What Exactly Are Outside Bets in Roulette?
When you approach a roulette table, the betting layout can seem complex. It's split into two main areas: the inside and the outside. Outside bets are all the wagers placed on the sections outside the main grid of numbers (1-36). Instead of picking a specific number, you're betting on a broad property of the outcome.
These wagers are known for their lower risk profile. Because they cover nearly half of the possible outcomes (excluding the 0 and 00), your chances of winning on any given spin are significantly higher compared to picking a single number. This makes outside bets a cornerstone of many popular roulette strategies and a perfect entry point for anyone learning the game. The trade-off, however, is a much lower payout.
The Role of the Green Zero
It's crucial to remember that the green 0 (and 00 in American Roulette) is not covered by any outside bet. If the ball lands on zero, all outside bets lose. This single pocket is the source of the casino's house edge, ensuring that even a '50/50' bet like Red or Black has slightly less than a 50% chance of winning.
Types of Outside Bets Explained
There are five main types of outside bets, which can be grouped into two categories based on their payouts: even money bets (1:1 payout) and 2:1 payout bets.
A smart player knows that long-term success in roulette isn't about massive single wins. It's about smart, consistent wagers, and that's where outside bets shine. They are the foundation of bankroll management.
Even Money Bets (1:1 Payout)
These are the simplest and most common outside bets, covering 18 of the 36 numbers.
- Red/Black: You bet on which color the winning number will be. There are 18 red and 18 black numbers on the wheel.
- Odd/Even: You bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even. Again, this covers 18 numbers.
- High/Low: This involves betting on whether the number will fall in the low range (1-18) or the high range (19-36).
2-to-1 Payout Bets
These wagers cover 12 numbers each, offering a higher payout than even money bets but with a lower probability of winning.
- Column Bet: You place your chip at the bottom of one of the three vertical columns of numbers on the layout. A win pays 2:1.
- Dozen Bet: You bet on one of three blocks of 12 consecutive numbers: 1st 12 (1-12), 2nd 12 (13-24), or 3rd 12 (25-36). This also pays 2:1.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the odds and payouts for each bet on a European (single zero) wheel:
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout | Probability of Winning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red/Black | 18 | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Odd/Even | 18 | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| High/Low (1-18/19-36) | 18 | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Column Bet | 12 | 2:1 | 32.4% |
| Dozen Bet | 12 | 2:1 | 32.4% |
Strategy: When to Use Outside Bets
Outside bets are the go-to choice for players who prefer a low-volatility session. If your goal is to play for a longer time with a modest bankroll, sticking to these wagers is a sound strategy. They are also frequently used in betting systems like the Martingale, where players double their bet after a loss on an even money wager. While no system can beat the house edge, using outside bets can make for a more structured and predictable gaming experience. For anyone new to roulette, starting with these wagers is the best way to learn the game's flow without risking your entire bankroll on a few unlucky spins.
