Roulette is undeniably one of the most popular games in casinos worldwide. While filled with elegance and excitement, the game is well-known for its simplicity, making it a player favorite. It features just two broad bet types —inside and outside bets. Both bet types largely differ in how they work, the odds offered, and potential payouts. This begs the question of which of the two styles is better for casino enthusiasts.
Read on to discover the key differences between both bet types and which style suits your gameplay best.
Understanding the Basics of Roulette
Before we dive into the difference between inside and outside bets in roulette, it’s essential to grasp the basics of the game. Roulette is a thrilling game of chance that revolves around a spinning wheel that contains 37 or 38 numbered red and black pockets. Depending on the variant, these pockets are numbered from 1 to 36 evenly in red and black with an extra or two green “0 & 00” pockets.
The game’s objective is to guess the number or color the ball will land on after spinning the wheel. And if you make the right guess, you get an appropriate payout. Just as bookmakers assign different odds to wagers in sports events like IPL bettings, the odds you get in the roulette game depend on the bet type you place —inside or outside.
Like most classic casino games, roulette comes in different versions: European, American, and French. While these variants vary slightly in terms of wheel design and a few details, the rules and gameplay are still similar. This is especially so for the availability of inside and outside bets.
Outside Bets in Roulette (Conservative Wagers)
Outside bets are the roulette betting options typically found in the outside section of the roulette table, hence the name. These bets are undeniably the most common type of wager you will find at the roulette table, involving wagers on large categories of outcomes. Top examples include even/odds numbers and red or black colors.
With outside bets, players get a higher probability of winning, but the tradeoff is that it comes with lower potential payouts. As such, these bets are perfect for players who prefer a conservative and less risky playing style.
The table below shows a breakdown of the different outside bets in the roulette game using the European format.
| Outside Bets | Description | Payout | Win Probability |
| Red/Black | All red or black colored numbers | 1 to 1 | 48.65% |
| Odd/Even | All even or odd numbers | 1 to 1 | 48.65% |
| High/Low | Between 1-18 or Between 19 and 36 | 1 to 1 | 48.65% |
| Dozen bets | 12 numbers on a third of the board | 2 to 1 | 32.43% |
| Column bets | 12 numbers in a column | 2 to 1 | 32.43% |
Pros and Cons of Outside Bets
There are several benefits to using the outside bet approach during the roulette game, but it also has a few downsides. Below are its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Simple betting option
- Higher odds of winning
- Less risky
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- Lower payouts
- Less exciting
Inside Bets in Roulette (High Risk – High Reward Wagers)
Inside bets in roulette refer to the betting options you place on the inner area of the table layout. Unlike the outside bet that works with groups of numbers, inside bets are all about betting on specific numbers or combinations.
These wagers involve fewer potential outcomes, so they have a much lower probability of occurrence. However, the upside is that the potential payout here is much bigger and worthwhile. As such, outside bets are perfect for players who love the thrill of high-risk, high-reward betting.
The table below highlights a breakdown of the different inside bets you can place at a roulette table using the European format.
| Outside Bets | Description | Payout | Win Probability |
| Straight-up | Single numbers | 35 to 1 | 2.70% |
| Split | Two side-by-side numbers | 17 to 1 | 5.40% |
| Street | Three numbers on a line | 11 to 1 | 8.10% |
| Corner | Four connected numbers | 8 to 1 | 10.81% |
| Basket bet/5-Line | Bet on 00,0,1,2, or 3 (in American format) | 6 to 1 | 13.51% |
| Line bet/6-line | Two side-by-side rows covering three numbers each | 5 to 1 | 16.21% |
Pros and Cons of Inside Bets
Inside bets come with benefits that make it a go-to choice for many roulette enthusiasts. However, it also has its fair share of drawbacks.
Pros:
- Higher payouts with the potential for big wins
- More thrilling betting experience
- Suitable for risk lovers
Cons:
- Lower odds of winning
- Not good for small bankroll
Conclusion: Which is Better?
There’s no definitive answer as to which roulette bet type is better —it all boils down to players’ playing style preference and risk tolerance. If you prefer high-risk and high-reward gameplay and don’t mind losing streaks, then inside bet can offer all the excitement you crave. On the other hand, the outside bet is the ideal choice for players who prefer a less risky playing style for more consistent but modest wins. Alternatively, you can also take a more balanced approach and combine inside and outside bets in your strategy.
No matter which approach you take, always keep responsible gambling in mind when at a roulette table, whether you’re playing online or offline.
