Ready to demystify one of the most popular parts of roulette? If the thought of betting on single numbers feels risky, outside bets might be a simpler way to approach the table.
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and tend to produce more frequent, smaller wins than inside bets. This guide explains how they work, the odds and typical payouts, and which wheels tend to offer better value so you can make informed choices and enjoy the game.
What Are Outside Bets in Roulette?
Outside bets are wagers placed on the larger sections of the roulette table layout, around the edge of the betting area. Unlike inside bets, which focus on single numbers or very small groups, outside bets cover broader categories such as red or black, odd or even, dozens and columns.
These bets do not pick particular numbers but instead group numbers by a shared quality. For example, Red or Black covers all red or black numbers, while Dozens covers a block of twelve numbers. Each spin of the wheel is independent, so past results do not change the odds of future spins.
Types of Roulette Outside Bets
There are several common outside bets, each covering a different portion of the table. Below are the main options and how they function at the table.
Red or Black
Bet on whether the winning number will be red or black. On a standard roulette wheel there are 18 red and 18 black numbers.
A win pays even money, and the green zero causes this bet to lose. On wheels with a double zero the same rule applies and the zeroes also cause a loss.
Odd or Even
This wager covers all odd numbers or all even numbers on the wheel. Like Red or Black, an even-money payout applies.
Any zero excludes the outcome and results in a losing bet. That applies to both single-zero and double-zero wheels.
High or Low
High or Low bets cover ranges of numbers: Low is 1–18, High is 19–36. Winners receive an even-money payout.
Zero is not counted in either range and therefore causes this bet to lose.
Dozens
A Dozens bet chooses one of three sets of twelve numbers: 1–12, 13–24 or 25–36. A successful Dozens bet returns 2:1, because it covers one third of the numbers on the wheel.
Payouts are fixed but the chance of winning depends on whether the wheel has one or two zero pockets, which affects the house edge.
Columns
Column bets are placed on one of the three vertical columns on the betting layout, each consisting of 12 numbers. These bets also pay 2:1 when they win.
Like Dozens bets, column bets cover a third of the numbers and are affected by the presence of zero or double zero pockets.
These options let players tailor their approach. In summary:
- Even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) offer a higher chance of frequent wins but pay out at even money and lose on any zero.
- Dozens and Columns cover fewer numbers, pay 2:1 and can return larger payouts when successful.
How Do Roulette Outside Bets Differ from Inside Bets?
Inside bets are placed within the numbered area of the layout and focus on single numbers or small groups. Typical examples are:
- Straight-up bets on a single number, which offer the highest payouts.
- Split bets covering two adjacent numbers.
- Street bets covering a row of three numbers.
These inside bets generally pay more when they win, but they win less often because they cover fewer numbers.
Outside bets, by contrast, are placed on broader groupings positioned around the edge of the layout. They are easier to spot and understand at the table and tend to produce more regular, smaller wins. Common outside bets include:
- Red or black colour bets.
- Odd or even number bets.
- High (19–36) or low (1–18) bets.
- Dozens, which cover groups of 12 numbers.
- Column bets, which cover a whole vertical column of numbers.
Because inside and outside bets trade off payout size against the chance of winning, many players combine both types to balance risk and return. Combining bets can spread stake across higher-risk, higher-reward selections and lower-risk, more frequent outcomes, allowing players to tailor how volatile they want their play to be.
What Are the Odds & Payouts for Each Outside Bet?
Below are the usual odds and payouts for outside bets on a European (single-zero) roulette wheel. The percentages indicate the chance of a winning outcome on a single spin of a standard wheel.
| Outside Bet | Numbers Covered | Payout | Odds of Winning* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red or Black | 18 | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Odd or Even | 18 | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| High or Low | 18 | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Dozens | 12 | 2:1 | 32.4% |
| Columns | 12 | 2:1 | 32.4% |
*Percentages are based on a single-zero wheel. The presence of the zero pocket slightly reduces the true chance beneath the nominal 50% for 18-number bets.
These figures help illustrate the trade-offs: even-money bets give a near-50% chance with smaller returns, while dozens and columns offer larger payouts for lower probability. Understanding this helps when deciding which bets match your preferences for frequency of returns and payout size.
Which Roulette Wheels Offer the Best Value for Outside Bets?
The wheel variant matters because of how many zero pockets it contains. European roulette has a single zero, while American roulette has both a single zero and a double zero.
The extra zero on the American wheel increases the house edge and reduces the effective probability of any winning outside bet. In plain terms, that means a bet such as red/black, odd/even or high/low pays the same, but your chances of winning are slightly lower on the American wheel.
Key differences to note are:
- European roulette: one zero, lower house edge (about 2.7%), slightly higher chances for outside bets.
- American roulette: single zero and double zero, higher house edge (about 5.26%), lower chances for outside bets.
For outside bets, a single-zero wheel generally provides better value because the maths give slightly higher winning chances. That said, the relative differences are fixed in the rules of each game; knowing which wheel you are playing lets you choose the version that best matches your priorities and risk preference.
Common Myths About Outside Bets Debunked
There are several persistent misconceptions around outside bets:
- Runs and patterns: People often believe a run of a particular colour or parity affects what will happen next. Each spin is independent, so past spins don’t alter the odds of the next.
- Betting systems: Schemes that increase or change stake sizes do not alter the underlying probabilities. They can help structure play but do not change the house edge or guarantee success.
Recognising these points can prevent unrealistic expectations and help players make clearer choices about which bets to place.
If you want to try different approaches, understanding these realities makes it easier to compare strategies in a clear-headed way.
Are Outside Bets Suitable for Beginners?
Outside bets are frequently recommended for newcomers because they are easy to read on the layout and simple to understand. They do not require memorising individual numbers or complex combinations; instead you are choosing between broad categories, which makes decisions quicker and less daunting at a crowded table.
For a new player, outside bets offer a straightforward way to learn how the wheel behaves and how payouts relate to coverage. Common examples of outside bets include:
- Red or black
- Odd or even
- High (19–36) or low (1–18)
- Dozens and columns
That said, they still carry the same statistical disadvantage created by the green zero pocket. The zero means the house edge retains an edge even on bets that otherwise pay roughly evens, so being aware of the odds and typical payouts is important from the outset.
Beginners should also manage their bankrolls and set limits before they play. Outside bets can reduce volatility compared with single-number bets, but they do not eliminate risk, so make choices that fit your budget and gamble responsibly.
Glossary of Key Roulette Terms
This glossary explains the main terms used throughout the article to help you navigate the table with confidence.
Outside Bet
A wager placed on groups of numbers or broader sections of the roulette layout, such as Red or Black, Odd or Even, Dozens and Columns.
Inside Bet
A bet made on individual numbers or small groups of numbers within the central area of the roulette table.
House Edge
The built-in advantage the casino has over players. In roulette this is created by the green zero (or zeros), which are not covered by most outside bets.
Even Money Bet
A bet that pays out at 1:1 — for example, Red or Black, Odd or Even, and High or Low.
Dozens Bet
A wager on one of three sets of twelve numbers: 1–12, 13–24 or 25–36.
Column Bet
A bet on a vertical line of 12 numbers on the roulette layout.
Responsible Gambling
Keep play within an amount you can afford and treat gambling as entertainment. If gambling causes concern, support and advice are available.
This wraps up the essential information about outside bets: what they are, how their odds compare, and how different wheels affect value. Armed with these facts, you can approach the table with a clearer idea of how your choices relate to potential outcomes.
**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.