Inside and Outside Bets in Roulette Explained

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games in the world, offering a thrilling combination of excitement, strategy, and, of course, chance. Whether you’re playing online or at a land-based casino, understanding the different types of bets available is key to making the most of your roulette experience. In this article, I’m going to walk you through the basics of inside and outside bets, helping you understand the differences, how to place them, and how each bet affects your overall strategy. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about your next spin at the wheel.

What Are Inside Bets?

Let’s start with inside bets. These bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the numbered grid on the roulette table. They offer higher payouts compared to outside bets, but they also come with a higher risk due to the smaller probability of winning.

Here are the main types of inside bets:

• Straight Up Bet: This is the simplest and most straightforward bet in roulette. You place your chips directly on a single number, and if the ball lands on that number, you win. The payout for a straight-up bet is 35 to 1.
• Split Bet: In a split bet, you place your chips on the line between two adjacent numbers. If the ball lands on either of these numbers, you win. The payout for a split bet is 17 to 1.
• Street Bet: This bet covers three numbers in a horizontal line. You place your chip at the end of the row, and if any of the three numbers come up, you win. The payout is 11 to 1.
• Corner Bet: A corner bet covers four numbers that form a square. You place your chip at the intersection of the four numbers, and if any of them hit, you win. The payout is 8 to 1.
• Six Line Bet: Also known as a double street bet, this wager covers two rows of three numbers each, making it a total of six numbers. The payout is 5 to 1.

Inside bets are known for their high payouts, but as the odds of winning are lower, the risk is higher. This can make them appealing for players who enjoy taking risks in exchange for bigger rewards.

What Are Outside Bets?

Now let’s look at outside bets. These wagers are placed on larger groups of numbers or categories outside the number grid on the table. While the payouts are lower than those for inside bets, the chances of winning are much higher. This makes outside bets perfect for players who prefer a more conservative approach or those who want to stretch their bankroll.

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of outside bets:

• Red or Black: This bet covers the entire red or black side of the wheel. You are betting that the ball will land on a number of the color you’ve chosen. The payout is 1 to 1.
• Odd or Even: Similar to the red or black bet, this wager covers all odd or all even numbers on the wheel. If the ball lands on an odd or even number, you win. The payout is 1 to 1.
• High or Low: A high bet covers numbers 19-36, while a low bet covers numbers 1-18. The payout is 1 to 1.
• Dozens: You can bet on one of three groups of twelve numbers: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. The payout is 2 to 1.
• Columns: This bet covers one of the three vertical columns of numbers on the table. The payout is 2 to 1.

Unlike inside bets, outside bets offer better odds and lower payouts. The likelihood of winning is higher, but you won’t be collecting as large a reward as you would with an inside bet.

Comparison: Inside Bets vs. Outside Bets

Let’s compare the two categories of bets in terms of house edge, payouts, and probabilities.

As you can see from the table, inside bets have a higher house edge and lower probability of winning, but they come with much larger payouts. On the other hand, outside bets have better odds of winning but offer smaller payouts.

The choice between inside and outside bets ultimately depends on your roulette strategy and risk tolerance. If you’re playing for fun and enjoy the thrill of chasing large rewards, inside bets may be more appealing. But if you’re looking to minimize risk while still enjoying the game, outside bets could be a better fit.

Roulette Betting Strategies Involving Inside and Outside Bets

A lot of players look to maximize their chances of winning by employing common roulette betting systems. These strategies can incorporate both inside and outside bets depending on your personal style and risk preferences. Here are a few popular ones:

• Martingale Strategy: This is a popular betting system that involves doubling your bet after every loss. This strategy is most commonly used with outside bets like red/black or odd/even. The idea is that you’ll eventually win and recover all your losses, but it requires a large bankroll and comes with the risk of reaching the table limits.
• Reverse Martingale Strategy: The reverse Martingale involves increasing your bet after a win, rather than after a loss. This method works well with outside bets, as it allows you to ride a winning streak while minimizing risk during losing streaks.
• D’Alembert Strategy: This is a more gradual system that involves increasing your bet by one unit after a loss and decreasing it by one unit after a win. The D’Alembert system works best with outside bets.
• Labouchère Strategy: This is a complex betting system that requires you to create a sequence of numbers, each representing a betting unit. The sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence is your bet. After each win or loss, you adjust the sequence. This strategy can be applied to both inside and outside bets.

It’s essential to remember that no betting strategy can guarantee a win, as roulette is a game of chance. But by understanding the roulette basics and choosing a system that aligns with your goals, you can enjoy the game and improve your chances of success.

Factors Affecting Your Bet Choices in Roulette

When deciding whether to place an inside or outside bet, several factors come into play:

• Roulette Wheel Layout: The type of roulette wheel you’re playing on can affect your odds. European roulette has a single zero, which gives you slightly better odds than American roulette, which has a double zero.
• Betting Limits: Online roulette games typically have lower minimum and maximum bet limits compared to land-based casinos. If you’re playing online, you can experiment with different strategies, and manage your bankroll more easily.
• Personal Goals: Your playing style and objectives can determine your choice of bets. If you’re aiming for small but consistent wins, outside bets may be your best option. If you prefer the excitement of big wins, try focusing on inside bets.
• RNG in Roulette: For online roulette games, the RNG (Random Number Generator) ensures that every spin is independent of previous outcomes. This means that, while strategies may help you manage your bets, they won’t change the outcome of each spin.

How to Make the Best Bet Choices for Your Playing Style

So, how do you decide which type of bet is right for you? Here are a few tips based on your style:

• Risk-Takers: If you love the thrill of big wins and are willing to take a risk, inside bets might be the way to go. The higher payouts make them attractive, but remember that the odds of winning are lower.
• Conservative Players: If you prefer playing more safely and making your money last longer, outside bets offer lower risk and more frequent wins, even if the payouts are smaller.
• Balanced Approach: Many players choose a combination of inside and outside bets. By mixing both types, you can balance your risk and reward, giving you a bit of excitement without going all in on high-risk bets.

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to roulette or an experienced player, understanding inside bets and outside bets is crucial for crafting your winning strategy. Both types of bets come with their own advantages and drawbacks, and the key is to find the balance that works best for your playing style and risk tolerance.

Remember, roulette is a game of chance, and while betting systems and strategies can help you manage your bankroll, they won’t change the fundamental odds of the game. So, enjoy the experience, play responsibly, and make the most of the thrilling world of roulette.

With a comprehensive understanding of inside bets, outside bets, and the strategies that work best with each, you’re ready to enjoy a more informed and exciting roulette experience. Good luck at the tables, and always play responsibly!