Roulette Side Bets: Types, Odds, and Strategies
Roulette side bets? They're extra wagers you throw down during the same spin, and they pay way more than your regular bets if you hit the right combo. These bets run on their own track. They've got different odds and different rules than your normal inside or outside bets.
We're breaking down the most popular side bets, what the odds actually look like, and how to use them without blowing through your money in three spins.
What are roulette side bets?
Think of side bets as bonus wagers you can drop on the table during your regular play. Your regular bets cover numbers, colors, or chunks of the table. Side bets? They win or lose based on completely separate rules. They typically offer longer odds and higher payouts because they're harder to hit.
The appeal is pretty straightforward. A small additional wager can return a much larger payout than traditional roulette bets. Some side bets can return 100:1, 200:1, even 300:1 if you nail the right combination.
You'll find side bets at many online roulette tables, particularly in live dealer games and crypto roulette variants. Not every table offers them, though, so checking the rules before you sit down takes just a few seconds and saves confusion later.
How side bets differ from inside and outside bets
Roulette has three types of bets you need to know about. Knowing the difference keeps you from betting on something you didn't mean to.
Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups of numbers directly on the table layout. Betting one number straight up? That's 35:1. Splits hit two adjacent numbers, streets grab three in a row. They don't hit often. But when they do? The payout's bigger.
Outside bets cover larger groupings like red/black, odd/even, or columns. These pay about even money and win close to half the time (that zero's always lurking, though). Want your session to last? Outside bets keep you in the game longer.
Side bets work independently from both. They're bonus bets with separate rules and payouts. Some run across multiple spins. Others feed progressive jackpots. A few only pay out when something really specific happens.
Popular roulette side bets
Side bet options change depending on which table you're at. Here are the side bets you'll actually see when you play online or at live tables.
Lucky Ball roulette
The game picks a random "lucky" number before every spin. If you bet it and the ball actually lands there? You get a much bigger payout than usual. No strategy involved here. That's it. Just another shot at winning more money on that spin.
Jackpot Streets Double Six
This one targets certain street combinations that include the number six. Hit one of those qualifying numbers and you cash out. Rules change depending on who's running the table, but it's for people who like betting on patterns instead of random shots.
Roul 8
Roul 8 covers the number eight plus the numbers sitting next to it on the wheel. Ball drops anywhere in that cluster? You win. It's a neighbor bet, good for when you'd rather cover a chunk of the wheel instead of random single numbers.
Progressive jackpot bets
Some tables have a progressive side bet where your wagers build up a prize pool. Every bet you place kicks a little into the jackpot. It pays when you hit something really rare.
The trade-off? Progressive bets usually have a worse house edge than regular side bets. You're paying for the chance at a large win, not consistent returns.
Hot and cold number bets
Some tables show "hot" numbers that just hit a bunch of times and "cold" numbers that haven't shown up in a while. You can bet on these patterns either keeping up or flipping.
One thing worth knowing: roulette outcomes are independent events. Past spins don't actually change what happens next. The math doesn't work that way. Hot and cold betting is fun to chase, but it won't give you a real edge.
Roulette side bet odds and payouts
Side bets pay better because they're tougher to hit. That's the fundamental trade-off at play.
Bet one number straight up? You get 35:1, but you're only hitting about 2.7% of the time on European wheels. Lots of side bets pay 100:1, 200:1, even higher. Trade-off? They hit way less often.
Here's how the math works in practice:
- Higher payouts compensate for lower win probability
- Variable structures mean each side bet type has its own odds
- Small wagers can lead to large returns, but infrequently
Some side bets publish their odds clearly in the game rules. Others don't. When you can find the numbers, check the expected return. It'll tell you which side bets actually make sense for how you play.
House edge on roulette side bets
House edge is just how much the casino's winning over the long run. European roulette? House edge runs about 2.7% on most bets. American wheels with the double zero bump it up to around 5.26%.
Side bets usually come with a worse house edge than your regular roulette bets. The edge can run anywhere from 5% to over 15%, depending on which bet you're making. That's the cost of chasing bigger payouts.
This doesn't make side bets inherently bad. They're built for fun and the chance at a big score, not for slowly grinding out consistent wins. Get that difference and you can have fun with side bets without expecting them to pay out consistently.
Pros and cons of roulette side bets
Side bets aren't for everyone. Here's what you're getting and what you're giving up.
Advantages of side bets
- Entertainment value: Side bets add excitement to standard roulette without changing the core game
- Big payout potential: A single spin can return 100x or more on a small wager
- Low per-bet cost: Most side bets accept minimum stakes, so you're not risking much per spin
- Variety: Different side bet types keep sessions from feeling repetitive
Disadvantages of side bets
- Higher house edge: The casino keeps more over time compared to standard bets
- Lower hit frequency: Wins are less consistent, which can feel frustrating during cold streaks
- Bankroll drain: Small bets add up across sessions, especially when placed every spin
- Information gaps: Not all tables clearly display side bet odds or house edge figures
Roulette side bet strategies
Side bets don't work with systems like Martingale or Fibonacci. Those systems only work on even-money bets. Side bets operate differently. Still, there are ways to play side bets without torching your bankroll.
1. Set a side bet budget
Figure out your side bet budget before you start playing. Try this: put 10-20% of your money toward side bets, keep the rest for regular betting. That way you get the extra action without going broke when the side bets don't hit.
2. Target lower house edge options
If you can find the house edge numbers, compare them before you bet. Some are significantly worse than others. A 7% edge beats a 15% edge every time, even when the payouts look about the same.
3. Treat side bets as entertainment
Treat side bets like bonus fun. Don't count on them to win you money. The math's against you winning consistently. Expect that and you won't get frustrated. Enjoy the occasional hit without chasing losses.
4. Skip the progressive jackpot chase
Progressive side bets rarely pay out. The jackpots look appealing, but the odds of hitting them are extremely low. Drop a progressive bet every single spin, session after session? It adds up fast and you're probably not winning it back.
Like the rush? Go ahead and throw down a progressive bet once in a while. Make it a habit and you'll watch your money disappear.
Are roulette side bets worth it?
Depends what you're after.
Want to stretch your money and play longer? Side bets aren't the move. That higher house edge eats your money faster over time.
Love chasing big payouts and don't care about winning less often? Side bets make things more exciting. A tiny bet returning 200:1 hits different than grinding even-money bets all night. Sure, the math's worse, but it's way more fun.
Most players land somewhere in the middle. They throw down a side bet here and there for variety. Keep it cheap. Don't count on it carrying your session. Players seeking additional variety often explore different table games between roulette sessions. That middle-ground approach keeps things fun without wrecking your bankroll.
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