Roulette Bet Types Explained
Roulette looks simple, but the table offers many different bets. This guide explains the main roulette bet types, payouts, and which options are best (and worst) for most players.
Inside vs outside bets
Outside bets cover large groups of numbers (lower payout, more frequent wins). Inside bets cover fewer numbers (higher payout, less frequent wins).
Outside bets (beginner-friendly)
| Bet | Covers | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | 18 numbers | 1 to 1 |
| Odd / Even | 18 numbers | 1 to 1 |
| High / Low | 18 numbers | 1 to 1 |
| Dozen | 12 numbers | 2 to 1 |
| Column | 12 numbers | 2 to 1 |
Inside bets (higher variance)
| Bet | Covers | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight up | 1 number | 35 to 1 |
| Split | 2 numbers | 17 to 1 |
| Street | 3 numbers | 11 to 1 |
| Corner | 4 numbers | 8 to 1 |
| Six line | 6 numbers | 5 to 1 |
House edge depends on the wheel
- European roulette (single zero) house edge: ~2.7%
- American roulette (double zero) house edge: ~5.26%
The bet type usually doesn’t change the house edge on standard roulette — the wheel does.
Common “trap” bets to be cautious with
Side bets and special rules vary by casino. Always check the payout table and rules before assuming the same edge.
Next step: read the full roulette rules guide: Roulette 101.
FAQ
Which roulette bets are best for beginners?
Outside bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low are easiest to understand and have lower variance.
Do inside bets have a higher house edge?
On standard roulette, the house edge is set by the wheel (single vs double zero), not by whether you choose inside or outside bets.
Is European roulette better than American roulette?
Yes in general, because it has one zero instead of two, which lowers the house edge.
Related next steps
- Gambling Glossary (quick definitions)
- Gambling Basics 101 (start here)
- Responsible Gambling (play safe)