What Are Roulette Outside Bets and How to Use Them?

Roulette is a game of chance, excitement, and strategy, and one of the most important aspects of the game is understanding the different types of bets you can make. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player looking to refine your strategy, roulette outside bets offer a safer, lower-risk approach to playing the game.

Unlike inside bets, which focus on specific numbers or small groups of numbers, outside bets cover larger sections of the roulette table and offer better odds of winning, albeit with lower payouts.

In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at outside bets in roulette. We’ll explain what they are, how they differ from inside bets, and why they are popular among players who prefer a more strategic and lower-risk approach to the game.

We will also explore various types of outside bets and how to use them effectively when playing roulette. Let’s dive into the world of roulette outside bets and see how you can enhance your gameplay by utilizing these betting options.

What Are Outside Bets?

Outside bets in roulette refer to wagers placed on broader categories of numbers, such as red or black, odd or even, or high or low numbers. These bets are made on the areas located around the main number grid on the roulette table.

Unlike inside bets, which focus on specific numbers or combinations of numbers, outside bets cover larger sections of the wheel, offering better odds of winning. However, the trade-off is that these bets come with lower payouts compared to their inside counterparts.

Because outside bets are more straightforward and cover a larger range of possible outcomes, they are often favored by new players or those who want to minimize risk while still participating in the game. They offer consistent results, which makes them appealing to players who want to avoid the volatility of high-risk inside bets while they play roulette online.

Outside Bets vs. Inside Bets

Understanding the differences between outside bets and inside bets is crucial for developing a solid roulette strategy. While inside bets involve betting on specific numbers (such as a straight-up bet) or small groups of numbers (like split bets or corner bets), outside bets focus on larger, less risky categories, giving players a better chance of winning but with smaller payouts.

Here’s a comparison of the key differences:

• Odds and Risk: Outside bets cover a broader portion of the roulette wheel, so they offer a higher probability of winning. For instance, a red or black bet has a nearly 50/50 chance of winning. In contrast, inside bets, such as straight-up bets on a single number, have much lower odds but significantly higher payouts.
• Payouts: Because outside bets are lower risk, they also offer lower payouts. A typical outside bet, like even money wagers (red/black, odd/even), pays 1:1, while an inside bet, like a straight-up bet, can pay as much as 35:1.
• Coverage: Outside bets cover large groups of numbers, while inside bets target individual numbers or small clusters. For example, a dozen bet covers 12 numbers, and a column bet covers a full column of numbers on the roulette table.

Ultimately, the choice between outside bets and inside bets depends on your betting style and risk tolerance. Players who prefer consistency and lower risk often stick to outside bets, while those willing to take on more risk for the chance of bigger payouts may opt for inside bets.

Types of Outside Bets

In roulette, outside bets are popular for their simplicity, higher chances of winning, and straightforward nature. Unlike inside bets that focus on individual numbers or smaller groups of numbers, outside bets cover larger sections of the roulette table, offering players a better chance of winning, though with lower payouts.

Let’s explore the different types of outside bets in detail, including how they work, their odds, and potential payouts.

Red/Black

One of the most common outside bets is betting on whether the ball will land on a red or black number. On a standard roulette wheel, there are 18 red numbers and 18 black numbers, making this bet an almost 50/50 proposition.

This is why it is considered an even money bet—a type of bet where the payout is 1:1. For example if you place a €10 bet on red and win, you receive your €10 back, plus an additional €10 in winnings.

How it works:

To place a red or black bet, you simply place your chips on the corresponding color section of the roulette table. If the roulette ball lands on a number in your chosen color, you win the bet. The outcome is straightforward and does not involve any complex calculations or strategies.

• Odds: The odds for red/black bets depend on the version of roulette being played. In European roulette (with a single zero), your odds of winning a red/black bet are approximately 48.65%, while in American roulette (with an additional double zero), your odds drop to 47.37%. This slight difference is due to the presence of the green zero (and double zero), which neither counts as red nor black.
• Payout: The payout for a red/black bet is 1:1. This means that for every €10 wagered, you can win €10 if your bet is successful.

Even/Odd

The even/odd bet is another popular outside bet where you wager on whether the winning number will be even or odd. Like the red/black bet, this bet covers a large portion of the roulette wheel—18 even numbers and 18 odd numbers. The numbers range from 1 to 36, and your goal is to predict whether the winning number will be even or odd.

