Different Types of Roulette Bets Explained

Roulette is a classic casino game built around a simple idea: a ball is spun around a numbered wheel, and players predict where it might land. Although the basic concept is easy to understand, the roulette table offers many different betting options.

Beginners may see numbers, colors, columns, dozens, and various sections on the layout and wonder how each wager works. The main difference between roulette bets is the number of outcomes covered, the potential payout, and the probability of winning.

Learning the different types of roulette bets can make the game much easier to understand. This guide explains the most common inside and outside bets, how they work, and what beginners should know about roulette payouts and probabilities.

Understanding Roulette Bets

Roulette bets are generally divided into two main categories: inside bets and outside bets.

Inside bets are placed on individual numbers or small groups of numbers located within the main numbered section of the roulette layout.

Outside bets cover larger groups or categories, such as red and black, odd and even, or dozens.

Generally, bets that cover fewer numbers offer larger payouts but have a lower chance of winning. Bets covering more numbers usually have smaller payouts but higher probabilities of winning.

However, the roulette wheel’s house edge remains an important factor regardless of the betting option.

Straight-Up Bet

A straight-up bet is one of the simplest roulette wagers. It involves choosing a single number.

For example, a player might place a bet on 23. If the ball lands on 23, the bet wins.

The standard payout for a straight-up bet is 35:1, although the exact rules should always be checked at the table.

Because only one number is covered, the probability of winning is relatively low.

Straight-up bets appeal to players who want to target a specific number and accept a lower probability in exchange for a higher potential payout.

Split Bet

A split bet covers two numbers that are next to each other on the roulette betting layout.

The chip is usually placed on the line separating the two numbers.

For example, a player could bet on 8 and 11 if those numbers are adjacent on the layout.

A winning split bet generally pays 17:1.

Compared with a straight-up wager, a split bet covers twice as many numbers but offers a lower payout.

Street Bet

A street bet covers three consecutive numbers in a horizontal row on the roulette layout.

For example, a player could bet on 16, 17, and 18.

The standard payout for a winning street bet is generally 11:1.

This type of wager provides broader coverage than a split bet while reducing the potential payout.

Street bets are sometimes useful for players who want to cover a small group of neighboring numbers.

Corner Bet

A corner bet, also called a square bet, covers four numbers that meet at one corner of the roulette layout.

For example, a corner bet could cover 10, 11, 13, and 14.

A winning corner bet generally pays 8:1.

Because four numbers are covered, the chance of hitting one of the selected numbers is higher than with a straight-up, split, or street bet.

The trade-off is a smaller payout.

Six-Line Bet

A six-line bet covers six numbers across two adjacent rows.

It is sometimes called a double-street bet because it combines two neighboring street sections.

For example, a six-line bet could cover 1 through 6.

The standard payout is generally 5:1.

This wager provides wider coverage than most common inside bets, while its payout is lower.

Red or Black Bet

Red and black are among the most popular outside bets.

A player chooses whether the winning number will be red or black.

On a standard European roulette wheel, there are 18 red numbers, 18 black numbers, and one green zero.

The zero is neither red nor black.

A winning red or black bet generally pays 1:1.

American roulette includes an additional green 00 pocket, which increases the house edge.

Odd or Even Bet

The odd/even bet predicts whether the winning number will be odd or even.

Numbers 1 through 36 contain equal numbers of odd and even values.

The zero is neither odd nor even under standard roulette rules.

A successful odd or even wager generally pays 1:1.

Although the bet covers 18 numbers on either side, the presence of zero means the probability is not exactly 50%.

High or Low Bet

High and low bets divide the numbered section into two groups.

Low: 1 through 18

High: 19 through 36

Players choose one of these groups.

A winning high or low bet generally pays 1:1.

As with red/black and odd/even bets, zero does not belong to either group.

Dozen Bets

A dozen bet divides the roulette numbers into three groups of 12.

The groups are:

• 1–12
• 13–24
• 25–36

A player can choose one of these groups.

A winning dozen bet generally pays 2:1.

Dozen bets cover more numbers than most inside bets but fewer than red/black or high/low wagers.

The zero is not included in any dozen.

Column Bets

The roulette table also has three numbered columns.

Each column contains 12 numbers.

Players can place a bet on one of the columns, and a successful wager generally pays 2:1.

Column bets work similarly to dozen bets in terms of coverage and payout, but they organize the numbers differently.

The zero does not belong to any column.

Five-Number Bet

American roulette has a special wager sometimes called the five-number bet.

It covers:

0, 00, 1, 2, and 3

The standard payout is 6:1.

