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What Are Outside Bets In Roulette?

What Are Outside Bets In Roulette?

Roulette is a popular game both in land-based casinos and online, known for its suspense and range of betting options. But if you're new to the game, the table layout and all the different available bets might seem a bit confusing at first. 

One key to enjoying and playing roulette wisely is understanding the different types of bets you can place. Among these are the "outside bets", which can be a great starting point for newcomers. 

In the following paragraphs, we'll peel back the layers of this intriguing aspect of roulette, helping you feel more at ease and informed at the roulette table. Whether you're playing online from the comfort of your home or at a casino, knowing about outside bets is a crucial starting point. So, let's ease into the basics together. 

What Is An Outside Bet In Roulette?

An outside bet in roulette involves betting on larger groups of numbers rather than on a single number. This type of bet is placed on the outer section of the roulette table, hence the name "outside bet". It's a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned players because it offers a higher chance of winning compared to the riskier inside bets. However, the payouts are usually lower to balance the better odds. 

Outside bets are categorised into several types: the even-money outside bets (1:1 payouts) and the outside bets that offer a 2:1 payout. The former includes betting on red or black, odd or even, and high or low numbers. The latter allows you to place bets on entire columns or dozens of numbers. 

What makes outside bets particularly appealing is their simplicity. For example, if you bet on red, you win if the roulette ball lands on any red number. This simplicity is a big draw for those who prefer not to get bogged down in the more complex betting options that roulette offers. 

In essence, outside bets cover more numbers than inside bets, which gives them a better chance at landing, but they offer lower payouts for a win than inside bets do. 

How Do Outside Bets In Roulette Work?

Outside bets in roulette offer a straightforward way to place bets on larger groups of numbers in a single bet, making them particularly attractive to those who prefer to play with better odds of winning, even if it means seeing lower returns on any winning bets. 

These bets are placed on the categories of numbers found on the perimeter of the roulette table. This is where you get to choose from options that cover a broader range of numbers instead of picking specific digits. 

For starters, you can bet on whether you think the ball will land on a red or black slot, an odd or even number, or whether it will be a high (19-36) or low (1-18) number. These bets are appealing because they nearly offer a 50/50 chance of winning, which is as good as it gets in the game of roulette. 

Then, there are the dozen and column bets. A dozen bet is placed on sets of 12 numbers - for example, 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. A column bet covers one of the three vertical columns, each consisting of 12 numbers. These bets offer slightly better payouts than the aforementioned outside bets, but they have a lower chance of winning. However, they still cover more numbers than inside bets, which target specific numbers or small groups of numbers. 

Roulette Outside Bets Strategy

Adopting a strategy when playing roulette could enhance your playing experience and potentially help you manage your bankroll more effectively. When it comes to outside bets, the strategy revolves around taking advantage of the better odds these bets offer. Let's delve into how you may use outside bets to your advantage. 

The key to a successful outside bet strategy is consistency and patience. Since outside bets cover a large portion of numbers, they naturally offer higher chances of winning, but the payouts are smaller. The idea is to accumulate winnings over time rather than seeking one big payout. 

One popular approach is sticking to the even-money bets, such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low. These bets have nearly a 50% chance of winning, meaning they offer a solid chance of winning compared to other bets in roulette. Some players like to stick with one option (e.g. always betting on red) or alternate between options to keep things interesting. 

Another strategy involves the column or dozen bets, which cover 12 numbers and pay slightly higher at 2:1. A popular strategy involves placing the same bet on two of the three columns or dozens; you cover a large portion of the wheel (two thirds), aiming for smaller, more frequent wins. 

Remember, while these strategies sound good in theory, roulette is ultimately a game of chance. No strategy guarantees success, so it's important to play responsibly, setting limits for yourself to ensure you gamble within your means. 

What Is The Payout For Outside Bets In Roulette?

The beauty of outside bets lies in their simpler, more straightforward approach, and this extends to the way payouts are calculated as well, which we have mentioned already. 

For even-money bets, such as red or black, odd or even, and high (19-36) or low (1-18) numbers, the payout is 1:1. This means if you bet £10 and win, you get your original £10 back plus another £10 in winnings. 

The column and dozen bets, which cover 12 numbers each, offer slightly higher payouts at 2:1. So, if you place a £10 wager on one of these bets and win, you would receive your £10 stake back and an additional £20 in winnings. 

It's key to remember that while these payouts might seem modest compared to the jaw-dropping wins occasionally offered by inside bets, they come with a higher probability of winning. This balance between risk and reward is what makes outside bets a favoured choice for many players, especially those just starting out in the world of roulette. 

Minimum & Maximum Outside Bet

It's crucial to understand that each table has its own set of rules regarding minimum and maximum bets. This is especially true for outside bets, which offer a unique blend of higher winning chances and specific betting limits. 

The minimum outside bet is the least amount you can place on broader categories like red/black, odd/even, or high/low numbers. Essentially, it's the entry-level stake that gets you in the game. Each casino or online platform sets its own minimum, so it could vary from one place to another. It's usually displayed clearly on the table, so you'll know exactly what the smallest bet you can make is. 

On the flip side, the maximum bet represents the upper limit of what you can wager on an outside bet. This limit is put in place to manage risk – for both the player and the casino. Knowing the maximum bet is important as it can help you manage your bankroll and strategy for the game. 

Online platforms might also have different limits compared to physical casinos. Ensuring you're aware of these before you start playing can help you make more informed decisions, aligning your betting strategy with your budget. 

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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.