Table of Contents
- Martingale Roulette Betting System
- D’Alembert Roulette Betting System
- Fibonacci Roulette Betting System
- Paroli Roulette Betting System
- Labouchere Roulette Betting System
- Other Roulette Strategies
- Reverse Roulette Betting Systems
- James Bond Roulette Strategy
- Andrucci Roulette Strategy
- Factors that Affect Your Roulette Betting Strategy
- How to Find the Best Roulette Roulette Strategy for You
- Our Top Tips for Using Roulette Strategies
- The Most Successful Betting Strategies
- Why You Should Use a Betting Strategy when Playing Roulette
- Roulette Strategies FAQ
Martingale Roulette Betting System
The Martingale system is the most popular strategy at roulette casinos. It requires you to double your bet after every win and reset to the original bet when a loss occurs. The idea is that when you win, you are guaranteed to recoup all your losses at once, plus a small profit equal to the original bet.
The Martingale system works best on even money bets, Red/Black, High/Low, and Even/Odd. These bets have an almost 50% chance of winning and pay 1 to 1. The exponential growth of your bets can easily skyrocket the betting amount when on a losing streak. So, with this system, you need to start from the minimum betting limit on the roulette table.
| Round | Wager | Outcome | Profit/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | £1 | Loss | -£1 |
| 2 | £2 | Loss | -£2 |
| 3 | £4 | Loss | -£4 |
| 4 | £8 | Loss | -£8 |
| 5 | £16 | Win | £16 |
| 6 | £1 | Loss | -£1 |
| 7 | £2 | Win | £2 |
| Total Profit = £2 |
The major advantage of the Martingale system is its simplicity and potential for short-term success. It’s essential to approach the technique with the understanding that it’s more of a short-term tactic than a surefire path to consistent winnings.
D’Alembert Roulette Betting System
D’Alembert is similar to Martingale in being a negative progressive betting strategy where you increase your bet whenever you lose and reduce it after a win. However, this one seeks to reduce the strain on your bankroll compared to Martingale. Rather than doubling your bets, you simply increase it by a bet unit. When you win, you reduce by that same unit. This way, there’s a smaller risk of hitting the table’s limit or losing a significant portion of your bankroll quickly.
It doesn’t guarantee coverage of all your losses like Martingale, but it works to avoid excessive losses while taking advantage of the idea that you’re more likely to win after a loss. To use this strategy, you should pick an even money bet and start with a small amount. In the table below, we consider a starting bet of £5 and an increasing/decreasing unit bet of £1.
| Round | Wager | Outcome | Profit/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | £5 | Loss | -£5 |
| 2 | £6 | Loss | -£6 |
| 3 | £7 | Loss | -£7 |
| 4 | £8 | Win | £8 |
| 5 | £7 | Win | £7 |
| 6 | £6 | Loss | -£6 |
| 7 | £7 | Win | £7 |
| Total Loss = -£2 |
Fibonacci Roulette Betting System
This strategy follows the sequence of numbers developed by the Italian mathematician of the same name. The sequence is built by combining two preceding numbers to create the next number in the series. It goes like this: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, …. You simply place bets according to the number series.
Fibonacci’s is another negative progression system where you increase bets after a loss and reduce them after a win. When a loss occurs, you move on to the next number. In the case of a win, you go back two numbers. Here’s an illustration using an even money Red/Black bet.
| Round | Wager | Outcome | Profit/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | £1 | Loss | -£1 |
| 2 | £1 | Loss | -£1 |
| 3 | £2 | Loss | -£2 |
| 4 | £3 | Loss | -£3 |
| 5 | £5 | Win | £5 |
| 6 | £2 | Loss | £2 |
| 7 | £3 | Win | £3 |
| Total Profit = £3 |
Paroli Roulette Betting System
Paroli is the first positive progression strategy on our list. It focuses on doubling your bet after each win rather than each loss. The typical approach is to start with a base bet on an even-money outcome like red or black. If you win, you double your bet. If you lose, you return to your original bet size.
