Roulette bets fall into two categories: inside bets, which target specific numbers or small groups, and outside bets, which cover larger sections of the table. The distinction is critical because it defines both risk level and expected return frequency.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed within the numbered grid. They offer higher payouts because they target fewer numbers, but they come with lower hit probability and higher variance.
Straight Up
- Covers: 1 number
- Payout: 35:1
- Profile: High risk, high reward. Suitable for players seeking big hits from rare outcomes.
Split
- Covers: 2 adjacent numbers
- Payout: 17:1
- Profile: Lower risk than straight up but still volatile. Covers a narrow range.
Street
- Covers: A row of 3 numbers
- Payout: 11:1
- Profile: Moderate risk. Balanced way to cover several outcomes with one bet.
Corner (Square)
- Covers: 4 numbers meeting at one corner
- Payout: 8:1
- Profile: Wider coverage than a street, smoother variance, still inside-bet volatility.
Line (Double Street)
- Covers: 6 numbers across two adjacent rows
- Payout: 5:1
- Profile: Lowest-risk inside bet. Good for players who want mid-level coverage without moving into outside territory.
Outside Bets
Outside bets sit around the number grid and cover large sets of outcomes. They have lower payouts but much higher hit frequency, making them suitable for steady, longer sessions.
Red / Black
- Covers: 18 numbers
- Payout: 1:1
- Profile: Smoothest variance. Ideal for players who want consistency.
Odd / Even
- Covers: 18 numbers
- Payout: 1:1
- Profile: Similar to red/black with the same statistical profile.
Low / High
- Covers: 1–18 or 19–36
- Payout: 1:1
- Profile: Another even-money category with frequent hits.
Dozens
- Covers: 12-number block (1–12, 13–24, 25–36)
- Payout: 2:1
- Profile: Mid-risk option with noticeable variance but reasonable hit frequency.
Columns
- Covers: One of the three vertical columns (12 numbers)
- Payout: 2:1
- Profile: Same risk level as dozens, just organized differently.
Risk and Return Summary
- Inside bets = high volatility, larger payouts, fewer hits
- Outside bets = low volatility, smaller payouts, frequent hits
Choosing between them depends on a player’s preference for consistency vs. potential big wins.
Next: Roulette Odds and Payout
