Outside Bets in Roulette

What Are Outside Bets in Roulette

Outside bets in roulette are wagers placed on large groups of numbers rather than on individual numbers. They are located on the outer sections of the betting layout, not directly on specific digits.

Beginner Insight: Outside bets cover larger sections of the roulette table, giving you higher chances to win.

How outside bets differ from inside bets

The roulette table is divided into two main betting areas. Inside bets focus on exact numbers or small number groups, while outside bets roulette options cover broad categories like colors or ranges. This difference affects risk and rewards. Inside bets offer high payouts but low win frequency. Outside bets trade big wins for much higher chances of success.

Why outside bets are popular with low-risk players

Outside bets appeal to cautious players because they have higher win probability, simple rules, and smaller bankroll swings. For anyone asking what are outside bets in roulette, the short answer is simple: they are the safest way to stay in the game longer without extreme volatility.

Types of Outside Bets in Roulette

There are several standard outside bets available on most roulette tables. Each follows clear rules and fixed payouts, making them ideal for players who prefer predictable outcomes and controlled risk.

Outside bets are placed on the outer sections of the table and cover large number groups. Because of this, they offer a much higher chance of winning compared to inside bets, though at the cost of smaller payouts. Below is a closer look at each type and how it functions in real gameplay.

Red or Black

This is the most recognizable outside bet and often the first choice for new players. You wager on whether the winning number will be red or black. Each color covers 18 numbers on the wheel, while the green zero is excluded and results in a loss. Because nearly half of the wheel is covered, this bet has one of the highest win probabilities in roulette.

Red or black bets are commonly used in basic outside bets roulette strategy systems such as Martingale or flat betting. Their simplicity allows players to focus on bankroll control rather than complex decision-making. However, it is important to remember that streaks of the same color are normal and do not indicate future outcomes.

Even or Odd

This bet is based on the numerical parity of the winning number rather than color. If the ball lands on an even or odd number, the bet wins. Like red or black, it covers 18 numbers and loses when zero appears. The payout is even money, making it easy to calculate potential returns.

Even or odd bets are popular among players who prefer logical, number-based choices. They are often combined with conservative staking approaches and are well suited for long sessions where stability matters more than fast wins.

High (19–36) and Low (1–18)

This outside bet divides the roulette wheel into two equal numerical ranges. Low covers numbers from 1 to 18, while high covers numbers from 19 to 36. The zero does not belong to either range and causes the bet to lose. Functionally, this bet behaves the same as red/black or even/odd in terms of probability and payout.

High and low bets appeal to players who think in numerical sequences rather than visual patterns. They are also useful when tracking trends, even though each spin remains independent.

Dozens

Dozens bets introduce a moderate increase in risk while offering higher potential rewards. The wheel is divided into three groups of twelve numbers: 1–12, 13–24, and 25–36. Each dozen covers exactly one-third of the numbers, excluding zero. Because fewer numbers are covered, the win probability is lower than even-money bets.

In exchange, dozens bets pay 2:1, meaning you win twice your stake if successful. These bets are often used by players who want a balance between frequent wins and meaningful payouts. They also allow for structured approaches, such as covering two dozens to reduce variance at the cost of a guaranteed loss if the winning number lands in the remaining dozen (or on zero).

Columns

Column bets are similar to dozens but follow the physical layout of the table. The roulette layout is divided into three vertical columns, each containing 12 numbers. A column bet wins if the ball lands on any number within the selected column. Zero is excluded, just like with dozens.

Columns behave almost identically to dozens bets in terms of probability and payout. The main difference is visual and practical. Some players prefer columns because they align with the table’s structure, making it easier to place chips consistently and stick to a repeatable routine.

Payouts and Odds for Outside Bets

Understanding payouts is critical when choosing any betting approach. Roulette outside bets payout structures are fixed and transparent.

Standard payout ratios explained

Payout ratios are fixed and do not change between spins.

Even-money bets double your stake. Dozens and columns pay more but win less often.

Win probability compared to inside bets

Probability directly affects how often a player can expect to win.

Outside bets dramatically outperform inside bets in terms of hit frequency.

House edge on outside bets

The house edge depends on the roulette version. European and French roulette have a 2.7% house edge, while American roulette increases it to 5.26%. Outside bets do not reduce the house edge, but they smooth variance and improve session longevity.

Safe Play Tip: Bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even are ideal for longer sessions with lower risk.

