what are outside bets in roulette 2026
Learn what are outside bets in roulette, how they work, and why they’re the smart choice for strategic players. Play responsibly.>
what are outside bets in roulette
what are outside bets in roulette? They’re the wagers placed on the outer section of the roulette table layout—bets that cover large groups of numbers and offer higher chances of winning, albeit with lower payouts. If you’ve ever watched a roulette table, you’ve seen players dropping chips on red or black, odd or even, or columns of numbers. Those are outside bets. They form the backbone of conservative and long-term roulette strategies, especially for players who prioritize bankroll preservation over chasing massive jackpots.
Unlike inside bets—which target individual numbers or small clusters and pay 35:1 or more—outside bets are about consistency. They won’t make you rich in a single spin, but they can keep you in the game longer, reduce volatility, and align with disciplined money management. In regulated markets like the UK, where responsible gambling is emphasized, outside bets are often recommended for beginners and seasoned players alike.
Red vs. Black Isn’t Just Color—It’s Strategy
At first glance, betting on red or black seems like a simple coin toss. And mathematically, it’s close—but not quite. On a European roulette wheel (with a single zero), there are 18 red pockets, 18 black pockets, and one green zero. That gives you an 18/37 ≈ 48.65% chance of winning a red or black bet. The payout? 1:1. You double your stake if you win.
But here’s what many overlook: the house edge. Because of that single zero, the casino holds a 2.70% advantage on every outside bet in European roulette. In American roulette—with its double zero (0 and 00)—the odds worsen. There are now 38 pockets, so red or black wins only 18/38 ≈ 47.37% of the time, and the house edge jumps to 5.26%. Over time, that difference compounds dramatically.
This isn’t just trivia—it’s a strategic imperative. If you’re playing online in a jurisdiction that offers both versions (like the UK or Canada), always choose European roulette for outside bets. The lower house edge directly translates to better expected returns and longer play sessions.
The Six Types of Outside Bets—Explained
Roulette tables feature six standard outside bets. Each covers nearly half the board and pays 1:1 or 2:1:
- Red or Black – Bet on the color of the winning number.
- Odd or Even – Wager on whether the outcome will be an odd or even number (note: zero is neither).
- High or Low (1–18 / 19–36) – Predict if the result falls in the lower or upper half of the number range.
- Dozens – Three options: 1st dozen (1–12), 2nd dozen (13–24), 3rd dozen (25–36). Pays 2:1.
- Columns – Three vertical columns of 12 numbers each. Also pays 2:1.
- Snake Bet (less common) – A hybrid outside-inside bet that follows a zigzag pattern across red numbers; not universally offered.
All these bets ignore zero(s). If the ball lands on 0 or 00, all outside bets lose—unless you’re playing a variant with special rules like La Partage or En Prison, which we’ll revisit shortly.
Why Dozens and Columns Pay 2:1?
Because they cover exactly one-third of the non-zero numbers. On a European wheel, 12 out of 37 numbers = ~32.43% chance. The fair payout for a 1-in-3 shot would be 2:1 (you get your stake back plus double). But again, the zero skews fairness. The true odds are slightly worse than 2:1, giving the house its edge.
Compare this to red/black: a near 50/50 shot paying 1:1. Both are “even-money” propositions in spirit, but dozens/columns trade higher risk for higher reward per win—while still being far safer than inside bets.
What Others Won’t Tell You
Most beginner guides praise outside bets as “safe” without revealing their hidden pitfalls. Here’s what they omit:
The Illusion of Safety
Outside bets feel secure because you win nearly half the time. But winning frequency ≠ profitability. A string of losses—even short ones—can erase multiple small wins due to the house edge. For example, after 10 spins of red/black on a European wheel, you might win 5 times and lose 5—but the two losses on zero (if they occur) or clustered losses can wipe out gains.
Martingale Isn’t a Magic Bullet
Many players use the Martingale system with outside bets: double your stake after every loss, assuming a win will recover all previous losses plus profit. Sounds logical—until you hit the table limit or exhaust your bankroll. Most online casinos cap maximum bets at £500–£2,000 on outside wagers. After just 8 consecutive losses (which happens more often than intuition suggests), you’d need a £1,280 bet to continue—a level unreachable for most.
Zero Is Always Watching
In European roulette, zero appears once every 37 spins on average. That means roughly once every 15–20 minutes during active play. Every time it hits, all outside bets lose instantly. No warning. No partial refund—unless special rules apply.
La Partage and En Prison: Your Only Lifeline
Some European and French roulette tables offer La Partage or En Prison rules on even-money outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low):
- La Partage: If zero hits, you lose only half your stake.
- En Prison: Your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If it wins, you get your full stake back (no profit); if it loses, you forfeit everything.
These rules cut the house edge on even-money bets from 2.70% to 1.35%—making them among the fairest wagers in any casino. But they’re rarely available in American-style games or basic online RNG roulette. Always check the rules before playing.