This method has a specific goal – to achieve three consecutive wins. The process usually continues for three wins in a row after which you must reset to the base bet, and begin the cycle again.
| Round | Wager | Outcome | Profit/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | £1 | Win | £1 |
| 2 | £2 | Win | £2 |
| 3 | £4 | Win | £4 |
| 4 | £1 | Loss | -£1 |
| 5 | £1 | Loss | -£1 |
| 6 | £1 | Win | £1 |
| 7 | £2 | Win | £2 |
| Total Profit = £7 |
A key advantage of this strategy is its potential for big wins during a lucky streak while keeping the risk of large losses relatively low. The Paroli method is a popular choice for players who prefer to capitalise on winning streaks without the risk of rapidly escalating bets seen in systems like the Martingale. Unfortunately, the system relies heavily on the occurrence of winning streaks, which are impossible to forecast.
Labouchere Roulette Betting System
The Labouchere system, also known as the cancellation system, is a more complex roulette betting strategy. It involves using a sequence of numbers in a line to determine the amount of your bet. You start by putting down a sequence of numbers, for example, 1-2-3. Your bet is the sum of the first and last number (in this case, 1 + 3 = 4). If you win, you cross off both numbers. If you lose, you add the amount you’ve just bet to the sequence (making it 1-2-3-4).
You are free to choose your own sequence of numbers. The goal is to cross off all numbers in the sequence, at which point the profit should equal the sum of the original sequence.
| Round | Sequence | Wager | Outcome | Profit/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-2-3 | £4 | Loss | -£4 |
| 2 | 1-2-3-4 | £5 | Loss | -£5 |
| 3 | 1-2-3-4-5 | £6 | Loss | -£6 |
| 4 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | £7 | Win | £7 |
| 5 | 2-3-4-5 | £7 | Loss | -£7 |
| 6 | 2-3-4-5-7 | £9 | Loss | -£9 |
| 7 | 2-3-4-5-7-9 | £11 | Win | £11 |
| 8 | 3-4-5-7 | £10 | Win | £10 |
| 9 | 4-5 | £9 | Win | £9 |
| Total profit = £6 |
You’ll need to really pay attention when using this system. It can become complicated, especially if you enter a losing streak, leading to increasingly larger bets and a longer sequence. This can quickly escalate the risk. On the bright side, the Labouchere system provides a structured approach to betting, and you don’t need to win as many bets as you lose to come out ahead.
Other Roulette Strategies
Here are some more betting strategies you can try when playing this game. These ones are not as popular but are worth considering if you like to diversify your betting tactics.
Reverse Roulette Betting Systems
Many of the top roulette betting strategies can also be used in the reverse form. Typically, any progressive betting system can be reversed. If the traditional system says to increase bets on a loss and reduce on a win, the reverse would require you to increase bets on a win and reduce on a loss.
You’re probably wondering which is better between traditional systems and their reverse counterparts. Mathematically, there’s no better or worse option. Taking Martingale, for example, the traditional approach aims to beat losing streaks and recover your losses, but the reverse Martingale takes advantage of winning runs. Both can be successful, but you always have to use them with caution.
The most common reverse betting strategies include:
- Reverse Martingale
- Reverse D’Alembert
- Reverse Fibonacci
James Bond Roulette Strategy
Named after the famous fictional spy, this unique betting system isn’t just for the gambling movies. It can also be used in real life and involves placing a series of bets to cover a significant portion of the outcomes on a roulette wheel. The strategy typically requires a substantial bankroll to be effective, at least £20 per round.
