Roulette Outside Bets Explained: Types, Odds & How Payouts Work
If you’ve ever watched the roulette wheel spin and wondered about all those betting options, you’re not alone. The variety of choices on the roulette table can feel overwhelming at first, but outside bets offer a clear, straightforward way to get started.
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and use simple rules and set payouts. This guide explains what they are, the main types, how odds and payouts work, and common misconceptions so you can approach the table with more confidence.
We want you to enjoy the game responsibly and with a clear sense of how each option works.
What Are Outside Bets In Roulette?
Outside bets are wagers placed on the outer areas of the betting layout rather than on single numbers. These bets cover broad sections of the wheel, such as colours, ranges of numbers, or entire rows, so a single bet can include many possible outcomes.
Compared with inside bets, which target individual numbers or small clusters, outside bets offer a higher chance of winning per spin but typically pay less. For instance, bets on Red/Black and odd or even cover 18 numbers each on a standard European wheel that has 37 slots. The existence of the zero means those bets are slightly below a 50% chance.
Now that you know what outside bets are, let’s look at the different types you’ll see on the table and how they differ.
Types Of Roulette Outside Bets
Outside bets are organised around a few simple categories found along the edge of the number grid. Each category has clear rules and predictable payouts, which makes them easy to follow during play.
Even Money Bets: Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1-18/19-36
Even money bets are the most straightforward outside options. They cover about half the numbers on the wheel and pay out at a 1:1 rate.
- Red/Black: A wager that the winning slot will match the chosen colour.
- Odd/Even: A wager that the winning number will be odd or even.
- 1–18/19–36 (Low/High): A wager on whether the result falls in the low or high half of the numbered range.
These bets suit players who prefer frequent, smaller wins and a simple betting choice.
A quick note before we move on: while these bets cover many numbers, the zero remains excluded, which affects the effective probability slightly.
Other Outside Bets: Dozens & Columns Explained
Dozen and column bets cover twelve numbers each and offer higher payouts than even money bets, reflecting their lower probability of success.
- Dozens: The table is split into three sets of twelve (1–12, 13–24, 25–36). A dozen bet returns 2:1 if any number in that group wins.
- Columns: Three vertical columns run down the layout; betting on a column pays 2:1 when any number in that column appears.
These bets are useful for players who want a middle ground between the frequency of even money bets and the larger returns of inside bets. They add variety to play without introducing complicated rules.
What Are The Odds For Each Outside Bet?
Odds for outside bets depend on how many numbers each bet covers relative to the total slots on the wheel. For a single-zero European wheel (37 slots), the basic probabilities are:
- Red/Black: 18 chances out of 37.
- Odd/Even: 18 out of 37.
- 1–18/19–36 (Low/High): 18 out of 37.
- Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36): 12 out of 37.
- Columns: 12 out of 37.
Because the zero is not included in these bets, the probabilities sit just under exact halves or thirds. The house edge remains built into the game through that zero, and outcomes are random each spin, unaffected by previous results.
With those odds in mind, let’s see how payouts reflect the balance between probability and reward.
How Do Payouts Work For Outside Bets?
Payouts for outside bets are fixed and correspond directly to the chance of winning. When a bet wins, the player receives their stake back plus the winnings at the stated ratio.
- Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1–18/19–36: Paid at 1:1. A £10 winning bet returns £20 in total (your £10 stake plus £10 winnings).
- Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36): Paid at 2:1. A £10 winning bet returns £30 (stake plus £20 winnings).
- Columns: Paid at 2:1, matching the dozen bet payout.
Payouts are settled once the winning number is confirmed and before the next round begins. The structure is straightforward: higher coverage equals lower payout per win, and smaller coverage yields larger returns when it hits.
Which Outside Bets Offer The Best Chance Of Winning?
Outside bets that cover the most numbers provide higher chances of success on individual spins. Even money bets — red/black, odd/even, and 1–18/19–36 — each cover 18 numbers and therefore offer the greatest probability among outside options.
Dozens and columns, covering 12 numbers each, lower the chance of a hit but increase the payout when successful. Choosing between these options comes down to whether you prefer more frequent, smaller wins or less frequent, larger returns.
It’s also wise to approach play with limits in place so the experience stays enjoyable and under control. If gambling stops being fun, support is available from reputable organisations.
Common Myths About Roulette Outside Bets
Roulette attracts many misconceptions, especially around methods that claim to beat the system. One persistent myth is that progressive betting systems, such as increasing stakes after a loss, can overcome the house edge. In truth, no staking plan alters the mathematical odds of each spin.
Another mistaken belief is that past results influence future outcomes — for example, that a run of one colour makes the other “due”. Each spin is independent, and historical patterns do not change the underlying probabilities.
Knowing how odds and payouts work helps separate these myths from reality and makes it easier to choose bets that match your preferences.
Choosing The Right Outside Bet For You
Picking an outside bet is about what enhances your experience at the table. If you like steady action and predictable returns, even money bets provide frequent results. If you prefer the chance of bigger payouts while still covering a substantial portion of the layout, dozens and columns might suit you better.
Consider how much variation you enjoy in returns and how often you want to win, then align your choices accordingly. Set a sensible budget and stick to it so that playing remains a straightforward form of entertainment.
If you find your play becoming less enjoyable, help is available from trusted organisations that offer guidance and support.
Roulette offers a range of outside bets that balance probability and payout clearly and simply; choosing the right one comes down to what you prefer and what keeps the experience enjoyable.
**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.