What Are Outside Bets In Roulette and How Do You Play Them?

Roulette table with highlighted outside bet areas

Introduction

Roulette is a game of chance that has captivated casino enthusiasts for centuries. Among the various betting options available, outside bets stand out for their higher probability of winning. But what exactly are outside bets, and how can you use them to your advantage?

What Are Outside Bets?

Outside bets are wagers placed on the outer part of the roulette table. Unlike inside bets, which focus on individual numbers or small groups, outside bets cover larger groups of numbers. This makes them a popular choice for players who prefer a safer approach with a higher chance of winning, albeit with lower payouts.

Types of Outside Bets

High or Low: Bet on whether the winning number will be in the high range (19-36) or low range (1-18).
Red or Black: Wager on the color of the winning number.
Odd or Even: Bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even.
Dozens Bet: Choose one of the three dozen groups (1-12, 13-24, 25-36).
Column Bet: Bet on one of the three columns of numbers on the table.
Snake Bet: A special bet covering a ‘snake-like’ pattern of numbers, if applicable.

How to Place Outside Bets

Placing outside bets is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Choose Your Bet Type: Decide which type of outside bet you want to place.
Place Your Chips: Position your chips on the designated area of the table corresponding to your chosen bet.
Wait for the Spin: Once all bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel.
Collect Winnings: If the ball lands on a number within your chosen category, you win!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Outside Bets

Advantages:

Lower Risk: With a higher probability of winning, outside bets are less risky.
Consistent Wins: Ideal for players who prefer steady, smaller wins.

Disadvantages:

Lower Payouts: The trade-off for higher winning chances is lower payouts compared to inside bets.

Strategies for Playing Outside Bets Effectively

Martingale Strategy: Double your bet after each loss to recover losses with a win.
Reverse Martingale: Increase your bet after each win to capitalize on winning streaks.
D’Alembert Strategy: Increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease by one after a win.
Paroli Strategy: Similar to Martingale but focuses on increasing bets after wins.
Fibonacci Sequence: Use the Fibonacci sequence to determine bet sizes.
Labouchère System: Create a sequence of numbers to determine bet sizes and adjust based on wins/losses.
Parlay Method: Reinvest winnings into the next bet for potential larger gains.
3Q Strategy: A balanced approach focusing on covering three quarters of the table.

Conclusion

Outside bets in roulette offer a strategic way to enjoy the game with a higher chance of winning. By understanding the different types of outside bets and employing effective strategies, you can enhance your gaming experience and potentially increase your winnings. So, next time you find yourself at a roulette table, consider giving outside bets a try!