Roulette odds: inside and outside bets

At roulette, bets fall into 2 broad categories: inside bets and outside bets. Once you understand the difference between them, you always know what you are backing and how much you can win. In case you do not, we explain what they are, what they pay and how you choose between them.

The 2 types of bets

At roulette, every bet is either inside or outside. The name comes from where you place your chip on the table. Inside bets are placed on the numbers inside the table, either directly on a figure or on the lines between them, and you can try bets like these on any wheel at an authorised online casino, in several variations.

Outside bets, by contrast, are placed away from the number grid, on the areas covering large groups such as the colour or the odd and even numbers.

The difference between them is not only about position on the table, it is above all about how much you risk and how much you can win.

What are inside bets?

Inside bets are placed directly on numbers. They pay the best, but they also carry the lowest chances of winning. Here are the most commonly used inside bets and what they pay:

• On a single number: 35 to 1.
• On 2 numbers: 17 to 1.
• On 3 numbers: 11 to 1.
• On 4 numbers: 8 to 1.
• On 5 numbers: 5 to 1.

In practice, the fewer numbers you put your money on, the bigger the payout, because the chance of hitting drops. A bet on a single number brings you the biggest win, but it also comes up the most rarely, so you need patience and a suitable budget.

What are outside bets?

Outside bets cover large groups of numbers, so they pay less, but their chances of winning are far better. They suit beginners in particular, or anyone who wants a quieter game.

The most common outside bets are:

• Red or black: You bet on the colour, paying 1 to 1.
• Odd or even: You bet on the type of number, paying 1 to 1.
• 1-18 or 19-36: You bet on one half of the numbers, paying 1 to 1.
• Dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36): Paying 2 to 1.
• Columns: You bet on one of the 3 columns, paying 2 to 1.

These bets cover between 12 and 18 numbers, so you can win far more often. In exchange, the win is smaller, usually equal to your stake or double it. That is exactly why they are the best choice for a longer session with a budget kept under control.

How the two of them are used

Neither is better in general, only better suited to you. If you are willing to wait and play for longer for the chance of a big win, and you accept losing more often, you go for inside bets. If you want to win smaller amounts more often, you go for outside bets. Many players combine the two, precisely to balance the risk and keep the game varied.

What role the zero pocket plays

One thing that affects all roulette odds is the zero pocket. Because of it, the casino always has an edge, whatever your bet.

European roulette has a single zero, while the American wheel adds a second one, known as the double zero. Zero does not fall into the usual categories such as red/black or odd/even, so when the ball stops there, outside bets lose.

That is why European roulette, with a single zero, gives you slightly better chances than the American version. It is a small detail, but an important one when you choose which table to play at, especially when it comes to what the roulette numbers mean.

How do you choose your bets?

Once you understand the 2 types of bets, you can build your own playing style, one that fits your budget and your patience. If you are just starting out, it is best to begin with outside bets, since they carry high chances and help you get used to the rhythm of the game, and if you want to understand better how a round unfolds, the steps are set out in the guide on how to play roulette online.

As you get the hang of the game, you can add inside bets too, for bigger wins. A widely used method is to place a safer outside bet alongside a riskier inside one, to balance out the chances.

Play responsibly

Whatever bet you choose at roulette, always play responsibly. In the Republic of Moldova, Slot.md is the only legal online casino, operating under the regulation of the National Lottery of Moldova.

When you play on a locally authorised platform, you are within a safe framework, your money and your data are protected, and you know that whatever casino bonus you take has fair terms.

The minimum age for casino games, including online roulette, is 21. Every game and every offer is addressed only to those who have reached this age.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the difference between inside and outside bets?

Inside bets are placed on numbers and pay a lot, but you win rarely. Outside bets cover large groups of numbers, pay less, but carry far better chances of winning.

2. Which roulette bet pays the most?

The bet on a single number, paying 35 to 1. It also has the lowest chance of winning, since you are backing one number out of all those on the table.

3. Which bets are good for beginners?

The outside ones, such as red/black or odd/even. They carry high chances of winning, pay 1 to 1 and help you get used to the game without too much risk.

4. Is there a guaranteed winning strategy at roulette?

No. Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is independent and random. No system can change the real odds or guarantee a win.

5. Why does the zero pocket matter?

Because zero does not fall into the usual bets such as red/black, it gives the casino a small edge. European roulette, with a single zero, offers slightly better chances than the American version, which also has a double zero.