Roulette Inside & Outside Bets
Roulette, a popular casino game, offers players a broad range of betting options, broadly classified as 'inside bets' and 'outside bets'. To leverage the game's full potential, it's important to understand each bet's features, odds, and payouts.
Inside Bets: The Basics
Inside bets promise significant payouts due to their low probability of winning. These bets target specific numbers or combinations of up to 6 numbers on the roulette table. Notably, the number of inside bets varies slightly between European and American roulette due to the additional double zero in the American version.
Types of Inside Bets
- Straight Up Bet (En plein): Called “En plein” in French, this is a bet on a single number and it needs to be made by placing your chips on the roulette table layout in the middle of the area box for the number you wish to bet on. You are allowed to make more than one ‘straight up’ bet. The Odds of winning a ‘straight up’ bet when playing European roulette are 37-to-1 and in American roulette they are 38-to-1. Both types of roulette offer a payout of 35-to-1 for a winning ‘straight up’ bet. Therefore, if you have to make a 'straight up' bet, do so when playing European roulette. You have a better chance of succeeding with the same type of payout.
- Split Bet: Called “Cheval” in French, this is a bet made on two adjoining numbers that are connected to one another either vertically or horizontally. It offers a payout of 17-to-1.
- Street Bet: Called “Transversale” in French, this is a bet made on three numbers that are located on the same horizontal line on the roulette table layout. It offers a payout of 11-to-1.
- Corner Bet: Called “Carre” in French, this is a bet made on a corner that is the meeting point of four different numbers. The bet is made by placing chips on the middle point of four numbers on the roulette table layout. It offers a payout of 8-to-1.
- Double Street Bet: Called “Sixainne” in French, this is a bet made on two adjoining streets (horizontal line of three numbers). It offers a payout of 5-to-1.
- Top Line Bet (Basket Bet): Sometimes referred to as ‘five line’ bet, this is a bet that is available only on American roulette. The bet is made on the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3 by placing your chips on the corner of 0 and 1 or the corner of 00 and 3. It offers a payout of 6-to-1.
- Trio Bet: This is a bet that includes the zero (or double zero in American roulette) and two other numbers. For example, in European roulette, you could bet on 0, 1, and 2.
Advantages of Inside Bets
- Thrill Factor: The excitement of hitting a 'straight up' bet is unparalleled.
- Emotional Appeal: Betting on significant dates or "lucky numbers" adds a unique touch.
Pitfalls of Inside Bets
- Bankroll Drain: High risks mean you might deplete your funds quickly.
- Lower Probability: These bets generally have lower odds of winning.
- Strategy Combination: Mixing inside with outside bets can help balance out potential losses.
Outside Bets: An Overview
Outside bets are more conservative, targeting large number groups and offering a higher probability of winning. The potential payouts, though reasonable, are smaller compared to inside bets.
Types of Outside Bets
- Red or Black
When you come near a roulette table, you will see two adjacent box areas on the layout. In one box there will be a clear drawing of a red rectangle and on the other box there will be a drawing of a black rectangle. Sometimes the words “red” and “black” will also be written down but on most roulette table layouts you will see just the colors.
The 36 numbers used in roulette are divided into 18 numbers that have a red background and 18 numbers that have a black background. Placing a bet on either red or black means that you predict that the roulette ball will land on a number that have the background color you wagered on.
Red or Black bets offer even money and pay 1-to-1 to winners. So you will get your bet back plus a payout that is equal to your bet size. Remember that 0 and 00 have a green background so they do not count as either red or black. Any bets made on them are lost when the ball lands on 0 or 00, with the exception of the “En Prison” rule in some European and French roulette games.
- Even or Odd
The 36 numbers used in roulette are divided into even numbers and odd numbers. You can place a bet on the roulette ball landing on either an even number or an odd number. The even bet is located to the left of the red bet box and the odd bet is located to the right of the black bet box. Even or Odd bets are even money bets and pay 1-to-1 to winners.
- Low or High
The numbers used when playing roulette are divided into a group of low numbers (1-18) and high numbers (19-36). The low bet box is to the left of the even bet box and the high bet box is to the right of the odd bet box. The bet boxes are marked ‘1 to 18’ and ’19 to 36’.
- Dozen Bet
The 36 numbers on the roulette wheel are divided into three groups of a dozen numbers each. On the roulette table layout there are three boxes, located in the middle of the table layout between the numbered boxes and the even-money bets. The first box covers a bet on the first 12 numbers (1-12) and is marked on the table as “1st 12”. The second box covers a bet on the second 12 numbers (13-24) and is marked on the table as “2nd 12”. The third box covers a bet on the third 12 numbers (25-36) and is marked on the table as “3rd 12”.
Dozen bets are not even-money bets. They offer a better payout of 2-to-1. The “En Prison” rule is not valid for the dozen bet as this bet is not an even-money bet.
- Column Bet
The 36 numbers on the roulette wheel are divided into three columns. Each column consists of 12 numbers. Each column bet has its own bet box at the bottom of the roulette table layout. All three column bet boxes are marked with the offered payout for the column bet of 2-to-1.
Each row on the table layout has three consecutive numbers on it (1-2-3 on the first row, 4-5-6 on the second, 7-8-9 on the third and so on). This way each number in a column is three numbers higher or lower than the number below or above it (so the first column is 1-4-7-10….).
- Snake Bet
This is a special dozen bet made on the numbers: 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32 and 34. This bet offers a payout of 2-to-1 the same as all other dozen bets. The snake bet is made by placing your chips on the low corner of the number 34 that is adjacent to the 19-36 bet (High even-money bet).
Advantages of Outside Bets
- Bankroll Longevity: Ideal for longer gameplay sessions.
- Higher Chances: They generally have better odds than inside bets.
- Versatility: Preferred by both beginners and seasoned players.
Pitfalls of Outside Bets
- Conservatism: Might not appeal to thrill-seekers.
- Modest Returns: They provide smaller payouts than their inside counterparts.
Strategies and Further Reading
Strategies differ between inside and outside bets, each offering its unique approach to the game. Diving deeper into strategic plays can elevate your gaming experience. Interested? Dive into our detailed roulette strategies guide. Additionally, explore some of the best online casinos and indulge in a variety of online roulette games.
Summary
Roulette provides a plethora of betting options, each with its advantages and pitfalls. While inside bets promise higher payouts with more significant risks, outside bets offer a safer, more prolonged gameplay experience. By understanding these bets and adopting effective strategies, players can navigate the roulette table with confidence.
