2025-02-20

Roulette Inside Bets Guide

Roulette remains one of the most popular casino table games all over the world, both online and offline. However, did you know that there are different types of bets you can place during play? The aim is, of course, to bet on which numbered pocket you think the wheel ball will land in. However, there are inside bets and outside bets to consider along the way.

But what are inside bets in roulette? Essentially, roulette inside bets are those that are listed within the inside of the roulette table. These are, typically, the numbers between 0 and 36. There are some differences depending on the version of the game you play – for example, there are 38 numbers in American roulette.

Regardless, many people choose inside bets in roulette because they can grant a larger payout compared to outside bets. However, the risks are higher, because the odds are longer!

Let’s get roulette inside bets explained in more detail so that you’ll know what to expect when you head to the table, whether in real life or via live casino.

Types of roulette inside bets

There are five main types of inside bets in roulette games: the straight up, the split, the street, the corner and the line. Here’s what you need to know about each.

Straight up bet

The straight up bet is simply a bet placed on the roulette ball landing on a specific number. For example, you might bet on the ball to land on red 5, or green 0. Regardless, this bet typically carries a payout of 35:1, though this can vary depending on the type of game you play.

Split bet

The split bet shortens the odds and decreases the payout because you bet on two specific numbers on the roulette table. These can be anywhere in the grid – for example, you might bet on red 23 and black 35. The payouts here are typically 17:1.

Street bet

The street bet carries a payout of 11:1. That’s because you’re betting on three numbers. Specifically, you’re betting on three numbers in a row inside the grid – for example, 16, 17 and 18.

Corner bet (square bet)

Corner bets are where you wager on four numbers at once, with an 8:1 payout opportunity. Typically, you would place a chip in the middle of a square of four numbers, such as 1, 2, 4 and 5. That’s why it’s sometimes called the square bet.

Line bet (double street bet)

This bet is sometimes called the six-line, and it’s double the street bet. This means that you’re betting on two rows of numbers containing six numbers in total. For instance, you might bet on 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36. The payout here is 5:1, making it the most likely return of the types we’ve explored, but also the lowest prize.

Understanding roulette inside bets payouts

The numbers we’ve listed above refer to how much you’re likely to receive in a payout if you win on an inside bet. For example, with a straight up win, you would receive 35x your bet (so, £35 on a £1 chip).

Payouts on roulette inside bets are in opposition to odds – meaning that the higher the payout potential is, the less chance you have of winning. For example, in European roulette, although the split bet payout is 17:1, you only have around a 5.4% chance of winning.

The odds of you winning increase as the payout potential decreases. So, with a line bet, you have around a 16% chance of winning, but a payout of 5:1.

It’s therefore important to consider whether or not to take the risk of a bet with lower odds for a shot at a higher prize.

Remember also that there’s a house edge, which means that payouts are usually fixed so that the casino makes profit from bets placed. Unfortunately, you can’t change the house edge, regardless of how you play!

How to place inside bets in roulette

Here’s how to get started with placing roulette inside bets:

Set your bet based on how much you can feasibly afford. Remember that roulette table games (online and offline) will have bet limits, meaning that there’s a minimum and maximum amount you can place. Also, remember that the total amount you place is for the whole of your inside bet (not per number).
Place your chip(s) on your chosen inside bet. You can place multiple inside bets if you wish, but the odds and house edge will remain the same. Inside bets are those that cover the numbered pockets on the inside of the table (and most of the betting grid).
Wait for the dealer to announce that bets are closed. They will then spin the roulette wheel.
Once the roulette wheel stops, the ball inside will land in a numbered pocket, and the dealer will announce the result.
If you’re playing online, you will receive any amount due from a win automatically. When playing at a real table, your chips will either be collected by the dealer, or you’ll be granted any that you’ve won from that bet.

You can continue to place bets in the next round if you wish.

Roulette inside bets strategy

While there’s no guaranteed way to win roulette using inside bets, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind while playing:

Consider your numbers carefully: Some players choose ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ numbers based on whether or not they have won recently. It’s also common to choose lucky or favourite numbers. Regardless, the game is completely random!
Manage your bankroll: Never chase wins or losses when placing inside bets. Always set careful limits for play time and/or money that you wish to spend on the game – this is easy to do when playing at a reputable online casino.
Take betting systems at face value: Some popular betting systems, such as the Martingale and the Fibonacci, aim to help you maximise your wins on the back of losses. Many of these require a large bankroll and a lot of patience, so think carefully before trying them!

Advantages and disadvantages of roulette inside bets

Let’s quickly break down some of the big pros and cons behind inside bets.

Pros:

Roulette inside bets payouts are the highest in the game.
Some players feel that the best roulette inside bets help to keep the game interesting.
There are lots of different inside bets to choose from.

Cons:

There’s a much higher house edge on inside bets compared to outside bets.
If you want to play for long periods, you’ll need a large bankroll.

Tips for winning with roulette inside bets

As mentioned, there are no guaranteed ways to win roulette inside bets. However, try some of these tips the next time you play:

Combine inside and outside bets together for a balanced approach to the game. This can help boost your chances of winning regularly (though again, there’s no guarantee). Take full advantage of free chips and welcome bonuses to boost your bankroll so that you can play for longer. If you want to place roulette inside bets with the lowest possible house edge, try European roulette first – there are also fewer numbers.

Are inside bets right for me?

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why many people choose roulette inside bets. However, they’re only worth placing if you play responsibly and have a healthy bankroll!

Give roulette a try at the LeoVegas online casino today and take a look at some inside bets – and remember, we can help you manage your play time and bankroll.