What are Roulette Inside Bets and How to Use Them?

September 17, 2024
12 Minute Read

If you’ve ever spun the roulette wheel, you know there’s nothing quite like the excitement of watching that tiny ball bounce around the numbers. But behind the thrill, there’s a smart strategy at play, especially when it comes to inside bets. These high-risk, high-reward wagers can make a huge difference in your game if you know how to use them.

Let’s break this roulette strategy down so you can take your roulette game to the next level!

Introduction to Inside Bets

Roulette inside bets are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the roulette table. They’re located in the “inside” section of the table (hence the name), and they pack more of a punch than outside bets because the odds of winning are lower, but the payouts are way higher! These bets are perfect for those who love a little extra adrenaline in their game and aren’t afraid of the higher risks.

Inside Bets vs. Outside Bets

When it comes to roulette, you’ve got two major types of bets: inside bets and outside bets. The key difference lies in what you’re betting on. Inside bets focus on individual numbers or small groups, while outside bets are broader, covering larger sections like colors (red or black) or whether the number will be odd or even.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Inside bets: Higher risk, but bigger payouts. For example, a straight-up bet on a single number has a payout of 35:1, but your chances of winning are slimmer. Perfect for when you’re feeling lucky and ready to bet on that lucky number!
  • Outside bets: Lower risk, smaller payouts. You’ve got a better shot at winning with these (think 1:1 payouts for red/black or odd/even), but the rewards aren’t as thrilling. These are great for players who want more consistent wins.

If you’re chasing that big win and don’t mind the risk, inside bets are your go-to. But if you’re playing the long game and want to stretch your bankroll with more frequent wins, outside bets are the safer choice.

In the end, it’s all about balancing risk with reward – and knowing when to go bold!

Types of Inside Bets

Roulette inside bets come in different flavors, each with its own risk and reward. Let’s see the most popular types and break down how they work, what you can expect in payouts, and your odds of hitting that sweet victory.

Straight Bet

A straight bet is the boldest of them all. You’re betting on one single number, and if that ball lands on your pick, it’s payday! The payout for a straight bet is 35:1, meaning you get $35 for every $1 wagered. However, the odds of winning are slim, standing at 37 to 1 on an American roulette wheel. High risk, but if you hit it, it’s totally worth the thrill.

Split Bet

If you’re feeling like you want to double your chances without going too broad, a split bet might be your thing. To place this bet, you put your chip on the line between two adjacent numbers. This gives you two potential winning numbers instead of one! The payout is 17:1, which is still pretty decent, but with better odds than the straight bet.

Street Bet

A street bet lets you bet on three numbers in a row, also known as a “street.” To make this bet, place your chip at the end of a row of three numbers. If any of those numbers hit, you win a payout of 11:1. The odds here are better than a straight or split bet, but it’s still an inside bet, so don’t count on hitting it too often.

Corner Bet

If you want to cover more ground without betting on half the table, the corner bet has you covered. This bet involves placing your chip on the intersection of four adjacent numbers. If any of those numbers hit, you snag a payout of 8:1. The odds improve a little more compared to the street bet, but it’s still risky, making it ideal for those looking for a middle ground between thrill and strategy.

Six Line Bet

This bet takes things a step further by covering two adjacent rows, meaning you’re betting on six numbers at once. Just place your chip at the end of two rows where they intersect. With a payout of 5:1, it’s a nice way to balance risk and reward, giving you a better shot at winning while still keeping things exciting.

Trio Bet

A trio bet is a fun option when you want to involve the zero. It covers three numbers, but one of them has to be a zero (or double zero on an American roulette wheel), along with two adjacent numbers. This unique bet offers a payout of 11:1, just like a street bet, but with the added excitement of the zero.

Basket Bet

This special inside bet is placed on the numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3 (plus the double zero on American wheels). You place your chip on the edge where these numbers meet, and if any of them hit, you win! The payout is 6:1, but be aware – this bet has some of the worst odds in roulette, so use it sparingly.

