The Ultimate Guide to Roulette Outside Bets: Rules, Strategy & Payouts for 2025
Welcome to the definitive guide on roulette outside bets. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the complex grid of numbers on a roulette table, outside bets are your perfect entry point. Popular with beginners and seasoned players alike, they offer a higher probability of winning and are much simpler to understand than their “inside” counterparts. This guide will walk you through everything from the basic rules and betting options to advanced strategies designed to help you manage your bankroll and make smarter decisions at the wheel.
Roulette Outside Bets at a Glance
Before diving deep, here is a quick comparison of how outside bets perform across the three main variations of roulette. Understanding these differences is the first step to improving your odds.
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette | French Roulette |
|---|---|---|---|
| House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% | 2.70% (1.35% on even-money bets) |
| RTP | 97.30% | 94.74% | 97.30% (98.65% on even-money bets) |
| Payout Range | 1:1 to 2:1 | 1:1 to 2:1 | 1:1 to 2:1 |
| Min/Max Bets | Varies (e.g., $0.50 – $2,000) | Varies (e.g., $1 – $2,000) | Varies (e.g., $1 – $2,000) |
| Key Advantage | Lower house edge than American | Widely available | Best odds on even-money bets |
How to Play Roulette Outside Bets: A Step-by-Step Guide
Placing an outside bet is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to get started on your next casino visit or online session.
- Choose the Right Table: Your first and most important decision. Always look for a European or, even better, a French roulette table. The single zero (0) gives you significantly better odds than the American version with its double zero (00).
- Purchase Your Chips: At a land-based casino, you’ll exchange cash for chips at the table. Online, you’ll simply select your chip denomination. You’ll receive “colour chips” unique to you for that session to avoid mix-ups.
- Place Your Wager: Position your chips on one of the designated boxes on the perimeter of the betting layout. This could be the ‘Red’ diamond, the ‘Even’ box, or the ‘1st 12’ section.
- The Spin and the Result: The dealer will announce “no more bets” and spin the wheel. Watch as the ball settles into a numbered pocket, determining the winning outcome.
- Collecting Winnings: If your bet wins, the dealer will place your winnings next to your original stake, which you can then collect. Losing bets are cleared from the table.
Understanding the Rules: What Are Outside Bets in Roulette?
An “outside bet” is any wager placed on the sections outside the main grid of 36 numbers. Their key characteristic is that they cover large groups of numbers, which results in a higher probability of winning but with lower payouts compared to the high-risk inside bets.
The Zero Rule: This is the most critical rule to understand. If the ball lands on 0 (in European/French) or 00 (in American), all standard outside bets (like Red/Black, Odd/Even, Dozens) lose. This is where the casino gets its advantage, known as the house edge.
Special Rules for Outside Bets: La Partage & En Prison
These two player-friendly rules are exclusive to French Roulette and are a game-changer for outside bettors. They only apply to even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1-18/19-36) when the outcome is zero.
- La Partage: Translated as “the sharing,” this rule means you get half of your stake back if you’ve placed an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero. This instantly cuts the house edge from 2.70% to just 1.35%.
- En Prison: Meaning “in prison,” this rule gives you a second chance. Instead of losing half your stake, your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If your bet wins on the following spin, you get your original stake back (without winnings). If it loses, the stake is lost. This also reduces the house edge to 1.35%.
The Complete List of Roulette Outside Betting Options
Here are all the outside bets you can make, along with their payouts and what they cover.
| Bet Name | Payout | Numbers Covered | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | 1:1 | 18 Red or 18 Black numbers | A simple bet on the color of the winning number. |
| Odd / Even | 1:1 | 18 Odd or 18 Even numbers | A bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even. |
| Low / High (1-18 / 19-36) | 1:1 | Numbers 1-18 or 19-36 | A bet on whether the number will fall in the low or high half of the board. |
| Dozens | 2:1 | 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36) | A bet on one of the three dozens on the layout. |
| Columns | 2:1 | 12 numbers in one of the three vertical columns | A bet on one of the three long columns of numbers. |
Best Roulette Outside Bets Strategy: 5 Popular Systems
Disclaimer: No betting system can overcome the house edge or guarantee a win. These are bankroll management tools designed to structure your play, not foolproof winning formulas.
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The Martingale Strategy: The most famous system. You double your bet after every loss.
- Pros: Simple to learn; a single win recovers all previous losses plus a one-unit profit.
- Cons: Extremely high risk. A losing streak can quickly deplete your bankroll or hit the table’s maximum bet limit.
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The Reverse Martingale (Paroli) Strategy: The opposite approach. You double your bet after every win.
- Pros: Aims to capitalize on winning streaks with minimal risk to your initial bankroll.
- Cons: A single loss can wipe out all the profit accumulated during a streak.
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The D’Alembert Strategy: A flatter, safer progression. Increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win.
- Pros: Much less aggressive than the Martingale, protecting your bankroll from rapid losses.
- Cons: Wins are slower to accumulate, and it takes more winning spins to recover from losses.
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The Fibonacci Strategy: A negative progression system where your bet size follows the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…) after a loss.
- Pros: Less aggressive than Martingale but can recover losses over several wins.
- Cons: Can be complex to track and still carries the risk of a long losing streak.
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The Column King Strategy: A simple strategy for 2:1 payout bets. Bet on one column. If you lose, double the bet on the same column.
- Pros: The 2:1 payout means you don’t need to win as often to turn a profit compared to Martingale on even-money bets.
- Cons: Shares the same high-risk flaw as Martingale; you can hit the table limit quickly.
