Roulette Outside Bets Explained: Payouts, Odds & How They Work
Thinking about giving roulette a go or brushing up on your skills? If you’re after steadier returns rather than taking a wild punt, outside bets might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Outside bets cover bigger groups of numbers, offering simpler strategies and more frequent, smaller wins without having to memorise the whole wheel. Read on to learn what outside bets are, how payouts work, and the real odds behind them.
What Are Roulette Outside Bets?
Roulette outside bets are placed on the areas around the edge of the betting layout rather than on individual numbers inside the main grid. These bets cover broader outcomes such as red or black, odd or even, and high (19–36) or low (1–18) numbers.
Because they include many numbers at once, outside bets tend to win more often than single-number wagers, but the payouts are smaller. Instead of selecting one precise number, an outside bet stakes on a category of results—any even number, any number in the first dozen, or any red number, for example.
Outside bets are straightforward to follow, which is why they appeal to newcomers and those who prefer simpler decision-making at the table. Next, we’ll look at the specific outside bets you’ll see marked on the layout.
Which Bets Are Considered Outside Bets?
On a standard roulette table, outside bets occupy the areas around the numbered grid and are grouped by the outcomes they cover.
Red or black bets let players choose whether the winning slot will be a red or a black number; each colour covers 18 numbers, excluding the zero. Odd or even bets cover the 18 odd or 18 even numbers, again excluding zero. High or low bets split the board into 1–18 (low) and 19–36 (high). Dozens bets select one of three blocks of 12 numbers (1–12, 13–24 or 25–36). Column bets cover one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers on the layout.
These areas are clearly marked on the table and make it easy to place a single chip to cover a large set of outcomes. With those options clear, it helps to compare outside bets with inside bets to see how they differ.
How Do Outside Bets Differ From Inside Bets?
The table distinguishes inside and outside bets by position and scope. Inside bets are made directly on individual numbers or small combinations within the numbered grid, covering few outcomes and offering higher payouts. These bets are narrower in focus and typically pay out more when they win because the odds of hitting a specific number or small grouping are lower. Players who prefer inside bets often accept a longer run of losses in exchange for the possibility of a larger single return.
Outside bets sit around that grid and cover many numbers at once, yielding lower payouts in exchange for a higher frequency of winning spins. They provide broader coverage across the table, which can help to smooth out variance over time, though each win will normally be smaller. This trade-off, bigger coverage versus smaller returns, is the fundamental difference players weigh when choosing a style of play. Understanding where each bet sits on the table makes it easier to form a consistent approach to staking and to manage risk within one’s own limits.
How Do Roulette Outside Bets Work?
Placing an outside bet involves putting chips in the marked area that matches your chosen outcome—red or black, odd or even, high or low, a dozen, or a column—before the dealer closes betting. After the spin settles and the winning slot is revealed, bets that correspond to that outcome are paid according to the table’s rules, and losing bets are collected.
If the ball lands on the single zero, outside bets that exclude zero lose. Winnings are returned as the original stake plus any profit defined by the payout rate for that bet type. Knowing how bets are placed and settled leads naturally to understanding the payouts you can expect.
Payouts for Each Type of Outside Bet
Outside bets carry fixed payout rates that reflect how many numbers each bet covers. These rates do not change between spins, so the potential return for a given bet size remains the same from one spin to the next. The fixed nature of the payouts makes it straightforward to calculate possible winnings before you place a bet.
Even Money Bets: Red/Black, Odd/Even & 1-18/19-36
Red/black, odd/even and 1–18/19–36 pay even money, shown as 1:1. A winning £10 bet on any of these outcomes returns the £10 stake plus £10 in winnings. These bets cover roughly half of the non-zero pockets on the wheel, which is why the payout is equal to the stake.
If the ball lands on zero, these bets lose, because zero is not included in those outcomes. That rule is consistent for all spins and is what creates the house advantage on these wagers.
Dozens & Columns: What to Expect
Dozens and column bets pay 2:1. A winning £10 dozen or column bet returns the £10 stake and £20 in profit. These wagers cover a larger group of numbers than even money bets, which is reflected in the higher payout.
As with other outside bets, zero is not covered by these wagers and results in a loss for those bets. The exclusion of zero is an important factor when considering the probabilities and expected returns for dozens and column bets.
Odds of Winning with Outside Bets
The European roulette wheel has numbers 1–36 plus a single zero, making 37 possible outcomes. Outside bets cover 18 of those slots, so the chance of winning on a single spin is 18/37, or about 48.65%. Dozens and column bets cover 12 slots, giving a probability of 12/37, roughly 32.43%.
These figures are fixed by the wheel’s layout and do not change with betting patterns. Each spin is independent and determined by certified equipment or random number generation, so the odds remain constant from spin to spin. With the odds in mind, it’s useful to clear up some common myths that can distract from sensible play.
Are There Any Common Myths About Outside Bets?
A few persistent myths surround outside bets. One is that previous results somehow affect future outcomes; in truth, each spin stands alone and is not influenced by earlier spins. Another is that particular betting systems can change the built-in odds of the game—Even-money bets have fixed probabilities, and no method can alter those fundamental ratios.
Claims that outside bets guarantee steady returns are also misleading. While these bets win more frequently than single-number wagers, they still lose regularly due to the presence of zero and the overall house edge. Debunking these misconceptions helps keep expectations realistic and play focused on the mechanics of the game rather than on false assurances.
Selecting the Right Outside Bets for Beginners
Beginners benefit from sticking to clear, easy-to-follow options. Even-money bets such as red or black, or odd or even, make it straightforward to observe how outcomes are settled and how payouts are applied. These bets give a simple way to learn the pace of the game and to watch how wins and losses affect your stake without complex calculations. Dozens and columns offer slightly higher payouts while still covering a broad portion of the wheel, so they can be a sensible next step once you are comfortable with the basics.
Alongside choosing bet types, sensible bankroll management supports a measured approach. Decide on a budget before you start, set limits on individual bets relative to that budget, and avoid increasing stakes to chase returns. Set a session loss limit and consider a time limit for play so you can step away and reassess if needed. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and if you feel your play is becoming less controlled, use available tools such as deposit limits or self-exclusion to help keep activity safe and sustainable.
Roulette Table Layout: Where to Place Outside Bets
The layout shows inside bets in the central grid and outside bets around the border. Red/black and odd/even boxes usually sit along the long sides; high/low bets are adjacent to those boxes. The three dozens are marked “1st 12”, “2nd 12” and “3rd 12” and appear below the grid, while column bets occupy boxes at the foot of each vertical column. Familiarising yourself with these positions makes it easier to place chips quickly and accurately when the dealer opens the table for bets.
Taking a moment to read the labels on the layout ensures chips are placed correctly before betting closes and reduces the chance of an unintended wager. If you are new to the game, watching a round or two before joining can help you see how bets are placed in practice. Remember that placing chips on the wrong box can result in different odds and payouts, so checking the layout and confirming your choice helps manage risk and keeps play straightforward.
Summary: Key Points About Outside Bets in Roulette
Outside bets let players cover large groups of numbers with single wagers, trading higher win frequency for lower payouts. Even-money bets pay 1:1 and cover 18 numbers; dozens and columns pay 2:1 and cover 12 numbers. The presence of zero means no outside bet covers every spin, and the odds are fixed by the wheel’s structure.
Play within your means and use available safer gambling tools; the information here is intended for adults aged 18 and over. By understanding the bets, payouts and odds, you’ll be better equipped to make clear, considered choices at the table and enjoy the game with realistic expectations.
**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.