featured-img-Labouchere-System.png

Roulette is just a game of luck, and there’s nothing you can do to improve your chances of ending up in profit, right? 

Wrong. 

While it’s true you can’t influence how often you win, by using a mathematical strategy such as the Labouchere system, you do have some control over the possible returns.

The Labouchere system won’t increase the probability of a win, but by carefully balancing your stake and the potential returns, it’s a clever way of gaining an advantage. When compared to a flat betting strategy, Labouchere can deliver greater wins over the course of a gaming session. 

We’re going to explore in detail how the Labouchere system works, how it’s best used, and how it compares to other roulette betting systems. 

## What is the Labouchere System?

Let’s start by making one thing clear: the Labouchere system isn’t known for being straightforward. If you’re looking for a roulette betting system that’s easy to follow, there are better alternatives, such as the Martingale system. 

Labouchere is more complex and harder to learn, but it’s still achievable for anyone with practice. There are specific advantages to the Labouchere system that make it attractive to players of all levels of experience. This is why it’s still one of the most popular betting systems for roulette, despite its complexity. 

Labouchere is a progressive betting system, which means the bets increase during gameplay. The system was named after its inventor, English politician Henry Labouchere, who created it during the 19th century. Although the Labouchere system was originally designed for betting on horse racing, it also works well for other even money bets, such as outside bets in roulette. 

Let’s rewind right back to the start, though: what is the Labouchere system, and how does it work for roulette?

## The Principles of The Labouchere System

Most betting systems start with deciding the stake that you want to bet, but Labouchere does things the opposite way around. To get started with Labouchere, you need to first think about how much you want to win in a single session. In theory, this number can be anything you want, but remember: the higher the number is, the more difficult it will be to achieve, and the more you’ll have to bet in the process. 

Take the amount you want to win and divide that into a series of numbers. It doesn’t matter what the numbers are, but they must add up to your chosen win goal. You could divide the number into equal parts or into large and small numbers. It doesn’t matter how long the string of numbers is, but lots of numbers can make it harder to reach your goal. 

Write the numbers in a string. For example, if €10 was your target, you might have a series of numbers like this: 1-1-2-2-3-1. 

Place your first bet by adding the first and last numbers in the string. In the example above, this would mean 1 + 1 = €2 as a first bet. 

If the bet wins, you cross the numbers off and move to the new first and last numbers in the string. In our example, this would mean the second bet would be 1 + 3 = €4. Continue in this way for every winning bet. 

However, if the bet loses, you add the amount you just bet to the string of numbers. Using our example again, if the first bet of £2 lost, the number 2 would be added to the end of the string and it would now look like this: 1-1-2-2-3-1-2. Repeat this action of adding your last bet to the end of the string every time your bet loses. 

The aim is to complete a string of numbers by crossing them all off. If you achieve this, you will have pocketed your target winnings. 

## What To Consider Before Using the Labouchere System

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1713942883/blog/Labouchere%20System%20Made%20Simple:%20A%20Rookie%E2%80%99s%20Guide%20to%20Roulette%20Strategy/img-Labouchere-System-1.png" alt="a player thinking about strategy in front of roulette table" />

As you can see from the above description, the bets on Labouchere increase every time you lose a roulette spin. This needs to be taken into account when you’re planning your initial sequence of numbers. 

When using the Labouchere system, you need to complete the string of numbers to achieve the goal. If you abandon your strategy halfway through, you won’t receive the potential benefits and could end up losing more. 

Therefore, although the stake used for Labouchere doesn’t rise as aggressively as other betting systems, there remains the risk that you might exceed the table limit. This is particularly the case if you’re playing with a high stake. You should, therefore, look for roulette games that can accommodate the size of bet you could end up playing with. Being forced to abandon your Labouchere strategy due to the table limits would be extremely frustrating!

As Labouchere is a progressive system, you need to have strong bankroll management skills. This means not setting your sights too high at the start because values can quickly start to climb. 

Multiple smaller betting strings will often be preferable to a single larger string. This is because it provides more flexibility over your strategy. After you’ve completed a string, you can adjust the bet sizes on the next string to take the position of your bankroll into account. 

This allows you to account for both short- and long-term goals and balance the potential gains against the risk that each goal presents. Larger goals and longer strings have a higher variance, but the benefit of Labouchere is that you can set your own risk level by lowering the goal and/or shortening the string.

