Roulette: Playing to win with bets
If you’ve been hesitant to play Roulette due to the intimidating-looking betting table, you’ll be glad to know that betting on Roulette is actually a lot easier than it looks. Take a look at our quick guide to the most common Roulette bets, and get ready to let it ride!
Outside bets
There are two types of bets in Roulette – outside and inside. Outside bets are ‘outside’ the numbered squares on the table, and are low volatility, meaning that while they only pay out a little, they pay out often. That’s why if you’re new to Roulette, it’s a good idea to start with outside bets, as you’ll be able to learn about the game without risking a significant portion of your bankroll.
Let’s get Roulette rolling!
Typically there are five different types of outside bets:
Red/Black: You bet on whether the Roulette ball will land on a red or a black number. This bet is considered an even money bet. It will pay you out at 1:1.
Odd/Even: Place your bets on whether the Roulette ball will land on an odd or an even number. Again, this is an even money bet that also pays out at 1:1.
High/Low: Will the Roulette ball land on a low (1-18) number or a high (19-36) number? Place this even money bet, and you’ll be paid out at 1:1 if you win.
Columns: You’ll bet on one of the three columns of numbers on the Roulette table, with each column being made up of 12 numbers. As there is slightly more risk involved here, each column pays out at 2:1.
Dozens: In a Dozens bet, you’ll also be betting on 12 numbers, although here your bet will be placed on either the numbers from 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Again, this bet pays out at 2:1.
Let’s talk about Roulette inside bets
Inside bets
Now let’s go inside the Roulette table to the actual numbers, and place an inside bet. These bets are high volatility meaning that they don’t pay out often, but when they do, they can pay out a significant amount. Which means it’s up to you to decide whether or not you can manage the risk to your bankroll. Inside bets are usually played by those with a little more experience at Roulette, and include:
Things you need to know!
Straight Up: A simple bet on any number, that pays out at 35:1 for a win.
Split: Here you’ll be betting on the line that separates two numbers – so you’ll be splitting your bet between two numbers that lie adjacent to each on the table. If either number comes up, you’ll be paid out at 17:1.
Street: A bet on any number in a row of three numbers, e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 4, 5, 6, and so on. If any of the three numbers comes up, your bet will be paid out at 11:1.
Double Street: Similar to the Street bet, a Double Street covers two Streets (or rows) at the same time and pays out at 5:1.
Corner: Here you’ll be betting on four numbers that form a square on the table. This type of bet pays out at 8:1.
4-Number Bet: A bet on the numbers 0, 1, 2 and 3, that pays out at 6:1.
5-Number Bet: A bet on the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3, that pays out at 6:1. It’s important to note that this bet is only available in American Roulette due to the double zero – a game in which the house has a significant advantage, so it’s a bet that you may want to stay away from.
Snake Bet: A bet on the numbers 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 34. While this bet only pays out at 2:1, it’s a fun bet due to the snake-like curve that the numbers form on the Roulette table.
We’re almost there!
And there you have it! (Other than the range of Call Bets available in European and French Roulette, which we won’t go into now.) As you can see, Roulette isn’t that scary after all. Just study our guide, place your bets, and let the good times roll!