Roulette inside bets are often labeled as the wagers to steer clear of while playing the classic wheel game. The sentiment is valid. However, what many do not mention is that these bets are the best for those who want high rewards.
On the roulette table layout, inside bets are focused on specific numbers or small clusters. As a result, the win rate is low, but it is the faster, riskier path to big wins, as opposed to the small gains outside bets offer.
This casino guide provides the details you need on inside bets in online roulette, their payouts, winning odds, and how to place them.
Roulette Inside Bets: Contrast With Outside Bets
Roulette inside bets and outside bets contrast each other in number coverage, hit frequency, and payouts. Outside wagers are safe bets, offering extended play and lower payouts. See more details in our guide, where you can find roulette outside bets explained. Inside bets, on the other hand, can put a strain on your bankroll but can also catapult to an all-time high.
Types of Roulette Inside Bets
Inside roulette bet types include:
Straight Up Bet
This wager is for the bold players. You’re wagering on a single number by placing your chips directly on it. The chance of winning is low, but it has the highest payout (35:1). For example, winning a $100 bet on 7 gives you $3500 plus your initial bet.
Split Bet
A split bet is a wager on two numbers positioned closely, either vertically or horizontally. You drop your chip between both numbers. It pays 17:1. For example, $100 on 16 and 17 potentially returns a $1700 profit.
Street Bet
A street wager is a three-number inside bet. The numbers must be in consecutive order in a row, and you place your chip at the end of that row (on the outer corner). The payout is 11 to 1. This means that if you win a $100 wager on the 1-2-3 street, you get a $1100 profit.
Corner (or Square) Bet
A corner bet covers a block of 4 numbers in a square form on the roulette layout, for example, 5-6-8-9. It pays 8:1; you can get an $800 profit from a $100 bet. This bet strikes a decent balance between risk and number coverage.
Six-Line (or Double Street) Bet
When you lay your chip on the outer corner between two rows that add up to 6 numbers, you’re placing a Line or Double Street bet. It pays 5:1 and offers the highest win frequency among the inside bets. For example, winning a $100 bet on the 10–11–12 and 13–14–15 double street returns $500 plus your original stake.
Basket or Trio Bet (American Roulette)
A Basket (or Top-Line) bet, unique to American roulette, covers five numbers (0-00-1-2-3), while a Trio bet in European variants might include 0-1-2 or 0-2-3 (three numbers). For the basket, place the chip at the corner near 0 and 00. For the trio, the chip goes between the zero and the two numbers. Basket pays 6:1 and Trio 11:1. However, placing a basket bet is not a good roulette inside bets strategy due to its worse odds.
Roulette Inside Bets Payouts, Odds, and House Edge at a Glance
The table below highlights inside wagers and the odds for each roulette bet.
| Bet Type | Numbers | Payout | Chance of Winning (EU) | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | 1 | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.70% |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 | 5.41% | 2.70% |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 | 8.11% | 2.70% |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 | 10.81% | 2.70% |
| Six Line | 6 | 5:1 | 16.22% | 2.70% |
| Trio (EU) | 3 | 11:1 | 8.11% | 2.70% |
| Basket (US) | 5 | 6:1 | 13.16% | 7.89% |
Note: Comparing European vs American roulette wheels, playing the European or French variant reduces the casino’s advantage. The American wheel includes an extra “00” pocket, which nearly doubles the house edge from 2.70% (in the European variant) to 5.26%.
How To Place Roulette Inside Bets in Real Games
To place roulette inside bets online, follow these steps:
- Choose European roulette (a single-zero wheel) for the best roulette inside odds.
- Decide your stake per bet, starting small to extend playtime.
- Place chips on chosen inside bet areas: for instance, a Straight bet on 22 or a Corner wager on 25-26-28-29.
- Watch the wheel spin, and if your numbers hit, you will get payouts based on the table above.
- Repeat or adjust your game, placing the best roulette bet combinations like a split and a street for balanced number coverage and volatility.
Strategy & Budgeting Tips for Roulette Inside Bets
As mentioned, inside bets in roulette can put a strain on your bankroll. To preserve your bankroll, do the following:
- Stick to Single-Zero.
- Mind the stake size. Stick to 1-2% of your bankroll per number.
- Avoid the “Top Line bet” described earlier.
- Always set loss and profit limits.
Do Roulette Inside Bets Match Your Playing Profile?
Roulette inside bets are better suited to players who don’t mind high variance and are about big wins. If you don’t mind losing several spins in a row for the chance to hit a 35:1 jackpot, inside bets are for you. However, if you prefer a variance and smaller payouts, you should place outside bets, focusing on even-money wagers.
FAQs
What is the safest bet in roulette?
Outside bets such as Red/Black or Even/Odd are the safest due to high hit rate and low volatility.
What are inside bets in roulette?
Inside bets are high-pay, low-odds wagers placed on specific numbers or small number groups within the inner grid.
Which inside bet pays the most?
The Straight (Single-Number) bet pays the most, offering a 35:1 payout.
Are inside bets good for beginners?
No, because while they are fun, they are also risky.
How do you place an inside bet?
Position your chip directly on the number, line, or intersection that corresponds to the inside bet you want to make.
Do inside bets have better odds on European roulette?
Yes, the single zero gives them better odds than the American version.
Can you mix inside bets?
Yes, combining straights, splits, corners, or streets can balance coverage and volatility within your session.