When it comes to Roulette, there is a little something for everyone. Some players chase the enormous buzz we get from placing chips onto a single number and watching it win. The resulting 35 to 1 payout is the drug we all seek when playing roulette. Others players prefer to play the easy and safe way — sticking with a lower risk strategy by only playing Outside bets.
Outside bets are bets where the odds are simpler and the game moves at a smoother pace. If you’re new to Roulette or simply want to play with a little more caution while still having fun, this guide is for you!
Outside bets pay 1:1 which means a $10.00 wins you $20.00, that is your original bet plus a shiny new $10.00 chip.
What Are Outside Bets in Roulette?
Let’s start with the basics. In Roulette, there are two main bet types: Inside bets and Outside bets. Inside bets are the ones placed directly on numbers or small groups of numbers inside the grid — they pay more but hit less often.
Outside bets, on the other hand, cover larger sections of the wheel and give you nearly a 50/50 chance. The House Edge, in the form of a Green 0 or 00, reduces your chance to 48.65% or 47.37% respectively.
That means the casino has either a 51.35% or 52.63% of winning.
The Classic Outside Bets:
- Red or Black: Bet on the ball landing on any red or black number.
- Odd or Even: Simple as it sounds — will the winning number be odd or even?
- Low (1-18) or High (19-36): Covering either the lower or upper half of the number range.
Outside bets don’t offer huge payouts, but they hit more frequently. That makes them a favorite for players wanting to stretch their bankroll and enjoy the ride.
There are also other Outside bets like Dozens and Columns, but that’s for another day. Today, we’re focusing on the easiest bets plays that even first-timers can get comfortable with quickly..
Betting the Field: Why It Appeals to Many Players
Playing these field bets in Roulette has a lot of appeal, especially if you’re not looking for wild swings in your session. Here’s why:
- Higher chance of winning: Outside bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even cover nearly half the wheel (18 numbers out of 37 in European Roulette), giving you close to a 48.6% chance of winning on each spin.
- Steadier gameplay: Wins come more often, so you can stay in the game longer without seeing your chip stack vanish too quickly.
- Easier for beginners: No complex strategies needed — just pick a side and see where the ball lands!
The Table Minimum Quirk: Two Chips, Please!
One thing to be aware of when placing Outside bets is the table minimum rule. Most casinos require you to bet twice the table minimum when playing Outside bets. So, if the table minimum is $5, your bet on Red or Black needs to be at least $10 (or two $5 chips).
This rule often surprises newcomers, but it’s standard practice. Why? Because Outside bets have higher hit rates, and casinos want to balance their risk a little. So, make sure your bankroll is ready to handle those double-chip bets if you plan on sticking with field plays.
The Maximum Bet Limit Kills The Martingale System
Now, here’s something more seasoned players keep an eye on — the maximum bet limits! They exist at Roulette tables for a very good reason, to stop you winning.
Betting caps are in place specifically to prevent strategies like the Martingale system, where you double your bet after every loss to eventually recover all your losses and score a profit.
The Martingale system works flawlessly if you have unlimited money and no betting limits.
In theory, Martingale sounds tempting, keep doubling until you win! With Outside bets you will eventually win, but casinos are smarter than us and have set maximum bet limits which will thwart your cunning plan, usually before you can recoup your losses. So while playing the field with even-money bets is a fun and safer way to play, don’t fall into the trap of thinking Martingale will save you if it all turns to shit. The table limits are there to keep things in check.
Is Playing the Outside Bets Right for You?
If you’re the kind of player who enjoys longer sessions, mild swings in luck, and a higher frequency of wins, then betting on Outside bets is a great way to play Roulette. You won’t hit those giant 35-to-1, but you’ll get a steady flow of wins and a smoother overall ride.
Outside bets are also perfect for players who just want to relax, sip on a drink, and let the wheel spin without too much stress. The action is simple, the rules are easy to grasp, and you can still enjoy the drama of the ball bouncing around before it finds its home.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Fun
Roulette is one of those games that’s as much about the atmosphere as it is about the bets. Whether you’re playing at a casino for profit or just having a great night out with friends, playing with Outside bets is a fantastic way to enjoy the game without going too deep into complicated strategies or risking it all ona single number.
Just remember:
- Bet the two-chip minimum on the Outside.
- Watch out for those table max limits if you’re tempted to chase losses.
- And most importantly — enjoy the moments. After all, every spin is a fresh chance to win!
The idea for this article came from one of my nurses at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth. She plays roulette but only does Outside bets.
Happy Roulette Adventures Everyone – Never gamble money you cannot afford to lose.
If you are totally new to Roulette check out CEG Dealer School with there excellent tutorial.
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