Finally, don’t forget that, like many other betting systems, Labouchere is designed to work on bets with even odds. For roulette, this means outside bets offering 1:1, such as red/black, odds/evens, and high/low. It’s not a suitable system to use for inside bets due to the high variance and greater risk.

## How to Create a Betting Plan

With the Labouchere betting system, the key is betting in increments which are affordable and can be sustained. 

Things to consider when creating your betting plan include:

- How long do you plan to play for
- The value of your bankroll, and how much you can afford to lose
- Your attitude to risk
- How much you want to win

Long sequences are more difficult to win, but if you’re concerned about the bet value rising too quickly, you might prefer to break the string down into smaller numbers. As long as the numbers add up to your target value, you can choose any numbers you want. 

Shorter strings can be easier to complete, but if you hit a losing streak, the bet value will increase more quickly. 

The key with Labouchere is striking a balance between an affordable bet value and a string of a reasonable length. 

## Practical Tips for Using the Labouchere System

No betting system offers cast-iron guarantees because roulette relies on luck to land a winning number. However, providing you understand how to properly use the Labouchere system, you could make the most of any wins on the wheel. 

There are lots of [demo versions of roulette](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/roulette/) available online. It’s an excellent idea to practise the Labouchere strategy using these first. This will allow you to see how the system works during gameplay and familiarise yourself with how to bet. 

When you’re ready to go live, the importance of managing your bankroll can’t be overstated. If you miscalculate your unit value, you could wipe out too quickly and eliminate any chance of securing a good win. Each unit should be a tiny proportion of your total play budget, typically around 1%. This will give you the scope needed for the stake to increase if you get stuck in a losing loop. 

If you’re aiming to win a higher value, consider breaking it down into smaller chunks. It’s easier to complete shorter Labouchere strings, but even then, there’s no guarantee! Completing a string should put you in a good position, and if you’re targeting a higher value, the aim would be to complete multiple strings. A longer string has higher variance and is more challenging to complete, presenting a bigger risk of you ending up out of pocket.  

If you hit a losing streak on roulette while playing with Labouchere, you don’t need to stick with the numerical sequence you previously created. It’s possible to break the numbers down into smaller chunks; this can help to stop the bet value from increasing too steeply. Of course, this means that wins will be smaller, but it ensures you’re always in control of how much you want to bet. 

## Comparing Labouchere With Other Betting Systems

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1713942882/blog/Labouchere%20System%20Made%20Simple:%20A%20Rookie%E2%80%99s%20Guide%20to%20Roulette%20Strategy/img-Labouchere-System.png" alt="comparing roulette systems" />

There are many different betting systems available for roulette players. Each one has its own advantages and drawbacks, and not every system will suit every player. It’s, therefore, important to ensure you fully understand each system and the best way to implement it before diving into the action. 

Here’s a look at some of the other common roulette betting systems and how they compare to Labouchere. 

### Martingale strategy

The Martingale system is easy to use, but it can be intimidating, especially for beginners. Created by a French mathematician but named after a casino owner who popularised its use, Martingale is a progressive betting system that can require a hefty bankroll. 

While Labouchere aims to grind out lots of small wins, the aim of Martingale is to instantly recoup losses. Similar to Labouchere, it only works with even bets but requires the player to double their bet every time they lose. After a win, the bet reverts to the original amount, and the process starts once more. The doubling of the stake is intended to wipe out losses immediately and allow the player to break even. 

The problem with Martingale is that losing streaks can hit a bankroll heavily. A series of losing spins on the roulette wheel will lead to the stake increasing sharply. Depending on the size of the original bet and the table limit, there could be a risk of hitting the maximum stake. 

The mathematics for Martingale stack up, but the problem is that without any guarantee of a win, players could quickly accumulate big losses and wipe out their bankroll before the required payout lands. 

### D’Alembert system

If you like the idea of the Martingale system but feel uncomfortable with the potential for the stake to spiral, one alternative could be the D’Alembert system. This follows a similar pattern but without such aggressive increases in the stake. 

With Labouchere, you must decide on your target win amount; with D’Alembert, you need to choose how much a single unit will be worth. This unit value is how much you will increase each losing bet by, so it should be a sum that your bankroll can manage. 

The D’Alembert system typically starts with a bet of a single unit, but you could start with several units, should you prefer. The crucial element is that you know how much a unit is worth. 

Every time you lose, the bet amount increases by one unit. Conversely, every time you win, the bet amount decreases by one unit. 