Here’s how the bets are structured under this system:
- £14 on the high numbers (19-36)
- £5 on a six-line bet covering numbers 13-18
- £1 on zero for insurance
Only lower numbers (1-12) are not covered, so this strategy is banking on these numbers not coming up. The obvious advantage here is that more than half of the possible outcomes on the wheel are covered, offering a high chance of winning on each spin. This spread of bets can lead to consistent small wins if the ball lands on the majority of numbers you’ve covered. If the ball consistently lands on the lower 1 – 12 numbers, which aren’t covered by the bets, then it’s just not your lucky day.
Andrucci Roulette Strategy
The Andrucci system is a roulette betting strategy based on the principle of chaos theory, which posits that seemingly random events can show some order over time.
This system involves observing the roulette wheel for a short period, taking note of numbers that come up regularly. This should typically last for about 30 spins, and during this time, players can make safe, even money bets. The idea is to identify a number or numbers that appear more often than the others, the so-called hot numbers. Then you begin placing single bets on those hot numbers. Since the payout for straight-up bets is 35:1, you can potentially win big on a small bet.
However, this is not a structured system like other betting strategies. Rather, it is based on pattern recognition and the flawed belief that past occurrences can predict future events. Also, since betting on single numbers has the lowest probability of winning, this strategy is extremely high risk. It caters to players who like the idea of winning big in one fell swoop and are willing to risk it on fallacious thinking and pure luck.
Factors that Affect Your Roulette Betting Strategy
Besides roulette gameplay, several factors can influence your betting strategy. It’s necessary that you have them in mind before you settle on your preferred technique.
Table Limits
Table limits dictate the minimum and maximum bets you can place on a single spin. These limits vary from table to table and can significantly influence your betting strategy. For strategies like the Martingale, where you have to double your bets continuously on losing streaks, you may hit the max table limit before you can recoup your bets. In this case, you’ll need to go for tables with higher limits.
Type of Roulette Game
The type of roulette game you choose to play can affect the odds and your overall experience. American roulette includes an extra slot, the double zero, which increases the house edge. In contrast, European roulette, with a single zero, offers better odds for players. Some strategies may be more effective on the European version due to its lower house edge. For instance, the James Bond Strategy can only work with the European roulette wheel by design.
Type of Roulette Bet
As you’ve probably realised by this point, most of the best roulette betting strategies are typically used on outside bets like red/black, odd/even, or high/low. A few, like the Andrucci system, may lean towards inside bets offering higher payouts but with lower odds of winning. It’s important that your choice of bet aligns with your betting system to ensure the strategy is most effective.
How to Find the Best Roulette Roulette Strategy for You
Considering that every casino player is different, there isn’t an Almighty betting strategy that works for everyone. Most players just go with their gut or follow the trend. We believe it’s much better to find what works best for you.
Here’s what you need to consider to find the perfect strategy for the next time you hit the roulette table:
Your Bankroll
A larger bankroll might allow you to experiment with strategies that require higher bets or take longer to see a return, like the Martingale or Fibonacci systems. On the other hand, a smaller bankroll would be better suited to more conservative strategies, like the D’Alembert which requires smaller bets and poses less risk to your funds.
Your Confidence/Experience Level
Are you a seasoned player or new to the roulette wheel? Your experience level can greatly influence the complexity of the strategy you choose. Beginners should go for simpler, more straightforward systems. More experienced players may opt for complex systems like Labouchere or Andrucci.
Your Risk Tolerance
Some players are thrill-seekers, while others prefer to play it safe. If you’re comfortable with high risks, you might lean towards strategies that involve high-reward bets, like straight-up number betting. If you’re risk-averse, you might prefer strategies that focus on even-money bets, which offer a higher probability of winning smaller amounts.
Reason for Playing
Are you playing for fun, or are you aiming to make a consistent profit? If you’re just looking for entertainment, you might be more inclined to try a variety of strategies, focusing on the enjoyment rather than the outcome. However, if your goal is to win money, you’ll want to focus on strategies that offer the best odds while considering your bankroll level, experience and risk tolerance.
