Fancy a spin on the roulette wheel but not sure what all those bets in the middle mean? Inside bets can look mysterious at first, yet they’re where you’ll find the highest single-number payouts on the table. This guide explains each bet type, how much they pay, and how they differ from outside bets so you can spot your options quickly and confidently.
Whether you’re new to roulette or refreshing your knowledge before a visit, the explanations below are clear and practical. Read on to learn how each inside bet works and what it could return, with examples to make the layout easier to picture.
Ready to dive in and make sense of inside bets? We’ll begin by defining what they are and where they sit on the layout.
What Are Inside Bets in Roulette?
Inside bets are wagers placed on the numbered grid in the centre of the roulette table. They cover a single number or a small cluster of numbers and, because they target a narrow set of outcomes, they offer higher payouts than bets covering broader categories.
These wagers differ from outside bets, which cover larger groups such as colour or odd/even. Inside bets are made directly on or between the numbers, and each type has a distinct position on the felt. They appeal to players who like aiming for bigger returns on a single spin. Next, we’ll look at each bet in detail so you can see exactly how they’re positioned and what they cover.
Types of Inside Bets Explained
Inside bets are defined by how many numbers they cover and where chips are placed on the table. They are made on the numbered grid in the centre of the layout rather than on the outside propositions. Below are the main types and how to recognise them when you are at the layout, along with a brief note about how coverage affects potential payouts.
Straight-Up Bets: The Basics
A straight-up bet is placed directly on one number, including zero. Because it covers only a single outcome, this bet carries the highest payout among inside bets. It is the simplest to place and the simplest to understand, but it is also the least likely to win on any single spin.
Split Bets: Covering Two Numbers
A split bet covers two adjacent numbers. Chips are placed on the line between the two numbers, and the wager wins if either number appears. Split bets offer a lower payout than a straight-up but give you coverage of two possible outcomes with one chip.
Street Bets: Betting on Three Numbers in a Row
A street bet covers three numbers in a horizontal row. The chip is positioned at the end of that row, outside the number grid, to include all three numbers. This bet balances a wider coverage with a correspondingly smaller payout than splits and straight-ups.
Corner Bets: The Four-Number Option
A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at a corner point. Placing the chip where those four numbers intersect covers them all for a single stake. Corner bets are useful when you want to cover a compact block of numbers while keeping your stake concentrated in one spot.
Six Line Bets: Betting on Two Rows
A six line, or double street, covers two adjacent rows, so six numbers in total. The chip is placed on the line at the junction between those rows. This covers a larger section of the grid and therefore pays less per unit than the smaller inside bets, but it increases the chance of a winning number appearing on a spin.
Each of these bets targets specific parts of the inside grid, and the next section explains how the payouts change as the number of covered outcomes increases. Remember that different bets change the balance between how often you might win and how much you would be paid when you do.
Payouts for Each Inside Bet Type
Payouts for inside bets are fixed and reflect how many numbers the wager covers. Here are the standard returns, shown as what you would win for each £1 staked, plus your original stake.
- Straight-up: 35 to 1.
- Split: 17 to 1.
- Street: 11 to 1.
- Corner: 8 to 1.
- Six line: 5 to 1.
For example, a £1 straight-up on 17 that wins would return £36 in total: £35 in winnings plus the original £1 stake. These figures don’t change with play frequency or stake size. With that in mind, the next section looks at how to place these bets at a physical table so you can be sure your chips go in the right spot.
How to Place an Inside Bet at the Table
Placing inside bets is a visual task: chips go directly onto the numbers, lines or intersections that represent the bet you want. At a casino table, wait until betting is open and then place chips according to the bet type you’ve chosen—on the number for a straight-up, on a line for a split, at a row end for a street, at an intersection for a corner, or at the junction of two rows for a six line.
Online tables mirror the same layout and let you click or tap on the precise area to place each wager. Be aware of the table’s minimum and maximum stakes before placing bets so your wagers fit within the limits. With placement clear, the next section compares inside bets with outside bets so you can decide which style suits your approach.
Comparing Inside Bets to Outside Bets: Which Is Better?
Inside and outside bets represent different risk–reward styles. Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups and pay more when they hit. Outside bets cover broader categories like red/black, odd/even or high/low; they win more frequently but with smaller payouts.
Which is better depends on what you want from play. If you prefer occasional larger wins and a focused layout, inside bets suit that taste. If steadier, lower payouts feel better, outside bets are the natural choice. Importantly, both types are subject to the same house edge, so neither changes the long-term mathematical expectation. If you’re undecided, mixing a few inside bets with some outside coverage is a common approach that balances both styles. Next, we’ll dispel some common misconceptions that often surround inside betting.
Common Myths About Inside Bets
A few persistent myths can cloud judgement at the table. One is the idea that certain numbers are “due” after a sequence of spins. In fact, each spin is an independent event, so previous outcomes do not affect future results.
Another myth is that betting systems or patterns can change the odds of inside bets. Systems may manage stake size or structure play, but they do not alter the underlying probabilities or the fixed payouts associated with each bet type.
Finally, placing multiple inside bets to cover large portions of the table does not change the house edge. It merely redistributes stake across more potential outcomes. With misconceptions cleared up, the next section answers common practical questions players often have.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inside Bets
Players often want to know how flexible inside betting is and what rules apply. You can place multiple inside bets at the same time, limited only by the table’s minimums, maximums and layout space. Limits vary between tables and between live and online games, so checking the rules before you start is sensible.
Some ask whether any inside bet is statistically superior. Each bet type has its fixed payout and probability; none provides a mathematical advantage over another. Questions about fairness are common too. Reputable operators use certified random number generators or well-maintained wheels to ensure spins are fair and unbiased, and independent testing bodies verify this.
If concerns about gambling arise, support and information are available through recognised organisations such as GamCare and BeGambleAware, which offer confidential guidance and resources.
Straight-Up Bet
A straight-up bet places a chip directly on a single number, including zero, covering only that number. Because it targets a lone outcome, it has the highest payout among inside bets and suits players aiming for the largest single-spin returns.
Split Bet
A split bet covers two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. It reduces the risk compared with a straight-up while still offering a substantial payout.
Street Bet
A street bet covers three numbers in a horizontal row and is placed at the row’s outer edge. It provides a middle ground between coverage and payout, useful for players who want some spread without covering too many numbers.
Corner Bet
A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at an intersection. The chip is placed where the four numbers touch, offering broader coverage than a street while keeping the potential payout higher than most outside bets.
Six Line Bet
A six line bet covers two adjacent rows so six numbers in total. It is placed on the junction between the two rows and gives wider coverage with a correspondingly smaller payout than the smaller inside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets is the umbrella term for any wager placed on the numbered grid in the table’s centre. These bets contrast with outside bets, which cover categories such as colour or odd/even and are placed on the outer areas of the layout.
Familiarity with these terms and how each bet is placed gives a clear picture of the inside betting options and what to expect from their payouts. Use that understanding to choose the mix of bets that fits your style, and enjoy the variety of ways the inside grid can be played.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.