If you’re looking to boost your knowledge of roulette and want to get your head around outside bets, you’re in the right place. Many players favour these bets because they are simple to understand and offer better chances of a win on any given spin than more complex options.
Whether you’re new to the table or simply refreshing the basics, understanding outside bets helps you play with more confidence and manage your bankroll. In this guide we’ll explain what outside bets are, the different types, and the payouts and odds you can expect. Read on to get a clear, practical picture before your next game.
What Are Outside Bets in Roulette?
Outside bets are placed on the outer sections of the betting layout and cover larger groups or patterns of numbers instead of individual numbers. Examples include colour, odd or even, high or low, dozens and columns. Because each bet covers many numbers at once, these wagers tend to result in wins more frequently than most inside bets, though the payouts are smaller.
These bets are useful for players who want straightforward options and steadier rhythms of play. Keep in mind that every spin is independent and outcomes cannot be predicted. Play within amounts you can afford and choose stakes that suit your own limits.
Types of Outside Bets
Outside bets come in several clear-cut forms. Each type has its own appeal and role within a broader approach to play, whether you prefer steadier returns or wagers that cover larger swathes of the table. They are generally lower variance than inside bets because each covers many numbers, but they also offer correspondingly lower payouts.
Red or Black
This bet backs all numbers of the chosen colour. If the ball lands on a number of that colour you receive an even payout. The bet excludes the zero, which is neither red nor black, so you do not win if zero spins up.
Because it covers 18 numbers on a standard European wheel, this bet is a straightforward way to ride short streaks without exposing yourself to large single-spin losses. It is important to remember that each spin is independent, so past results do not change the probability of the next outcome.
Odd or Even
You wager on whether the winning number will be odd or even. Like the colour bet, this covers 18 numbers on a standard European layout and pays even money when it wins, while zero is not part of the bet.
This option is often used by players who prefer simple choices and predictable payout structure. It can be combined with other outside bets to adjust overall coverage of the table.
High or Low
High covers numbers 19 to 36, and Low covers 1 to 18. These bets also pay even money and are a simple way to back a broad numeric range.
They offer the same basic probability as Red/Black and Odd/Even, but may suit different personal strategies because they divide the wheel by numeric value rather than colour or parity. As with other outside bets, zero is excluded and results are independent from spin to spin.
Dozens Bets
Dozens allow you to back one of three groups of 12 numbers: 1–12, 13–24 or 25–36. These cover a third of the wheel each and generally pay at a higher rate than the even-money outside bets.
Dozens are often chosen by players who want a middle ground between the wide cover of even-money bets and the higher payouts of inside bets. Payouts are typically 2 to 1 in standard European play, reflecting the narrower coverage compared to even-money outside bets.
Column Bets
A column bet applies to one of the three vertical columns of numbers on the layout, each containing 12 numbers. It shares the same coverage and typical payout as a dozens bet.
Columns appeal to players who prefer the visual structure of the betting layout, since the column areas are clearly marked and simple to place bets on. As with dozens, the usual payout is 2 to 1, and these bets cover one third of the table.
These options give players a range of risk and payout profiles while keeping the layout easy to read and play. Choose bets that match your risk tolerance and remember that the house edge remains regardless of which outside bets you use.
How Do Outside Bet Payouts Work?
Payouts reflect how many numbers a bet covers and the probability of it succeeding. The more numbers included in a wager, the lower the payout tends to be.
On a European wheel with a single zero:
- Even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) usually pay 1:1. A winning £5 bet returns £5 in winnings plus the original £5 stake.
- Dozens and column bets typically pay 2:1. A successful £5 bet would return £10 in winnings plus the stake.
Different roulette variants and table rules can affect these returns, so it’s sensible to check the paytable and any specific rules such as La Partage or En Prison when they apply, because they can alter how bets are settled after a zero occurs.
What Are the Odds for Each Outside Bet?
The odds for each outside bet correspond to how many numbers the bet covers relative to the total numbers on the wheel. On a standard European wheel with 37 slots (numbers 1–36 and a single zero):
- Red or Black: covers 18 of 37 numbers
- Odd or Even: covers 18 of 37 numbers
- High or Low: covers 18 of 37 numbers
- Dozens Bets: cover 12 of 37 numbers
- Column Bets: cover 12 of 37 numbers
Zero is not included in the typical outside bets, so a zero result causes those wagers to lose unless a particular table rule states otherwise. American roulette, which includes both 0 and 00, changes these ratios slightly because there are 38 slots in total.
These proportions explain why payouts differ between even-money bets and dozens/column bets, and help you compare the relative frequency of wins for each option.
Outside Bets vs Inside Bets: What’s the Difference?
The key distinction is how much of the table they cover and where chips are placed. Outside bets sit around the edges of the layout and back broader sets of numbers, producing more frequent but smaller wins. Inside bets are placed directly on single numbers or small clusters and offer larger payouts when successful, but with lower probabilities.
Neither type changes the house edge inherent to the wheel; they simply offer different risk-reward balances. Many players use a mix of both styles to vary play, combining the steadiness of outside bets with occasional inside wagers for higher potential returns.
If you prefer a simpler approach or want steadier play, outside bets are usually the natural choice. For those seeking bigger single-spin payoffs, inside bets provide that opportunity while remaining more volatile.
Common Myths About Roulette Outside Bets
Several misconceptions persist about outside bets, and clearing them up helps make better-informed decisions at the table.
A frequent myth is that previous results somehow influence future spins. Each spin is independent and past outcomes do not change the probabilities for the next spin. Another mistaken belief is that betting systems can reliably overcome the wheel’s built-in odds; while systems can manage stake size and pacing, they cannot alter the statistical expectation of the game.
Some players assume outside bets are risk-free because they win more often. In truth, the lower payouts are balanced against the higher hit rate, and over time the house edge still applies. Understanding these points makes it easier to decide which bets match your preferences and how to keep play within your chosen limits.
Choosing the Best Roulette Table for Outside Bets
When selecting a table, practical considerations help match the game to your style and budget. Look at minimum and maximum stakes so the table fits your bankroll, and check whether the game is European or American since the number of zeros affects the odds. Also be aware of any special rules that might apply to outside bets, such as La Partage or En Prison, which can reduce losses on even-money wagers in certain situations.
Choose a table with features that suit how you like to play, and keep your stake sizes consistent with the limits you set for yourself. That combination of practical checks and clear personal boundaries helps you enjoy the session without unnecessary risk.
Roulette Outside Bets: Key Takeaways
Here are the main points to keep in mind about outside bets in roulette, presented so you can quickly recall them at the table.
Simple Bet Types
Outside bets cover broad groups of numbers—colour, odd/even, high/low, dozens and columns—making them easy to follow and place.
Payouts and Odds
Payouts reflect coverage: even-money bets return 1:1, dozens and columns around 2:1 on standard tables, and the presence of zero(s) affects the underlying odds.
All Bets Carry Risk
Outside bets produce more frequent wins but smaller returns; inside bets offer larger payouts but lower hit rates. No bet changes the house edge, and each spin is independent.
Responsible Play
Set and stick to personal limits, play within your means and treat roulette as entertainment. If you need help or support with controlling gambling, seek it promptly.
With these points understood, you’ll be better placed to choose bets that match your goals and enjoy the game responsibly.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.