Length of Time You Want to Play
Consider how long you intend to play in each session. If you prefer short, quick sessions, a strategy that aims for quick wins, like the James Bond or Martingale system, is best. For longer playing sessions, you’ll want a plan that allows for slow and steady betting, like the D’Alembert, to sustain your bankroll over time and enjoy prolonged play.
Our Top Tips for Using Roulette Strategies
- Know that you can’t win all the time – Having realistic expectations can impact the quality of your gaming session. If you realise that roulette isn’t a get-rich scheme, you’ll be happy to break even or go home with a small profit.
- Practice with free roulette games – Before putting real money on the line, try practising with free online roulette games. This allows you to get a feel for the game and understand how different strategies work.
- Stick to your strategy – Once you’ve chosen a strategy, give it a fair chance to work. The success of most roulette strategies relies on using them patiently and diligently. Constantly changing strategies can be confusing and counterproductive.
- Avoid gambler’s fallacy – It’s essential to realise that each spin is independent, and previous results have no bearing on what will happen next. Despite listing it in this guide, we do not recommend strategies like Andrucci’s that are based on superstition.
- Practice bankroll management – Set a limit for how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Good bankroll management ensures that you play within your means and helps prevent significant financial losses. It can also help you learn the art of walking away.
- Start with smaller bets – Make sure to begin with smaller bets, especially if you’re new to roulette or trying out a new strategy. Many betting strategies are progressive in nature and can rise to very large amounts. Starting with the smallest bet will let your bankroll last longer and reduce the chance of getting blocked by table limits.
- Focus on outside bets – If you’re looking for more consistent wins, consider focusing on outside bets like red/black or odd/even. Many strategies work best with these bets because of their favourable odds of winning.
- Use casino bonuses – Online casino bonuses can give you extra funds to experiment with strategies without dipping into your bankroll. You usually can’t access live dealer roulette games for free, so taking advantage of a bonus will let you test out these games using the casino’s credits. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions associated with these bonuses.
The Most Successful Betting Strategies
There’s no fool-proof way to win roulette; even the best strategies can fail because this is ultimately a game of chance. There’s also the fact that the longer you play, the more likely you are to lose. Strategies do not alter the house edge, so the casino will always have the advantage. That said, when used right, strategies can positively impact your game, even if only for a short time. Expert gamblers all agree that the following methods are the most used, assuming that the frequency of use is an index of reliability:
- Martingale
- D’Alembert
- Paroli
- Fibonacci
Why You Should Use a Betting Strategy when Playing Roulette
Roulette is ‘that’ game – an extremely popular casino staple that you find everywhere, literally. There’s hardly a casino that doesn’t offer some roulette gaming action. In truth, player demand is not the only reason for roulette’s popularity. It’s also a quick way for casinos to grind out players’ bankrolls, so of course, they love to offer various roulette tables. That’s why you need to bet smart.
Roulette betting systems don’t change the house edge on these games, but they are designed to help you manage your bets and cut down on unnecessary losses. Losing less automatically gives you an upper hand against the house.
Roulette Strategies FAQ
Can I beat the house edge using roulette strategies like Martingale?
Roulette betting systems can put you in the green for a short time. However, in the long run, the house edge will always favour the casino. No strategy can guarantee beating the house edge, so you should simply use these techniques with the aim of maximising your bets and increasing your winning chances.
What is the best roulette strategy for consistent wins?
There’s no such thing as a roulette strategy for consistent wins. Even when using a strategy, roulette remains a chance-based game with random outcomes. You win some, you lose some.
Why does Martingale require players to double their bets after a loss?
The Martingale betting strategy says to double bets after a loss in order to cover up losses in one fell swoop when a win occurs. If you double down on all losing bets, when you win, you’ll get back all you’ve lost plus a small profit equal to your original bet.
Can I play roulette without betting strategies?
Yes, you can. It’s not compulsory to play roulette using a strategy. It’s simply recommended that you do so to better manage your bets and maximise your winning potential.