Roulette is a casino game that’s instantly recognisable. The spinning wheel, the bouncing ball, the anticipation as it settles into a pocket. Its move to digital platforms has made the game even more popular, and understanding the different types of bets available makes a real difference to your gameplay.
When you explore Roulette online, you’ll encounter two main categories: inside bets and outside bets. Each has its own section on the betting table, with different odds and payout structures.
Inside bets: Higher risk, higher returns
Inside bets are placed on the numbered section of the table, covering individual numbers or small groups. These generally offer higher payouts but come with lower probabilities of winning.
- Straight Up is a bet on a single number, paying 35:1 – the highest standard payout but also the longest shot.
- Split Bet covers two adjacent numbers for a 17:1 payout.
- Street Bet covers three numbers in a horizontal line (11:1).
- Corner Bet covers four numbers that meet at one intersection (8:1).
- Line Bet covers two adjacent rows, or six numbers total (5:1).
Outside bets: Lower risk, more frequent wins
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers. They offer lower payouts but higher probabilities of success, which is why they’re popular for more consistent outcomes.
- Red or Black is a bet on the colour of the winning number, paying 1:1 (even money).
- Odd or Even works the same way – you’re betting on whether the number will be odd or even.
- High or Low covers either 1–18 or 19–36, also paying 1:1.
- Dozens lets you bet on 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36, paying 2:1.
- Columns divide the layout into three vertical columns, giving you 12 chances to win with a 2:1 payout.
Special bets and variants
Some versions, particularly European or French Roulette, include advanced bets like Voisins du Zéro (numbers near zero), Tiers du Cylindre (a third of the wheel), and Orphelins (the remaining numbers). These typically require a racetrack layout and are more common in live dealer games.
The type of Roulette you’re playing matters significantly. European Roulette has a single zero, while American Roulette includes both a single and a double zero; that extra pocket increases the house edge. French Roulette often offers the best odds, particularly with rules like La Partage or En Prison, which can return part of your stake on certain losses.
Understanding risk vs frequency
What makes Roulette so popular is the range of risk levels available, so you can pick the way to play that suits your preferences. Inside bets offer the potential for substantial returns on a single spin but are less likely to come in. Outside bets pay less but can particularly hit more frequently. There’s no “better” choice – it depends on your playing style and what you’re looking for from the game.
Platforms offering online Roulette present these choices in a digital format, often with live dealer interaction or multiple game variations. Roulette’s a chance-based game, but knowing your betting options means you can approach the table with confidence and choose the bets that match your preferences.