Inside bets, outside bets, combinations, hedges, with all of this choice, how are we expected to know what to do at the roulette table? This quick overview of roulette rules should provide you with a good sense of the game, and a decent understanding of the bets available. We'll start with a look at the inside bets and the outside bets.

Outside Bets

As stated earlier on our how to play roulette page, the outside bets are located along the outer edge of the table, and include all bets outside the central grid of numbers. There are no winning outside bets for 0 or 00 results. Here are the different types of outside bets:

Red & Black - A common roulette bet, since it's governing rules are so intuitive, you can choose to bet on the deciding number either being a red pocket or a black pocket. There is an area on the roulette table with the words 'red' or 'black' in them, and are most often colored.

It is easy to understand that this bet gives you almost half a chance of winning. Red and black bets are paid even money, meaning if you bet $5, you win $5, and so receive $10 back from the dealer.

Odd & Even - Just like the Red / Black bet, this is an even money bet based on whether the number will be odd or even. Since 0 does not count as either odd nor even, there are 36 numbers, the same number of odds as evens. You can place this bet by putting your chips in the middle of the square marked 'even' or the square marked 'odd', most often found very near the Red / Black areas.

Low & high - This bet gives you the option of betting the number will be in the range from 1 to 18, or the range from 19 to 36. This is an even money bet. To place this bet find the boxes with the appropriate number ranges printed on them on the table.

Columns - Roulette rules also allow for you to bet on ranges of numbers according to how they are arranged within the Inside betting numbers grid. At one end of the set of 38 numbers there are a set of three boxes, each corresponding to a column of numbers on the grid. You'll see the words '2 to 1' written in them. If a number from within the column you are betting on comes up, you win, and are paid 2 to 1.

Dozens - Very similar to the Low & High bet, this could be called the Low, Medium & High bet. The 36 available numbers can be easily split into dozens, and you can bet on the resulting number being part of these ranges. The first dozen numbers include 1-12, the second dozen 13-24, and the third dozen numbers 25-36. You may find these bets simply labeled 1st 12, 2nd 12, 3rd 12. The bet pays 2 to 1.

Inside Bets

As was mentioned earlier, the roulette board offers two general types of bets, the outside bets and the inside bets. The major difference between the two is based on the table minimum. If the minimum bet for the table is $10, any and all outside bets must be at least $10. Inside bets on the other hand only have to add up to $10. This means you can bet $1 on ten different inside bet numbers for a table with a $10 minimum bet.

Straight Up Bet - This bet is a bet on a single number. You place your chips, or have the dealer place your chips, on a single number on the inside board, and if you win you are paid back at 35 to 1.

Split Bet - The split bet is an example of how you can disperse your inside bets. As the name implies you can take your $1 bet and split it across two numbers. To do so, simply ask for a split and the two numbers, or place your chip down on the line that joins the two numbers. You can only split bet numbers that lie beside one another on the board layout. The bet pays 17 to 1 if either of your numbers come up.

Street Bet - Similar to the split bet, the street bet lets you choose three numbers on one bet. Again, the numbers need to be near one another, in the same row in fact. To bet on a row of three numbers place your chips on the line that is the outside edge of the row. This pays 11 to 1.

Corner Bet - Just like the split bet and street bet, a corner bet is a combinational wager. It lets you bet on four numbers at one time. The numbers must be beside one another. To place this bet put your chips down on the intersecting point of all four numbers. This pays 8 to 1.

The Five Number Bet - The five number bet in roulette rules is unique, in that it alters the house edge. Sadly though, not in the players favor. A five number bet is a bet that any of 0, 00, 1, 2, or 3 are hit. What makes the bet bad is that you are only paid 6 to 1.