Roulette Outside Bets Explained | Types, Payouts & Guide
Ready to take a closer look at roulette outside bets? You’re in the right place. This clear, factual guide will walk you through the essentials so you can understand exactly how these bets work, what types you’ll find, and what payouts to expect.
Whether you’re a newcomer or brushing up, the explanations here keep things straightforward and practical for players aged 18 and over. Set your limits before you play and keep your session within those boundaries.
Now, let’s get started and unpack the basics of roulette outside bets.
What Are Outside Bets in Roulette?
Outside bets are wagers placed on larger groups of numbers rather than on single numbers. On the table layout you’ll see areas outside the main number grid marked for options like red or black, odd or even, and high or low. Placing chips on these areas means your stake covers multiple numbers at once.
These bets give wider coverage on each spin, so a single stake applies to more outcomes than an individual number bet. They are a different style of play to inside bets — less granular, but still governed by the same game rules and house edge as any other wager.
If you prefer simpler choices that don’t require memorising combinations, outside bets are a clear and easy way to participate.
Key Types of Roulette Outside Bets
Outside bets fall into a few straightforward categories that are easy to spot on the table. Each groups numbers in a particular way, and each has its own payout pattern based on how many numbers it covers. Below we describe the common types so you can spot them quickly when you sit at a table.
Common outside bet categories include:
- Red or black
- Even or odd
- High or low
- Dozens and columns
Remember that while these bets offer broader coverage than single-number bets, they do not remove the house edge and zero pockets still affect outcomes. Always check the rules and table limits before you play and gamble responsibly.
Red or Black Bets Explained
A red or black bet means you place your stake on the area marked for the wheel’s colours. There are 18 red numbers and 18 black numbers on a standard wheel. If the winning pocket matches your chosen colour, the bet pays out at even money.
Because this bet covers half the non-zero numbers, it is one of the simplest outside options and is often chosen by players who prefer steady, lower-variance play. It is important to remember that a single zero or double zero, depending on the game variant, will make these bets lose for that spin.
Even or Odd Bets: What Do They Mean?
Even or odd bets are placed on the table boxes labelled “Even” or “Odd.” If the winning number is of the parity you selected, the bet pays even money. Zero is not counted as even or odd, so it removes those bets from winning when it appears.
This type of bet is another way to cover roughly half the possible outcomes while keeping the payout predictable. Some players use even or odd selections to follow simple patterns or betting systems, but no system can overcome the casino’s edge.
High or Low Bets: How Do They Work?
High or low bets indicate whether you are staking on the lower half of the board (1–18) or the upper half (19–36). Each of these areas contains 18 numbers and pays even money when successful.
These bets are useful when you want broad coverage while keeping the possible returns straightforward. Like other even-money outside bets, they are affected by the presence of zero pockets, which count as losses for these selections.
Dozens and Columns Bets in Roulette
Dozens bets divide the numbers into three groups of 12: 1–12, 13–24 and 25–36. Columns bets cover the three vertical columns on the table, each column containing 12 numbers. Both dozens and columns pay 2 to 1 when they win, reflecting that they cover one-third of the non-zero numbers.
These options let you target larger blocks of the layout while offering higher payouts than even-money outside bets. They are commonly used by players who want a balance between coverage and a better return than single-colour or parity bets, but keep in mind that the house edge still applies.
How Do Outside Bets Compare to Inside Bets?
Inside bets are placed directly on specific numbers or small number combinations inside the main grid. They offer higher payouts because they cover fewer outcomes. Outside bets, by contrast, cover larger swathes of the layout and therefore pay less when they win.
Both styles of bet coexist on the same table and are governed by the same underlying rules and house edge. Choosing between them is a matter of whether you prefer broader, steadier coverage or the higher-risk, higher-reward profile of inside bets.
If you’re deciding how to play, consider how much variance you’re comfortable with and how much of your bankroll you want to expose on any single spin.
What Are the Payouts for Roulette Outside Bets?
Each outside bet type has a standard payout ratio linked to the number of covered outcomes. The more numbers included in the bet, the lower the payout, which reflects the wider coverage. These payouts are the norm at most roulette tables and do not change with stake size.
