Understanding Roulette Bets: Inside Bets vs Outside Bets
Before we delve into the specifics of what is outside bet, it's important to have a clear understanding of the different bet types in roulette. Roulette bets can be broadly divided into two categories: inside bets and outside bets. Let's briefly discuss each of these categories.
Inside Bets are placed directly on the roulette numbers, either on a single number or a combination of numbers. These bets are high-risk but offer high rewards, with payouts ranging from 5 to 1 up to a whopping 35 to 1. Examples of inside bets include straight-up bets (betting on a single number), split bets (betting on two adjacent numbers), and corner bets (betting on four numbers that form a square).
Outside Bets, on the other hand, are placed on the broader categories of numbers, such as red or black, even or odd, and high or low. These bets cover a larger portion of the roulette wheel, making them lower-risk bets with smaller payouts. This lower risk, however, means that outside bets can be an excellent choice for players looking to extend their gameplay and enjoy a more leisurely pace.
Defining Outside Bet in Roulette
Now that we have a basic understanding of the different bet types, let's focus on the primary keyword: what is outside bet? In roulette, an outside bet is a wager placed on a group of numbers or a specific characteristic of the numbers, rather than on individual numbers themselves. As mentioned earlier, outside bets tend to have lower odds and smaller payouts, but they also have a higher probability of winning.
Outside bets are so named because they are placed in the outer areas of the roulette table, surrounding the grid of numbers where inside bets are placed. In many ways, outside bets can be seen as the more conservative option, appealing to players who are looking for a lower risk, steady approach to their roulette gameplay.
Types of Outside Bets
There are several types of outside bets available in roulette, each offering a unique blend of risk and reward. Some of the most common outside bets include:
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Red or Black: This bet is placed on either all the red or all the black numbers on the roulette wheel. If the ball lands on a number with the chosen color, the bet wins. The payout for this bet is 1 to 1.
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Even or Odd: Similar to the red or black bet, this wager is placed on either all the even or all the odd numbers on the roulette wheel. If the ball lands on a number with the chosen characteristic (even or odd), the bet wins. The payout for this bet is also 1 to 1.
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High or Low: This bet is placed on either the high numbers (19-36) or the low numbers (1-18) on the roulette wheel. If the ball lands on a number within the chosen range, the bet wins. The payout for this bet is 1 to 1.
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Dozens: This bet is placed on a group of 12 consecutive numbers. There are three dozens available for betting: 1-12, 13-24, and 25-36. If the ball lands on a number within the chosen dozen, the bet wins. The payout for this bet is 2 to 1.
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Columns: This bet is placed on one of the three columns of numbers on the roulette table. Each column contains 12 numbers. If the ball lands on a number within the chosen column, the bet wins. The payout for this bet is 2 to 1.
Advantages of Outside Bets
As we've discussed, outside bets in roulette offer lower risk and smaller payouts compared to inside bets. However, there are several advantages to playing outside bets that make them an attractive option for many players:
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Higher Probability of Winning: Due to their broader coverage of the roulette wheel, outside bets have a higher chance of winning compared to inside bets. This makes them a popular choice for players looking for a more consistent and less volatile gameplay experience.
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Simpler Betting Options: Outside bets are generally easier to understand and play, making them an excellent choice for beginners or players who prefer a more straightforward betting experience.
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Longer Gameplay: Because outside bets have a higher probability of winning, players can often enjoy a longer gameplay experience, allowing them to stretch their bankroll further and get more entertainment value from their roulette session.
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Strategic Betting Opportunities: Outside bets can be combined with other bets or used as part of a roulette strategy to increase the chances of winning or manage the player's bankroll more effectively.
Strategies for Outside Bets in Roulette
While roulette is ultimately a game of chance, many players employ strategies to help manage their bankroll and maximize their chances of success. Some popular roulette strategies that can be applied to outside bets include:
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Martingale Strategy: This classic betting system involves doubling your bet after each loss, with the idea being that eventually, you will win and recoup all previous losses. While this strategy can be applied to any type of bet, it is often used with outside bets due to their higher probability of winning.
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D'Alembert Strategy: This strategy involves increasing your bet by one unit after each loss and decreasing it by one unit after each win. This more conservative approach is well-suited to outside bets, as it helps to manage your bankroll more effectively and minimize losses during a losing streak.
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Fibonacci Strategy: Based on the famous Fibonacci sequence, this strategy involves increasing your bet according to the sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.) after each loss and returning to the beginning of the sequence after each win. Like the D'Alembert strategy, the Fibonacci strategy is well-suited to outside bets due to its more conservative nature.
Outside Bet Odds and Payouts
As we've discussed, outside bets in roulette offer lower odds and smaller payouts compared to inside bets. However, it's important to understand the specific odds and payouts for each type of outside bet to make informed decisions about your betting strategy. Here's a quick overview of the odds and payouts for the most common outside bets:
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Red or Black, Even or Odd, High or Low: These bets have a probability of winning of 48.6% in European roulette and 47.4% in American roulette. The payout for these bets is 1 to 1.
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Dozens and Columns: These bets have a probability of winning of 32.4% in European roulette and 31.6% in American roulette. The payout for these bets is 2 to 1.
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Snake Bet: This unique outside bet covers the numbers 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 34, forming a snake-like pattern on the roulette table. The probability of winning this bet is 32.4% in European roulette and 31.6% in American roulette. The payout for this bet is 2 to 1.
Tips for Playing Outside Bets
To improve your chances of success when playing outside bets in roulette, consider the following tips:
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Choose the Right Roulette Variation: The house edge varies between different roulette variations, with European roulette offering a lower house edge (2.7%) compared to American roulette (5.26%). Choosing a roulette game with a lower house edge can improve your chances of winning when playing outside bets.
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Manage Your Bankroll Effectively: Establish a budget for your roulette session and stick to it, adjusting your bet sizes accordingly to ensure you have enough funds to last for the duration of your gameplay.
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Combine Outside Bets: By placing multiple outside bets simultaneously, you can increase your chances of winning and create more diverse betting scenarios. For example, you might bet on both red and even, or on a dozen and a column.
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Use a Betting Strategy: As mentioned earlier, employing a betting strategy can help you manage your bankroll more effectively and maximize your chances of success when playing outside bets.
Popular Roulette Variations and Outside Bets
While the basic principles of outside bets remain consistent across different roulette variations, some games offer unique outside betting options or altered odds and payouts. Some popular roulette variations and their outside bet features include:
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French Roulette: This variation of roulette is very similar to European roulette but offers a unique outside bet called the "Voisins du Zero" (neighbors of zero) which covers the 17 numbers surrounding the zero on the roulette wheel.
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Double Ball Roulette: In this variation, two balls are spun on the roulette wheel simultaneously, resulting in two winning numbers. This creates unique outside betting opportunities, such as betting on both balls landing on red or both balls landing on even numbers.
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Mini Roulette: This simplified version of roulette features a smaller wheel with only 13 numbers (0-12). The outside bets in mini roulette have altered odds and payouts due to the reduced number of possible outcomes.
Conclusion: Mastering Outside Bets in Roulette
In conclusion, understanding what is outside bet and how to play them effectively can greatly enhance your roulette gameplay experience. While outside bets may offer smaller payouts compared to inside bets, their lower risk and higher probability of winning make them an attractive option for many players.
By familiarizing yourself with the different types of outside bets, their odds and payouts, and various strategies for playing them, you can develop a more versatile and well-rounded roulette game. So the next time you're at the roulette table, don't be afraid to explore the exciting world of outside bets and expand your roulette horizons!