Roulette Outside Bets Odds and Payouts: European vs. American
The numbers don’t lie. The extra “00” pocket on the American wheel significantly worsens your odds. Here’s a direct comparison.
| Bet Type | Payout | European Wheel Win % (House Edge) | American Wheel Win % (House Edge) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red/Black | 1:1 | 48.65% (2.70%) | 47.37% (5.26%) |
| Odd/Even | 1:1 | 48.65% (2.70%) | 47.37% (5.26%) |
| High/Low | 1:1 | 48.65% (2.70%) | 47.37% (5.26%) |
| Dozens | 2:1 | 32.43% (2.70%) | 31.58% (5.26%) |
| Columns | 2:1 | 32.43% (2.70%) | 31.58% (5.26%) |
Game Variations: Choose the Best Table for Your Bets
Your choice of game has the single biggest impact on your long-term results.
French Roulette
This is the #1 choice for anyone placing outside bets. The La Partage or En Prison rules on even-money wagers cut the house edge to a mere 1.35%, offering the best odds you can find in any roulette game.
European Roulette
If a French table isn’t available, European Roulette is your next best option. The single zero (0) wheel provides a standard, favorable house edge of 2.70% on all bets.
American Roulette
This is the version to avoid if possible. The addition of the double zero (00) pocket almost doubles the house edge to a hefty 5.26% without offering any additional benefit to the player. Your money will simply last longer at a European or French table.
Best Online Casinos to Play Roulette
When selecting a place to play, look for sites that offer the best game variations and features for roulette players.
| Casino Type | Welcome Bonus Example | Key Roulette Feature | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top-Rated Casino A | 100% up to $500 | Live Dealer French Roulette Available | 4.8/5 |
| Top-Rated Casino B | 200% up to $1,000 | Low-stakes RNG European Roulette | 4.7/5 |
| Top-Rated Casino C | $50 Free Bet | Wide variety of tables from Evolution Gaming | 4.5/5 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Placing Outside Bets
Steer clear of these common pitfalls to protect your bankroll and play smarter.
- Ignoring the Table Variation: The single biggest mistake is willingly playing American Roulette when a European or French version is available.
- Falling for the Gambler’s Fallacy: Believing a color or number is “due” to hit because it hasn’t appeared recently. Every spin is an independent event.
- Betting Too Much of Your Bankroll: Risking a large portion of your funds on a single spin is a fast track to ruin. Stick to small, consistent unit sizes.
- Not Understanding the Zero: Forgetting that the 0 and 00 are the house’s numbers and cause all outside bets to lose.
- Relying 100% on a Betting System: Thinking a strategy is a magic bullet for winning. They are tools for management, not guarantees for profit.
Bankroll Management for Outside Bettors
Smart betting is all about smart money management. Follow these tips for a more controlled and enjoyable experience.
- Set a Strict Loss Limit: Before you even start, decide the maximum amount you’re willing to lose and walk away if you hit it.
- Establish a Win Goal: It’s just as important to know when to stop when you’re ahead. Set a realistic profit target and cash out when you reach it.
- Use a Unit System: Divide your total bankroll into “units.” A conservative approach is to make your base bet 1-2% of your total bankroll (e.g., if you have $100, your base unit is $1-$2).
- Never Chase Your Losses: This is the cardinal sin of gambling. Trying to win back lost money by increasing your bets often leads to bigger losses.
- Only Gamble with Disposable Income: Only play with money you can comfortably afford to lose.
Mobile Gaming Options
The thrill of roulette is no longer confined to a casino floor. Most modern online casinos offer fully optimized mobile websites and dedicated apps. Top software providers like Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and NetEnt are known for their high-quality, intuitive mobile roulette interfaces, allowing you to place outside bets seamlessly on your smartphone or tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are outside bets in roulette?
They are bets placed on the outer sections of the roulette layout that cover large groups of numbers. Examples include Red/Black, Odd/Even, Dozens, and Columns. They are known for having a higher probability of winning but offer lower payouts (1:1 or 2:1).
What is the most profitable roulette strategy?
No strategy can guarantee a profit due to the inherent house edge. However, the most effective approach to maximize your potential is to minimize the house’s advantage. This is achieved by playing French Roulette to benefit from the La Partage rule (which lowers the house edge to 1.35%) and practicing strict bankroll management.
Is it better to play inside or outside roulette?
It depends on your goal. Outside bets are better for players who prefer lower risk, higher win frequency, and longer playing sessions. Inside bets (on specific numbers) are for players seeking high-risk, high-reward payouts and the thrill of a big, infrequent win.
What is the $150 roulette strategy?
This is a specific “coverage” strategy. A common version involves betting $75 on High (19-36), $70 on the second dozen’s six-line (13-18), and $5 on the zero as insurance. The idea is to cover most of the wheel, only losing if a number from 1-12 hits. While it provides frequent small wins, it does not overcome the house edge in the long run.
How to win roulette outside bets?
You can’t guarantee a win, but you can significantly improve your chances. The best methods are: 1) Always choose French or European Roulette over American Roulette. 2) Understand the odds and payouts for each bet. 3) Manage your bankroll wisely and never chase losses.
Can you bet on green in roulette?
Yes, you can bet on the green pocket(s), which are 0 and 00. However, this is considered an inside bet (a single number bet), not an outside bet. It has a very high payout of 35:1 but a low probability of winning.
Are there any illegal bets in roulette?
No. All betting options presented on the roulette layout are legal. The term “illegal bets” in a casino context refers to acts of cheating, such as placing a bet after the ball has landed (“past posting”), not to any specific wager type.
What is the minimum bet for roulette outside bets?
This varies widely between online and land-based casinos. Online, you can often find minimums as low as $0.10-$1.00. In a physical casino, the minimum for an outside bet is typically higher, often ranging from $5 to $25, and is usually the table’s stated minimum.
Responsible Gambling Reminder: Remember to play responsibly and within your limits. Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. If you feel you may have a gambling problem, please seek help from a professional organization.