This means that even though your bet will increase during a losing streak, you won’t rapidly reach the very high stake value as you would with Martingale. 

As you’re increasing the bet value by smaller sums, the wins will also be smaller. You are unlikely to get the same big wins that Martingale offers. In this way, D’Alembert is similar to Labouchere; both offer a system of small but methodical potential wins. 

### Fibonacci strategy

Fibonacci is a sequence of numbers that was first identified by a 12th-century mathematician, Leonardo Pisano, also known as Fibonacci. Fascinated by recurring patterns within nature, Pisano noticed that some numbers fell into a pattern. Although the numerical sequence was first seen in rabbits, the mathematician continued to observe nature and found the same pattern replicated in many different ways. This sequence of numbers became known as the Fibonacci sequence. 

Fast forward to the modern day, and Fibonacci is used in many ways for statistical modelling in areas such as trading. It is also popular in gambling, specifically for games like roulette. 

All of this makes Fibonacci sound complicated, but it’s a very simple premise. The series starts with 0 and adds 1. From here on in, the next number in the sequence is always found by adding the previous two together, which looks like this: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144.

Similar to D’Alembert, you’ll need to decide how much a unit is worth to use Fibonacci. You can, of course, simply decide that 1 = €1, but you can also allocate a different value to every unit. Each new step shows the number of units that need to be bet. 

Like Martingale and others, Fibonacci is a negative progressive betting system. This means you go up to the next number in the sequence every time you lose. If you win, you move back two steps in the sequence. 

The idea is that when you win using Fibonacci, the value will be sufficient to give you a profit or at least neutralise any losses. This is the same basis as Martingale. However, like Martingale, there is the risk that you hit a long losing streak and don’t have the bankroll to continue playing until you secure a win. You may also reach the table limit too quickly and not be able to continue with the sequence.  

## Summing Up the Labouchere System

As can be seen from the betting systems described above, there are many different ways to try and recoup roulette losses, and this often involves increasing the bet value following a loss. However, Labouchere differs from the other systems as it offers far more flexibility and ensures the player is always in control. With the ability to vary the bet and break down larger stakes without abandoning the strategy, Labouchere is a unique option. 

As we said right at the start, the Labouchere system isn’t the simplest because it offers the possibility of varying the bet value as you play. And, of course, like all betting systems, there are never any absolute guarantees of a profit. However, the mathematical basis offers a distinct advantage compared to flat betting and provides structure to the gameplay, which can be very useful. 

Experimenting with different unit values and number strings is the best way to find the Labouchere sequence that works well for you. Next time you’re at the roulette table, you’ll be perfectly equipped to try out your newfound knowledge of Labouchere. 


Explore in detail how the Labouchere system works, how it’s best used, and how it compares to other roulette betting systems.

Labouchere System Made Simple: A Rookie’s Guide to Roulette Strategy

featured-img-Withdrawals.png

One of the most common complaints that players have with online casinos is the matter of withdrawals. Whether they are being slow or outright blocked, there can be several potential issues that cause the money to get stuck. Sometimes, delays can happen from the casino’s side, but there are other times when it comes down to rules and regulations.

This guide will help you understand what exactly the casinos do with your withdrawals and tips on how you can speed up your withdrawals when playing at any [licensed online casino](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/). 

## Using Different Payment Methods to Withdraw at an Online Casino

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1713511825/blog/Common%20Issues%20with%20Online%20Casino%20Withdrawals%20%28And%20How%20To%20Solve%20Them%29/img-Withdrawals.png" alt="different online casino withdrawal methods" />

Most payment methods are able to process deposits instantly. However, when it comes to withdrawals, there tends to be a much longer waiting time. Some methods can still process withdrawals instantly. E-wallets such as Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal can allow for instant withdrawals at some casinos, but card or bank transfers will take longer.

Many popular online casinos promise withdrawals are processed within 72 hours at their end. It should also be noted that while the casino may process the transaction within 72 hours, your bank may also need some time to handle the payment. The casino uses this handling time to perform checks in accordance with anti-money laundering regulations and confirm your payment details to be sent to your account for the specified amount.

