Complete Guide to Roulette Bet Types: Inside vs Outside Bets
This definitive guide explains all roulette bet types, with comprehensive coverage of inside and outside bets available to Australian players. You will gain thorough knowledge of bet mechanics, probabilities, house edges, table layouts, and strategic considerations across European, American, and other variations. The guide addresses regulations in licensed online casinos, responsible gaming practices, and practical application for informed decisions. By the end, you will understand how these bets function, their risks, and how to approach them responsibly.
Complete Fundamentals of Roulette Bets
Roulette features a wheel with 37 or 38 pockets, depending on the variation. A dealer spins the wheel and releases a ball, which settles in a pocket determining the winning number. Bets are placed on a table layout mirroring the wheel. Bets divide into inside and outside categories based on position and risk profile.
Wheel Variations
European roulette has 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 plus single zero), offering better odds. American roulette adds a double zero, increasing house advantage. French roulette often includes la partage and en prison rules, which reduce edge on even-money bets. Australian licensed online casinos primarily offer European and French versions for fairness.
Table Layout Basics
The betting cloth shows numbers 1-36 in three columns, with outside areas for colour, odd/even, and high/low. Inside bets target specific numbers or groups. Minimum and maximum limits apply, set by the operator and regulated for player protection.
Inside Bets | Outside Bets |
|---|---|
| Higher payouts | Lower payouts |
| Lower probability | Higher probability |
| Higher variance | Lower variance |
| Specific numbers | Groups or categories |
| Smaller coverage | Larger coverage |
| Thrill-focused | Consistency-focused |
Detailed Inside Bets: Types and Probabilities
Inside bets occupy the main number grid. They cover fewer numbers, yielding higher payouts but lower win chances. Payouts range from 5:1 to 35:1 in European roulette.
Straight-Up Bet
Bet on a single number. Covers 1/37 numbers (2.70% chance in European). Pays 35:1. House edge remains 2.70%.
Split Bet
Covers two adjacent numbers. Probability 2/37 (5.41%). Pays 17:1.
Street Bet
Three numbers in a row. 3/37 (8.11%). Pays 11:1.
Corner Bet
Four numbers forming a square. 4/37 (10.81%). Pays 8:1.
Line Bet
Six numbers across two streets. 6/37 (16.22%). Pays 5:1. These bets suit players seeking larger wins despite risks.
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout (European) |
|---|---|---|
| Straight-Up | 1 | 35:1 |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 |
| Line | 6 | 5:1 |
| Basket (0-1-2) | 3 incl zero | 8:1 (French) |
Comprehensive Outside Bets and House Edge
Outside bets surround the number grid. They cover nearly half the wheel, with even-money payouts. Ideal for conservative play.
Even-Money Bets
Red/Black, Odd/Even, High (19-36)/Low (1-18). Each covers 18/37 (48.65%). Pays 1:1. House edge 2.70% European, 5.26% American.
Dozens and Columns
1-12, 13-24, 25-36 or three vertical columns. 12/37 (32.43%). Pays 2:1.
Snake Bet
Available in some variations: 1-5-9-12-14-16-19-23-25-27-30-32. Pays 2:1. Less common in online formats.
Australian Regulations
Licensed operators must display RTP and house edge. Random Number Generator certification ensures fairness.
Advanced Techniques and Responsible Application
Combine bets for custom coverage. Track house edge across variations. European offers lowest at 2.70%, versus American 5.26%.
Bet Combination Strategies
Mix inside for potential wins, outside for stability. Avoid gambler’s fallacy—each spin independent.
Bankroll Considerations
Allocate 1-2% per bet. Set session limits per National Consumer Protection Framework.
Complete Process for Placing Bets Responsibly
Follow this structured process at licensed online casinos to apply bet knowledge safely.
- Step 1
Select Variation
Choose European roulette for lowest house edge. Confirm RNG certification. - Step 2
Set Limits
Establish deposit, loss, and time limits via account tools. - Step 3
Assess Bankroll
Divide funds into units; bet 1% maximum per spin. - Step 4
Place Bets
Start with outside for practice, add inside cautiously. - Step 5
Review and Stop
Track results; end session at limits or win goal. - Step 6
Self-Assess
Use reality checks; access BetStop if needed.
Related terms
Complete FAQ: Roulette Bet Types Explained — Inside vs Outside Bets
What is the main difference between inside and outside bets?
Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups on the table interior, offering high payouts like 35:1 but low probabilities. Outside bets cover larger categories like colours or dozens on the exterior, with 1:1 or 2:1 payouts and higher win chances around 48%.
Which roulette variation is best for Australian players?
European roulette with single zero provides the lowest house edge at 2.70%, preferred in licensed online casinos. Avoid American double-zero versions due to 5.26% edge. French rules further reduce even-money bets.
How does house edge affect inside versus outside bets?
House edge applies uniformly at 2.70% in European across all bets. Outside even-money bets cover more outcomes but pay less; inside bets amplify variance without changing edge. Always verify per table.
What responsible gaming tools apply to roulette in Australia?
Licensed operators offer deposit/loss limits, session timers, reality checks, and self-exclusion via BetStop. National framework mandates these for harm minimisation. Use before every session.
Can you combine inside and outside bets effectively?
Yes, combine for balanced coverage—e.g., outside for base, small inside for upside. Maintain 1% bankroll rule. Track total exposure to avoid exceeding limits.
What are edge cases in roulette betting?
Zero pockets lose all bets except those including zero. La partage returns half on even-money if zero hits in French roulette. Always check rules variation before playing.
How do table limits impact bet choices?
Minimums suit outside bets; maximums cap inside straight-ups. Choose tables matching bankroll. Regulated operators display clear limits for transparency.
More about online casinos
This comparison highlights the core trade-off: inside bets offer excitement through high rewards but demand precise outcomes, while outside bets provide steadier play. Most players benefit from understanding both to balance sessions effectively.