet. With equal payouts, European roulette offers the better chance of winning this bet.
- Split Bet: Its French name is “Cheval”. This bet covers two adjoining numbers connected vertically or horizontally on the layout, and pays 17-to-1.
- Street Bet: In French, this is “Transversale”. The wager covers three numbers arranged on the same horizontal line of the roulette layout and pays 11-to-1.
- Corner Bet: Called “Carre” in French, this bet covers the point where four numbers meet. Place your chips at the center where those numbers join on the layout; the payout is 8-to-1.
- Double Street Bet: Known in French as “Sixainne”, this bet combines two adjoining streets, each a horizontal row of three numbers. It pays 5-to-1.
- Top Line Bet (Basket Bet): Also known as the ‘five line’ bet, this option is available only in American roulette. It covers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. Place your chips at the corner of 0 and 1 or the corner of 00 and 3. The payout is 6-to-1.
- Trio Bet: This bet combines zero—or, in American roulette, double zero—with two other numbers. For example, a European roulette trio may cover 0, 1 and 2.
Advantages of Inside Bets
- Excitement: Hitting a 'straight up' bet can make for a particularly thrilling moment.
- Personal Appeal: Betting on meaningful dates or "lucky numbers" can make your wager feel more personal.
Potential Drawbacks of Inside Bets
- Bankroll Risk: The higher risk can deplete your funds quickly.
- Lower Winning Probability: These bets generally have a lower chance of winning.
- Combining Strategies: Using both inside and outside bets may help spread your exposure and balance potential losses.
Outside Bets: An Overview
Outside bets take a more cautious approach, covering larger number groups and generally offering a better chance of winning. Their potential payouts are reasonable but lower than those available on inside bets.
Types of Outside Bets
- Red or Black
At a roulette table, the layout has two adjoining betting boxes. One usually has a red rectangle and the other a black one. Some layouts spell out “red” and “black”, while many show only the colors.
The 36 roulette numbers are divided between 18 red and 18 black numbers. A Red or Black bet predicts that the ball will land on a number of the selected color.
A winning Red or Black wager pays even money, or 1-to-1: your original stake is returned along with an equal payout. The 0 and 00 spaces are green, so neither counts as red or black. You lose a bet on either color if 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 classified as even or odd, so you can bet on which type the ball will land on. On the layout, the Even box is to the left of the red box and the Odd box is to the right of the black box. Both types pay 1-to-1 when they win.
- Low or High
Roulette numbers are grouped as low (1-18) or high (19-36). On the layout, the low box is to the left of the even box, and the high box is to the right of the odd box. They are labelled ‘1 to 18’ and ’19 to 36’.
- Dozen Bet
The wheel’s 36 numbers are divided into three dozens. On the table, three boxes appear between the numbered betting spaces and the even-money options. The first box covers numbers 12 (1–12) and bears the label “1st 12”. The second includes numbers 12 (13–24) and is labelled “2nd 12”. The last contains numbers 12 (25–36) and is marked “3rd 12”.
Dozen bets do not pay even money; they pay 2-to-1. Since this is not an even-money wager, the “En Prison” rule does not apply.
- Column Bet
The wheel’s 36 numbers are arranged in three columns of 12. At the bottom of the roulette layout, each column has its own betting box. All three boxes show a column-bet payout of 2-to-1.
Each 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. As a result, numbers in a column are three places 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 your chips on the lower corner of 34, next to the 19-36 bet (High even-money bet).
Advantages of Outside Bets
- Longer-Lasting Bankroll: Their lower-risk profile may suit longer playing sessions.
- Better Winning Odds: Outside bets generally offer better odds of winning than inside bets.
- Versatile Play: Their straightforward coverage may appeal to beginners and experienced players alike.
Potential Drawbacks of Outside Bets
- Less Thrilling: Their more restrained nature may not appeal to players seeking excitement.
- Smaller Returns: These bets pay less than their inside-bet counterparts.
Strategies and Further Reading
Inside and outside bets suit different approaches, with each category offering its own way to structure your play. Learning about roulette strategies can provide useful context for your decisions. For more, read our roulette strategies guide. You can also explore Best Online Casinos and a range of online roulette games.
Summary
Roulette offers plenty of betting options, each with advantages and drawbacks. Inside bets offer larger potential payouts but carry more risk; outside bets support a more cautious style and may suit longer sessions. Understanding the differences and considering your approach can help you navigate the roulette layout with confidence.
