What are outside bets in roulette?

Roulette is a thrilling mix of chance and strategy, offering various betting options to suit different player preferences. Among these, outside bets are known for their higher odds of winning and lower payouts, making them ideal for players who prefer a more consistent approach with reduced risk. These bets cover large sections of the wheel, giving players better chances of hitting a winning number. Let’s explore everything you need to know about outside bets and how to use them effectively.

What Are Outside Bets?

Outside bets refer to wagers placed on broader categories rather than specific numbers. They are positioned outside the numbered grid on the betting layout, covering larger portions of the wheel. Unlike inside bets, which focus on individual or small groups of numbers, outside bets offer lower payouts but significantly higher probabilities of winning.

Outside bets are best suited for players who prefer longer play sessions, steadier bankroll management, and lower variance.

Types of Outside Bets

Each type of outside bet has different characteristics, catering to different playstyles. Here’s a breakdown:

Red or Black (Color Bet)

Explanation: A bet on whether the winning number will be red or black.
Bet Placement: The chip is placed in the red or black betting area.
Payout: 1:1
Risk Factor: Low (probability: 48.65% in European roulette, 47.37% in American roulette).
Best For: Players who want frequent wins and a steady bankroll.

Odd or Even (Parity Bet)

Explanation: A bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even.
Bet Placement: The chip is placed in the odd or even betting area.
Payout: 1:1
Risk Factor: Low (probability: 48.65% in European roulette, 47.37% in American roulette).
Best For: Players who like simple, even-chance bets.

High or Low (1-18 or 19-36 Bet)

Explanation: A bet on whether the winning number will fall between 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).
Bet Placement: The chip is placed in the 1-18 or 19-36 betting area.
Payout: 1:1
Risk Factor: Low (probability: 48.65% in European roulette, 47.37% in American roulette).
Best For: Players who want consistent wins with minimal risk.

Dozen Bet

Explanation: A bet covering one of three groups of 12 numbers:
- 1st Dozen (1-12)
- 2nd Dozen (13-24)
- 3rd Dozen (25-36)

Bet Placement: The chip is placed in the designated dozen section.
Payout: 2:1
Risk Factor: Medium (probability: 32.43% in European roulette, 31.58% in American roulette).
Best For: Players seeking a balance between decent payouts and fair odds.

Column Bet

Explanation: A bet on one of three vertical columns of 12 numbers on the betting layout.
Bet Placement: The chip is placed at the bottom of the chosen column.
Payout: 2:1
Risk Factor: Medium (probability: 32.43% in European roulette, 31.58% in American roulette).
Best For: Players who prefer structured number groupings.

Summary of outside bets : payout & probabilities

Type of Bet	Explanation	Payout	Probability (European/American)
Red or Black (Color Bet)	Winning number will be red or black.	1:1	48.65% / 47.37%
Odd or Even (Parity Bet)	Winning number will be odd or even.	1:1	48.65% / 47.37%
High or Low (1-18 or 19-36 Bet)	Winning number will fall between 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).	1:1	48.65% / 47.37%
Dozen Bet	Covering one of three groups of 12 numbers: 1st Dozen (1-12), 2nd Dozen (13-24), 3rd Dozen (25-36).	2:1	32.43% / 31.58%
Column Bet	One of three vertical columns of 12 numbers.	2:1	32.43% / 31.58%

Why Choose Outside Bets?

Outside bets cater to players who prefer:

✅ Higher chances of winning: These bets offer better probabilities than inside bets.

✅ Consistent bankroll growth: Winnings are frequent, reducing drastic bankroll fluctuations.

✅ Less risk, longer play sessions: Great for those who enjoy playing longer without rapid losses.

However, they also have some limitations:

⚠️ Lower payouts: The maximum payout for outside bets is 2:1, meaning smaller winnings compared to inside bets.

⚠️ Zero and Double Zero Impact: If the ball lands on 0 (or 00 in American roulette), all even-money outside bets lose.

⚠️ Less exciting for high-risk players: Some players may find outside bets less thrilling due to their steadier nature.

How to Use Outside Bets Strategically

To make the most of outside bets, consider these strategic tips:

Bankroll Management: Stick to a consistent betting amount to maximize playtime.
Combine Bets for Coverage: Mixing dozen bets with color bets can increase your chances of winning without sacrificing too much in payouts.
Use a Betting System: Strategies like the Martingale (doubling your bet after a loss) work well with even-money bets like red/black or odd/even.
Avoid the American Table if Possible: The extra 00 increases the house edge from 2.7% (European roulette) to 5.26% (American roulette), reducing your winning chances.
Adapt Based on Streaks: Some players follow winning streaks in even-money bets (e.g., red winning multiple times) to adjust their betting pattern.

Conclusion

Outside bets in roulette provide a low-risk, high-consistency betting approach, perfect for players looking to play longer with a steady bankroll. Whether you choose red/black, odd/even, high/low, or dozen/column bets, understanding these wagers will help you make informed decisions at the roulette table.