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Roulette Bets Explained

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The ultimate game of chance, roulette remains one of the most popular casino games for various reasons. One of them is due to the different types of bets available at the table or online.

It’s a very simple game and one that those who are learning how to play roulette can pick up quickly. However, while it can offer a very simplistic experience, it can also be one that can be rewarding in entertaining ways because of the bets that can be placed.

If you want to learn how to maximize your sessions with this all-time classic, or want to gain further understanding of the different types of bets you can place at Hard Rock Bet Online Casino, we’ve got you covered!

What Are the Different Types of Roulette Bets?

There are two main categories that roulette bets can be categorized as: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers, while outside bets cover larger sections of the wheel with better winning chances but smaller payouts.

For many, the different types of bets that are available is what makes roulette so attractive as a casino game. Inside bets can allow you to make riskier bets that can be more rewarding and lucrative, while outside bets offer a safer approach, as the probability of these hitting are enhanced.

If you’re playing at Hard Rock Bet Casino, you’ll find these betting options available across all roulette variants being offered. You’ll even be able to benefit from lower minimum bets, allowing you to play to your own roulette strategy and style.

Horizontal view of all bets on a roulette table

Inside Bets: Higher Risk, Higher Reward

Inside bets are the bets that you make on specific numbers or small groups of numbers.

In essence, they involve the numbers directly, meaning you place a bet on the numbered grid. Although much riskier as they require the ball to land in the pocket you’ve wagered on, they offer the biggest returns. Still, the payoff is that they come with the lowest probability of success.

Straight Up Bet

Placing a straight up bet is where you bet on a single number for the ball to land on. This pays out at 35 to 1. This means a successful $10 bet could return $350, plus the initial $10, if it lands.

All you need to do is place your chips directly on any number that you want to bet on. You can bet on as many as you want, but this will mean placing separate bets.

$5 Straight Up Bet in American Roulette

Split Bet

You can place a split bet in roulette, which is where you cover two numbers that are adjacent on the table. If this lands, you’ll receive a payout of 17 to 1.

To place the bet, you simply need to place your chip on the line between the two numbers that you want to wager on, and if the ball on the roulette wheel lands in either one of them, then you win! Popular split bets include neighboring numbers like 17/20 or 8/11.

$5 Split Bets in American Roulette

Street Bet

A street bet covers three consecutive numbers in a horizontal row and pays 11 to 1. You place your chip at the end of any row to cover all three numbers in that line.

For example, placing a chip at the end of the top row covers 1, 2, and 3. Street bets are perfect when you have a feeling about a particular section of numbers, but want more coverage than a single number bet.

$10 Street Bets in American Roulette

Corner Bet

You can place a corner bet, which is where you place your chip on the corner of four numbers. If successful, it will pay 8 to 1.

A popular corner bet is 16/17/19/20, where you’d place your chip where these four numbers meet. This bet offers solid coverage while maintaining a respectable payout that can still deliver meaningful wins.

$25 Corner Bet in American Roulette

Six Line Bet

The Six Line Bet is where you cover six numbers across two adjacent rows. You will receive a payout of 5 to 1 if successful. To place the bet, simply put your chip where the two rows meet, thus covering both of the three-number streets with a single bet.

It’s a great middle ground for players who want decent odds without sacrificing too much payout power.

$10 Six Line Bets in American Roulette

Five Number Bet

Alternatively, you can place a five number bet (also called a “Basket” bet) when playing American roulette. It isn’t available in other variants, as it uses the 00 pocket, as well as 0, 1, 2, and 3. A successful bet will pay 6 to 1.

You place this bet by putting your chip where the zero section meets the 1-2-3 street.

$10 Five Number Bet in American Roulette

Outside Bets: Better Odds, Smaller Payouts

For a “safer” betting experience where risk is slightly reduced, you can place outside bets. These are the betting options on the edge of the numbered grid and cover a larger group of numbers in various guises.

These are bets that can win more often than inside bets, but as the probability of this happening is greater, the rewards are lower. Still, they’re worth incorporating into your roulette sessions, especially if you’re learning how to play.

Red or Black

Red or black bets are wagers on all 18 numbers of either color, paying even money (1 to 1). This means a $20 bet on red pays $20 in winnings if any red number hits.

The zeros (0 and 00) are green and don’t count for either color, which is important to remember when planning your strategy. Red and black bets are the most popular outside bets because they’re simple to understand and hit nearly half the time.

$25 Red Bet in American Roulette

Odd or Even

Odd or even bets cover all 18 odd or even numbers and pay 1 to 1, just like red and black. You’re betting that the winning number will be odd (1, 3, 5, etc.) or even (2, 4, 6, etc.).

Remember that zeros don’t count as odd or even, so they’re not covered by these bets. This is another straightforward bet that appeals to players who like simple, frequent action.

$25 Even Bet in American Roulette

High or Low

High or low bets cover either the low numbers (1-18) or high numbers (19-36), both paying 1 to 1. You’re essentially betting on which half of the number range will hit.

These bets are also called 1-18 and 19-36 bets, and they offer the same even-money action as red/black and odd/even.

$500 High Bet in American Roulette

Dozens

Dozens bets cover groups of 12 consecutive numbers and pay 2 to 1. You can bet on the first dozen (1-12), second dozen (13-24), or third dozen (25-36).

