If you’ve ever wondered why certain bets on the roulette table have higher payouts or seem more specific, you’re not alone. Inside bets form a key part of the game, providing a more focused way to place chips on particular numbers or small groups of numbers.
At first, the layout can appear complex, especially for those new to roulette or playing online. However, once you become familiar with the basics, the structure of the table becomes much clearer.
Gaining an understanding of how inside bets work could potentially help you make informed and confident decisions if you play, whether that’s at a land-based casino or through a licensed online platform. Read on to learn more.
What Are Inside Bets in Roulette?
Inside bets are wagers placed on the numbers inside the main grid of the roulette layout. They cover one number or a small cluster. On a typical table you’ll see 0 to 36 arranged in rows and columns, and this is where inside bets sit.
A chip can sit directly on a number for a single-number bet, or on the lines between numbers to cover two, three, four, or six at once. For instance, a straight up bet covers one number, while line bets extend to six. Because these bets cover fewer numbers than outside bets, the potential payout is higher. A straight up usually pays 35 to 1, so a £1 stake returns £35 plus your £1 back if that number hits.
Online games may present the layout slightly differently and minimum stakes can vary. Check the paytable and rules of the table you are using. In the UK, roulette games are regulated and must meet standards set by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) for fairness and transparency.
If you do decide to try your hand at roulette, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
What Are The Different Types of Inside Bets?
Roulette has a few main inside bet types, each tied to a clear spot on the grid. Here’s how each one works in practice.
Straight Up Bet
This is the simplest inside bet. Place your chip on a single number, anywhere from 0 to 36. Many people use it when they want to back one clear pick, such as a favourite number.
Split Bet
A split covers two neighbouring numbers. Put the chip on the line between them, like between 8 and 11 or 17 and 20. If either number hits, the bet pays.
Street Bet
A street backs three numbers in a horizontal row. Position the chip at the outer edge of that row. For example, one street would be 7, 8, and 9.
Corner Bet
A corner, also called a square, covers four numbers that meet at one point. Place the chip where the four boxes touch, such as at the corner of 16, 17, 19, and 20.
Line Bet
A line, or six-line, spans two adjacent rows for a total of six numbers. Put the chip on the shared edge at the end of those rows, such as covering 1, 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6 together.
How Do Inside Bets Work on the Roulette Table?
Inside bets use the numbered grid, which runs from 0 to 36 in twelve rows of three. Each placement signals a specific coverage. A chip directly on a number means a single-number bet. On a line between two adjacent numbers it becomes a split, on the edge of a row it becomes a street, on a shared corner it becomes a corner, and at the join of two rows it becomes a line bet.
The croupier, or the software online, reads the chip positions once betting closes. The wheel is spun and the ball settles into one of the 37 pockets on a European wheel. Outcomes are random. Because inside bets cover fewer numbers than outside bets, wins occur less often, which is why the payouts are higher compared to broader bets.
Minimum and maximum stakes can differ by table, and online versions sometimes present chips, spacing, or limits in slightly different ways. A quick review of the table rules could help to keep you up to date before potentially joining in.
What Are the Odds and Payouts for Inside Bets?
Each inside bet balances how many numbers it covers with the payout it offers. As coverage increases, hits become more frequent and the payout reduces in line with that trade-off.
A straight up covers one number and has around a 2.7% chance on a European wheel, paying 35 to 1 when it wins. Moving to a split covers two numbers at roughly 5.4%, with a typical payout of 17 to 1. A street takes in three numbers for about 8.1%, usually paying 11 to 1.
A corner covers four numbers at around 10.8%, and the common payout is 8 to 1. A line bet reaches six numbers at about 16.2%, with a usual payout of 5 to 1. These figures are based on European roulette. Some games use different wheel formats, so it is sensible to confirm which version you are playing and to check the paytable for the precise details.
Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