A close-up of a spinning roulette wheel in a casino. The silver-toned spindle reflects the vibrant lighting of the casino. The numbered slots, alternating between red and black, encircle the wheel. A white ball is visible in motion around the wheel, adding to the sense of excitement in the bustling casino environment.

How Do Inside Bets Work?

The inside betting area on a roulette table is where the magic happens for risk-takers. This section features all the individual numbers, from 0 (and 00 on American wheels) to 36. When you place an inside bet, you’re putting your chips directly on specific numbers or small clusters of numbers. The bets are riskier here, but the payouts can make it all worth it!

On an American wheel, you’ve got 38 slots (numbers 1 to 36, plus 0 and 00), while a European wheel only has 37 (1 to 36, plus a single 0). That extra double zero on the American wheel may seem small, but it significantly increases the house edge. This means roulette inside bets on a European table offer slightly better odds compared to an American table.

When you place an inside bet, you’re betting directly on the numbers – and depending on how many numbers you’re covering, your payout and chances of winning will vary.

Strategies for Inside Bets

While roulette inside bets are generally riskier, having a strategy can help you make the most of your game. Here are some popular roulette strategies for making inside bets work in your favor.

Line Bet

The line bet involves placing your chips to cover six numbers at once (two adjacent rows). This bet has a payout of 5:1, giving you a solid chance of winning while still enjoying decent rewards.

The line bet strategy works well when you want to maximize your coverage of numbers without spreading yourself too thin or risking too much at once. It’s a smart play for those who like to keep the excitement going with frequent wins while still aiming for a respectable payout.

James Bond

The James Bond strategy is a famous roulette tactic that’s super easy to follow, especially if you like to dabble in both inside and outside bets. This strategy uses ratios: 70% on high numbers, 25% on the line bet, and 5% on the single zero.

Let’s assume you place $200 across the table with a combination of bets. Specifically, you put $140 on the high numbers (19-36), $50 on the line bet covering 13-18, and $10 on the single number 0. This way, you’re covering a wide range of numbers, with the inside bet on the line covering six numbers and the straight bet on 0 giving you a high payout chance if it hits. It’s not a foolproof strategy, but it’s definitely exciting!

Martingale Strategy

The Martingale strategy is a classic betting system that’s commonly used for outside bets, but you can apply it to inside bets as well – just be prepared for some serious swings.

After every loss, you double your bet in the hopes of recovering your losses and making a profit when you eventually win. It’s a high-risk move, especially with inside bets, but if you’ve got the bankroll and the guts, it can lead to big payoffs. Just remember that losing streaks can hurt, so it’s best to use this strategy sparingly.

Pros and Cons of Inside Bets

Pros

  • Higher payouts: The most exciting thing about inside bets is the potential for massive wins. A straight bet can give you a 35:1 payout, which is hard to beat in the world of roulette. If you’re chasing big wins, inside bets offer that chance!
  • Multiple bet options: Inside bets aren’t just about going all-in on one number. You’ve got plenty of options, from split bets to corner bets, and you can mix them up depending on how you want to play. This variety keeps things interesting and lets you tailor your strategy.

Cons

  • Higher risk: The flip side of those juicy payouts is that inside bets are much riskier. You’re betting on fewer numbers, which means lower chances of winning compared to outside bets. If you’re not careful, your chips can disappear fast.
  • Lower probability of winning: The odds aren’t in your favor with roulette inside bets. Whether you’re betting on a single number or a small group, the house edge is always lurking, especially on American roulette wheels with that extra double zero.

Winning Tips

So, how do you make the most of the roulette inside bet strategy without blowing through your bankroll? Here are a few winning tips to help you play smarter.

