Outside Bets in Roulette
Outside bets are wagers placed on broader categories located outside the numbered grid on the roulette table layout. These bets offer higher probabilities of winning but lower payout ratios compared to inside bets.
What Are Outside Bets in Roulette?
Outside bets cover large groups of numbers through categorical selections like color, parity, or range. They are placed in designated boxes around the perimeter of the numbered grid rather than on specific numbers.
Outside bets are characterized by:
- Lower payout ratios (1:1 to 2:1)
- Higher probabilities of winning (32.43% to 48.65% in European roulette)
- Coverage of 12 to 18 numbers per bet
- Placement in labeled boxes outside the numbered grid
Outside bets are popular among conservative players and those seeking more frequent wins with lower variance.
List of All Outside Bets
There are five standard outside bet types in roulette:
- Red or Black – Bet on all red or all black numbers (1:1 payout)
- Even or Odd – Bet on all even or all odd numbers (1:1 payout)
- High or Low – Bet on 1-18 or 19-36 (1:1 payout)
- Dozens – Bet on 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36 (2:1 payout)
- Columns – Bet on one of three vertical columns (2:1 payout)
Red or Black Bet
A red or black bet covers all 18 red numbers or all 18 black numbers on the wheel. Zero and double zero are green and cause both red and black bets to lose.
Payout: 1:1 (even money)
Numbers covered: 18
European probability: 48.65% (18/37)
American probability: 47.37% (18/38)
This is one of the most popular bets in roulette. If you wager $100 on red and win, you receive $100 in winnings plus your $100 stake back for a total return of $200.
Even or Odd Bet
An even or odd bet covers all even numbers (2, 4, 6, etc.) or all odd numbers (1, 3, 5, etc.). Zero and double zero are neither even nor odd and cause both even and odd bets to lose.
Payout: 1:1 (even money)
Numbers covered: 18
European probability: 48.65% (18/37)
American probability: 47.37% (18/38)
This bet has the same payout and probability as red/black. It is equally popular and offers the same statistical profile.
High or Low Bet
A high or low bet (also called manque and passe) covers either the low range (1-18) or the high range (19-36). Zero and double zero cause both high and low bets to lose.
Payout: 1:1 (even money)
Numbers covered: 18
European probability: 48.65% (18/37)
American probability: 47.37% (18/38)
This bet is identical in probability and payout to red/black and even/odd. The three even-money outside bets are mathematically equivalent.
Dozens Bet
A dozens bet covers one of three groups of 12 consecutive numbers: first dozen (1-12), second dozen (13-24), or third dozen (25-36). Zero and double zero are not included in any dozen.
Payout: 2:1
Numbers covered: 12
European probability: 32.43% (12/37)
American probability: 31.58% (12/38)
If you wager $50 on the second dozen and win, you receive $100 in winnings plus your $50 stake back for a total return of $150.
Column Bet
A column bet covers one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers displayed on the table layout. Each column contains 12 numbers arranged vertically. Zero and double zero are not included in any column.
Payout: 2:1
Numbers covered: 12
European probability: 32.43% (12/37)
American probability: 31.58% (12/38)
This bet has the same payout and probability as a dozens bet. The choice between columns and dozens is purely based on player preference or number selection.
Outside Bets Payout Chart
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout Ratio | EU Probability | US Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | 18 | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Even / Odd | 18 | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| High / Low | 18 | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Dozens | 12 | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% |
| Columns | 12 | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% |
For the complete list of all roulette bets including inside bets, see the roulette payout chart.
Odds and Probability of Outside Bets
Outside bets have higher probabilities than inside bets because they cover more numbers. However, they compensate with lower payout ratios.
In European roulette with 37 total pockets:
- Even-money bets (red/black, even/odd, high/low): 18 numbers covered = 48.65% probability
- 2:1 bets (dozens, columns): 12 numbers covered = 32.43% probability
Despite different probabilities, all outside bets carry the same 2.70% house edge in European roulette and 5.26% in American roulette. No outside bet offers better mathematical value than another.
For a detailed explanation of how roulette odds work, see roulette odds explained.
Risk vs Reward in Outside Bets
Outside bets represent a lower-risk, lower-reward approach. They win frequently but pay modestly when they hit.
An even-money bet wins 48.65% of the time on a European wheel, meaning it wins roughly 18 out of 37 spins. This offers frequent wins but pays only 1:1.
A dozens bet wins 32.43% of the time and pays 2:1, offering moderate win frequency with slightly higher variance than even-money bets.
Neither approach changes the house edge or improves long-term expectation. The choice between outside bets depends on personal risk tolerance and session variance preference.
When Players Use Outside Bets
Players choose outside bets when they:
- Prefer frequent wins over large single-spin payouts
- Want lower variance and more stable session results
- Have limited bankroll and need to manage risk
- Enjoy extended playing time with regular wins
- Seek a conservative roulette betting approach
Outside bets are popular for their high hit rate and predictability, making them suitable for players who prioritize session longevity over payout potential.
Common Mistakes With Outside Bets
Believing even-money bets are safer long-term. All roulette bets have the same house edge. Even-money bets do not reduce expected loss. They only reduce variance.
Using betting progressions on outside bets. Systems like Martingale rely on frequent wins to recover losses, but they do not change the house edge or improve long-term results. They increase risk of large losses.
Thinking outside bets are better for beginners. Outside bets are not inherently better than inside bets. Both carry the same house edge. Bet selection should be based on risk preference, not skill level.
Covering multiple outside bets to guarantee wins. Covering multiple outside bets reduces net payout when you win and does not improve expected value. For example, betting on red and black simultaneously guarantees a loss when zero hits.