Roulette Bet Types Explained: Inside and Outside Bets
Roulette offers a wide range of betting options, from wagers on a single number to broader bets covering large sections of the table.
These wagers are generally divided into two groups: inside bets and outside bets.
Understanding what each bet covers — and its standard payout — makes the roulette table much easier to read.
What Are Inside Bets in Roulette?
Inside bets are placed on individual numbers or small groups of numbers within the main numbered section of the roulette layout.
They generally cover fewer possible outcomes than outside bets.
Common inside bets include:
- Straight-up
- Split
- Street
- Corner
- Six-line
Straight-Up Bet
A straight-up bet covers one individual number.
For example, a player could place a wager directly on 17.
A standard straight-up roulette bet pays 35:1 when successful.
Because only one numbered pocket is covered, this is one of the most specific bets available on a standard roulette table.
Split Bet
A split bet covers two adjacent numbers.
The wager is placed on the line separating the two numbers on the table layout.
A standard split bet pays 17:1.
Street Bet
A street bet covers three numbers appearing in the same horizontal row.
For example:
10, 11 and 12
A standard street bet pays 11:1.
Corner Bet
A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at one point on the betting layout.
The wager is placed at the intersection of those four numbers.
A standard corner bet pays 8:1.
Six-Line Bet
A six-line bet covers two neighbouring streets, for a total of six numbers.
A standard six-line bet pays 5:1.
What Are Outside Bets?
Outside bets cover broader groups of numbers and are positioned around the outside of the main numbered betting grid.
Common examples include:
- Red or black
- Odd or even
- 1–18 or 19–36
- Dozens
- Columns
These bets cover more possible numbered outcomes than most inside bets, but their payouts are correspondingly lower.
Red or Black
Players can wager on whether the winning numbered pocket will be red or black.
A standard successful red or black wager pays 1:1.
The zero — and double zero on standard American roulette — is green rather than red or black.
This is why red and black do not represent a true 50/50 wager on a standard roulette wheel.
Odd or Even
An odd-or-even bet covers either the odd numbers or the even numbers from 1 to 36.
A standard successful wager pays 1:1.
Zero is not included in either group.
High or Low
Players can also wager on:
1–18
or
19–36
These standard bets pay 1:1 when successful.
Again, zero is outside both groups.
Dozen Bets
The numbers 1 through 36 can be divided into three dozens:
- First dozen: 1–12
- Second dozen: 13–24
- Third dozen: 25–36
A standard successful dozen bet pays 2:1.
Zero is not included in any of the three dozens.
Column Bets
The standard roulette layout also divides numbers 1 through 36 into three vertical columns.
A column wager covers 12 numbers.
A standard successful column bet pays 2:1.
Do Different Roulette Bets Have Different House Edges?
On a standard roulette wheel, many conventional bets have the same underlying house edge despite having different probabilities and payouts.
The wheel format matters.
A standard European roulette wheel has one zero, while standard American roulette adds a double-zero pocket.
That additional pocket changes the mathematical house edge for many equivalent bets.
Some roulette variants can also use additional rules or different layouts, so check the rules of the particular game.
Does a Lower-Payout Bet Mean It Is Safer?
A bet covering more numbers has a greater probability of being successful on an individual spin than a bet covering only one number.
However, the payout is lower to reflect that difference.
No roulette bet removes the underlying uncertainty of the game, and previous spins do not guarantee what will happen on the next spin.
What Should You Check Before Playing Roulette?
Before placing a wager, check:
- Whether the wheel uses a single or double zero
- Which numbers the bet covers
- The stated payout
- Minimum and maximum bets
- Any special roulette rules
- The game's complete rules and paytable
Different roulette variants can have different layouts and rules.
Final Thoughts
Roulette bets range from wagers on individual numbers to broad outside bets covering large groups of the table.
Inside bets generally cover fewer numbers and offer larger payouts, while outside bets cover more numbers and offer smaller payouts.
Understanding what each wager actually covers, its payout and the wheel being used makes it easier to understand the mathematics of the game before playing.