Understanding the different types of bets in roulette is essential for improving your gameplay. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, knowing how each bet works can help you make smarter decisions at the table. This guide explains the various roulette bet types, their payouts, and the level of risk associated with each.
Inside vs. Outside Bets
Roulette bets are categorized into two main groups: inside bets and outside bets.
- Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. They have higher payouts but lower chances of winning.
- Outside bets cover broader sections of the roulette table, offering better odds but smaller payouts.
Outside Bets: Lower Risk, Lower Rewards
Red or Black
This is one of the simplest bets in roulette. You wager on whether the ball will land on a red or black number. Since it covers nearly half of the numbers, it offers close to a 50% chance of winning.
Payout: 1:1
Odd or Even
With this bet, you choose whether the winning number will be odd or even. Like the red/black bet, this has a nearly equal chance of winning but excludes the zero(s).
Payout: 1:1
High or Low
This bet divides the numbers into two halves: low (1-18) and high (19-36). If the ball lands in the range you selected, you win.
Payout: 1:1
Column Bet
The roulette table is divided into three vertical columns, each containing 12 numbers. You can place a bet on any column, and if a number from your chosen column wins, you get paid.
Payout: 2:1
Dozen Bet
Similar to column bets, this covers a set of 12 numbers. The three dozen bets available are:
- 1st Dozen (1-12)
- 2nd Dozen (13-24)
- 3rd Dozen (25-36)
Payout: 2:1
Inside Bets: Higher Risk, Higher Rewards
Straight Up Bet
A straight-up bet is placed on a single number. If the ball lands on your chosen number, you win the biggest payout in standard roulette.
Payout: 35:1
Split Bet
A split bet covers two adjacent numbers on the table. You place your chips on the line between the two numbers.
Payout: 17:1
Street Bet
This bet covers three consecutive numbers in a row (e.g., 4, 5, 6). You place your chips at the edge of the row.
Payout: 11:1
Corner (Square) Bet
A corner bet includes four numbers that form a square on the table layout (e.g., 10, 11, 13, 14). The chips are placed at the intersection of these numbers.
Payout: 8:1
Six Line Bet
This bet covers two adjacent rows of three numbers each, totaling six numbers.
Payout: 5:1
Basket Bet (Five-Number Bet) – American Roulette Only
This is a bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 in American roulette. It is considered one of the worst bets due to its high house edge.
Payout: 6:1
Special Called Bets in French and European Roulette
Neighbors of Zero (Voisins du Zéro)
Covers 17 numbers surrounding zero on the wheel. It requires multiple chips and is commonly played in European roulette.
Thirds of the Wheel (Tiers du Cylindre)
Covers 12 numbers opposite the zero section, splitting the wheel into three parts.
Orphelins (Orphans)
A bet on the numbers that do not belong to either of the previous groups.
These bets involve multiple numbers and require specific chip placements. They are popular among experienced players in French and European roulette.
Choosing the Right Bet for Your Strategy
- Beginners should start with outside bets like red/black or odd/even for consistent wins.
- More experienced players may prefer inside bets for bigger payouts, despite lower odds.
- High rollers often use progressive betting systems that involve a mix of inside and outside bets.
To explore strategies that work with different bet types, check out our Best Roulette Strategies Guide.
Conclusion
Roulette offers a variety of betting options, each with different risks and rewards. Outside bets are great for steady play, while inside bets offer higher payouts for risk-takers. Understanding these bet types will help you make informed decisions and enhance your roulette experience.
For more details on roulette odds and how bets affect your chances, visit our Roulette Odds & Payouts Guide.