Roulette Bets Explained: Inside, Outside and Speciality Bets

Roulette is one of the most recognisable online casino games in the world. The spinning wheel, the bouncing ball, and the wide variety of betting options make it a very exciting game, but it can be confusing for new players. One glance at the roulette table layout is often enough to overwhelm beginners, with dozens of numbers, boxes, and lines all representing different wagers.

This guide explains roulette bets from the ground up, breaking them into inside bets, outside bets, and speciality bets, while also explaining risk vs reward so players understand not just how bets work, but why some are safer than others.

Why Are There So Many Different Bets in Roulette?

At first, the roulette table can look overwhelming. Dozens of numbers, lines, boxes, and side sections all represent different betting options, which often raises a simple question for new players: Why are there so many ways to bet in roulette?

The short answer is that roulette offers variety without complexity. Every bet, no matter how complicated it looks, is simply a different way of grouping numbers together. Some bets focus on a single number, while others cover large sections of the wheel. 

The game uses these groupings to offer different levels of risk and reward, allowing players to choose how aggressive or cautious they want to be.

Rather than changing the rules of the game, each bet type changes just two things:

How many numbers your bet covers, and how much the bet pays if it wins.

This structure is what makes roulette appealing to such a wide range of players. Beginners often gravitate towards bets that cover many numbers and win more frequently, while more experienced players may enjoy the higher payouts that come with narrower bets.

Inside Bets vs Outside Bets: What’s the Difference?

One of the most important concepts to understand in roulette is the difference between inside bets and outside bets. Nearly every wager in the game falls into one of these two categories, and the distinction helps players quickly understand risk, reward, and betting style.

At a high level, the difference comes down to coverage and volatility.

What Are Inside Bets?

Inside bets are placed on the numbered grid at the centre of the roulette table. These bets focus on specific numbers or small groups of numbers, such as a single number, a row of three, or a small cluster of four or six numbers.

Because inside bets cover fewer numbers, they:

• Pay higher rewards
• Win less frequently
• Create larger bankroll swings

Inside bets are often associated with bigger excitement and dramatic wins, but they require patience. Long stretches without a win are normal, even when bets are placed correctly.

Straight-Up Bets Explained

A straight-up bet is the most direct and precise wager in roulette. You place your chip directly on a single number on the table layout, backing that exact outcome to appear on the next spin.

Covers: 1 number
Payout: 35:1
Risk level: High

If you place a straight-up bet on number 17 and the ball lands on 17, you are paid 35 times your stake. If the ball lands on any other number, the bet loses.

Straight-up bets offer the largest individual payout available in roulette, which is why they are often associated with dramatic wins. However, this also makes them the most volatile option. On a European roulette wheel, the probability of winning a straight-up bet is 1 in 37, meaning long losing streaks are entirely normal.

For beginners, straight-up bets can feel thrilling but misleading. While the payout looks attractive, relying on them too heavily can drain a bankroll quickly. They are best used occasionally, rather than as the foundation of a betting approach.

Split Bets Explained

A split bet covers two adjacent numbers on the roulette table. The chip is placed on the line that separates the two numbers, meaning the bet wins if either number appears.

Covers: 2 numbers
Payout: 17:1
Risk level: High

For example, placing a split bet between 14 and 17 wins if the ball lands on either 14 or 17.

Split bets slightly improve your odds compared to straight-up bets, but they remain high-risk wagers. The increased coverage reduces volatility marginally, while still offering a strong payout relative to the stake.

Players often use split bets when they want to focus on a small area of the table without committing to a single number. However, like straight-up bets, split bets should be approached with caution, particularly by newer players.

Street Bets Explained

A street bet covers three consecutive numbers arranged horizontally across the roulette table. The chip is placed at the outer edge of the row.

Covers: 3 numbers
Payout: 11:1
Risk level: High

Examples include betting on 1-2-3, 10-11-12, or 16-17-18.

Street bets are often considered a stepping stone between aggressive and conservative inside betting. They offer better odds than straight-up or split bets, while still paying a meaningful return.

For players who enjoy inside bets but want slightly more consistency, street bets provide a more balanced experience. Wins still occur infrequently, but not at the extreme rate seen with single-number bets.

