How to Play Roulette Outside Bets?

While many players dream of scoring a 35:1 single-number homerun in roulette, plenty prefer the consistency and improved odds of outside bets.

In this blog article, we’ll explore outside roulette bets, covering the different types, strategies, and tips for playing outside bets. 

What are Outside Bets in Roulette?

Outside bets in roulette are wagers placed on the outer sections of the roulette table. Unlike inside bets, which focus on individual numbers or small groups of numbers, outside bets cover broader categories, including red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns.

They have a higher chance of winning compared to an inside bet, thanks to the larger groups of numbers they cover.

In terms of the roulette table layout, outside bets are effectively any bet outside of the core numbers found on the roulette wheel and the center of the table.

They’re ideal for players who prefer a conservative approach and more consistent winnings, given their even money or slightly better payouts. However, because the payouts are lower, the excitement comes from frequent big roulette wins rather than large jackpots.​

Types of Outside Bets in Roulette

Outside roulette bets are popular among players ultimately due to their higher probability of winning than inside bets. The types include:

Red/Black Bets

Players wager on whether the ball will land on a red or black number. This type of bet covers 18 red numbers or 18 black numbers, offering nearly a 50% chance of winning, with a payout of 1:1. It’s important to note that the green zero (and double zero in American roulette) isn’t covered, which gives the house its edge.

Odd/Even Bets

Odd/even bets involve wagering on whether the winning number will be odd or even. Like the red/black bets, these straightforward bets also cover 18 numbers and offer a 1:1 payout. Again, the green zero(s) aren’t included, slightly tipping the odds in the casino’s favor.

High/Low Bets

High/low bets are made on whether the ball will land on a low number (1-18) or a high number (19-36). This wager also has a 1:1 payout and covers 18 numbers, excluding the zero(s).

Dozens Bets

A dozen bets allow players to bet on one of three groups of 12 numbers: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. These bets cover a third of the most common numbers on the roulette wheel and offer a 2:1 payout. 

Columns Bets

A column bet is similar to dozens bets but covers a column of 12 numbers on the table. There are three columns on roulette tables, each comprising numbers spread across the layout. Like the dozens bets, column bets offer a 2:1 payout and having a good roulette columns strategy can always help when making columns bets.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Outside Bets

Advantages

• Higher Odds of Winning: Outside bets cover large sections of the roulette table, meaning they offer nearly a 50% chance of winning on even-money bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low. They’re a much more probable option than riskier inside bets.
• Consistent Payouts: Although the payouts are lower than inside bets, they are more frequent. Even-money bets double your stake, while column and dozen bets offer 2:1 payouts. Given the likelihood of these bets paying out, they can provide a steadier stream of winnings.
• Lower Risk: Because roulette outside bets cover more numbers, they inherently carry less risk. 

Disadvantages

• Lower Payouts: The main drawback of outside bets is their lower payouts. Even-money bets pay 1:1, and a dozen bet or column bet pays 2:1, which might not be as thrilling for the larger wins of inside bets.

Effective Strategies for Roulette Outside Betting

Using smart strategies in an outside bet strategy can help maximize your winning chances. Effective approaches include: 

Combining Different Outside Bets to Cover More Outcomes

One effective method is to combine various outside bets to cover more outcomes. For instance, placing bets on both red/black and high/low can increase your coverage, improve your chances of winning, and help spread risk.

Utilizing the Martingale System for Progressive Betting

The Martingale System is a popular strategy for outside bets, especially even-money ones like red/black or odd/even. The idea is simple: double your wager after each loss, so a win recovers all previous losses plus a profit equal to the original bet. However, it typically requires a sizeable bankroll and a table with high staking limits to overcome losing streaks.

Applying the D’Alembert System for Balanced Risk Management

The D’Alembert System is less aggressive than the Martingale. After a loss, increase your next wager by one unit; after a win, decrease it by one unit. This top roulette strategy aims to balance wins and losses over time and is seen as a less risky choice for players with a moderate budget.

Observing and Adapting to Patterns in Recent Spins

While roulette is fundamentally random, some players believe in tracking patterns over several spins. Observing trends, such as a streak of reds or evens, can help add an element of strategy to your play. For instance, you may choose to bet on or against a streak continuing.

Tips for Placing Outside Bets on Roulette

Focus on Even Money Bets

Bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low offer nearly a 50% chance of winning and the lowest house edge. While inside bets in roulette can offer much larger and more exciting payouts, even money outside bets can provide more steady returns.

Monitor Betting Patterns and Adjust Accordingly

Where the ball lands on the roulette wheel is inherently random. However, some players use patterns to adjust their gameplay. Consider placing your bets accordingly if a particular color or range appears frequently.

Stick to a Consistent Betting Strategy

Whether using the Martingale, D’Alembert, or another system, consistency is key. Switching strategies mid-game can lead to confusion and losses. Choose a method that suits your bankroll/risk tolerance and stick with it.

Take Advantage of Table Limits

To manage your bankroll effectively when playing roulette, consider the table’s minimum and maximum bets. This helps avoid large losses, especially when employing progressive betting strategies like the Martingale.

Conclusion

Roulette outside bets may be less exciting than high-stakes inside bets, but their frequent returns may prove to be a boon for anyone seeking consistent payouts and lower risk. 

Try your luck and experience the thrill of crypto roulette at Lucky Block, where you can enjoy the best of both worlds with exciting gameplay and favorable odds.

Learn more on roulette:

• Paroli roulette betting system
• 4567 roulette betting strategy
• European roulette tricks
• Roulette neighbor bets explained
• The history of roulette
• What not to do at a roulette table?

FAQ

What is the best roulette strategy for outside bets?

The Martingale system, where you double your bet after each loss, is a popular outside bet roulette strategy.

What is the maximum outside bet in roulette?

The maximum bet varies by casino but often ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the table limits.

What is the minimum outside bet for roulette in Vegas?

Minimum roulette outside bets in Vegas typically start at $10 but can be as low as $5 at some tables.

Are outside bets the riskiest bet in roulette?

No, outside bets are less risky compared to inside bets due to their higher probability of winning.

What does outside roulette pay?

Even-money outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) pay 1:1, while dozens and columns pay 2:1.