  • Combine inside bets for strategic advantage: Instead of putting all your chips on one number, try spreading your bets across multiple inside options. For example, combine a straight bet with a split or street bet to cover more ground while still enjoying higher payouts. This way, you increase your chances of hitting a number while keeping the payout decent.
  • Manage your bankroll: Inside bets can be a wild ride, so managing your bankroll is crucial. Set a limit on how much you’re willing to bet on inside numbers and stick to it. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but pacing yourself will help you stay in the game longer and avoid going broke too quickly.
  • Mix in some outside bets: While roulette inside bet strategy is fun, throwing in a few outside bets can help you balance things out. You can hedge your bets by covering some broader areas like red/black or odd/even, which have better odds of hitting. This can keep your bankroll steady while you chase those big inside bet payouts.

Play smart, have fun, and who knows – you might just hit that big win!

A close-up of a roulette wheel with rich wood detailing and a polished silver spindle. The numbered slots on the wheel stand out in red and black, while in the background, chips are neatly stacked on a nearby table, enhancing the atmosphere of a high-stakes casino setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are inside bets in roulette, and how do they differ from outside bets?

Roulette inside bets are when you bet on specific numbers or small groups of numbers right in the middle of the roulette table. In contrast, outside bets are placed on larger categories, like red/black or odd/even. Inside bets are riskier but have higher payouts, while outside bets are safer with lower payouts.

What are the different types of inside bets, and how do they work?

Inside bets come in various forms:

  • Straight bet: Bet on a single number (payout 35:1).
  • Split bet: Bet on two adjacent numbers (payout 17:1).
  • Street bet: Bet on a row of three numbers (payout 11:1).
  • Corner bet: Bet on four adjacent numbers (payout 8:1).
  • Six Line bet: Bet on two rows of three numbers each (payout 5:1).
  • Trio bet: Bet on zero and two adjacent numbers (payout 11:1).
  • Basket bet: Bet on 0, 1, 2, and 3 (payout 6:1).

Which roulette variants (American or European) are best for inside bets?

European roulette is better for inside bets because it has only one zero (37 slots total), while American roulette has both 0 and 00 (38 slots), increasing the house edge. With fewer numbers, European roulette offers slightly better odds for inside bets.

Can you use strategies like Martingale with inside bets?

Yes, you can use the Martingale strategy with roulette inside bet strategy, but it’s riskier because inside bets have lower odds of winning. You’ll need a larger bankroll to recover from losses if you’re doubling your bets after each loss, so use it carefully.

What are the pros and cons of placing inside bets?

Pros include higher payouts, more bet variety, and bigger thrill; cons include higher risk with lower chances of winning compared to outside bets.

How do inside bets compare to outside bets in terms of risk and reward?

Inside bets have a higher risk because they cover fewer numbers, but the reward is greater with higher payouts. Outside bets are safer, covering larger sections of the table, but they offer smaller payouts.

What advanced tips can help improve my success with inside bets?

You can combine multiple inside bets (like a straight bet and a split) to cover more numbers without spreading yourself too thin. Also, you can stick to European roulette for better odds and hedge your inside bets with occasional outside bets to keep your bankroll steady.

What is the payout for each type of inside bet?

  • Straight bet: 35:1
  • Split bet: 17:1
  • Street bet: 11:1
  • Corner bet: 8:1
  • Six line bet: 5:1
  • Trio bet: 11:1
  • Basket bet: 6:1

How do I manage my bankroll when using inside bets?

Set a budget for how much you’re willing to spend on inside bets, as they can be riskier. Mix in safer outside bets if needed, and avoid chasing losses by betting more than you planned. Keeping your bets small and manageable can help you stay in the game longer.

Is there a limit to how many inside bets I can place at once?

There’s no hard limit to how many inside bets you can place, but it’s important to keep track of your bankroll and avoid spreading your chips too thin. Covering too many numbers at once can dilute your payout and increase your overall risk.

Tom Middleton

Tom is a crypto gambling expert with more than a decade of experience in the industry and Master’s Degree in Journalism. He has written thoroughly researched guides and reviews for several major publications.

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