As one of the true classics of casino gaming, roulette has its fair share of perhaps arcane rules and traditions. One of these is the two main choices of bets, “inside” and “outside.” Isn’t this a game where you simply choose a number on the wheel, you might ask? Turns out that it’s much more than that! So join us in our series about roulette betting as we start by telling you all about the different inside bets you can place before the dealer spins the wheel.
What are the Types of Bets in Roulette?
The game of roulette features two main types of bets, Inside and Outside. The difference between these two is actually very simple. Inside bets are those placed directly on the numbers found inside the wheel. Outside bets, on the other hand, can be found in the betting area outside the wheel. Of the two, inside bets are the ones with the lower odds of winning, but that is paired with more potentially lucrative payouts. There are seven different types of inside bets you can place, and we’re going to detail them all next.
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The Types of Inside Bets
Inside bets come in different forms, each with its own rules. For instance, simply choosing a single number on the wheel makes an inside bet - known as the Straight-Up. Then there is a full set of different number combinations, all based according to the order of the numbers found on the wheel. Note that these bets can differ between European and American versions of the game, since the European wheel has a single green “0” pocket while the American wheel features two.
The Straight-Up Bet
The most simple of all roulette bets, here you just choose a single number from 0 (or 00 in American roulette) to 36. So place your chips on the number on the betting board and you’re good to go! This is the most difficult bet to win, but it is the best paying, with wins being set at 35 to 1.
The Split Bet
The split bet is one placed on two adjacent numbers on the wheel. To make this bet you need to place your chip on the line dividing the two numbers. As you might expect your chances of winning this bet are double that of a straight-up bet, but your payout will be smaller at 17 to 1.
The Row or Street Bet
A street or row bet is one placed on a row of 3 numbers on the roulette betting board, such as 4, 5, 6 or 13, 14, 15, depending on the layout used by the specific game you’re playing. Placing this bet requires you to put your chip on the line next to the first number on the row. In this case the payout is set at 11 to 1.
The Square or Corner Bet
As the name suggests, the square or corner bet involves a square of numbers on the betting board. In other words, you’re placing a bet on 4 different numbers. As such, you need to put your chip on the intersection (or corner) between your 4 numbers. The payout here clocks at 8 to 1.
The Trio Bet
The trio bet is similar to the Corner bet, but this time it’s about the corners of the betting board, meaning it is placed on 3 numbers. This type of bet typically includes the 0 pocket in European roulette or the 00 in American roulette, and the two numbers adjacent to these green pockets. Being a 3-number bet the payout is 11 to 1.
The Line or Double Street Bet
The Line or Double Street bet is one on 6 numbers, since it has you place a bet on 2 adjacent rows (of 3 numbers each) on the betting board. As such you need to place your chip on the line between your pair of chosen rows. Since it involves 6 numbers the payout is smaller at 5 to 1.
The Basket or First Five Bet
Sometimes also known as the Sucker Bet, the Basket or Five Number is only available in American roulette. This is because it involves the first five numbers on that game’s version of the wheel - the 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. The “sucker” moniker comes from the fact this is one of the worst bets you can place, with the house edge reaching over 7%, while the payout is set at 6 to 1.
Comparing Inside Bets
Comparing Inside Bets
We’ve described the different Inside bets, but do you want all the details in handy table form? If that’s the case then we got you right here:
|
Type of Bet |
Numbers Covered |
Payout |
House Edge |
|
Straight-Up |
1 |
35:1 |
2.7% |
|
Split |
2 |
17:1 |
2.7% |
|
Street |
3 |
11:1 |
2.7% |
|
Square |
4 |
8:1 |
2.7% |
|
Trio |
3 |
11:1 |
2.7% |
|
Double Street |
6 |
5:1 |
2.7% |
|
Basket |
5 |
6:1 |
7.89% (American Roulette only) |
Why Place Inside Bets?
Inside bets are arguably the most exciting of roulette bets - sure the probability of your numbers landing on the wheel is low, but think of the thrills and anticipation as you’re seeing the ball bounce on the wheel! In turn this low probability of winning does lead to bigger win potential, with the lowest winnings from the Double Street bet still reaching a respectable 5 to 1. Don’t forget that you can combine multiple inside bets, hedging the risks of a couple of Straight-Up bets with a Double Street for decent coverage of the wheel. Be creative and have fun with it!
Tips for Making Inside Bets
The main tip for placing Inside Bets is to know the differences between different versions of roulette - European roulette has a single green 0 pocket while American has two. This means that, as far as risks go, your chances with Inside bets are a bit better when playing European roulette.
Other than that, always set a budget for playing roulette, and stick to it. Remember that roulette remains a game of pure chance, and it’s never worth chasing your losses. Instead place small bets so that your bankroll lasts longer!
Place Smart Bets When Playing Roulette!
Inside bets are ideal for when you’re feeling bold and want to take a few risks when playing roulette. Go for the different multiple combinations, or play roulette in the true classic style by placing a Straight-Up bet or two! The chances of winning are low but the excitement will be as high as it gets! Just remember to play responsibly and, as always, have fun and do let us know which of these bets are your favourites!
