If you’re curious about roulette and want to understand exactly what a line bet is, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to sharpen your betting knowledge, knowing the difference between outside bets helps you follow the action with more confidence.
Many players find the range of betting options a little confusing at first. This guide explains what a line bet does, how it sits among other wagers, and what the practical differences are so you can make clearer choices at the table.
Ready to learn more? We’ll start with the basic definition and then look at how different bet types compare and what that means for your play.
What Does a Line Bet Mean in Roulette?
A line bet is an inside wager that covers six numbers with a single chip. You might also hear it called a “six line” or “double street.” To place one, the chip is set on the boundary where two adjacent rows of three numbers meet. For example, placing the chip between the rows 4–5–6 and 7–8–9 covers all six of those numbers.
The payout for a successful line bet is 5 to 1, so a winning £1 stake returns £5 plus the original stake. The appeal of the line bet comes from its middle-ground nature: it spreads coverage across several numbers while still placing action on the inner grid of the layout.
Types of Inside Bets in Roulette Explained
Inside bets are made on specific numbers or small groups within the numbered grid. They tend to involve fewer numbers and therefore higher payouts when they hit. The most common inside bets are:
- Straight up: a single number, chip placed directly on that number.
- Split: two adjoining numbers, chip on the shared line.
- Street: a row of three numbers, chip at the outer edge of that row.
- Corner (square): four numbers that meet at one corner, chip placed at the junction.
- Five-number bet: an option on some tables that covers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3.
- Line: the six-number wager described above.
Each of these bets has different odds and a distinct feel at the table: straights and splits are more focused, while streets, corners and lines widen your coverage without moving to the outer betting areas.
If you’d like to compare these to broader bets, the next section covers outside bets and how they differ in approach and payout.
Types of Outside Bets in Roulette Explained
Outside bets sit around the main grid and cover larger swathes of numbers. They are placed on the outer part of the table and are generally easier to read at a glance than inside bets, which are on individual numbers or small groups. Because they cover more numbers, outside bets tend to offer steadier returns and lower volatility.
They include wagers on colour, parity, number ranges and groups such as dozens and columns. Common outside bets are:
- Betting on red or black wagers on the colour of the outcome.
- Odd or even targets number parity.
- High or low separates 1–18 from 19–36.
- Dozens divide the layout into three groups of 12 numbers (1–12, 13–24, 25–36).
- Column bets cover every number in a vertical column on the layout.
Outside bets generally pay less per unit staked than inside bets because they cover more numbers, so individual wins are smaller. They change the rhythm of play by offering steadier, lower-risk options that many players use to manage their stake and session length.
How Do Line Bets Compare to Other Roulette Bets?
Line bets occupy a middle position between the concentrated risk of straight-up and split bets and the broad coverage of outside bets. Compared with a straight-up, a line bet covers six numbers instead of one, so it reduces variance while also lowering the top payout. Compared with an outside wager such as a dozen or red/black, a line bet offers narrower coverage and a higher payout if it wins.
That combination appeals to players who want more involvement in the inner grid without placing multiple separate chips. The choice between bet types is therefore often about the balance you prefer between payout size and how many numbers you want covered each spin.
What Are the Odds & Payouts for Line Bets?
Line bets cover six numbers, and the payout is 5 to 1. The chance of a line bet winning depends on which wheel is used: on a European-style wheel with 37 pockets the probability is 6 in 37, and on an American-style wheel with 38 pockets it is 6 in 38. These figures reflect the number of pockets covered compared with the total number of pockets on the wheel.
Because the table layout and pocket count determine the raw probabilities, understanding which wheel you are playing on helps clarify how a line bet stacks up versus other wagers. Keep in mind that the house edge remains present on every bet type; outcomes are random and no wager eliminates that edge.
Before placing a line bet it’s useful to check the layout so you’re certain which six numbers are covered. Dealers and floor staff can point out the correct chip placement if you’re uncertain.
Common Myths About Roulette Bet Types
Roulette attracts plenty of myths and misinformation. A few persistent ones:
- “Certain bet types are due to win”: past spins do not change the probability of future spins. Each outcome is independent and determined by the wheel and ball.
- “Inside or outside bets guarantee better returns”: no single category of bet changes the house edge; they only alter volatility and payout size.
- “Patterns or systems can beat the game”: betting systems may change how you size or sequence bets, but they cannot alter the underlying probabilities.
Understanding these points helps you evaluate claims you might hear at the table or online and keeps expectations realistic about what any bet can deliver.
A clear head about how the game works also makes it easier to choose the bets that suit your preferred balance of risk and reward.
Choosing Between Inside & Outside Bets: What Should You Know?
When choosing between inside and outside bets, consider what you want from each spin. Inside bets give the chance of larger payouts but cover fewer numbers; outside bets reduce variance by covering more numbers with smaller payouts. Line bets sit between these extremes, spreading risk across six numbers while still offering a higher payout than most outside wagers.
People sometimes favour systems or particular numbers, but these do not change the underlying probabilities. What matters more is matching your betting pattern to the experience you want and the limits you set for yourself. Decide beforehand how much you are comfortable staking, and stick to that plan so the game remains an entertainment expense rather than a financial pressure.
Roulette Bet FAQs
When deciding which bets to try, it helps to reflect on risk appetite and personal preference. Below are common questions players ask when choosing bets.
Are inside or outside bets better for beginners?
- There’s no single answer. Some new players prefer outside bets because they cover more numbers, while others enjoy aiming for higher payouts with inside bets. Experiment within your limits to find what feels right.
Can I use a system or pattern to improve my chances?
- No system can change the mathematical probabilities of the game. Systems may alter how you manage your stake but do not influence outcomes.
How do I set safe limits for my roulette play?
- Decide on a budget in advance, stick to it, and take breaks if you find focus slipping. Avoid increasing stakes to recover losses.
Who can I talk to if I feel my gambling is becoming difficult to manage?
- If you notice gambling starting to cause worry, there are confidential support services available to help. Talking to a professional service can provide guidance and options without judgement.
Roulette offers a range of bet types to suit different preferences. Knowing what each bet covers and how it compares to others lets you make clearer choices at the table. If you want to try different approaches, do so within the limits you set and stay aware of how the game feels for you.
**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.