How it works:

To place an even/odd bet, you place your chips on the designated “Even” or “Odd” section of the roulette table. If the ball lands on an even or odd number, depending on your wager, you win the bet. However, as with red/black bets, if the ball lands on zero (or double zero in American roulette), you lose the bet.

• Odds: The odds for even/odd bets are very similar to red/black bets. In the European version, the odds are about 48.65%, while in American roulette, the odds drop slightly to 47.37% due to the inclusion of the green zero and double zero.
• Payout: Even/odd bets are also considered even money bets, so the payout is 1:1. If you wager €20 on “Even” and the ball lands on an even number, you will win €20 plus your original wager.

High/Low

The high/low bet allows players to wager on whether the winning number will fall within the low range (1-18) or the high range (19-36) on the roulette wheel. This bet is another even money wager that covers 18 numbers in each category, making it a popular choice for players looking to cover a broad portion of the roulette table.

How it works:

To place a high/low bet, place your chips on the section labeled “1 to 18” for low numbers or “19 to 36” for high numbers. If the ball lands on a number within your chosen range, you win the bet. Like with other outside bets, the green zero (and double zero in American roulette) will result in a loss, as those numbers are not part of the high or low range.

• Odds: In European roulette, the odds of winning a high/low bet are around 48.65%, while in American roulette, the odds are reduced to 47.37% due to the extra zero pocket.
• Payout: Since this is an even money bet, the payout is 1:1. If you place a €50 bet on the low numbers and the ball lands on a number between 1 and 18, you will win €50 plus your original stake.

Dozens

A dozen bet covers a group of 12 numbers in a row, offering players higher odds of winning than an inside bet while still providing better payouts than most outside bets. The table is divided into three dozen sections: the 1st dozen (numbers 1-12), the 2nd dozen (numbers 13-24), and the 3rd dozen (numbers 25-36).

How it works:

To place a dozen bet, you place your chips in one of the three sections labeled 1st 12, 2nd 12, or 3rd 12. If the ball lands on a number within the dozen you’ve selected, you win the bet. This bet allows you to cover a third of the numbers on the wheel.

• Odds: The odds of winning a dozen bet in European roulette are approximately 32.43%. In American roulette, the odds are slightly lower at 31.58% due to the presence of the green zero and double zero.
• Payout: The payout for a dozen bet is 2:1. For instance, if you place a €30 bet on the 2nd dozen and win, you will receive €60 in winnings plus your original bet.

Columns

A column bet is similar to a dozen bet in that it covers 12 numbers, but instead of covering consecutive numbers, it covers one of the three vertical columns on the table. Each column has 12 numbers spread across the table, allowing you to cover a substantial portion of the wheel.

How it works:

To place a column bet, place your chips at the bottom of one of the three columns on the roulette table layout. The numbers in the columns are not consecutive, but each column provides a good mix of high and low numbers. If the ball lands on a number in your chosen column, you win the bet.

• Odds: The odds of winning a column bet are the same as a dozen bet—approximately 32.43% in European roulette and 31.58% in American roulette.
• Payout: The payout for a column bet is 2:1. If you place a €40 bet on one of the columns and win, you will receive €80 in winnings, plus your original bet.

Each of these outside bets offers players the opportunity to cover a large section of the roulette wheel, giving them better odds of winning compared to inside bets. While the payouts are lower than more specific bets in roulette, the reduced risk makes these bets a popular choice for both beginners and experienced players.

How Do Outside Bets Work?

Outside bets in roulette are popular due to their ease and higher chances of winning compared to inside bets. When placing outside bets, you focus on broader sections of the roulette table rather than specific numbers.

This allows you to cover larger portions of the roulette wheel and increases the likelihood of winning, though the payouts are lower than more specific bets like the street bet or corner wager. Let’s break down how these bets work and how to place them on the table.

Where and How to Place Outside Bets on the Roulette Table

Placing outside bets is straightforward. The roulette table layout is divided into two main areas: the “inside” area, which contains the numbered grid, and the “outside” area, where you place bets on broader categories like red/black, odd/even, or high/low. To place an outside bet, simply place your chips in the designated areas outside the main number grid.

Here’s how you can place the most common outside bets:

• Red/Black: Place your chips on either the red or black diamond in the outside area. This bet covers all 18 red or black numbers.
• Even/Odd: Place your bet on the “Even” or “Odd” section to cover either all even or all odd numbers.
• High/Low: Bet on “1 to 18” for low numbers or “19 to 36” for high numbers.
• Dozens: Place your bet on one of the three “Dozen” sections, each covering 12 consecutive numbers.
• Columns: Place your chips at the bottom of one of the three columns on the table, covering 12 non-consecutive numbers.

