Guide to Inside Bets in Roulette: Odds, Payouts & Types
Roulette has long been a favourite, and inside bets sit at the centre of the action. They may appear a little puzzling at first, especially when the table is busy and chips are scattered across the numbers.
This blog post breaks down the main inside bet types and hints at how they relate to outside bets, then gradually explains the odds and payouts you may encounter on the felt.
Read on to learn more.
What Are Inside Bets in Roulette?
Inside bets are wagers placed on the numbered grid of the roulette layout, covering individual numbers or small clusters. They sit within the main body of the board rather than the outer areas that include red or black, odd or even, or broader number ranges.
Chips might be positioned directly on a number or along the dividing lines between numbers to indicate multiple numbers are included. Zero is part of this grid and may be included in inside bets. Because these bets focus on fewer numbers, they typically offer higher returns when they land, though they do not land as often as the broader wagers.
With that idea in mind, it helps to see how each inside bet is positioned on the grid.
Understanding the Different Types of Inside Bets
Inside bets come in a handful of clear formats. Each affects how many numbers you cover and how frequently you might see a result.
Straight Up Bet
A straight up bet places a chip directly on a single number from 0 to 36. It covers only that number, and the potential return is higher than bets covering multiple numbers.
Split Bet
A split bet covers two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Either number landing results in a payout.
Street Bet
A street bet spans three numbers in a horizontal row. The chip goes at the outer edge of that row to indicate the coverage of all three numbers.
Corner Bet
A corner, or square, bet covers four numbers that meet at one point. The chip is placed at the shared corner.
Line Bet
A line bet links two neighbouring rows, covering six numbers in total. The chip sits at the edge where the rows meet.
Now that placement is clear, it’s worth exploring how these inside bets differ from the options around the grid.
How Do Inside Bets Differ from Outside Bets?
Inside and outside bets use different parts of the layout and function differently. Inside bets sit on the numbered grid and cover a handful of numbers. Outside bets occupy the perimeter of the layout and cover larger groups, such as red or black, odd or even, or the first versus the second half of the numbers.
The trade-off is straightforward. Inside bets cover fewer numbers, so the potential return is higher when they land, though the occurrence is less frequent. Outside bets cover larger swathes of numbers and may come up more often, but each return is smaller. This difference also affects how quickly the totals might change during a session.
With the categories settled, it helps to examine the payouts and likelihoods associated with each inside option.
Roulette Inside Bets Odds and Payouts Explained
Roulette applies a set payout table for inside bets, while the chance of success depends on the wheel. European roulette has 37 pockets, numbered 0 to 36, while American roulette adds a 00 for 38 pockets in total. The payout values remain the same, but the extra 00 slightly lowers the likelihood of any one number appearing.
Here are the standard inside bet payouts:
- Straight up, 1 number: Typically pays 35 to 1 if successful
- Split, 2 numbers: Typically pays 17 to 1 if successful
- Street, 3 numbers: Typically pays 11 to 1 if successful
- Corner, 4 numbers: Typically pays 8 to 1 if successful
- Line, 6 numbers: Typically pays 5 to 1 if successful
To give that some context, a straight up on a European wheel has a 1 in 37 chance of landing. The typical payout is 35 to 1 if successful, which is slightly below the true odds. The same principle applies to splits, streets, corners and lines: the more numbers included, the more often a return may occur, though the payout per win declines accordingly.
As an example, if you place £1 on a straight up in European roulette and it lands, you would receive £36 total—your original £1 stake plus £35 in winnings. A £1 line bet returns £6 if one of the six numbers appears.
Which Inside Bets Offer the Highest Payouts?
The straight up bet offers the highest payout, covering a single number and typically paying 35 to 1 if successful. Expanding the coverage reduces the payout: splits typically pay 17 to 1 if successful, streets 11 to 1 if successful, corners 8 to 1 if successful and lines 5 to 1 if successful.
Choosing between them comes down to a preference for less frequent, higher returns versus more frequent, smaller returns. Widening the numbers increases the chance of seeing a win, while narrowing the focus raises the payout when it occurs. Thinking about that balance might help when deciding where to place chips on the grid if you are playing.
It is important to approach roulette with awareness. Only wager what you may afford to lose, and set personal limits on both time and money spent. Avoid chasing losses and take regular breaks during play.
If you ever feel that gambling is affecting your mood, finances, or daily life, it may be helpful to seek support from licensed organisations such as GambleAware. Maintaining clear boundaries helps ensure that playing remains an enjoyable activity rather than a source of stress.
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You’ll find classic single-zero European roulette alongside a variety of other formats, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your preferences. Tables are presented clearly, with layouts that make inside and outside options easy to follow.
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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
