Having a rewarding experience playing online roulette begins with understanding bet types.
Every wager placed should be an informed decision because your result, though chance-dependent, is still connected to the type of bet placed.
This casino guide covers all the roulette bet types from inside to outside and other special wagers. Let’s see how each shapes your strategy.
Roulette Bet Types Explained: Inside, Outside & Special Bets
| Bet Type | Category | Numbers Covered | Payout | Odds to Win (EU) | Odds to Win (US) | Risk Level | Typical Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight-Up | Inside | 1 number | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.63% | Very High | High-risk / jackpot chaser |
| Split | Inside | 2 numbers | 17:1 | 5.41% | 5.26% | High | Risk-taker |
| Street | Inside | 3 numbers | 11:1 | 8.11% | 7.89% | High | Balanced risk player |
| Corner / Square | Inside | 4 numbers | 8:1 | 10.81% | 10.53% | Medium–High | Strategic players |
| Line | Inside | 6 numbers | 5:1 | 16.22% | 15.79% | Medium | Moderate risk players |
| Dozens | Outside | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% | Low–Medium | Casual players |
| Columns | Outside | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% | Low–Medium | Casual players |
| Red / Black | Outside | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 48.64% | 47.37% | Low | Beginner / conservative |
| Odd / Even | Outside | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 48.64% | 47.37% | Low | Beginner |
| High / Low | Outside | 18 numbers (1–18 or 19–36) | 1:1 | 48.64% | 47.37% | Low | Beginner |
| Voisins du Zero | Special / Announced | 17 numbers around 0 | Mixed (splits, corners, streets) | ~45.9% | ~44.7% | Medium | Intermediate |
| Tiers du Cylindre | Special / Announced | 12 numbers opposite Voisins | Mixed (mainly splits) | ~32.4% | ~31.6% | Medium | Experienced |
| Orphelins | Special / Announced | 8 numbers (“orphans”) | Mixed (straight + splits) | ~21.6% | ~21.1% | Medium–High | Advanced players |
| Neighbors Bet | Special / Announced | 5 numbers (chosen + 2 each side) | 35:1 on winning number | ~13.5% | ~13.2% | Medium | Wheel-focused players |
| Finals Bet | Special / Announced | All numbers ending in a chosen digit | 35:1 on any winning number | Varies by digit | Varies by digit | Medium | Advanced wheel players |
Roulette Outside Bets
The top 5 strategic roulette bets are outside bets. They are low-risk wagers located at the outer section of the roulette betting table layout. These bets cover large groups of numbers, increasing your chances of winning to almost 50%, though at the expense of a lower payout.
Roulette outside bets include:
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Even-Money Bets
These are the best roulette bets, covering 18 numbers. Focus on them when learning how to play roulette. Even money bets include:
Red/Black: Wager on the ball landing in either a red or a black pocket. To place this bet, you put your chip on the corresponding colored box.
Odd/Even: There are 37 or 38 pockets on a roulette wheel, depending on the version you are playing. So you can choose to wager on the ball stopping on an odd or even number. Place the bet by positioning the chip on the Odd or Even box.
High/Low: Based on the structure of the outer section of the betting table, there are high and low numbers. 1–18 are considered low, and 19–36 are high numbers. To place this wager, drop your chip in the High or Low box.
Note: If you are playing French roulette, the La Partage and En Prison rules apply to even-money bets. Check the French roulette guide for more details.
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Dozens and Column Bets
Dozens column bets cover 12 numbers:
Dozens Bets: The roulette betting layout is divided into three dozens (1-12, 13-24, and 25-36).
To place this bet, put your chips on the relevant dozen box.
Column Bets: Roulette table columns are composed of non-sequential numbers. To wager, position your chip at the bottom of your chosen column.
The column and dozens bets have identical odds; they differ only in how the numbers are arranged on the layout.
Roulette Inside Bets
Roulette Payouts Chart (European & American)
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout | Odds EU | Odds US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight-Up | 1 | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.63% |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 | 5.41% | 5.26% |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 | 8.11% | 7.89% |
| Corner / Square | 4 | 8:1 | 10.81% | 10.53% |
| Line | 6 | 5:1 | 16.22% | 15.79% |
| Dozens / Columns | 12 | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% |
| Even-Money Bets | 18 | 1:1 | 48.64% | 47.37% |
Inside bets cover individual or small groups of numbers on the roulette betting table. The wagers offer players the chance to win big by taking on more risk.
Inside bets in roulette include:
Straight-Up Bet
This involves wagering on just one number out of 37 or 38 numbers, depending on the variant. Let’s say you have a lucky number and want to wager on it; place you chip directly on the number. Players who wish to receive the best payouts in roulette place this bet.
Split Bet
If there are two numbers you suspect to be where the ball will land, you can place a split bet to cover the numbers, but they must be at adjacent positions. Players place this wager to reduce the risk of wagering on a single number.
Street Bet
Horizontally, numbers on the betting table are in sequence, e.g., 4, 5, 6. Street bet covers three numbers at once. To wager, put your chip at the end of the row on the grid’s outer edge. Players who choose this bet aim to strike a balance between bet coverage and potential reward.
Corner or Square Bet
You are allowed to wager on four numbers that meet at a corner, e.g., 19, 20, 22, 23. If the ball lands on one of the numbers, maybe 22, you win. Place the chip right at the point where the numbers form a square. Players who prefer pattern-based gameplay after studying the roulette strategy guide often place a corner bet.
Line Bet
A street bet covers three numbers; double this and you have a line bet; i.e., you are wagering on six numbers, e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. To wager, position the chip on the shared edge of the two rows. Conservative players who want a substantial payout place this bet.
Outside vs Inside Bets: Quick Comparison
Here is a quick comparison of roulette bets and payouts.
Inside vs Outside Bets – Quick Comparison
Special Roulette Bets
Special or announced wagers are advanced roulette bet types mainly found in the European betting table. They cover specific segments of the table layout and require multiple chips. They are:
Before placing these bets, check out our European roulette guide.
Choosing the Right Roulette Bet Type
Here is a cold truth: The roulette bets explained in this guide cannot reduce the casino’s house advantage. Therefore, tailor your bets to your gaming goal and bankroll. If you don’t have enough bankroll, place outside bets. If you are willing to risk more money to get better payouts, place inside bets. However, start with even money bets when learning, then combine with other roulette bet types as you master the game.
FAQs
What is the best bet in roulette?
The best roulette bet depends on your goal and playing style. But outside bets are considered the best for steady returns.
What bets should beginners use?
Beginners should focus on even-money outside bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low). They are low-risk wagers.
Which roulette bets have the best odds?
Even-money bets (such as Red/Black or Odd/Even) have the best winning odds (47.37%).
How do roulette bets work?
Roulette bets are divided into outside, inside, and special bets. Place your chips on any section you want to wager on.
Can you bet on green in roulette?
Yes, you can bet on the green zero or double-zero pocket. It is the highest-payout wager available on the table.
Which roulette bet has the highest payout?
The Straight-Up bet has the highest payout in roulette. It pays 35:1 when you correctly pick a single winning number.
Are outside bets better for beginners?
Yes, outside bets are the best for new players.
Do inside and outside bets work the same in European and American roulette?
Yes, but with different odds and house edge due to the American extra 00 pocket.
What bets hit most often?
Even-money outside bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) record the highest hit rate.