## KYC Verification Process

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706694971/blog/KYC%20%28Know%20Your%20Customer%29/img-01-why-kyc.jpg" alt="KYC verification at online casino" />

No matter the payment method you choose to make transactions with, you will need to verify your account at some point if you plan to withdraw. This is the ‘Know Your Customer’ [(KYC) process](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/know-your-customer-gambling/) that online casinos must follow to keep their gambling licence. Following this procedure ensures that the casino is conducting proper player protection measures, as well as anti-money laundering standards. It provides a safety net that allows the casino to confirm that people are using their own personal and payment details. The procedure can be started as soon as you open your account, and you will be asked to complete it at some point, usually when requesting a withdrawal.

Completing the KYC procedure is relatively simple and requires that you send the online casino some documentation. These documents can either be sent via email or an on-site uploader, depending on how the casino has set it up.

Most online casinos promise that your documents will be handled within 72 hours of receiving them. Licensed online casinos are equally bound by data protection laws, meaning that they are obligated to store your personal information and documents in a highly secure environment.

## Common Online Casino Withdrawal Issues

The KYC process can cause a delay when withdrawing, but there are also other common online casino withdrawal issues to be aware of. Awareness of the different issues that can arise when attempting to access your winnings will help avoid any unwanted surprises.

### Fraud Prevention

Online casinos are required by their licensor to ensure that anti-money laundering practices are in place. The casinos use automated systems to check the transactional activity of people’s player accounts. This can sometimes lead to false positive results where the system may believe your activity could potentially look suspicious.

Activity that might be flagged up on the system could include making several smaller transactions in a short amount of time or attempting to withdraw immediately after making a deposit. If you receive a message that your account has been suspended, you will likely be asked to contact the customer support team and provide a brief explanation of your activity so they can begin the process of unlocking your account.

### Withdrawals Without Wagering

Any cash deposit you make must be wagered at least once on any game or bet before it can be withdrawn. You can split up your deposit in as many bets as you want, but your cash stakes must equal at least what you deposited before it can be paid out. This is a requirement that all licensed online casinos follow in order to be in line with anti-money laundering policy. Casinos, in general, are prime targets for money launderers and, therefore, must follow strict regulations to prevent this kind of activity.

### Payment Method Mismatch

Withdrawals that you request must be sent back via the deposit method that was originally used to top up your balance. If you deposit with a specific Visa card, for example, the casino requires that your next withdrawal goes back to that same Visa card. Again, anti-money laundering policies are the reason behind this.

Essentially, sending the money back to where it came from imposes far less risk of a transaction being related to money laundering activities. The requirements that a licensed online casino must follow are done more to protect you and other players rather than provide the site with any benefit.

### Bonus Terms

Certain deposits may be locked to a promotion, such as a casino welcome offer. Promotions that offer [deposit bonuses](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-bonuses/) can provide a large increase to your player wallet, with many offering to double your playable money. These do, however, come with added wagering requirements attached and will lock your deposit to them. Bonus funds can not be withdrawn. You may be required to cancel your deposit bonus if you do not intend to play through the requirements before withdrawing.

### Maximum Withdrawal Limits

Online casinos can have withdrawal limits that vary greatly in certain jurisdictions. Nothing can deflate a life-changing win quite like being blocked from cashing it all out. UK operators must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, which requires that no maximum withdrawal limit be imposed. Other jurisdictions, such as those included in a Curacao licence, may have limits.

These limits specify the maximum amount you may withdraw over a specified period. As mentioned, these can vary wildly, with some sites mentioning £5,000, while others can go beyond £100,000 every week or month. It's worth noting that at some online casinos (especially those with the Malta Gaming Authority license), these withdrawal limits mean that online casino needs to provide additional security checks for withdrawals above a certain amount. This can make the withdrawal process take longer; however, rest assured that the player will ultimately be able to withdraw funds in the end. Make sure to check a site’s terms and conditions to confirm their set amounts. 

### Technical Issues

When dealing with computers and other devices, there is no escaping the dreaded technical difficulties. These can happen from either the casino’s or the player’s side. You may have experienced slowdowns and crashes with sites before. This could be related to server issues from the site, where it could, for example, be handling a lot of players at once. Casinos that offer sports betting can often experience such issues during big international events. In those cases, it is just a matter of waiting until the site stabilises again. 

Other common issues can occur from your browser. This is often related to caches and cookies, which store information and activity from previous times you were using the browser. These are the same tools that save your login information on different sites, as well as your payment information so that you don’t have to type it out every time. However, this can cause the saved information to ‘get stuck’ sometimes. This means you will need to delete it and type it out manually again. You can access and clear cache and cookies from your browser settings or by simultaneously pressing the Control, Alt, and Delete keyboard keys.