Payout Timing and Bonus Restrictions
If you’re using a casino bonus, outside bets may be excluded from wagering requirements or contribute less (e.g., 10% instead of 100%). Some operators classify them as “low-risk” bets and restrict their use during bonus play to prevent advantage strategies. Read the terms carefully—otherwise, you might void your winnings.
Outside Bets vs. Inside Bets: A Tactical Comparison
Choosing between outside and inside bets depends on your goals: longevity or explosiveness.
| Criteria | Outside Bets | Inside Bets |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 12–18 numbers (32–49%) | 1–6 numbers (2.7–16.2%) |
| Payout | 1:1 or 2:1 | 5:1 up to 35:1 |
| House Edge (EU) | 2.70% (1.35% with La Partage) | 2.70% |
| Volatility | Low | Very High |
| Ideal Bankroll | Small to moderate | Large, with risk tolerance |
| Session Duration | Longer | Shorter, boom-or-bust |
| Bonus Contribution | Often restricted or reduced | Usually full contribution |
As the table shows, outside bets don’t reduce the house edge—they just spread risk. But that spread is precisely what enables sustainable play.
Real-World Example: A £100 Session
Imagine you walk into an online casino with £100. You decide to play European roulette with La Partage rules and stick to red/black bets at £5 per spin.
- Expected loss per spin: £5 × 1.35% = £0.0675
- After 100 spins: Expected loss ≈ £6.75
- Probability of still having funds: Over 80%
Now compare that to betting £5 on a single number (inside bet):
- Win probability: 1/37 ≈ 2.7%
- Payout: £175 (35:1 + stake)
- After 100 spins: You’ll likely lose all £100 unless you hit early
One approach seeks steady engagement; the other gambles on luck. Neither guarantees profit—but only one aligns with responsible gambling principles promoted by regulators like the UK Gambling Commission.
How to Use Outside Bets Responsibly
1. Set loss limits: Decide in advance how much you’re willing to lose (e.g., 20% of your session bankroll).
2. Avoid chasing losses: No betting system overcomes the house edge long-term.
3. Prefer European/French wheels: Lower house edge = better value.
4. Look for La Partage/En Prison: These rules significantly improve odds.
5. Track your play: Use casino history logs or a personal spreadsheet to monitor outcomes.
Remember: roulette is entertainment, not income. The UKGC and similar bodies require licensed operators to provide reality checks, deposit limits, and self-exclusion tools. Use them.
Myths About Outside Bets—Debunked
❌ “Red is due after five blacks.”
Roulette has no memory. Each spin is independent. Past results don’t influence future ones.
❌ “Outside bets guarantee small profits.”
No bet guarantees profit. The house edge ensures the casino wins over time.
❌ “You can beat roulette with perfect outside bet strategy.”
Mathematically impossible under standard rules. Systems like Fibonacci or D’Alembert manage risk but don’t alter expected value.
❌ “Online roulette is rigged against outside bets.”
Licensed online casinos use certified RNGs (Random Number Generators) tested by third parties like eCOGRA or iTech Labs. Results are statistically fair.
The Bottom Line on Risk and Reward
Outside bets offer the best balance of accessibility, win frequency, and bankroll control in roulette. They’re ideal for players who enjoy the game’s rhythm without risking large sums on slim odds. But they are not “safe”—they simply shift risk from catastrophic loss to gradual erosion.
In regulated markets, transparency around odds and responsible tools makes outside bets a reasonable choice for recreational play. Just never mistake frequent wins for guaranteed success.
Conclusion
So, what are outside bets in roulette? They’re strategic, low-volatility wagers that cover broad number groups, offering 1:1 or 2:1 payouts with win probabilities between 32% and 49%. While they can’t overcome the house edge, they maximize playtime and minimize emotional swings—key for sustainable gambling. Always opt for European or French variants with La Partage or En Prison rules when available, avoid bonus traps, and never rely on betting systems as profit engines. Used wisely, outside bets turn roulette into a measured, engaging experience—not a desperate gamble.
What are outside bets in roulette?
Outside bets are wagers placed on the outer section of the roulette table layout, covering large groups of numbers like red/black, odd/even, dozens, or columns. They offer higher win probabilities but lower payouts (1:1 or 2:1) compared to inside bets.
Which outside bet has the best odds?
In European roulette with La Partage or En Prison rules, even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) have the lowest house edge at 1.35%. Without those rules, all outside bets carry a 2.70% house edge.
Can you win long-term with outside bets?
No. Due to the house edge, all roulette bets—including outside bets—have negative expected value over time. They can extend play and reduce volatility, but they don’t guarantee profit.
Are outside bets allowed with casino bonuses?
Often, yes—but they may contribute less toward wagering requirements (e.g., 10% instead of 100%) or be excluded entirely. Always review the bonus terms before playing.
What’s the difference between European and American outside bets?
European roulette has one zero (house edge: 2.70%), while American has two zeros (0 and 00), raising the house edge to 5.26%. Outside bets lose more frequently in American roulette, making European the better choice.
Do outside bets include zero?
No. Zero (and double zero in American roulette) is not part of any outside bet group. If the ball lands on zero, all outside bets lose—unless La Partage or En Prison rules apply.
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