A winning $15 dozens bet pays $30 in winnings plus your original bet back. These bets offer better payouts than even-money bets while still covering a substantial portion of the wheel.

$100 First Dozen Bet in American Roulette

Columns

Column bets cover one of the three vertical columns on the table layout, each containing 12 numbers, and pay 2 to 1. The columns are arranged so each contains a mix of red and black numbers.

Like dozens bets, columns give you solid coverage with a 2 to 1 payout. The key difference is that column numbers are spread throughout the number range rather than being consecutive like dozens.

$10 Columns Bet in American Roulette

Roulette Payouts and Odds Explained

You should aim to understand roulette odds and payouts to help enhance your playing sessions. If you know the maths behind the payouts and odds being offered, you can make “safer” bets more often, which can help you to preserve and protect your bankroll.

Here’s how the math works in practical terms:

BetRiskPayout
Straight up$5 to win $17535:1
Split$5 to win $8517:1
Street$5 to win $5511:1
Corner$5 to win $408:1
Five number$5 to win $306:1
Six line$5 to win $255:1
Outside$5 to win $5-101:1 or 2:1

Naturally, the higher payouts have the lowest chances of winning. On the flip side, the smallest payouts have a better chance of winning. At Hard Rock Bet Casino, you can enjoy flexible betting limits that allow you to experiment with your bet size and find the one that suits your gaming preferences.

Remember, not all roulette variants are the same. American roulette features 38 total numbers (1-36 plus 0 and 00), while European roulette has 37 numbers (1-36 plus a single 0). American and European roulette wheels are slightly different. Although there is one fewer number in European roulette, it alters the odds of an outcome significantly compared to the American version.

What Are the Best Roulette Bets?

The “best” roulette bets depend entirely on what you’re trying to accomplish and how much risk you’re comfortable taking.

For beginners and conservative players, outside bets are the way to go:

  • Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low): Hit close to half the time and are perfect for learning the game
  • Dozens and columns: Offer 2 to 1 payouts with good portions of the wheel covered
  • Combination approach: Mix even-money bets with occasional dozens/columns for variety

Experienced players and thrill-seekers often prefer inside bets:

  • Corner and six-line bets: Provide good coverage with respectable payouts
  • Split and street bets: A perfect mix of risk/reward
  • Straight up bets: For players who want maximum payout potential

Hard Rock Bet Casino’s mobile platform makes it easy to switch between bet types and keep on top of your results in real time. You can start conservatively with outside bets and gradually work in some inside action as you learn how to play the game.

Ready to Spin at Hard Rock Bet Casino?

Now that you know everything there is to know about roulette bets and how they work, you’re ready to play at Hard Rock Bet Casino. We offer an extensive roulette selection that puts all these betting options right in front of you, whether you prefer American roulette or want to try European variations.

The Unity by Hard Rock rewards program adds extra value to every spin, turning your roulette sessions into opportunities to earn rewards and exclusive benefits. Plus, as a licensed and regulated platform, Hard Rock Bet provides you with the ability to enjoy fair play and secure transactions so you can focus on the fun.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Roulette Bets

Roulette gets a lot easier once you know how the small details work. These quick answers clear up a few common questions so you can place your bets with more confidence and less guesswork.

Can you place more than one roulette bet on the same spin?

Yes, you can place multiple bets on a single spin, including a mixture of inside and outside bets. That gives you more ways to cover the table and shape your action around how bold or balanced you want to play.

What happens to outside bets when the ball lands on 0 or 00?

If the ball lands on 0 or 00, even-money outside bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low do not win. Those green pockets sit outside those categories, so it is always smart to keep them in mind before you place your chips.

Do roulette payouts include your original bet back?

Yes, roulette payouts are usually listed as winnings only, and your original stake is returned on top of that when you hit. So a 35 to 1 straight up win pays the prize amount plus the chip you started with.

Are roulette table minimums applied to each bet or your full spin?

That depends on the game, but in online roulette the minimum is often associated with the individual bet amount rather than everything you place in one round. That is part of the appeal at Hard Rock Bet Casino, where lower minimum bets can make it easier to try different betting styles.

Is live dealer roulette different from regular online roulette?

The core betting options stay the same, but live dealer roulette adds a real dealer and real wheel streamed in real time. It is a slick way to get the classic table feel while still playing from your phone or laptop.

Is the five-number bet a good roulette bet?

Usually no. In American roulette, the five-number bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 is widely considered the worst standard bet on the table because it carries a higher house edge than most other roulette wagers. It is unique, but not player-friendly.

Are outside bets actually safer in roulette?

They are safer only in the sense that they win more often, not because they beat the math. Outside bets cover more numbers, so they hit more frequently, but their payouts are smaller. In standard roulette, they do not reduce the built-in house edge versus most inside bets.

Does European roulette give better odds than American roulette?

Yes. European roulette has a single zero, while American roulette has both 0 and 00. That extra green pocket increases the house edge in American roulette, which is why single-zero games are generally the better mathematical choice for players.

Can you combine inside and outside bets in the same spin?

Yes. Many players mix inside and outside bets to balance risk and reward on a single spin. For example, someone might place an even-money bet for broader coverage while also adding a corner, split, or straight-up number for a chance at a larger payout.