Best Outside Bets for Beginners

New players benefit most from simplicity and control when learning roulette. If you are new to the game, start with bets that are easy to read and hard to misplay. The goal is not to “beat” roulette, but to keep variance low while you learn table flow, pacing, and bankroll discipline.

Even-money bets and why they’re safer

Red/black, even/odd, and high/low bets are ideal because results are easy to track, losses are predictable, and strategies are easier to apply. These bets are the backbone of most roulette outside bets strategy systems.

They also give you the highest hit rate among outside bets, which helps you stay calm and avoid tilt after short losing runs. Just remember that zero still breaks these bets, so even “safe” options can lose on a green spin. These even-money options are often recommended in practical roulette outside bets tips because they help beginners control losses and avoid emotional decisions.

When dozens and columns make sense

They introduce moderate risk while keeping gameplay structured. Dozens and columns are useful when you want slightly higher payouts, your bankroll can handle variance, and you apply flat or progressive staking. They are less forgiving than even-money bets but still beginner-friendly.

A good beginner approach is to use them only after you are comfortable tracking wins and losses without changing your plan mid-session. If you feel tempted to chase, switch back to even-money bets and keep it simple.

Common mistakes new players make

Avoid increasing stakes too aggressively, chasing losses after short streaks, ignoring the impact of zero, or mixing multiple strategies at once. Consistency matters more than creativity in roulette.

Another common mistake is treating patterns on the board as signals, even though each spin is independent and past results do not influence the next outcome. The safest adjustment you can make is not a new system, but clearer limits: set a stop-loss and a profit target before you place the first chip.

Outside Bets vs Inside Bets

Understanding roulette inside and outside bets helps players choose the right approach.

Risk level and volatility

Volatility determines how quickly wins and losses occur. Outside bets are low volatility, while inside bets are high volatility, which directly affects bankroll stability and emotional control.

With outside bets, you usually see smaller swings, so your balance tends to move in a smoother line over time. With inside bets, long dry spells are normal, and that “nothing hits” feeling is exactly what pushes many players into chasing.

Win frequency vs payout size

Higher payouts usually come at the cost of lower hit rates.

Outside bets hit more often, so they keep you engaged and reduce the pressure to recover losses quickly. Inside bets can pay big, but you need to be comfortable with long stretches of losing spins before a win finally lands.

Which type of bet suits different play styles

Casual players and bonus-focused players often prefer outside bets, while high-risk players gravitate toward inside bets. There is no better option, only better alignment with your goals.

If your priority is steady play, longer sessions, and simpler decision-making, outside bets are a natural fit. If you enjoy high-risk, high-reward moments and can handle variance without tilting, inside bets may feel more exciting.

Pros and Cons of Outside Bets

Every betting approach has strengths and limitations.

Roulette Strategies Using Outside Bets

Strategies do not change the house edge. They manage variance and psychology.

Martingale and even-money betting

The Martingale doubles the stake after each loss. It works best with red/black or even/odd bets, requires a large bankroll, and can fail during long losing streaks. It is risky but popular among short-session players.

Strategy Note: Combining outside bets helps manage your bankroll and reduces short-term volatility.

D’Alembert and flat betting

D’Alembert increases stakes gradually after losses, offering lower risk than Martingale but slower recovery. Flat betting keeps the same stake every spin and is the safest option.

Managing bankroll with low-variance bets

Set loss limits before playing, use consistent stake sizing, and stop after reaching profit targets. These principles matter more than any system.

Outside Bets in Different Roulette Versions

Roulette rules vary slightly depending on the game format.

European roulette outside bets

European roulette uses a single zero, which creates better roulette odds for outside bets and makes it the preferred choice for strategy-focused players.

American roulette and double zero impact

American roulette adds a second zero, increasing the house edge and reducing win probability. Outside bets lose effectiveness in this version.

Live dealer roulette outside bets

Live roulette combines real dealers with digital play. Outside bets function the same, but the slower pace reduces impulsive betting and suits cautious players.

When Outside Bets Are the Right Choice

Outside bets are not always optimal, but they excel in specific situations.

Short sessions and casual play

They allow quick understanding, fewer dramatic swings, and relaxed gameplay, making them perfect for entertainment-focused sessions.

Bonus wagering and rollover situations

Outside bets are useful for clearing wagering requirements, minimizing bankroll fluctuations, and maintaining steady betting volume.

Playing roulette with a limited bankroll

If your bankroll is small, outside bets reduce the risk of ruin. Roulette outside bets minimum stakes are usually low, giving you more spins per session and more learning time.