Curious about roulette but not sure where to begin? Outside bets offer a straightforward way to join the action: they cover broad outcomes rather than single numbers, which makes them easier to follow and often less volatile than inside bets.
This guide explains every common outside bet, shows the odds and payouts you can expect, and clears up common myths so you can play with a clear understanding. Read on to learn how each bet works and which options might suit your style.
Now let’s start with the basics and build from there.
What Are Roulette Outside Bets?
Outside bets are wagers placed on larger groups of numbers or general outcomes, using the boxes around the main number grid on the table. Typical choices include colour, odd or even, high or low, dozens and columns. These bets cover more possible numbers than inside bets, so they return smaller payouts when they win.
A key point to keep in mind is that each spin is independent: prior results do not change the likelihood of future outcomes. Outside bets are therefore a way to back broader outcomes with more frequent, smaller wins, compared with the higher-risk, higher-reward nature of inside bets.
With that foundation in place, the next section describes each common outside bet in plain terms so you can recognise them on any layout.
Types of Roulette Outside Bets
Roulette tables display a handful of clearly marked outside-bet options. Each one targets a different slice of the wheel and carries its own payout and probability profile.
Red or Black
The red or black bet is a simple colour choice. About half the numbers are red and half are black, so wins tend to occur more often than with smaller bets. This is one of the easiest bets to follow visually on the table.
Odd or Even
An odd or even bet predicts whether the winning number will be odd or even. The green zero (and double zero in American games) is excluded from these outcomes, which is why those pockets affect the overall odds.
High or Low
High or low splits the numbers into 1–18 (low) and 19–36 (high). Like odd/even, the green zero pockets are outside these ranges.
Dozens
Dozens divide the main numbers into three groups of twelve: 1–12, 13–24 and 25–36. These bets offer a higher payout than even-money bets because they cover fewer numbers.
Columns
Column bets back one of the three vertical columns on the table layout; each column contains twelve numbers spread across the board. Columns pay the same as dozens but use a different pattern of numbers.
Each bet type has its own character, and the following section explains how their odds and payouts compare across the two main wheel formats.
Roulette Outside Bets: Odds & Payouts
Odds and payouts depend on whether you are playing European roulette (single zero) or American roulette (single and double zero). The presence of the zero pockets slightly reduces the chance of winning for many outside bets.
Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) pay 1 to 1. In European roulette these bets win 18 times out of 37, while in American roulette they win 18 times out of 38. Dozens and columns pay 2 to 1, covering 12 numbers each; the probability is 12 in 37 on a single-zero wheel and 12 in 38 on a double-zero wheel.
These figures mean the house retains a small edge: roughly 2.7% on single-zero wheels and about 5.26% on double-zero wheels. Knowing these probabilities helps when choosing bets, but remember that the house edge is built into every spin.
Next, the article compares outside bets with inside bets so you can weigh the trade-offs clearly.
How Do Outside Bets Compare to Inside Bets?
Outside bets cover larger sets of numbers, so they produce wins more often but with smaller payouts. Inside bets target single numbers or tight combinations like splits and corners, which are less likely to come in but pay far more when they do.
For example, a straight-up inside bet on a single number pays 35 to 1 because it wins much less frequently than an even-money or dozens bet. Choosing between outside and inside bets is essentially a choice between steadier, lower returns and rarer, larger returns.
Understanding this balance makes it easier to plan how you want to play and what level of volatility you can tolerate. The next section examines common misconceptions that can lead players to make poor choices.
Common Misconceptions About Roulette Outside Bets
There are several widespread misunderstandings about outside bets that can distort decision-making.
One mistaken belief is that covering more numbers improves long-term prospects. While outside bets do cover more outcomes, the house edge remains, so long-term expectation still favours the house. Another is the idea that outcomes are “due” after a run of results; past spins have no effect on future spins. This misconception often leads to chasing patterns that do not exist.
Betting systems that involve progressive stakes are also frequently promoted as solutions. These systems can change short-term variance but do not alter the underlying probabilities or the house edge; they can also increase losses rapidly if a losing run continues.
Clearing up these myths helps keep play sensible. With that context, the following section looks at which outside bets are often seen as offering the best value.
Which Outside Bets Offer the Best Value?
Value in roulette relates to the balance between probability and payout. Even-money bets such as red/black, odd/even and high/low are popular because they offer the highest frequency of wins among outside bets, albeit with a modest payout. Dozens and column bets are less frequent winners but pay 2 to 1.
Because the house edge is determined by the wheel layout rather than specific bets, the single-zero game offers better value than the double-zero version. That makes European-style wheels preferable for players seeking the narrowest house edge.
Choosing the best value also comes down to personal preference: some players favour the steadiness of even-money bets, others the higher payout potential of dozens and columns. With those options in mind, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outside Bets
Players commonly want concise answers to practical points about outside bets. The following clears up several of the most frequent queries.
Can you make outside bets and inside bets at the same time?
Yes. Players can place both inside and outside bets on the same spin, allowing a mix of broader coverage and targeted wagers. Wager amounts and table limits should be chosen carefully.
Do outside bets cover the zero?
No. Outside bets do not include the green zero (or double zero on some wheels). Special rules such as La Partage or En Prison, which are sometimes used on single-zero tables, alter how a zero affects even-money bets, but these rules are not universal.
What happens if a zero comes up on an outside bet?
Typically, outside bets lose when zero appears unless the table offers La Partage or En Prison. Those rules can return part of the stake or hold the bet for the next spin, but availability varies.
Is there a minimum or maximum stake for outside bets?
Bet limits are set by each table or platform. Check the posted minimum and maximum before playing to ensure stakes fit within personal budgets.
Where can I find help if gambling becomes a problem?
If gambling stops being enjoyable or becomes difficult to control, help is available from organisations such as BeGambleAware and GamCare. Seeking support early helps protect personal wellbeing.
This guide has explained how outside bets work, how their odds and payouts compare, and what common mistakes to avoid, giving you a clear picture of the options on a roulette table.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.