Corner Bets Explained

A corner bet, also known as a square bet, covers four numbers that meet at a single corner point on the table.

Covers: 4 numbers
Payout: 8:1
Risk level: Medium-high

For example, betting on the corner between 10, 11, 13, and 14 wins if any of those four numbers appear.

Corner bets are often regarded as one of the most balanced inside bets. They reduce volatility compared to straight-up, split, or street bets, while still offering a noticeably higher payout than outside bets.

Because they strike a middle ground between coverage and reward, corner bets are a popular choice for players looking to manage risk without giving up the appeal of inside betting.

Line Bets (Six-Line Bets) Explained

A line bet, sometimes called a six-line bet, covers six numbers by placing a chip at the intersection between two adjacent streets.

Covers: 6 numbers
Payout: 5:1
Risk level: Medium

For example, placing a line bet between the rows 7-8-9 and 10-11-12 covers all six numbers.

Line bets significantly increase your chances of winning compared to other inside bets, but this comes with a lower payout. The increased coverage makes wins more frequent, helping smooth out bankroll swings.

For newer players who want to experiment with inside bets without extreme volatility, line bets are often the most forgiving and approachable option. They provide a good introduction to inside betting while keeping risk relatively controlled.

What Are Outside Bets?

Outside bets are placed on the outer sections of the table, surrounding the numbered grid. These bets cover larger groups of numbers, such as colours, odd/even, high/low, columns, or dozens.

Because outside bets cover more numbers, they:

• Pay lower rewards
• Win more often
• Produce steadier results

Outside bets are generally considered more beginner-friendly, as they help players stay in the game longer and experience more frequent wins, even if those wins are smaller.

Even-Money Bets Explained

Even-money bets are the simplest and most popular outside bets in roulette. These wagers cover large groups of numbers and pay out at 1:1, meaning you win the same amount as your stake.

Because even-money bets win more frequently than inside bets, they are often considered the best roulette bets for beginners. They create smaller bankroll swings, making them ideal for learning the game and enjoying longer sessions.

However, it’s important to remember that the presence of the zero (or double zero in American roulette) slightly reduces the true odds, meaning these bets win just under half the time.

Red or Black Bets Explained

A red or black bet is one of the most recognisable wagers in roulette. You are betting on the colour of the winning number.

Covers: 18 numbers
Payout: 1:1
Risk level: Low

If the ball lands on a red number and you’ve bet red, you win an amount equal to your stake. If it lands on black, the bet loses. If the ball lands on zero, the bet also loses unless special rules apply.

Red or black bets are extremely popular with new players because they are easy to understand and offer frequent wins, helping players stay engaged without high volatility.

Odd or Even Bets Explained

An odd or even bet is another classic even-money wager. You are betting on whether the winning number will be odd or even.

Covers: 18 numbers
Payout: 1:1
Risk level: Low

Like colour bets, odd or even wagers win often but lose whenever zero appears. This makes them predictable in structure but still subject to the same house edge.

Odd and even bets appeal to players who prefer logical or numerical betting choices rather than colours or symbols.

High or Low Bets Explained

High or low bets allow players to wager on whether the winning number will fall within a specific range.

• Low: 1–18
• High: 19–36

Covers: 18 numbers
Payout: 1:1
Risk level: Low

High or low bets function identically to red/black and odd/even bets in terms of odds and payout. The choice between them is purely personal preference.

For beginners, high or low bets are often among the easiest to understand, as they require no knowledge of colour layouts or table structure.

Column Bets Explained

Column bets cover one of the three vertical columns running down the roulette table. Each column contains 12 numbers.

Covers: 12 numbers
Payout: 2:1
Risk level: Medium-low

To place a column bet, you put your chip in the box at the bottom of the column you wish to cover. If any number in that column appears, the bet wins.

Column bets offer a step up from even-money bets in terms of payout while still covering a significant portion of the table. They strike a balance between frequency of wins and reward size, making them popular with players ready to move beyond basic outside bets.

Dozen Bets Explained

Dozen bets allow players to wager on one of three number ranges. On the roulette table, you’ll see three large boxes located just below the numbered grid. These are labelled:

• 1–12
• 13–24
• 25–36

Covers: 12 numbers
Payout: 2:1
Risk level: Medium-low

Dozen bets work in exactly the same way as column bets in terms of coverage and payout. The difference lies in how the numbers are grouped, which can influence player preference.

