Inside Bets in Roulette
Inside bets? That's when you put chips on the actual numbers in the middle of the roulette table. You're betting on just one or a few numbers, which means you'll win bigger if you hit.
I'm going to show you every type of inside bet, what each one pays, and how to handle the swings when you're going for those big payouts.
What is an inside bet in roulette?
Inside bets are any chips you put on the numbered grid in the middle of the table. That middle section shows 0 through 36 (American wheels add a 00). Instead of betting on stuff like red or black, you're picking actual numbers or small clusters.
The appeal of inside bets comes down to payouts. Fewer numbers covered means way bigger wins when you do hit. A straight-up bet on a single number, for example, pays 35 to 1. The catch? You won't win as often, so your chip stack can swing pretty hard during a session.
Outside bets are around the edges of the table and cover way more numbers. They win more frequently but pay less. Inside bets flip that. You won't win often, but when you do? The payout's huge.
Types of inside bets
There are six ways to make inside bets. Each one covers a different number of numbers, so the payouts change to match. Here's how each one works.
Straight-up bet
A straight-up bet is as simple as it gets. You place your chip squarely on one number, and if the ball lands there, you win 35 to 1. On a European wheel with 37 pockets, you're looking at about a 2.7% shot. Not great odds.
It pays the most on the table, which is why people go for it when they want a big score. It's also the riskiest bet you can make since everything rides on one number.
Split bet
Split bets cover two numbers next to each other. Just put your chip right on the line between them. Common splits include 8/9, 17/20, or 1/2. You get 17 to 1, and your chances of winning about double compared to a straight-up.
Split bets are solid if you want better odds but still want a decent payout.
Street bet
Street bets cover three numbers across one row. Put your chip on the outside edge of the row. If any of those three numbers come up, you win 11 to 1.
The rows run sequentially: 1-2-3, 4-5-6, 7-8-9, and so on up through 34-35-36. Street bets sit between the crazy risk of straight-ups and the safer coverage of corner bets.
Corner bet
A corner bet (sometimes called a square bet) covers four numbers that meet at one spot on the table. Drop your chip where all four corners touch and you're betting all four numbers. The payout is 8 to 1.
This bet's good if you want to cover more numbers without killing your payout. Four numbers mean more chances to win, and the payout's still pretty good.
Six-line bet
A six-line bet covers two rows next to each other. That's six numbers total. Put your chip on the outside corner where both rows touch. If any of those six numbers come up, you win at 5 to 1.
Out of all the inside bets, the six-line covers the most numbers. You won't see as many big swings, but it also pays the least of all the inside bets.
Inside bet payouts and odds
The math's pretty simple: cover fewer numbers, get paid more. Here's a quick reference:
Payouts are the same on both European and American tables. The house edge is what changes between the two versions, and that affects how much you'll lose over time.
The roulette 5-number bet
American wheels have one extra inside bet you won't find on European tables: the 5-number bet. This wager covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 in a single bet, paying 6 to 1.
Here's the problem. The 5-number bet has a 7.89% house edge. That's way worse than any other bet on the table. Regular bets on an American wheel only have a 5.26% house edge. Doesn't sound like much, but that gap adds up fast.
Anyone who's played for a while won't touch this bet. If you want to bet on zeros, just stick with straight-ups, splits, or corners that include them. Just skip the 0-00-1-2-3 combination.
Inside bets vs outside bets
Picking between inside and outside bets depends on how much risk you're willing to take for bigger payouts.
House edge on inside bets
House edge is the casino's built-in advantage on every bet. In roulette, those green zero pockets are how the casino gets its edge. When the ball hits zero, you lose most bets. But the payouts act like those zeros aren't even there.
- European roulette (single zero): 2.70% house edge
- American roulette (double zero): 5.26% house edge
Here's something that surprises new players: all inside bets have the same house edge on the same type of wheel. Betting straight-up on 17 has the same long-term edge against you as a corner bet or six-line. Only exception? The 5-number bet on American wheels. That one's worse.
If you can play European roulette, do it. The math's better. That single zero cuts the house edge almost in half compared to American wheels.
Inside bet strategy tips
Look, no betting system's going to kill the house edge. But there are some smart ways to manage your money and make better bets.
1. Spread chips across multiple inside bets
If you spread chips across several inside bets, you'll win more often without losing those big payouts. Maybe cover five or six numbers by mixing some straight-ups with a few splits. More numbers means better odds you'll win something each spin.
2. Set a bankroll limit before each session
Inside bets are volatile. A cold streak can burn through chips quickly. Deciding what you're comfortable losing before you start keeps the game enjoyable and prevents chasing losses.
3. Combine inside and outside bets
Some people hedge by mixing inside bets with outside bets. Like putting a few straight-ups on black numbers and then betting red. You won't have better odds, but your money will last longer and you won't see such wild swings.
4. Skip the 5-number bet
Worth repeating: if you're on an American wheel, avoid the 0-00-1-2-3 combination. It's the only bet with a worse house edge than every other bet on the table.
Inside bet mistakes to avoid
New players make a few mistakes pretty often. Knowing what to avoid saves you cash and headaches.
Chasing hot or due numbers
Every spin is independent. The ball has no memory. If 17 hasn't hit in 50 spins, it's not "due." If 23 hits three times in a row, it's not "hot." That's the gambler's fallacy. You're making bad bets based on patterns that aren't real.
Ignoring the table minimum rules
Most tables want your total inside bets to hit the minimum, not each chip you put down. So if the minimum's $10, you can drop ten $1 chips on different numbers. Get this wrong and you'll have an awkward moment at the table or get your bets tossed.
Betting your entire bankroll on one spin
Inside bets swing so hard that this is super risky. A straight-up on a European wheel? About 2.7% chance. Not good. Spread your money out over more spins so you get more shots at winning and don't bust out fast.
Play crypto roulette inside bets at JB
JB has roulette where you can deposit crypto fast, cash out instantly, and verify every spin's fair. Provably fair means you can check for yourself that each spin wasn't rigged. You don't have to just trust them.
Whether you prefer European or American variants, JB's roulette tables let you place inside bets with the speed and transparency that crypto-native players expect.
FAQs about roulette inside bets
What is the minimum inside bet on roulette?
Table minimums vary by casino and table, but most require your combined inside bets to meet the minimum rather than each individual chip. So a $10 minimum usually means $10 total for all your inside bets, not $10 on each number.
Can you place multiple inside bets on one spin?
Yeah, and most people do exactly that. People usually spread chips across different numbers, splits, or corners. You can make as many inside bets as you want on one spin. Just hit the table minimum.
Do inside bets work the same in online roulette?
The rules, payouts, and odds are identical to live tables. The only difference is how you place bets. Instead of putting down actual chips, you click or tap the screen.
What happens to inside bets when the ball lands on zero?
All inside bets lose unless you bet on zero (or double zero if you're on an American wheel). You can put straight-ups, splits, or corners on the zeros, and you'll win if zero comes up.
