Roulette’s varied bet selection makes it one of the most popular of all the classic casino tables you’ll find online. There are so many options that roulette tables split bet types into inside and outside wagers. The inside bets are riskier but pay more, while the outside bets pay more frequently but offer lower prizes.

One of the most popular inside bets is the split bet, where you wager that the roulette ball will land in one of two numbers at the end of a wheel spin. This bet is a popular choice because it offers a balance between risk and reward. In fact, it’s one of the simplest yet highest-paying wagers in the game.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to place a split bet, what the odds are, and when you might want to use it.

Roulette betting explained: What is a split bet in roulette?

A split bet is placed on two adjacent numbers on a roulette table. You’d place a chip in the middle of two numbers that touch, either vertically or horizontally, covering both of them.

For example, you could bet on 20 and 21, which touch horizontally, or 14 and 17, which touch vertically. You’re wagering on one of those two numbers to be the winning space at the end of the wheel spin.

It’s a popular choice among roulette players who want to try for some of the game’s largest prizes but don’t want the high risk of a straight-up bet, where you bet on just one number.

How to place a split bet

Here’s how to place a split bet in both online and offline games, including live casino games.

Decide how much you’d like to bet and choose the relevant chip. Find two numbers on the roulette table that touch, either horizontally or vertically, and place your chip on the dividing line so it covers both of them. Wait for the dealer to close the bet and spin the wheel. At the end of the spin, the dealer will declare the winning number.

You can place split bets in both American and European roulette, although the odds vary. We’ll explain this in greater detail below.

Payouts & odds of split bets

The split bet roulette payout is 17 to one. This means that if, for example, you wager £2, you’ll get £34 back.

The odds of winning a split bet in European roulette are two in 37, or as a percentage, 5.41%. The odds are slightly lower in the American variant because there’s an extra space – the double zero, or 00 – which means you have a two in 38 chance of winning, or 5.26%.

Compared to other inside bets (which we’ll explore briefly below), the split bet is one of the riskiest options. Other inside bets, such as street and corner bets, let you pick more numbers. This increases their hit frequency and boosts your odds of a return.

Payouts for other inside bets in roulette are lower, except for the straight-up bet. The split bet offers the second-highest general payout in the game.

When to use split bets strategically

Players typically place split bets when they want a little more coverage, and therefore higher odds, compared to straight-up bets. This means they might be looking for big payouts but don’t necessarily want the highest risk that accompanies them.

Split bets tend to work well in progressive strategies, such as the Fibonacci, or conservative strategies in which you keep your wagers low but frequent. They are also popular choices among players who want medium volatility from their games, with a gentle balance between payout and risk.

Of course, even the best roulette strategies never guarantee returns!

Many players suggest that combining split bets with wagers at higher odds helps to soften the blow if risks get too high. For example, you might choose other inside bets, such as streets or corners, to get more coverage.

Split bets vs other roulette bets

Split bets are second only to straight-up bets in terms of potential payout and risk. Other bets, such as the street (three numbers), corner (four numbers), and five and six-line wagers, increase the number of spaces you bet on, thereby reducing the potential payout and chance of losing.

Some even safer bets in the game include dozens and columns, which are outside bets. These bets have strong chances of winning but come with very low payouts. The same applies to simple red/black and odd/even markets, where there is a 50/50 split.

Tips for placing split bets online

Start by choosing a high-quality roulette game in HD and/or with a zoom functionality. This will help you see number grids clearly and navigate different split bets and any other wagers you may wish to make.

While playing, you might also want to look for patterns in numbers that win before you make your first wager. However, keep in mind that the numbers that have already appeared will have no effect on the numbers that are yet to appear!

Above all, LeoVegas recommends playing on low-stakes tables and watching live games unfold so you can practice and find a rhythm for your own way of playing roulette.

At LeoVegas, we also have a wide range of features, such as betting histories and different twists on roulette, to mix the game up a little. Why not explore your options?