Roulette Betting Systems: Complete Guide
Learn about popular roulette betting systems including Martingale, Fibonacci, D'Alembert, and Labouchere. Understand how each system works, their advantages, and limitations.
Understanding Betting Systems
Betting systems are structured approaches to managing your bets in roulette. While they cannot overcome the house edge (which is mathematically fixed), they can help manage your bankroll and provide structure to your betting.
Important: No betting system can guarantee wins or overcome the house edge. These systems are tools for bankroll management, not winning strategies.
Popular Betting Systems
Martingale System
Double your bet after every loss, return to original bet after win
Advantages:
- Simple to understand
- Quick recovery from losses
- Works in short term
Disadvantages:
- Requires large bankroll
- Table limits can stop you
- High risk
Best for: Short sessions with large bankroll
Fibonacci System
Follow Fibonacci sequence: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13...
Advantages:
- Less aggressive than Martingale
- Gradual progression
- Manageable bets
Disadvantages:
- Slower recovery
- Still requires bankroll
- No guarantee
Best for: Moderate bankroll players
D'Alembert System
Increase bet by one unit after loss, decrease by one after win
Advantages:
- Conservative approach
- Lower risk
- Works well for even-money bets
Disadvantages:
- Slow progression
- Requires many wins
- Not for high volatility
Best for: Conservative players
Labouchere System
Write sequence of numbers, bet sum of first and last, cross them off after win
Advantages:
- Flexible system
- Customizable sequence
- Structured approach
Disadvantages:
- Complex to track
- Requires planning
- Can be confusing
Best for: Experienced players
Paroli System
Double bet after win, return to base after loss (reverse Martingale)
Advantages:
- Low risk
- Protects winnings
- Good for winning streaks
Disadvantages:
- Misses big wins
- Requires discipline
- Limited profit potential
Best for: Players on winning streaks
Martingale System Explained
The Martingale is the most famous betting system. Here's how it works:
- Start with a base bet (e.g., $10)
- If you win, bet $10 again
- If you lose, double your bet to $20
- Continue doubling after each loss
- When you win, return to base bet of $10
Example Sequence:
Loss: $10 → Loss: $20 → Loss: $40 → Win: $80
After the win, you've recovered all losses plus $10 profit.
⚠️ Warning:
A losing streak of 7-8 spins can require bets of $640-$1280. Table limits and bankroll constraints make this system risky for extended play.
Fibonacci System Explained
The Fibonacci system uses the famous mathematical sequence where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34...
- Start with 1 unit bet
- After a loss, move to the next number in sequence
- After a win, move back two numbers
- Continue following the sequence
Example:
Bet 1 → Loss → Bet 1 → Loss → Bet 2 → Loss → Bet 3 → Win → Bet 1
D'Alembert System Explained
The D'Alembert is a conservative system that increases bets by one unit after losses and decreases by one unit after wins.
- Start with base bet (e.g., $10)
- After loss: bet $11 (increase by 1)
- After win: bet $9 (decrease by 1)
- Continue this pattern
This system assumes wins and losses will eventually balance out, making it safer but slower than Martingale.
Which System Should You Use?
For Large Bankrolls
Martingale can work for short sessions, but beware of table limits.
For Moderate Bankrolls
Fibonacci or D'Alembert offer safer progression with manageable risk.
For Conservative Players
D'Alembert or Paroli provide low-risk approaches to betting.
For Experienced Players
Labouchere offers flexibility but requires careful tracking.
Important Reminders
- ⚠No System Beats the House Edge: All systems are for bankroll management, not guaranteed wins
- ⚠Table Limits Matter: Progressive systems can hit table maximums quickly
- ⚠Bankroll Required: Most systems need substantial bankrolls to work
- ⚠Set Limits: Always set win/loss limits before starting
Play Roulette at Bet2Jet
Test betting systems and enjoy European, American, and French roulette!