Inside Bets in Roulette Explained: Types of Inside Bets, Strategy, Payouts, and More

Eddie Griffin

Written by: Eddie Griffin

Last Updated:

Read Time: 11 minutes

Inside bets in roulette represent some of the most exciting and potentially rewarding wagering options available to players at traditional land-based casinos and real money online casinos.

While these bets typically carry higher risk than outside bets, they also offer significantly larger payouts. This makes them particularly attractive to players seeking substantial returns.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about inside bets in roulette. It breaks down the types of inside bets, provides information about inside bet payouts, and dives into strategy for inside bets to help you make informed decisions at the roulette table.

Whether you are playing at a traditional land-based casino or at one of your favorite real money online casinos, this guide will equip you with what you need to approach inside bets with the right strategy.

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What Are Inside Bets in Roulette?

In roulette, inside bets are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the inner section of the roulette betting layout. These bets are called “inside” bets because they involve placing chips directly on or between numbers in the central numbered grid of the betting table, rather than in the outer areas where outside bets are placed.

Inside bets in roulette are characterized by their higher risk-to-reward ratio. They offer payouts ranging from 6:1 to an impressive 35:1, depending on the specific type of bet placed.

In American roulette, which is commonly found at U.S. online casinos, the wheel contains 38 pockets – numbers 1-36, plus 0 and 00. This configuration results in a house edge of 5.26% on most bets.

That is higher than the house edge of 2.70% for European roulette, which features only a single zero. Understanding this structure is crucial for making informed betting decisions and developing effective strategies.

Types of Inside Bets

There are several types of inside bets that you can make in roulette games at traditional casinos and gambling sites such as Red Stag Casino.

Straight Bet (Single Number): The simplest and highest paying inside bet involves placing your chip directly on a single number. This includes betting on 0 or 00. If your chosen number hits, you’ll receive a payout of 35:1.

While the odds of winning are the lowest among all bet types (2.6% in American roulette), the potential reward makes this an attractive option for many players.

Split Bet: This bet covers two adjacent numbers on the betting layout and is placed by positioning your chip on the line between two numbers. The payout for a successful split bet is 17:1. Common examples include betting on 1-2, 11-14, or any other pair of neighboring numbers on the layout.

Street Bet: Also known as a “row bet,” this wager covers three consecutive numbers in a horizontal line. Place your chip at the outer edge of the row to make this bet. For example, betting on 13-14-15 or 28-29-30. Street bets pay 11:1 when successful.

Corner Bet (Square Bet): This bet covers four numbers that form a square on the layout. Place your chip at the intersection where the four numbers meet. For instance, a corner bet might cover 17-18-20-21. The payout for a winning corner bet is 8:1.

Line Bet (Six Line): This wager covers six numbers across two adjacent rows. Place your chip at the intersection of two rows to make this bet. An example would be betting on numbers 31-32-33-34-35-36. Line bets offer a payout of 5:1.

Inside Bet Payouts

Understanding the payout structure for inside bets is crucial for making informed roulette betting decisions. Here are the standard payouts for each type of inside bet in American roulette:

  • Straight Bet (Single Number): 35 to 1 payout – Bet $1 to win $35
  • Split Bet (Two Numbers): 17 to 1 payout – Bet $1 to win $17
  • Street Bet (Three Numbers): 11 to 1 payout – Bet $1 to win $11
  • Corner Bet (Four Numbers): 8 to 1 payout – Bet $1 to win $8
  • Line Bet (Six Numbers): 5 to 1 payout – Bet $1 to win $5

Note that these payouts are consistent across the best roulette sites, and winning bets also return your original wager. For example, a winning $5 straight bet would return your $5 stake plus $175 in winnings ($5 × 35).

Strategic Approaches to Inside Betting

When you make inside bets while playing roulette at U.S. online casinos, several strategic approaches can help optimize your experience.

While no strategy can overcome the house edge, understanding and implementing these approaches can help you make more informed decisions and potentially extend your playing time.

Coverage Strategy

The coverage strategy focuses on spreading your bets across the roulette table to maximize your chances of hitting a winning number while maintaining the potential for significant returns. This roulette betting approach involves carefully combining different types of inside bets to create a balanced risk-reward scenario.

For example, you might place a corner bet covering numbers 17-18-20-21 (8:1 payout) along with a straight bet on number 23 (35:1 payout). This combination gives you coverage of five numbers with different payout potentials while keeping your total bet amount reasonable.

Advanced coverage strategies might include placing multiple corner bets adjacent to each other, creating overlapping coverage areas that increase your chances of hitting a winning number.

For instance, you could place corner bets on 17-18-20-21 and 19-20-22-23, giving you coverage of seven numbers with the potential for an 8:1 payout on either bet. Some players also combine this with a street bet on an entirely different section of the table. This creates diverse coverage with varying payout potentials.

Progression Systems

Progression betting systems involve adjusting your bet sizes based on previous outcomes. The most basic form starts with a minimum bet and increases or decreases the stake based on whether you win or lose.

For example, in a positive progression system, you might start with a $5 straight bet and increase it to $10 after a win, then to $20 after another win, returning to the base amount after a loss. This approach can help capitalize on winning streaks while limiting losses during downswings.

