Most new roulette players freeze up when they see all those betting options. The good news? Every bet falls into just two categories: inside or outside. And the difference matters way more than casino marketing wants you to think.
Inside bets might make you rich. Outside bets might keep you playing all night. Neither changes the house edge. Here’s what nobody tells you about these two betting styles.
Roulette strategists should consider Goldex online casino for their diverse betting options. Their live dealer section features multiple European single-zero tables (crucial for maintaining that 2.7% house edge versus American wheels), while their no-fee withdrawal policy ensures you won’t lose extra percentage points when cashing out any lucky outside bet winning streaks.
Inside Bets
Inside bets sit directly on or between the numbered grid on the table. They cover specific numbers or small groups of numbers, making them low-percentage shots with bigger payoffs.
Straight-Up Bet
One chip, one number. Hit it and get paid 35:1. Miss (which happens 97% of the time) and kiss your chip goodbye. The classic lottery-ticket approach to roulette.
Split Bet
Place your chip on the line between two adjacent numbers. If either hits, you win 17:1. Twice the chance of winning compared to straight-up, half the payout.
Street Bet
A bet on three consecutive numbers in a row. Put your chip at the edge of the row and win 11:1 if any of those three numbers hit.
Corner Bet
Place your chip at the intersection where four numbers meet. If any hit, you collect 8:1. You’re covering more numbers, but the payout shrinks accordingly.
Six Line Bet
This covers six numbers (two adjacent rows). Place your chip where the rows meet at the table edge. Pays 5:1 when one of your six numbers wins.
Trio Bet
A three-number bet including zero (0-1-2 or 00-2-3 on American tables). Pays 11:1, but not all tables offer it.
Inside bets create those “I can’t believe I just won” moments. They also create the much more common “I can’t believe I just lost 10 times in a row” moments.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and physically sit around the perimeter of the numbered grid. They hit more often but pay less when they win.
Red/Black
The simplest bet in the game – red or black. Covers 18 numbers and pays even money (1:1). Those green zeros mean you don’t quite have a 50% chance, but it’s close.
Odd/Even
Another even-money bet covering 18 numbers. Bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even. Again, the zeros give the house its edge.
High/Low
Betting on numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Pays even money and covers almost half the wheel.
Dozen Bets
Numbers grouped as 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Pick the right dozen and get paid 2:1. You’re covering about a third of the possible outcomes.
Column Bets
Similar to dozen bets but arranged in vertical columns on the table. Each contains 12 numbers, and winning pays 2:1.
Outside bets won’t make you famous, but they’ll keep you in action much longer. They’re the difference between a 10-minute disaster and three hours of entertainment.
Which Betting Style Makes Sense?
The house edge stays the same no matter how you bet. European wheels (single zero) have a 2.7% house edge. American wheels (with that extra double zero) jump to 5.26%.
Your betting choice should match what you want from the experience:
Inside Bets Make Sense When:
- You’ve got $50 and want a shot at walking away with something meaningful
- You’d rather have a few big wins than lots of small ones
- You don’t mind quick losses for a shot at bragging rights
Outside Bets Make Sense When:
- You want your gambling budget to buy maximum table time
- You prefer the steady rhythm of frequent smaller wins
- You’re playing socially and want to stay in the game
Smart players usually mix both types – the bulk of their money on outside bets for stability, with smaller bets inside for excitement.
When you need a break from roulette’s statistical certainties, many players find games like Lightning Link pokies online free offer a refreshing change of pace with their hold-and-win mechanics that create a different kind of gaming rhythm while still giving you clear odds and payout structures.
The Reality of Roulette
No betting pattern changes the math. The wheel has no memory, “due” numbers don’t exist, and in the long run, the house edge determines your fate.
But with smart bankroll management and the right balance of inside and outside bets, you can maximize your fun at the roulette table without going broke in fifteen minutes.
The best roulette players don’t have secret systems or lucky numbers. They understand the odds, bet accordingly, and know when to walk away.
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