If you’re looking for safer betting options in roulette, learning about outside bets in roulette explained can give you a better foundation. Outside bets are placed on areas outside the main number grid on the roulette table. They don’t target specific numbers but rather broader categories like color, number ranges, or odd/even. These bets offer lower payouts but a higher chance of winning, making them ideal for beginners or players who want steady, longer sessions with fewer risks.
What Are Outside Bets?
Outside bets are the wagers made in the boxes surrounding the main roulette numbers, such as red or black, odd or even, or low or high numbers. These bets cover many numbers at once and typically offer a 1:1 or 2:1 payout. Because they involve a larger portion of the wheel, they win more often than inside bets but pay less. The focus is on consistency rather than massive wins, and they’re a popular starting point for new players or cautious bettors.
Types of Outside Bets
Red or Black
This is one of the most well-known outside bets. You choose whether the ball will land on a red or black number.
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Covers: 18 numbers
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Payout: 1 to 1
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Risk Level: Low
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Best For: Beginners or players looking for frequent wins
Odd or Even
In this bet, you’re wagering on whether the number will be odd or even. Like red or black, it covers 18 out of 37 (or 38 in American roulette) numbers.
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Covers: 18 numbers
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Payout: 1 to 1
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Risk Level: Low
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Note: Zero is neither odd nor even and results in a loss for this bet
Low or High
This bet covers numbers 1–18 (low) or 19–36 (high). You choose whether the outcome will fall in one of those ranges.
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Covers: 18 numbers
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Payout: 1 to 1
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Risk Level: Low
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Tip: Good for players using flat betting systems
Dozens
There are three dozen bets: 1–12 (1st dozen), 13–24 (2nd dozen), and 25–36 (3rd dozen). You bet on which dozen the ball will land in.
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Covers: 12 numbers
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Payout: 2 to 1
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Risk Level: Medium
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Advantage: More variety and potential for higher payout than even-money bets
Columns
Similar to dozens, column bets cover one of the three vertical columns on the number grid. Each column also contains 12 numbers.
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Covers: 12 numbers
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Payout: 2 to 1
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Risk Level: Medium
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Use With: Players looking to add diversity to outside betting strategies
Benefits of Using Outside Bets
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Higher Win Frequency: Covering many numbers increases the chances of a successful spin
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Lower Volatility: Smaller wins, but more consistent outcomes
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Simplified Decision-Making: Easier to understand and track compared to complex inside bets
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Ideal for Budget Management: Works well with small bankrolls or long gaming sessions
Downsides of Outside Bets
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Lower Payouts: Most bets pay only 1:1 or 2:1
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Limited Excitement: Some players find them less thrilling than betting on specific numbers
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Doesn’t Eliminate the House Edge: Like all bets, outside bets still lose to the house edge over time
Strategies for Outside Bets
Many popular roulette strategies are built around outside bets because of their lower risk. For example:
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Martingale Strategy: Double your bet after every loss to recover and profit with a win
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D’Alembert System: Increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it after a win
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Flat Betting: Bet the same amount each time for controlled, steady gameplay
Outside bets are also great for blending into mixed strategies. Some players combine an outside bet for safety with a small inside bet for a chance at a bigger payout.
Best Times to Use Outside Bets
Outside bets are ideal when you want to extend your gameplay and enjoy a session without large swings in your bankroll. They’re also good when learning the game, building confidence, or trying out betting systems in a controlled way. If you’re risk-averse or aiming to protect your budget, outside bets offer a smart foundation.
Conclusion
Learning how outside bets work gives players a clearer view of the low-risk side of roulette. With outside bets in roulette explained, you gain tools that help you play longer, lose less often, and gradually build confidence without diving into the high-risk, high-reward world of inside bets. Whether you’re starting out or simply prefer a steady pace, outside bets are an essential part of playing roulette with purpose.