Because this bet exists only on American roulette, it is not available on European roulette.

It is also important to note that this wager has a particularly high house edge compared with many other standard roulette bets.

Basket Bets

A basket bet is another term associated with certain American roulette wagers covering groups of numbers that include zero and/or double zero.

The exact terminology can vary depending on the casino and table.

Beginners should check the table’s betting instructions because names and payout structures can differ between roulette variants.

Inside Bets vs Outside Bets

The easiest way to remember roulette betting categories is to separate them into inside and outside wagers.

Inside bets include:

• Straight-up
• Split
• Street
• Corner
• Six-line

These wagers focus on individual numbers or relatively small groups.

Outside bets include:

• Red or black
• Odd or even
• High or low
• Dozens
• Columns

These wagers cover broader categories.

The choice between them depends largely on how many numbers a player wants to cover and how much potential payout they are willing to accept.

Roulette Payouts and Probability

Roulette payouts can appear attractive, but the payout alone does not determine whether a bet is mathematically favorable.

A straight-up bet offers a large payout because only one number is covered. A red or black bet offers a much smaller payout because many numbers qualify.

The important relationship is between payout and probability.

For example, a straight-up bet on a European roulette wheel covers 1 of 37 pockets. A red bet covers 18 of 37 pockets.

The red bet therefore has a higher chance of winning, but its payout is much lower.

European vs American Roulette

The type of roulette wheel has a major impact on the mathematical house edge.

European roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1 through 36 plus one zero.

American roulette has 38 pockets: numbers 1 through 36 plus zero and double zero.

The additional 00 pocket gives the casino a higher mathematical advantage.

For standard bets, the house edge on European roulette is approximately 2.70%, while American roulette is approximately 5.26%.

This is why beginners comparing roulette games should pay attention to the wheel layout rather than focusing only on the betting options.

French Roulette and Special Rules

French roulette generally uses a single-zero wheel but can include special rules for certain even-money bets.

Two rules commonly associated with French roulette are La Partage and En Prison.

Under qualifying conditions, these rules can reduce the house advantage on even-money wagers when the ball lands on zero.

Because rules can vary between tables, players should check the exact conditions before placing a wager.

Are Some Roulette Bets Better Than Others?

From a mathematical perspective, different standard bets on the same roulette wheel generally have the same house edge when the rules are equivalent.

This means choosing red rather than a particular number does not remove the casino advantage.

The main difference is the balance between probability and payout.

Some bets win more frequently but pay less, while others win less frequently but offer larger payouts.

Players should therefore choose based on their preferred level of risk rather than assuming that a particular bet guarantees better results.

Common Roulette Betting Myths

Roulette has produced many betting systems over the years.

One popular misconception is that a number becomes more likely to appear after it has not appeared for a long time.

Another is that several consecutive black results make red “due.”

These ideas are examples of the gambler’s fallacy.

In a properly functioning roulette game, each spin is a new event. Previous results do not guarantee the next outcome.

Betting systems can change how money is distributed across wagers, but they cannot eliminate the underlying house edge.

Choosing Roulette Bets as a Beginner

Beginners do not need to learn every roulette wager immediately.

Start by understanding the most common bets, such as straight-up, red/black, odd/even, dozens, and columns.

Pay attention to how many numbers each bet covers and what the standard payout is.

It is also useful to identify whether the game is European, American, or French roulette because the wheel structure and rules can affect the mathematical outcome.

If a free-play version is available, beginners can use it to become comfortable with the betting layout before considering real-money play.

Responsible Roulette Play

Roulette is a game of chance, and no betting option guarantees a profit.

Players should establish a clear entertainment budget before playing and avoid using money needed for essential expenses.

Chasing losses by increasing wagers can make a losing session significantly more expensive.

Players should also avoid believing that a particular number, color, or pattern is guaranteed to appear based on previous spins.

Where gambling is legally available, using appropriately licensed services and responsible gambling tools can provide additional safeguards.

Final Thoughts

Roulette offers a surprisingly wide range of betting options, but the basic categories are easy to understand once the table layout becomes familiar.

Inside bets focus on individual numbers and small groups, including straight-up, split, street, corner, and six-line bets. Outside bets cover broader categories such as red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns.

The number of outcomes covered generally affects both the payout and probability of winning. However, no standard betting option eliminates the casino’s mathematical advantage.

For beginners, the best approach is to learn how each wager works, understand the roulette wheel being used, check the payout rules, and keep expectations realistic. Most importantly, roulette should be treated as entertainment, with sensible spending limits and responsible gambling habits.