Alternatively, some players prefer negative progression systems such as the Martingale strategy, where bets increase after losses. However, these systems require careful bankroll management and strict discipline to avoid chasing losses.

It is crucial to set clear limits on how far you will progress your bets and stick to these limits regardless of previous outcomes. For instance, you might decide never to increase your bet beyond four progression steps, or never to bet more than 5% of your remaining bankroll on a single spin.

Number Analysis and Pattern Recognition

While each roulette spin is an independent event, many players find value in tracking and analyzing previous results to inform their betting decisions.

This approach involves keeping detailed records of winning numbers and identifying potential patterns or trends. Modern online casinos such as Lucky Red Casino and Super Slots Casino often provide historical data and statistics, making it easier to track this information.

Hot numbers are those that have hit more frequently than expected over a recent period. Some players prefer to bet on these numbers, believing they’re on a “streak.”

Others look for cold numbers – those that haven’t hit in a while – believing they are “due” to appear. A more balanced approach might involve betting on a combination of hot and cold numbers to diversify your strategy.

Advanced number analysis might also include sector betting, where players focus on specific sections of the wheel rather than the betting layout. This approach considers the physical arrangement of numbers on the wheel, which differs from their arrangement on the betting table.

For example, you might notice that a particular section of the wheel seems to be hitting more frequently and adjust your bets to cover numbers in that section.

Implementation and Adaptation

The key to successfully implementing these strategies lies in combining them flexibly based on your observations and experience.

For instance, you might start with a basic coverage strategy, then adjust your bet sizes using a conservative progression system while keeping track of number patterns. This integrated approach allows you to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining control over your bankroll.

Remember that each session at the roulette table is unique. What works well in one session might not be as effective in another. The most successful players are those who remain flexible and willing to adjust their strategies based on results and circumstances.

Always start with smaller bets when trying a new strategy combination. Also, be prepared to modify or abandon approaches that aren’t working in your current session.

Bankroll Management and Risk Considerations for Roulette Inside Bets

Successful inside betting requires careful bankroll management. Given the higher volatility of inside bets, it’s crucial to establish and stick to strict betting limits. A general rule of thumb is to never wager more than 2-3% of your total bankroll on any single spin when making inside bets.

Consider dividing your playing session into smaller units and set clear win and loss limits. For example, if you start with $200, you might set a session win limit of $100 and a loss limit of $100. This helps maintain discipline and prevents emotional betting decisions.

It is especially imperative to guard against impulsive and emotional betting decisions while playing live dealer roulette or playing roulette at traditional casinos, as the social aspect of those two options can bring a different layer of excitement that random number generator-based (RNG) games do not have.

Tips for Online Play

When playing at top online casinos such as Wild Casino and DuckyLuck Casino, take advantage of these specific considerations:

Free Play Options: Most online casinos offer free or demo versions of their roulette games. Use these to practice your inside betting strategies without risking real money.

This is particularly valuable for testing different combinations of inside bets and getting comfortable with the betting interface.

Game Variations: U.S. online casinos often offer multiple variants of roulette. While American roulette is common, you might find European or French roulette options with slightly better odds.

Always check the specific rules and house edge of your chosen game.

At some online casinos, information about roulette house edge and RTP is available when you click on a game. If it is not, game developers such as RealTime Gaming and Betsoft may include it if you check out game information on their website.

Conclusion

Inside bets in roulette offer an exciting way to play with the potential for substantial payouts. While they carry higher risk than outside bets, they form an essential part of the roulette experience and can be particularly rewarding when approached with proper strategy and bankroll management.

Remember that success at roulette, particularly with inside bets, requires a combination of careful planning, disciplined betting, and a clear understanding of the risks involved.

Wherever you are playing, adopt the same mindset with roulette betting as you do with baccarat, keno, slot machines, and any other casino games you enjoy.

Different games have different rules and require different strategic approaches, but responsible gambling must always be at the center of your betting and playing decisions.

Whether you are new to roulette or an experienced player, incorporating inside bets into your strategy can add an extra dimension of excitement to your online casino experience.

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Roulette Inside Bets FAQ

What is the highest paying inside bet in roulette?
The straight bet (single number bet) offers the highest payout in roulette at 35:1. This means if you bet $10 on a single number and win, you’ll receive $350 plus your original bet back.
How much should I budget for inside bets in roulette games?
Plan to have at least 40-50 times your average bet size as your total bankroll. This provides enough cushion to weather the natural volatility of inside bets while giving you a realistic chance at hitting winning numbers.
Are inside bets better than outside bets in roulette?
Inside bets offer higher payouts but carry more risk than outside bets. Ultimately, the choice depends on your playing style, risk tolerance, and betting goals.
Can I combine different types of inside bets on the same spin?
Yes, you can place multiple inside bets on a single spin. This strategy allows you to cover more numbers and create different payout opportunities, though it requires a larger betting budget.
Is there a minimum bet amount for roulette inside bets at online casinos?
Minimum bets for inside wagers at U.S. online casinos typically range from $1 to $5, though this varies by casino. Always check the table limits before playing.