Definition
An outside bet is a wager in Roulette placed on the outer perimeter of the betting layout. These bets cover large groups of numbers rather than specific individual ones, offering a higher chance of winning but lower payouts.
In context
When you place your chips on ‘Red/Black,’ ‘Even/Odd,’ or ‘High/Low,’ you are making an outside bet. You are betting that the ball will land in any of the 18 pockets that fit that category, which pays out 1-to-1 (even money).
Why it matters
Outside bets are the ‘safety net’ for beginner players or those looking to preserve their bankroll. They have the lowest volatility in the game, meaning you’ll win more often, though the ‘Green Zero’ ensures the house still maintains its edge.
Related terms
In detail
If you walk up to a Roulette table, you’ll see the numbers 1 through 36 in a grid. Anything you bet inside that grid—on the numbers themselves or the lines between them—is an ‘Inside Bet.’ Everything else on the outskirts of the felt is an ‘Outside Bet.’
The most common outside bets are the ‘Even Money’ bets. These include:
- Red or Black: Betting on the color of the pocket.
- Even or Odd: Betting on the property of the number.
- High or Low: Betting on whether the number is 1-18 or 19-36.
Then you have the ‘Column’ and ‘Dozen’ bets. These cover 12 numbers at once and pay 2-to-1. While they cover less of the wheel than the even-money bets, they are still considered ‘Outside’ because they are grouped wagers located on the edge of the layout.
The fundamental truth of outside bets is the ‘Zero Trap.’ Many new players think that betting on Red gives them a 50/50 chance of winning. It doesn’t. Because of the green 0 (and the 00 on American wheels), the true chance of winning a Red/Black bet is about 48.6% or 47.4%. Those tiny percentage points are the ‘House Edge.’ The casino isn’t beating you because you’re unlucky; they are beating you because the outside bets don’t quite cover half the wheel, but they pay out as if they did.
From a strategy perspective, outside bets are where ‘Systems’ like the Martingale or Paroli are usually played. Because the win frequency is high, players feel like they can control the game. However, a veteran floor manager knows that outside bets are actually the ‘slow bleed’ of the casino. They don’t usually result in the massive ‘Outlier’ wins that ‘Inside’ bets (like a straight-up number at 35-to-1) do, but they keep the player in the seat longer.
For a casino operator, outside bets are great for ‘Table Hold.’ They provide a steady, predictable flow of revenue. Players who play only outside bets are often ‘Grinders.’ They aren’t looking for a life-changing jackpot; they are looking for an evening of entertainment. The casino loves these players because they are predictable.
It is also important to note the special rules that sometimes apply only to outside bets. In some European casinos, the ‘En Prison’ or ‘La Partage’ rules apply to even-money outside bets. If the ball lands on zero, you might get half your bet back or have it ‘imprisoned’ for the next spin. This significantly lowers the house edge, making outside bets in these specific locations some of the best mathematical wagers in the entire casino.
The mistake many players make is ‘hedging’ their outside bets. They might bet $10 on Red and $10 on Black at the same time. They think they are being clever, but they are actually just guaranteeing a loss if the green zero hits. In the long run, the house doesn’t care how you spread your chips on the outside; the math of the zero will always eventually catch up to the total amount you have wagered.