## Tips for Speeding up your Withdrawals

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1713511826/blog/Common%20Issues%20with%20Online%20Casino%20Withdrawals%20%28And%20How%20To%20Solve%20Them%29/img-Withdrawals-1.png" alt="online casino withdrawal tips" />

You can take proactive steps to speed up your withdrawals by being prepared and potentially avoiding any potential delays. The first piece of advice is to verify your account immediately upon registration. This means confirming your email address and sending in KYC documentation. The online casino will often block a withdrawal until KYC has been completed, but this process is only required once every few years (as long as the documents you provided are valid) for most people. You will then not have to worry about an additional delay of up to 72 hours to cash out your money.

Account inactivity can often be a factor that slows down your withdrawals. If you have a cash balance on a player account that you’ve not visited in a long time, you may come back to find it locked. The online casino will consider your account dormant and will lock it to keep it safe. The solution usually requires that you contact the customer support team to unlock your account. The support team can often deal with this in just a few minutes, so it is recommended you contact them via phone or live chat if possible. However, in some instances you may need to give proof that the account belongs to you. Therefore, you may have to provide some additional information such as proof of deposits or personal documentation linking you to the account.

If you run into a problem with your withdrawal, it is often advised that you contact the online casino’s customer support team. When doing so, try to collect all of the information you have about the transaction. A timestamp, transaction amount, and brief explanation of what happened are usually enough. Sometimes, the online casino may ask you to send in some documents in certain circumstances. This may be a screenshot of the transaction from your payment method, for example. Having this ready doesn’t hurt either. There can be times when the online casino is unable to help, as the issue may be from the payment provider’s side. In that case, you will have to contact the customer support team of said provider.

## Conclusion

As you may have discovered by now, most issues with casino withdrawals tend to either be due to technical or regulatory reasons. Understanding the different reasons and how to act on them will help prevent any further delays. Miscommunication can often happen between the player and the casino when both are not on the same page about the issue, which will invariably cause further delays in resolving the matter. That’s why it’s good to know if your withdrawal was blocked due to the KYC process or if it might have been a browser or website issue.

In addition to speedy withdrawals, it pays to take notice of the different payment methods and fees that an online casino may outline. Specific payment methods may come with a fixed or percentage transaction fee in certain jurisdictions. If a site doesn’t support your native currency, you will also likely be subject to currency conversion fees. You can find more information on this from the casino’s cashier page, FAQ, or general terms and conditions.

It pays to be aware of the different terms a casino sets out for handling transactions. This is where you will be able to find information regarding withdrawal limits, bonus terms, and other useful information that will help you decide whether an online casino is worth your time and money. Remember to check the site’s gambling license while you're at it. Playing at a licensed online casino is the best way to ensure that your payments and personal details are kept secure.


Don't let withdrawal issues ruin your gambling experience. Explore our blog for actionable tips on overcoming common online casino payout problems.

Common Issues with Online Casino Withdrawals (And How To Solve Them)

featured-img-SSL-Encryption.png

You may have read many recommendations for sticking to licensed casinos online. One of the reasons for this is that licensed casinos are required to use SSL encryption to keep your data safe. 

But what is SSL encryption, and what does it matter when gambling online?

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what SSL encryption involves, why it’s so important for online casino players, and how to check if your gambling website of choice is using it. 

## What is SSL Encryption?

Secure Socket Layer, usually known by the abbreviation SSL, is a type of encryption considered the gold standard in providing protection online. You may have heard of SSL encryption as it’s a phrase that’s often bandied around, but do you know how it actually works?

Let’s start with the basics. SSL is a means of protecting data as it’s sent from your computer to the casino’s online server. When you [play at an online casino](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/), you might have to provide a whole wealth of sensitive data such as your name, date of birth, bank details, and ID info. This is the kind of personal information that would be highly valuable to fraudsters, so it’s important that it’s safe from prying eyes. Online casinos use SSL encryption to ensure that the transmission can only be read by the intended recipient.  

SSL encryption describes the process of coding information so that it’s not easily understood by other people, namely hackers. It does this by breaking the data into smaller pieces of linked code using 128-bit SSL encryption, which can’t be intercepted and read.

This is achieved using a process known as cryptography. As the name suggests, this is similar to the type of technology that the world of cryptocurrency is built upon. Cryptography allows data to be sent securely in small chunks with digital “keys” required to unlock the message. Digital keys are a bit like a digital password and are required to “unlock” the transmission of data and piece the linked bits back together. 

