Types of Bets in Roulette

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games worldwide, celebrated for its thrilling gameplay and variety of betting options. Whether you’re playing at a physical casino or an online platform, understanding the different types of bets in roulette can help you enhance your strategy and improve your chances of winning. From simple wagers to more complex ones, each bet has its own odds and payout structure, which can make the game both exciting and strategically deep. In this article, we will explore the main types of bets in roulette and explain how they work.

Inside Bets in Roulette

Inside bets are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers located in the center of the roulette table layout. These bets generally offer higher payouts because they carry a greater risk. The reason for this is that the probability of winning with inside bets is lower than with outside bets, which we’ll discuss later. Inside bets can be further broken down into several types, including straight-up, split, street, corner, and line bets.

• Straight-Up Bet: This is the simplest inside bet, where you place your chips on a single number. If the ball lands on that number, you win 35 to 1. While this offers the highest payout, it also has the lowest probability of hitting, with odds of 1 in 37 in European roulette and 1 in 38 in American roulette.
• Split Bet: A split bet involves placing your chips on the line between two adjacent numbers on the roulette table. If either of these numbers comes up, you win 17 to 1. The odds of winning are better than a straight-up bet but still quite low.
• Street Bet: In this bet, you place your chips on the outer line of three consecutive numbers in a horizontal row. If any of those numbers are called, the payout is 11 to 1.
• Corner Bet: A corner bet is placed on the intersection of four numbers. If any of the four numbers hits, you win 8 to 1. This bet increases your chances slightly compared to a street bet.
• Line Bet: A line bet covers six numbers, two adjacent rows of three numbers. If any of the six numbers win, you receive a payout of 5 to 1.

While inside bets can lead to large payouts, they also come with a higher level of risk due to the smaller probability of hitting one of the numbers you’ve wagered on.

Outside Bets in Roulette

Outside bets are wagers placed on larger groups of numbers located around the outer edges of the roulette table. These bets cover broader categories and offer better chances of winning, but the payout is generally lower than that of inside bets. Outside bets are ideal for players who prefer a less risky approach and are looking to have more frequent wins, even if those wins are smaller. Common outside bets include red or black, odd or even, and high or low.

• Red or Black: This is one of the simplest bets in roulette. You wager on whether the ball will land on a red or black number. The probability of winning is 18 out of 37 in European roulette and 18 out of 38 in American roulette. The payout for a red or black bet is 1 to 1, which is even money.
• Odd or Even: In this bet, you place your wager on whether the ball will land on an odd or even number. The payout is also 1 to 1, and the chances of winning are again 18 out of 37 or 38, depending on the version of roulette you’re playing.
• High or Low: You can also bet on whether the winning number will fall in the «low» range (1 to 18) or the «high» range (19 to 36). Like red/black and odd/even bets, the payout is 1 to 1, offering even odds but relatively low payouts.
• Dozen Bet: In this bet, you choose one of three groups of 12 numbers: 1 to 12, 13 to 24, or 25 to 36. A successful bet pays 2 to 1. This bet offers better odds than inside bets but with a lower payout than a straight-up bet.
• Column Bet: A column bet covers one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers on the roulette table. If any number in the selected column wins, the payout is 2 to 1, similar to the dozen bet.

Outside bets generally offer better odds and are ideal for players who prefer to bet on larger groups of numbers with lower risk. However, the payouts are more modest compared to inside bets.

Call Bets in Roulette

Call bets, also known as announced bets, are special types of bets in European and French roulette that are made based on the arrangement of the numbers on the roulette wheel, rather than the betting layout on the table. Call bets are particularly common in land-based casinos and are often used in high-stakes games. These bets allow players to place multiple inside bets at once, covering a range of numbers with a single wager.

Some common types of call bets include:

• Voisins du Zero: This bet covers the 17 numbers closest to the zero on the wheel. It’s a combination of several inside bets that span numbers 22 to 25, 29 to 32, and 12 to 15, along with other numbers in between. The payout is similar to a straight-up bet, but the coverage is much broader.
• Tiers du Cylindre: This call bet covers 12 numbers on the opposite side of the wheel from zero. It includes numbers 27 to 33 and offers a higher chance of winning compared to single-number bets, with a payout of 2 to 1.
• Orphelins: The orphans bet covers the remaining numbers on the wheel that are not included in the previous two call bets. It includes numbers 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, and 34. The payout is the same as for the inside bets.

Call bets are particularly useful for players who want to bet on a range of numbers around the wheel without needing to place each individual bet separately. They offer more strategic depth and can increase excitement in the game.

Special Bets in Roulette

In addition to the traditional inside, outside, and call bets, there are several special betting options available in certain variations of roulette, particularly in European and French versions. These bets offer unique ways to engage with the game and can create an added layer of excitement.

• Neighbors of Zero: This bet covers a series of numbers on the roulette wheel, specifically the numbers adjacent to zero. In some versions of roulette, players can place a neighbor bet on multiple numbers, usually around five or six, which are grouped together for a higher chance of winning.
• Final Bet: This bet is made on the last digit of a number. For example, if you place a final bet on the number 7, you will be betting on all numbers that end in 7, such as 7, 17, 27, and 37. The payout is similar to that of a straight-up bet.
• French Bets: These include a variety of unique bets available in French roulette, such as the «jeu zéro» (zero game), where players can bet on numbers closest to zero, and «le plein» (full bet), where a player places a bet on all of a series of numbers.

Conclusion

Roulette is a game of chance, but the variety of betting options available allows players to choose a strategy that suits their style. Whether you prefer the high-risk, high-reward nature of inside bets or the more consistent payouts of outside bets, each type of bet in roulette offers a unique experience. Understanding the different betting options is essential for making informed decisions and enhancing your overall gameplay experience. By experimenting with different types of bets and finding a strategy that works for you, you can enjoy the game and make the most of your time at the roulette table.

FAQ