There’s something irresistible about roulette that keeps you on your feet (and no, we don’t mean you standing while playing). It could be the anticipation you feel while the ball bounces around on the wheel, waiting to land in a pocket. While every player has their unique way of playing or betting, there’s actually a secret option that many overlook.
After some research and testing, we found outside bets to be a great option. Don’t believe it? Well, in this guide, we’ll provide a simple breakdown of why these wagers are so effective and how they compare.
What are Outside Bets?
Unlike the regular wagers on single numbers, outside bets cover a larger category on the wheel. So, you could say they are the unsung heroes of the roulette table since you get better chances of winning. For a better understanding, here are some common outside bets you can place at gambling sites, like OMG Casino:
- Red or Black: Bet on the ball to land on a red or black number.
- Odd or Even: Wager on the winning number to be odd or even.
- High or Low: Bet on numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).
- Dozens: Place a wager on one of three groups of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36).
- Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns on the roulette table.
During our test, the outside bets won nearly half the time (except in American roulette, where the double zero slightly reduces the odds). In mathematical terms, betting on red/black gives you an 18/37 (48.65%) chance in European roulette, compared to 1/37 (2.7%) when betting on a single number.
However, you should know that the payouts for these bets are smaller. Nonetheless, if your main goal is to get frequent (even though small) winnings, then outside wagers are the way to go.
Why Do Outside Bets Give You Better Odds?
We all know that roulette is a game of probability, but how do outside bets give you better odds of winning? To understand this, consider the following.
- Higher Win Frequency: Outside bets cover up to 18 numbers out of 37 (European) or 38 (American), which is nearly half the table.
- Lower Volatility: Inside bets often drain players’ bankrolls quickly if luck isn’t on their side. On the other hand, outside bets provide consistent returns, keeping you in the game longer.
- Strategy-Based Play: Outside bets work well with strategy systems, such as the Martingale.
Outside Bets vs. Inside Bets: Which Should You Choose?
So, now you are probably wondering which is the better option: inside or outside bets. With the former, it’s all about picking specific numbers or small groups. While these wagers come with high payouts (up to 35:1), remember that they have far lower odds of winning (sometimes as low as 2.7%).
On the other hand, outside bets offer a nearly 50% win probability, making them ideal for steady, low-risk gameplay. The payouts are smaller (usually 1:1 or 2:1), but the frequent wins help maintain your bankroll longer.
Regardless of your decision, your choice should be based on your playing style, risk tolerance, and bankroll. Note that you can actually use both options, and the key to doing so is balance. You can use outside bets for the foundation and inside wagers for excitement.
Best Strategies to Use With Outside Bets
Since roulette is a game of chance, there is no way to push the odds your way. While this may be true, there are still strategies you can use to minimise your losses at your favourite casinos today. Here are a few to try out:
Martingale
This is a popular betting method where you double your wager after a loss (e.g., C$10 > C$20 > C$40). The theory is that when you eventually win, the bet recovers all losses plus a small profit. Before trying this option, ensure you have a substantial bankroll, as it can be risky, especially during prolonged, cold streaks.
Fibonacci
Next is the Fibonacci system, which follows a sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…). You increase your bets after losses but decrease by two steps after a win. This provides a more balanced betting experience.
D’Alembert
For this method, you increase your bets by one unit after a loss and decrease by one unit after a win. For example, if you bet C$10 and lose, then your next wager will be C$11. However, if you lose the next, it drops back to C$10.
Overall, outside bets are a smart choice when betting on roulette. While they may not deliver the adrenaline rush of a 35:1 jackpot, they offer something even better, which is consistency. You get more frequent but smaller payouts, which means fewer regrets.