Just like Bitcoin, SSL encryption uses private and public keys to protect the data and grant access to the right person. This involves the sender, the recipient, and an internet browser. However, unlike crypto, as the sender, you don’t need to do anything special other than ensure you’re using a site that uses proper SSL encryption (more about how to do that later). 

From the point that you send your personal data to the moment it’s received, the information is encrypted and illegible to anyone trying to gain access for nefarious reasons. 

### Why is SSL Encryption Important for Online Gambling?

The internet has become such a fundamental part of everyday life that most of us rarely stop to think about the actual mechanics of how it works. Clicking a button to send information is more complex than it first appears, with data travelling at high speed through various servers. 

This is because the internet works by having multiple servers everywhere, and this means your data will have to travel through many different waypoints to arrive at your chosen destination, i.e., the server for the online casino. Every time your data is processed by a different server, there is the risk of your privacy being breached and your personal details stolen. By encrypting the data in this very secure way - using SSL technology - you are protected from this risk. 

With online gambling, you will be required to provide a lot of sensitive information that would be extremely valuable to fraudsters. Your personal data, payment details, and any documentary proof of ID could all be revealed and abused if the transmission wasn’t made securely. This could lead to identity fraud meaning someone could pose as you and take credit out in your name or they could make online purchases using your money.

The importance of SSL technology for online casinos cannot be overstated. It’s vital that you only use sites that provide this type of protection, or else you risk your data being unlawfully accessed for potentially fraudulent purposes. 

## How Does SSL Encryption Keep Your Data Safe?

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1713183150/blog/Why%20Should%20SSL%20Encryption%20Matter%20to%20Your%20Online%20Gambling%20Experience/img-SSL-Encryption-2.png" alt="ssl keeps your data safe" />

To understand fully how SSL encryption keeps your data safe, it’s helpful to dive into the process in more detail. 

When you attempt to visit a website, a request will be sent via the browser you are using for the destination web server to identify itself. The destination web server will then send a copy of its SSL certificate for your browser to validate. If the browser thinks that the SSL certificate looks valid, an acknowledgement will be sent back to the web server. This allows the web server to commence an encrypted session. All information shared thereon between your browser and the website will use SSL encryption to protect your privacy and keep your data secure. 

You may sometimes see SSL encryption referred to as TLS instead. Transport Layer Security is the updated version of SSL and uses even better technology. Although it may have a different name, it’s often simply referred to as SSL, as it follows the same principles and achieves the same final goal. Both SSL and TLS follow similar protocols that protect your data and keep your information secure. 

## The Importance of SSL Encryption While Making Online Payments

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1713183150/blog/Why%20Should%20SSL%20Encryption%20Matter%20to%20Your%20Online%20Gambling%20Experience/img-SSL-Encryption-1.png" alt="ssl encryption and online payments" />

There’s a lot of personal data that needs to be protected when you’re gambling online, but there is none more sensitive than your payment information. If you’re making online payments or make a deposit at an online casino, it’s absolutely critical that your data is protected and that you have confidence that you’re using a secure site. 

The matter is so important there are additional regulatory requirements around payment processing. All sites in the UK that are responsible for processing payments or storing payment details are required to adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). These standards apply even if the processing of payments has been outsourced to a third party (which is common). And, it's not only the UK this resonates with. This is standard practice around the world and will be regulated by your jurisdiction's governing body.

The PCI DSS protocol has many requirements which combine to keep payment information extremely secure. One of the requirements is the use of encryption across public networks. 

This means that when you make a payment or provide information for a withdrawal, the information will be heavily encrypted using SSL when it journeys through the various servers. If it wasn’t encrypted, anyone could potentially hack in and view your card details or payment information. SSL encryption breaks your highly sensitive payment details into various “bits” and protects each section with a digital key, making it very unlikely that a fraudster will be able to access your data. 

## Regulatory Rules for SSL With Online Gambling Sites

It’s advisable to always stick to licensed casino sites and to look for licences from top regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) or the Malta Gaming Authority. Although there are other regulatory bodies globally, not all of them have such high standards, so it’s a good idea to look for approval from one of the bodies which take a more robust approach. 

Using a licensed casino means that you should be able to trust that they’re honest, fair, and transparent and that you won’t be put at risk. To ensure this is the case, the regulatory bodies have a whole raft of rules that online gambling sites must adhere to - and this includes the transmission of data. 

