If you’re looking to get more out of your roulette experience, understanding outside bets is a great place to start. These bets are straightforward to place, cover larger sections of the wheel and can help you manage risk more predictably than single-number wagers.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or want a quick refresher, this guide explains the different outside bets, what payouts to expect and how the odds compare. Read on to learn how these options fit into a sensible approach at the table.
What Are Outside Bets in Roulette?
Outside bets are wagers placed on the sections around the edge of the roulette betting layout that cover groups of numbers, rather than individual numbers. Instead of selecting a single number, an outside bet might cover all red numbers, all even numbers, a whole dozen, or an entire column. Those broader selections mean each stake applies to many more outcomes than an inside bet.
On a standard European-style layout, the outside areas are clearly marked, so you can spot them quickly and place chips with confidence. These bets are popular with players who prefer steadier, more frequent returns, because each wager covers a substantial portion of the wheel. Next, we’ll look at the main types of outside bets and how they’re placed.
Main Types of Roulette Outside Bets
Outside bets fall into a few recognisable categories, each corresponding to a specific block of numbers on the table. They are usually arranged around the perimeter of the betting area to make placing them quick and simple. These bets generally cover larger groups of numbers than inside bets, which affects both the likelihood of winning and the size of the payout.
Red or Black Bets
A Red or Black bet covers every number shown in the corresponding colour on the layout. If the ball lands on any number of the colour selected, the bet wins. These bets pay even money if they succeed, but remember that the presence of zero means they are not a guaranteed win and the house retains an edge.
Odd or Even Bets
Odd or Even bets group all non-zero numbers by parity. Choosing odd means you win when the winning number is odd; choosing even wins when the number is even. Zero is excluded from both groups, so when the ball lands on zero those bets lose.
High or Low Bets
High or Low splits the numbers into two halves: 1–18 (Low) and 19–36 (High). Each half is marked on the table so the bettor can select which range they believe the outcome will fall into. Like other even-money bets, these pay out equally on success and are a simple way to cover a broad portion of the wheel.
Dozen Bets Explained
Dozen bets cover one set of twelve: 1–12, 13–24 or 25–36. They allow a wider spread than individual-number bets while still offering a higher payout than even-money options. Dozen bets are useful for players who want to back a larger segment of the table without committing to a single number.
Column Bets Breakdown
Column bets apply to one of the three vertical columns of numbers as laid out on the table. Each column contains twelve numbers; if the result is in your chosen column, the wager pays out. Columns are placed along the edge of the layout so they are easy to spot and use for covering a substantial portion of the board.
With a clear picture of the kinds of outside bets available, the next section explains exactly what those bets pay and the odds behind them. This helps put the choices into context and shows how payout levels relate to the probability of each outcome.
Outside Bet Payouts and Odds Compared
Outside bets have fixed payouts that reflect how many numbers each bet covers. Even-money bets — Red or Black, Odd or Even, and High or Low — pay 1:1. On a European wheel with 37 pockets, these wagers each cover 18 numbers, so the theoretical chance of success is slightly below 50% because zero falls outside these groups.
Dozen and Column bets pay 2:1, since each covers 12 numbers out of the 37 possible outcomes. That higher payout balances the smaller coverage compared with even-money bets.
Because zero is excluded from all these categories, the house retains an edge across every outside bet. Outcomes are determined by the wheel’s mechanics; the numerical probabilities remain the same from spin to spin. That said, outside bets are useful for players who prefer bets that tend to return more frequently. Read on to see which outside bets give the strongest likelihood of a win.
Which Outside Bets Offer the Best Odds?
The widest coverage — and therefore the highest probability of success among outside bets — comes from Red or Black, Odd or Even, and High or Low. Each of these covers 18 numbers on a 37-number wheel, so they offer the most frequent wins compared with dozens or columns.
Dozen and Column bets give smaller chances because they cover only 12 numbers, but they compensate with a 2:1 payout. Which option suits a player depends on whether they favour steadier, lower payouts or less frequent, larger returns.
Even with these differences, the statistical structure of the game stays fixed. Knowing how coverage and payout relate helps when deciding which outside stake matches a player’s preferences and bankroll. Next we’ll address some common misunderstandings that often influence how people play.
Common Myths About Outside Bets
Several persistent myths affect player behaviour around outside bets. One is the idea that altering bet sizes after each result can overcome the house edge; no staking system changes the underlying probabilities or payout structure. Another is the notion that recent results make certain outcomes “due” on the next spin; each spin is an independent event with the same probability distribution.
Some players assume outside bets remove all unpredictability or guarantee steady returns, but the exclusion of zero means every outside wager still carries a built-in disadvantage. Understanding these facts helps set realistic expectations and supports clearer decision-making at the table. The following section describes how bets are placed in a typical UK setting and what to expect at the table.
How to Place Outside Bets at UK Roulette Tables
Placing outside bets at a UK roulette table is straightforward and designed to be accessible. Start by choosing chip value, then set chips onto the clearly labelled outside areas of the layout for the type of bet desired. Dealers accept bets until “no more bets” is announced, after which the wheel is spun. Winning outside bets are paid according to the standard rates described earlier and unsettled wagers are cleared.
Tables may display additional rules such as “La Partage” or “En Prison” which alter the outcome for even-money bets when zero appears; these are optional and will be shown where applicable. Staff can help explain the table’s rules and any responsible-play features available, but the final choice of bet size and type rests with the player. The FAQ below answers practical questions you might still have.
FAQ: Roulette Outside Bets
Outside bets are among the most commonly asked-about features of roulette, so here are clear answers to typical queries.
Are outside bets available at all UK roulette tables?
Yes, outside bets are standard options on European-style roulette layouts used in UK venues and online tables that follow the same format, and they are displayed on the betting layout for easy use.
What happens if the ball lands on zero when I've placed an outside bet?
If the ball lands on zero, outside bets normally lose because zero is not part of those groups. Some tables may offer variants such as La Partage or En Prison for even-money bets, and those rules will be clearly displayed if in effect.
Can I place more than one outside bet per spin?
Multiple outside bets can be placed in a single round, subject to the table’s minimum and maximum limits. Each wager is settled independently based on the spin’s result.
Are the odds and payouts for outside bets the same at every casino?
Payouts and odds for standard European-style outside bets are consistent, though specific table rules or variants may change how certain situations are handled. Always check the posted table rules before playing.
Is there an age restriction for making outside bets?
You must be at least 18 to gamble in the UK. Venues and operators perform age checks and ask players to follow any responsible-play measures that are in place.
**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.