Roulette has remained one of the most popular casino games online and offline for decades. That’s partly thanks to the fact that such a wide range of different bets and options is available. For example, players can choose inside bets for higher risk and reward or outside bets for more chances to win but smaller prizes.

One of the most popular inside bets in roulette is the corner bet. Corner bets sit in the middle of the inside group and tend to be a big hit with players who are seeking larger returns, but not necessarily with the burden of risk.

In this guide, we’ll explore corner bet payouts, odds, and when it is best to place this type of wager. What is it that makes the corner one of the best roulette bets?

What is a corner bet in roulette?

The corner bet in roulette, also known as the square bet, is a wager that covers four numbers on the table, making a square. You’re betting on the roulette wheel spinning the ball into one of those four numbers.

For example, a typical corner bet might be 1-2-4-5, with a chip placed in the middle or on the cross-section between all of them on the table.

As an inside bet, corner and square wagers can be risky. However, other inside bets, such as the straight-up, split, and street, are much riskier because you bet on fewer numbers.

How to place a corner bet

Here’s how to place a corner bet in online and offline roulette games (covering live games, too):

Decide how much you’d like to wager on a corner bet and choose the right chip(s). Find a square group of numbers on the roulette table and place (or drag and drop) your chip(s) onto the cross-section, making sure that all four numbers are covered. Once the dealer closes bets for the round, they will spin the wheel and declare the winning number that the roulette ball drops into.

Corner bets are common wagers in both European and American roulette, and they are also popular in live dealer games. When playing different online tables, always be sure to check the layouts of the numbers in specific grids as they may differ from dealer to dealer and from game to game. You should always look for four numbers with shared corners.

Payouts & odds of a corner bet

The standard corner bet payout is eight to one. That means that if you bet, for example, £2 on a corner or square, you stand to get £18 back (including your initial £2 wager).

Thanks to the slight difference between the numbers available on European and American roulette wheels and tables, the odds of winning on a corner bet in either game varies.

For example, in European roulette, you have a four in 37 chance of converting a corner bet, which equates to a 10.81% chance of winning.

In American roulette, however, your odds are lower. The probability on these tables is four in 38, or 10.53%.

Compared to other inside bets, corner bets sit somewhere in the middle when it comes to risk and rewards. Straight-up, split, and street bets are all riskier but have higher payout potential because you choose from fewer numbers. Five-number and six-line bets, meanwhile, are less risky than corner bets, but they offer lower payouts.

Why use corner bets?

Many players use corner bets simply because the payouts are higher than you’d get from even-money outside wagers, and because you cover more numbers than you’d expect from straight-up, split, and street bets. It’s considered a balanced option from the inside bets group.

Therefore, it’s a popular choice among players who want to take moderate risks and might not feel comfortable playing some of the higher-risk wagers right away. At the same time, these players might still want to take advantage of some of the game’s highest potential payouts.

When to use corner bets in your strategy

Corner bets can be balanced choices when playing basic, flat roulette betting strategies or progressive systems. However, many players choose these bets when they want to cover strategic areas of the grid or roulette table.

Some of the more aggressive roulette players might also pursue corner bets simply because they’re so well-balanced. Instead of falling back on outside bets with smaller return potential, they might pursue corner bets responsibly to keep their games interesting.

Playing corner bets can also help players manage their roulette bankrolls. For example, instead of investing money over and over into straight-up bets (which come with a very high risk), you might build a strategy where you keep following up with corner bets instead. Ultimately, they cost less than straight-ups and splits – and while the prizes are lower, they stand to be much more frequent.

It might also be worth considering matching corner bets with outside wagers to increase your coverage even further. This strategy can help boost the frequency of your return so you can keep your game going for longer.

Here at LeoVegas, we always recommend a cautious approach. Keep a close eye on the time you spend on roulette games and the money you invest from your bankroll. We’re here to help if you need support managing your gambling activities.