Some players find dozens more intuitive because they follow numerical order, while others prefer columns because of their visual layout on the table. From a mathematical perspective, the two bets are identical.

How Roulette Bets Work in Online vs Live Dealer Roulette

While the types of roulette bets remain the same whether you’re playing online roulette or with a live dealer, the way those bets are placed, processed, and experienced can feel quite different. Understanding these differences helps players choose the format that suits them best.

Roulette Bets in Online (RNG) Roulette

In standard online roulette, the game is powered by a random number generator (RNG). Instead of a physical wheel, outcomes are determined digitally, with each spin completely independent of the last.

When placing bets in online roulette:

• Bets are selected by clicking directly on the table layout
• Chip values are fixed and clearly displayed
• Betting closes automatically once the spin begins
• Payouts are calculated and credited instantly

Online roulette is typically faster-paced, allowing players to complete many spins in a short period of time. This speed makes it easy to place multiple bets, but it also increases exposure to variance, especially when using inside bets.

For beginners, the clear interface and automated payouts make RNG roulette an excellent learning environment. There is no pressure from other players or a dealer, and mistakes are harder to make.

Roulette Bets in Live Dealer Roulette (Online)

Live dealer roulette combines online play with a real wheel and human croupier, streamed live from a studio or casino environment.

In live roulette:

• Bets are still placed digitally using the on-screen layout
• A countdown timer controls when bets must be placed
• Once betting closes, no further changes are allowed
• The physical spin determines the outcome

From a betting perspective, inside and outside bets function exactly the same as they do in online roulette. The key difference is pace and atmosphere. Live dealer games tend to move more slowly, giving players more time to think about their bets and observe the table.

Many players find that live roulette feels closer to a traditional casino experience, which can make betting decisions feel more deliberate and less rushed.

Do Odds or Bets Change Between Online and Live Roulette?

No. The odds, payouts, and house edge remain the same within the same roulette variant. A straight-up bet in online European roulette behaves exactly the same as a straight-up bet in live dealer European roulette.

The difference is purely in the experience. Online roulette favours speed and convenience, while live dealer roulette feels closer to the traditional casino experience.

Neither format offers an advantage in terms of probability.

Which Format Is Better for Beginners?

Both formats can work well for beginners.

Online RNG roulette is ideal for players who want:

• Faster gameplay
• A quiet, pressure-free environment
• Easy bet placement and instant results

Live dealer roulette suits players who prefer:

• Slower, more considered betting
• A realistic casino atmosphere
• Visual confirmation of outcomes

Many new players start with online roulette to learn the basics, then move to live dealer games once they feel confident with bet types and table layout.

Risk vs Reward

The most important difference between inside bets and outside bets is how they balance risk and reward. While all roulette bets are subject to the same house edge, the way those bets behave over short sessions can feel very different.

Inside bets offer higher payouts because they cover fewer numbers, but this comes at the cost of a lower probability of winning. Wins are less frequent, and losing streaks can be longer, even when bets are placed correctly.

Outside bets, on the other hand, cover a much larger group of numbers. This results in more frequent wins, but with smaller payouts. Although the returns are lower, the increased hit rate creates a steadier experience.

Neither option is better in terms of long-term odds. The house edge remains unchanged. What differs is how quickly wins and losses occur, and how those outcomes impact a player’s bankroll and mindset.

Inside bets tend to suit players who enjoy volatility and the excitement of occasional big wins. Outside bets appeal to players who prefer consistency, predictability, and a smoother playing experience.

Which Roulette Bets Should Beginners Choose?

For newer players, outside bets are usually the best place to start. They are easier to understand, less punishing during losing streaks, and allow players to focus on learning the flow of the game rather than managing sharp bankroll swings.

Outside bets also help beginners become familiar with:

• The table layout
• How bets are placed and paid
• How frequently different wagers tend to win

Once players feel comfortable with these fundamentals, inside bets can be explored gradually.

Many players eventually adopt a mixed approach, placing one or two steady outside bets as a base, then adding the occasional inside bet for higher potential reward. While this does not improve odds, it can make sessions feel more balanced and engaging.

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