Payouts are usually the same on both single-zero and double-zero wheels, although the house edge differs between those wheel types. Knowing the payout structure makes it easier to compare potential returns with how many pockets your bet covers.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the common outside bet payouts, with the number of covered pockets and typical returns:
| Bet Type | Covers | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Red or Black | 18 numbers | 1 to 1 |
| Even or Odd | 18 numbers | 1 to 1 |
| High or Low | 18 numbers | 1 to 1 |
| Dozens | 12 numbers | 2 to 1 |
| Columns | 12 numbers | 2 to 1 |
Understanding these payouts helps you balance potential returns against the breadth of coverage you want. Always check the specific table rules where you are playing, as small variations can exist, and gamble responsibly.
Common Myths About Roulette Outside Bets
There are several misconceptions about outside bets that are worth clearing up. It helps to separate what people believe from what the maths and the rules actually say.
Common myths include:
- That certain bets or patterns can overcome the house advantage. In reality, no betting pattern, system or sequence can change the built‑in mathematical edge of the game.
- That outside bets somehow change the wheel’s behaviour. They do not; outside bets are simply different ways of grouping numbers and come with different payout structures.
- That following “hot” or “cold” numbers, or using progressive staking systems, will ensure a long‑term advantage. These approaches do not affect the random outcome of each spin and cannot eliminate the house edge.
Appreciating what outside bets actually do — increase coverage at the cost of lower payouts — helps you make sensible choices rather than following misleading ideas. They can be useful for managing volatility and matching play to your risk tolerance, but they do not alter the odds or guarantee profits.
Which Roulette Variants Offer the Best Outside Bet Options?
Roulette comes in a few common variants, most notably European, French and American. European and French wheels have a single zero; American wheels include a zero and a double zero. That extra slot on American wheels alters the odds slightly and affects all bets, including the outside ones.
French Roulette sometimes features rules such as “La Partage” or “En Prison.” These apply to certain even-money bets when the ball lands on zero and can reduce losses in those specific situations. If you plan to play French roulette, check whether these rules are in effect as they change the effective return on even-money bets.
Choose the variant whose rules and feel you prefer, and confirm any special rules for even-money bets before you play.
Tips for Making Outside Bets in Roulette
Before placing outside bets, familiarise yourself with the table layout and the exact rules for the variant you are using. Knowing whether a game applies La Partage, for example, or whether zero outcomes are treated differently will change how certain bets perform.
Decide on a budget for your session and keep to it. Use available account tools to set deposit or session limits if you want extra control. Avoid chasing losses and be mindful of how much time and money you are spending in a session.
These practical steps help you keep the experience manageable and focused on enjoyment rather than trying to recoup losses.
Glossary of Common Roulette Terms
A handful of terms will make conversations about roulette clearer and quicker to follow. Below are concise definitions of the most useful words you’ll encounter.
Outside Bets
Wagers placed on areas around the main number grid, covering larger groups of numbers such as red/black or even/odd.
Inside Bets
Bets placed directly on specific numbers or small clusters within the main grid.
Straight Up
A bet placed on a single number.
Column Bet
A wager on one of the three vertical columns of numbers, covering 12 numbers.
Dozen Bet
A wager on one of three groups of 12 numbers: 1–12, 13–24 or 25–36.
Even Money Bet
A bet that pays an amount equal to the stake, such as red, black, even or odd.
House Edge
The built-in advantage the casino has in the game, which affects long-term returns on all bets.
Zero (0) and Double Zero (00)
Special pockets on the wheel; single zero appears on European and French wheels, while American wheels also include a double zero. See Roulette 0 And 00 Payouts Explained for specifics.
La Partage
A rule in some French games where half of an even-money bet is returned if the ball lands on zero.
These definitions should help you read layouts and rules more confidently.
Final statement: With a clearer sense of what each outside bet covers and how payouts relate to coverage, you can choose the options that best match your preferences and budget. If you’d like, browse our game pages to compare variants and find a table that suits your style.
**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.