April 21, 2026, 16:00
Become a roulette expert: a guide to all bet types from inside to outside
Roulette is far more than just picking red or black. Take a closer look at the table and you will find dozens of ways to place a bet, each with its own risk profile, payout and strategic angle. Whether you prefer the safety of outside bets or the excitement of inside bets, understanding all roulette bet types is the first step towards playing with confidence. In this article we explain the difference between inside bets vs outside bets in roulette, walk you through every bet type individually and help you figure out which approach suits your style best.
Ready to give it a go? Browse the roulette games at Peppermill and place your first bet today.
What are outside bets?
Outside bets are placed on the outer section of the roulette layout. Because they cover large groups of numbers at once, the chance of winning is considerably higher than with inside bets. The trade-off is that the payout is lower. That makes outside bets the go-to choice for beginners or anyone who prefers a more consistent game with less risk.
The following outside bets are available in roulette:
| Bet type | Explanation | Payout | Win chance (EU) |
| Red / Black | Bet on all red or all black numbers | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Even / Odd | Bet on all even or all odd numbers | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Low / High | 1 to 18 (low) or 19 to 36 (high) | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Dozens | 1 to 12, 13 to 24 or 25 to 36 | 2:1 | 32.4% |
| Columns | One of the three vertical columns | 2:1 | 32.4% |
Important: these win chances apply to European roulette, which has a single zero. American roulette adds a double zero, which brings the odds down slightly. You can read more about this in our article on American vs European roulette.
What are inside bets?
Inside bets are placed directly on the numbers in the inner part of the roulette layout. You are betting on one specific number or a small cluster of adjacent numbers. The odds of winning are lower, but when you do win the payout is much more rewarding. Inside bets are popular among experienced players who consciously take on more risk in exchange for a bigger potential return.
Straight Up (35:1)
A straight up bet is a bet on a single number, including zero. You place your chip squarely on the number of your choice. The payout is 35:1, the highest of any bet type in roulette. The chance of winning is just 2.7% in European roulette.
Split Bet (17:1)
What is a split bet in roulette? A split bet covers two adjacent numbers on the layout. You place your chip on the line between the two numbers. If either one comes in, you win 17:1. That gives you twice the chance of a straight up bet while still offering an attractive payout.
Street Bet (11:1)
A street bet covers a row of three consecutive numbers, for example 4, 5 and 6. You place your chip at the end of the row. A winning street bet pays 11:1.
Corner / Square Bet (8:1)
A corner bet, also known as a square bet, covers four numbers that form a square on the layout. You place your chip at the intersection where all four numbers meet. Payout: 8:1.
Six Line (5:1)
A six line bet covers two adjacent rows of three numbers, giving you six numbers in total. You place your chip at the junction of the two rows along the outside edge of the layout. Payout: 5:1.
Trio / Basket Bet (11:1 or 6:1)
The trio bet covers three numbers that include zero: either 0, 1 and 2, or 0, 2 and 3 in European roulette. The basket bet is only available in American roulette and covers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. Payouts vary: 11:1 for a trio and 6:1 for a basket.
Want to know more about payouts? Check out our article on roulette payouts for a complete overview.
Inside vs outside bets: what is the difference?
The core difference comes down to the balance between risk and reward. Outside bets offer a higher chance of winning but a smaller payout, which suits players who prefer a steadier game. Inside bets give you a lower chance of winning but a far bigger payout when you do, making them appealing to players who are comfortable taking on more risk.
Overview table: all bet types at a glance
| Name | Type | Payout | Win chance (EU) | Best suited for |
| Red / Black | Outside | 1:1 | 48.6% | Beginners |
| Even / Odd | Outside | 1:1 | 48.6% | Beginners |
| Low / High | Outside | 1:1 | 48.6% | Beginners |
| Dozens | Outside | 2:1 | 32.4% | Beginners |
| Columns | Outside | 2:1 | 32.4% | Beginners |
| Six Line | Inside | 5:1 | 16.2% | Intermediate |
| Corner / Square | Inside | 8:1 | 10.8% | Intermediate |
| Street Bet | Inside | 11:1 | 8.1% | Intermediate |
| Trio / Basket | Inside | 11:1 / 6:1 | 8.1% | Intermediate |
| Split Bet | Inside | 17:1 | 5.4% | Experienced |
| Straight Up | Inside | 35:1 | 2.7% | Experienced |
Is it better to play inside or outside bets in roulette? There is no single right answer. Outside bets carry lower risk and offer more consistency, which is why they work well for beginners. Inside bets come with higher risk and a bigger potential reward, so they tend to suit more experienced players. One thing stays constant across both categories: the house edge. In European roulette it sits at 2.7%, and in American roulette at 5.26%. No bet type escapes that built-in advantage. It is simply the maths behind the game. You can read more in our guide on the house edge in roulette.
Explore the roulette games at Peppermill and find the bet types that match your playing style.
Inside bet strategy: how to bet smart
A solid roulette inside bet strategy is not about finding a magic formula. It is about managing your risk. No approach will eliminate the house edge, but a structured game plan helps you play more deliberately and stretch your session further. PepperMill Casino is a fully licensed and regulated casino, authorised by the Belgian Gaming Commission. That means every outcome is fair.
1. Spread your inside bets
Rather than loading everything onto one number, combine several split bets or corner bets. This way you cover more numbers while still benefiting from the higher inside bet payouts. Say you split your stake across four split bets: you now cover eight numbers with a potential payout of 17:1 on each one.
2. Combine inside and outside bets
A popular approach is to pair inside bets with an outside bet as a safety net. You might put a small amount on a straight up or split bet for the bigger win potential, and a larger amount on red/black or even/odd to cushion any losses. This creates a balanced pattern. Read more about different combinations in our article on roulette strategy.
3. Bankroll management
Set a fixed budget before each session and stick to it. As a rule of thumb, never bet more than 1 to 5% of your session budget on a single spin. Smaller bets keep you in the game longer and reduce the risk of a quick wipeout. Sound bankroll management is the foundation of any roulette inside bet strategy.
Keep in mind: no strategy, however well thought out, changes the fact that roulette is a game of chance. The house edge is always there. Play responsibly. Want to dig into the maths behind the game? Read our article on roulette mathematics. Or explore our alternative roulette strategies for other approaches.
Practise your strategy for free in demo mode, or play roulette online and put your knowledge to the test.
What is a split bet in roulette?
A split bet is a bet on two adjacent numbers on the roulette layout. You place your chip on the line between the two numbers. If either number comes in, you receive a payout of 17:1. It is one of the most popular inside bets because you get twice the chance of winning compared to a straight up bet, while still picking up a solid return.
What is the difference between inside and outside bets?
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers in the middle of the layout. They offer a lower chance of winning but a higher payout. Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers around the edge of the layout. They offer a higher chance of winning but a lower payout. The house edge is the same for both categories.
Which bet has the highest payout in roulette?
The straight up bet carries the highest payout of any roulette bet: 35:1. You are betting on a single number. The downside is that the chance of winning is just 2.7% in European roulette, the lowest of all bet types.
Is roulette safer with outside bets?
Outside bets do offer more consistency because the odds of winning are higher. That creates a sense of safety, but the house edge of 2.7% in European roulette is always present for every bet type. Over time, that advantage always works in the casino's favour.
What is the best strategy for inside bets in roulette?
No strategy fully eliminates the house edge. The most widely used approach is to combine several inside bets, such as split bets or corner bets, for broader coverage, paired with strict bankroll limits per session. Combining inside bets with an outside bet as a safety net is another well-known option.
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