Top regulators such as the UKGC or MGA will not issue a licence unless a casino can demonstrate that it uses SSL encryption or equivalent technology that encrypts and protects data to the same degree. In practical terms, this means to get a licence from any reputable body, an online gambling site must be able to demonstrate that it uses SSL. 

Although it’s a regulatory requirement from licensing bodies, it’s also a government requirement too. The GDPR regulations introduced in 2018 make it compulsory for any site to treat data securely. This means that they must handle, store, and process all data securely, including basic data from customers who visit their website. SSL technology ensures that online gambling sites operate legally and comply with their obligations around data security. 

## How to Check for SSL Encryption

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1713183149/blog/Why%20Should%20SSL%20Encryption%20Matter%20to%20Your%20Online%20Gambling%20Experience/img-SSL-Encryption.png" alt="how to check for ssl encryption" />

As mentioned above, there is a legal obligation for sites to treat data securely, which means that there should always be a current SSL certificate. 

Google takes the subject of data protection seriously and will automatically carry out a check for a site certificate before allowing customers to connect. If there is no visible SSL certificate, Google will not allow customers to proceed to the site automatically. Instead, a warning will be provided that advises that there is no SSL certificate, giving you the chance to backtrack. 

This doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to access websites without SSL encryption, especially if you don’t use Chrome. Therefore, it’s important to be able to identify what sites are secure and how to tell if they are protected by SSL encryption. 

The easiest way to check is to look at the toolbar. If the website’s address starts with ‘https://’ rather than ‘http://’ and has a little padlock visible, you can be reassured that it’s secure. However, if the toolbar doesn’t show the padlock, it doesn’t automatically mean that it’s not encrypted. On some sites, certain pages may not look secure, but once you move to a more sensitive area, such as the Cashier section or playing a game, you’ll see the padlock pop up. If you’re in an area of the website where you need to provide sensitive data, such as your login details, you should always expect to see the padlock. 

If you click on the padlock, you should receive a message that says “this site is secure” or something similar. 

In some browsers, the toolbar changes to a green colour when sites are encrypted; this is an easy identifier that you can view at a glance. 

If you have a virus protection programme on your device, it may also carry out checks when you try to visit a site. Most anti-viral software will automatically check for an SSL certificate and block access if there isn’t one or if it’s expired. 

## Conclusion

The internet has evolved since its initial launch, and we now know much more about keeping data secure. Protocols such as SSL encryption are extremely effective in keeping personal information safe as it’s transmitted from your device to the end server. The technology behind SSL encryption is complex and protects your data in a variety of different ways, making it virtually bombproof as it’s transmitted. 

Checking to make sure you are using a secure site when you play online is an easy step to take and doesn’t require any technical know-how. Once you are confident that you are using an online casino that is protected by SSL encryption, you can enjoy playing with peace of mind. 

More From CasinoGrounds

We explain exactly what SSL encryption involves and why it’s so important for online casino players.

Why Should SSL Encryption Matter to Your Online Gambling Experience?

Featured-imgblack-jack-insurance.png

Nowadays, virtually anything can be insured. You can insure your car, your house, your life, your boat…heck, you can even insure your individual body parts if they’re _that_ valuable.

So, it should be no surprise that you can get insurance at a land-based or [online casino](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/), particularly when you hit the blackjack tables.

And why not? Blackjack insurance is a no-lose proposition, right? Getting insured should be the kryptonite of every dealer’s existence. 

_Or is it?_

See, there will always be that one smart aleck at the table telling anyone who’d listen that you should insure your 19 or 20 against a dealer showing an ace—or that insurance is _always_ worth betting on.

But every blackjack pro within earshot will probably snicker at the fool at the table—because they know for a fact that they shouldn’t take that bet **at all**. Unless you’re an eagle-eyed card counter, the maths is against you; buying blackjack insurance will likely generate more losses over the long run. Here’s why.

## Blackjack Insurance: The Mechanics

Blackjack insurance may seem like an attractive option for the player when the dealer is showing an ace because of the odds that their hole card—the one that’s face down—is a 10-value card.

In essence, blackjack insurance is a side bet, insuring your hand against the dealer actually having the dreaded natural blackjack. Blackjack insurance gives the player a chance to break even should the dealer have blackjack, even if the player would lose their main bet either way.