Because these bets cover a large number of outcomes, they’re considered lower-risk bets. However, the payout is lower—usually 1:1 for most outside bets (like red/black, odd/even, high/low) and 2:1 for dozens and columns.

Differences Between American and European Roulette for Outside Bets

While the basic concept of outside bets remains the same in both American and European roulette, the differences between these two versions can affect your strategy and chances of winning.

American Roulette

In American roulette, the wheel contains 38 pockets, including numbers 1-36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). This extra double zero significantly affects the house edge, increasing it to 5.26%.

The presence of both a zero and double zero means that your chances of winning an outside bet are slightly lower, as neither zero falls into any of the categories covered by outside bets (red/black, even/odd, high/low, etc.).

European Roulette

In the European version of roulette, the wheel only contains 37 pockets, including numbers 1-36 and a single zero. The absence of the double zero reduces the house edge to 2.7%, making it a more favorable version for players. The single zero is still a losing number for outside bets, but the lower house edge means that players have a slightly better chance of winning.

Impact of the Zero(s) on Outside Bets

In both versions of roulette, the zero (and double zero in American roulette) does not count as part of any outside bet. For example, if you place a bet on red and the ball lands on zero, you lose, even though zero is technically “outside” the usual red/black, even/odd, or high/low outcomes.

This is where the house edge comes into play—the presence of zeroes ensures that the casino has an advantage, as players lose outside bets when the ball lands on zero.

In summary, while the process for placing outside bets is the same in both versions of roulette, the higher house edge in American roulette makes it slightly less favorable for players. Whenever possible, opt for European-style roulette to maximize your chances of winning on outside bets.

Strategies for Outside Bets

Although outside bets have lower payouts, they offer better odds of winning, making them ideal for players looking for more consistent, lower-risk returns. To enhance your chances of winning and manage your bankroll effectively, you can use an outside bet roulette strategy. Below, we explore four common strategies that pair well with outside bets like red/black, odd/even, and dozens.

64% Roulette System

The 64% Roulette System is a strategy that combines outside bets to cover a significant portion of the roulette table, giving you roughly a 64% chance of winning on each spin. The basic premise of this system is to place two dozen bets on two of the three dozen sections (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36) and place a corner bet on a group of four numbers in the remaining dozen.

How it works:

• Place two bets on two dozen sections (e.g., 1st dozen and 2nd dozen).
• Place a corner bet on four numbers within the remaining dozen (e.g., four numbers in the 3rd dozen).
• If the ball lands in one of your two dozens, you win at a 2:1 payout. If it lands on your corner bet, you win at an 8:1 payout.

Why it works:

By covering 64% of the possible outcomes on the roulette wheel, this strategy significantly increases your chances of winning, though the payouts for each win are lower. This approach is particularly well-suited for players looking for steady, small wins over time.

Martingale Strategy

The Martingale strategy is one of the most famous and widely used betting systems in roulette. It is based on the principle of doubling your bet after every loss, with the goal of recovering all previous losses and making a profit equal to your original bet when you eventually win. This strategy works best with even money bets like red/black and odd/even.

How it works:

• Start by placing a small bet on red, black, even, or odd.
• If you win, repeat the same bet.
• If you lose, double your next bet.
• Continue doubling your bet after each loss until you win.

Why it works:

The idea behind the Martingale strategy is that, eventually, you will win and recover your losses. However, it’s important to note that this strategy requires a substantial bankroll, as consecutive losses can quickly lead to very large bets.

Contra Bet Strategy

The Contra Bet Strategy is the opposite of the Martingale strategy and is considered a positive progression system. Instead of doubling your bet after a loss, you increase your bet after a win, with the aim of capitalizing on winning streaks. This method limits losses during a losing streak but allows for bigger wins when you’re on a hot streak.

How it works:

• Place an initial bet on an outside bet, like red/black or high/low.
• If you win, increase your next bet by a predetermined amount (e.g., doubling it).
• If you lose, return to your original bet size.

Why it works:

This strategy minimizes the impact of losses while maximizing the potential of winning streaks. It’s ideal for players who want to take advantage of favorable streaks without risking too much during losing rounds.

