An outside bet is a roulette wager placed outside the main number grid. It covers a broad category of outcomes, such as red, black, odd, even, low, high, dozens, or columns, instead of one exact number or a small cluster of numbers.
Plain Talk
Outside bets are the simpler-looking bets around the edge of the roulette layout. They usually win more often than inside bets, but they pay less when they win.
The important point is this: wider coverage does not mean the casino edge disappears. Red/black may feel close to a coin flip, but the zero pocket changes the math.
This glossary page defines the term. For the full game explanation, read Roulette and the Glossary.
| Outside bet type | What it covers | Usual payout | Plain-English meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | 18 numbers | 1 to 1 | Color category |
| Odd / Even | 18 numbers | 1 to 1 | Number parity |
| Low / High | 18 numbers | 1 to 1 | 1–18 or 19–36 |
| Dozen | 12 numbers | 2 to 1 | One block of 12 |
| Column | 12 numbers | 2 to 1 | One vertical column |
Where You See It
You see outside bets around the outside zones of the roulette layout, not inside the tight number grid. The most familiar examples are red/black, odd/even, 1–18, 19–36, the three dozens, and the three columns.
The Wizard of Odds roulette basics lists roulette bet types with payouts and probabilities. The Nevada Gaming Control Board roulette rules of play gives a formal table-game reference for roulette wagers. The MGM GameSense roulette guide separates inside and outside bets and reminds players that each spin is random.
Why It Matters
Outside bet matters because many beginners start there. The bets are easy to understand, easy to settle, and less swingy than one-number wagers.
But outside bets can still be expensive over time. A bet that wins often can still be negative expectation if the payout is lower than the true odds.
Example
A player bets $20 on black at a European roulette table. There are 18 black numbers, 18 red numbers, and one green zero.
If the ball lands on black, the player wins $20. If it lands on red or zero, the player loses the $20.
That is an outside bet because the player is betting on a broad category, not a specific number.
From the Casino Side:
From the casino side, outside bets usually keep the game moving. They are easy for the dealer to read, pay, and clear. A table with many outside bets can move faster than a table packed with small inside-bet stacks.
Outside bets also create a softer-looking experience for new players. The player sees more frequent small wins, while the casino still relies on the zero pocket and long-run volume.
Common Misunderstanding
The common mistake is thinking outside bets are almost 50/50 in a way that is fair to the player. Red/black and odd/even are close to even, but not truly even because zero is not part of either side.
Another mistake is thinking dozens and columns are safer because they cover 12 numbers. They hit more often than a straight-up bet, but they still carry the roulette house edge on the same wheel.
Hard Truth
Outside bets feel calmer than inside bets, but the zero still collects its rent.
Related Terms
| Term | Difference | Best page to read next |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Bet | Bet on exact numbers or tight groups | Inside Bet |
| Even Money Bet | Outside bet paying 1 to 1 | Even Money Bet |
| Dozen Bet | Outside bet covering 12 numbers | Dozen Bet |
| Column Bet | Outside bet covering one layout column | Column Bet |
| House Edge | Casino’s long-run advantage | House Edge |
FAQ
What is an outside bet in roulette?
An outside bet is a wager placed outside the number grid, covering broad groups such as red/black, odd/even, dozens, or columns.
Are outside bets safer than inside bets?
They are usually less volatile because they hit more often, but they still have a house edge.
Do outside bets pay less?
Yes. Even-money outside bets usually pay 1 to 1, while dozens and columns usually pay 2 to 1.
Is red or black an outside bet?
Yes. Red/black is one of the classic outside bets.
Does zero beat outside bets?
On standard roulette rules, zero makes red/black, odd/even, and high/low lose unless a special rule such as La Partage or En Prison applies.
Deeper Insight
Outside bets are useful for understanding roulette because they show the difference between hit frequency and value. A red/black bet hits far more often than a straight-up bet, but the payout is much smaller.
On a European wheel, red/black covers 18 of 37 pockets. On an American wheel, it covers 18 of 38 pockets. The added double zero makes the American wheel more expensive.
Formula / Calculation
| Wheel type | Red/black win chance | Red/black loss chance | Usual payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| European roulette | 18 / 37 | 19 / 37 | 1 to 1 |
| American roulette | 18 / 38 | 20 / 38 | 1 to 1 |
Expected value structure:
EV = (Win Probability × Net Win) - (Loss Probability × Stake)
For a $10 red/black bet on European roulette:
EV = (18/37 × $10) - (19/37 × $10) = -$0.27 approximately
Formula Explanation in Plain English
The bet looks balanced because red and black each have 18 numbers. The zero is the extra pocket that tips the game toward the house. Outside bets reduce wild swings, not the casino advantage.
Related Reading
Compare Outside Bet with Inside Bet first. Then read Even Money Bet, Dozen Bet, and Column Bet for the main outside-bet families. For rule variations that can improve even-money outcomes, continue to La Partage and En Prison. For the full game guide, visit Roulette.