Tier et Tout Strategy

The Tier et Tout strategy is an aggressive system that divides your bankroll into three parts, with the goal of betting two-thirds of it on the first bet. If you lose, you use the remaining third for a second bet. If you win, you reinvest your winnings for larger bets, seeking to maximize your returns quickly.

How it works:

• Divide your bankroll into three parts.
• Bet two-thirds of your bankroll on an outside bet (e.g., even money bets like red/black).
• If you win, place another bet with the same amount. If you lose, bet the remaining third.

Why it works:

This system is designed to maximize profits quickly, but it carries higher risk. It’s best suited for players who are comfortable with riskier strategies.

These betting strategies for outside bets are all designed to help you manage your bets, reduce your risk, and maximize your winning potential. Each strategy has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your risk tolerance and playing style when placing roulette bets.

Pros and Cons of Outside Bets

Outside bets in roulette are popular for their simplicity and greater chances of winning. These bets cover broader categories, giving players a better shot at consistent returns, especially compared to inside bets. However, there are trade-offs when it comes to the potential payouts. Let’s break down the pros and cons of outside bets to help balance the risk and reward.

Pros

• Higher Chance of Winning: Since outside bets cover larger portions of the roulette wheel, such as red/black or high/low, they provide a greater probability of winning than inside bets, like a straight-up bet or split bet.
• Consistency: Players can win more frequently with outside bets, making them an ideal choice for those seeking steady, lower-risk gameplay.

Cons

• Lower Payouts: The biggest drawback is the reduced payout. For example, even-money bets like red/black pay out at 1:1, while inside bets such as a number bet or line bet can offer much higher returns, with a straight-up bet paying 35:1.
• Limited High Reward: While the chances of winning are higher, the returns from these bets won’t deliver the substantial profits that more risky inside bets might offer.

Winning Tips

When playing roulette, it’s essential to maintain a balanced approach that minimizes risk while allowing for enjoyment and potential success. Here are a few practical tips to help you avoid big losses and ensure responsible betting, such as when playing at Instant Casino:

• Set a Budget: Before placing your first bet, establish a clear budget and stick to it, ensuring you don’t risk more than you can afford to lose.
• Mix Betting Strategies: Incorporate both outside bets and inside bets into your play. For example, while you can place a safer outside bet like red/black, you could also risk a small amount on a higher-paying number bet for balance.
• Stay Calm After Losses: It’s important not to chase losses by increasing bet sizes or adopting riskier tactics. Stick to your original betting strategy to maintain control.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Adjust your bets based on your wins and losses. Don’t raise your bet amount drastically after a win or try to recover after a losing streak. Controlled betting helps sustain longer gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Outside bets cover wider categories of outcomes, such as red/black or even/odd, while inside bets focus on specific numbers or smaller groups, like line bets or split bets. Outside bets roulette offer lower payouts but a better chance of winning.

What types of outside bets can I place in roulette?

You can place several types of outside bets, including red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns. Each of these bets covers larger sections of the roulette wheel.

What are the odds and payouts for each type of outside bet?

Even-money bets like red/black and odd/even pay 1:1, while dozen and column bets pay 2:1. The odds vary slightly depending on whether you are playing European or American roulette.

How do outside bets work in American vs. European roulette?

In European roulette, there is a single zero, leading to a house edge of 2.7%. American roulette has both a zero and a double zero, increasing the house edge to 5.26%. This affects the odds for outside bets, with better odds in European gameplay.

Why are outside bets considered safer than inside bets?

Outside bets cover broader categories, giving you better odds of winning compared to inside bets, which focus on specific numbers and carry higher risk.

Which strategies work best for outside bets?

Strategies like the Martingale system, 64% roulette system, and Contra bet strategy are ideal for outside bets, as they help balance risk and maximize potential wins over time.

How can I manage my bankroll effectively when placing outside bets?

Set a betting limit for each session and stick to it. Divide your bankroll into smaller portions to avoid large losses, and adjust your bets based on wins or losses.

Can I combine outside bets with inside bets?

Yes, you can combine outside bets with inside bets to balance risk. For example, place an outside bet on red and a small straight-up bet on a specific number to aim for a higher payout.

What is the best approach for balancing risk with outside bets?

The best approach is to mix conservative outside bets with occasional inside bets to diversify your strategy. This allows you to enjoy consistent wins while still having a chance for bigger payouts.

Are outside bets suitable for beginner players?

Yes, outside bets are ideal for beginners because they offer a higher chance of success and are easy to understand. They help new players build confidence without the volatility of riskier inside bets.