Here’s how it works: once the players at the table who bought insurance have placed their side bets, the dealer will check or reveal their hole card. If it is a 10-value card, the dealer takes everyone’s main bets. Everyone else who insured their hands will get a 2:1 payout on their insurance side bet. It must be noted that players can only insure their hands for half of their original stake, allowing them to break even in case the dealer has blackjack.

If the dealer’s hole card isn’t a 10-value card, they will rake in any insurance bets made, and the game will continue on as per its normal course. If you have 21 while the dealer shows an ace, you may be offered “even money,” but don’t take the bet under any circumstances. It’s just another _modus operandi_ to get you to bet on what is virtually the same thing as insurance.

If you take the even money bet, you won’t get paid at a 3:2 clip like you should. Your blackjack will only get paid 1:1, or the same amount as your original wager, whether or not the dealer has 21. If you stand at blackjack without taking an even money bet and the dealer holds a 21, the game ends in a push, and your main bet is returned. Otherwise, if the dealer doesn’t have 21, your blackjack will be paid 3:2 as it usually would.

Ultimately, insurance and even money are bad side bets. They have nothing to do with the strength of your hand—and their odds are tilted heavily in favour of the house. With the house edge on insurance bets sitting at 7.4%, there’s a good reason why basic blackjack strategy dictates that players should never take them.

## Blackjack Insurance: Pros and Cons

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706174971/blog/Blackjack%20Insurance:%20Is%20It%20a%20Good%20Bet%20for%20New%20Players/img-blackjack-insurance.png" alt="blackjack insurance pros and cons" />

Surely blackjack insurance CAN’T always be a bad idea, can it? Otherwise, why would casinos offer it? How can players protect themselves from an incoming blackjack from a dealer when their hands stand at a “strong” 20? 

Insurance may seem like the right play if the dealer is showing an ace, considering the one-in-three chance that they have a 10-value card in the hole. But the decision requires more nuance than blindly insuring your hand at every possible opportunity. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of blackjack insurance as follows:

### Blackjack Insurance: The Pros

In principle, there are two main advantages to getting blackjack insurance:

- **Protection against the dealer getting blackjack.** The main draw of insurance is that it may protect the player’s main bet if the dealer does indeed have a natural blackjack.
- **Bonus payout.** In the chance that the dealer isn’t holding blackjack and a player is insured, they can receive twice the amount of their insurance to offset the loss of their main bet.

The only way you can win a blackjack insurance bet is for the dealer to have a 10-value card in the hole. However, the odds and probability aren’t in your favour due to the fact that you will lose more by betting on insurance over the long term—unless you are a **god-tier** card counter.

### Blackjack insurance: The Cons

When it comes to blackjack insurance bets, the disadvantages far outweigh the pros. Here are the three main cons to getting blackjack insurance:

- **Negative EV (expected value).** Getting insured on every hand, equates to a net loss or negative expected value over the long run. That’s because the probability of the dealer having a natural blackjack is less than the odds of the dealer NOT having one.
- **Greater house edge.** The casino boosts its overall house edge by offering blackjack insurance, putting it at a greater advantage than the player insuring their hand.
- **Deviation from basic blackjack strategy.** Blackjack pros consider blackjack insurance as a deviation from the basic winning blackjack strategy. Any distraction from the basic strategy will reduce the likelihood of them winning more hands over time.

### Should you get Insurance at all?

Players should only get blackjack insurance if they expect the dealer to have a 10-value card in the hole. For players who play blackjack for fun or rely on their gut feeling when making decisions, this means getting insurance only when the dealer is on a hot run. For highly skilled players—we’re talking about expert card counters and statistical geeks—it means getting insured when they expect an incoming 10.

Although getting insurance at a blackjack table may seem like a good idea at first, it’s a decision against the player’s own interests. Why? You’re giving the casino a greater house edge by doing so—making blackjack insurance a bad decision for most players.

## The Lowdown on Blackjack Insurance and House Edge

Blackjack requires a combination of skill, maths, and a lot of luck to give you the best chance of winning. [Basic blackjack strategy](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/blackjack-chart-list/)—the optimal method of play that dictates the “correct” decision to take in any given situation is mathematically and irrefutably proven to minimise the house edge. Basic strategy is unequivocal about getting blackjack insurance—do NOT, under any circumstances, take it. Politely decline the offer and carry on.

See, the overall house edge in blackjack is approximately 0.7%, with the exact figure changing depending on house rules and game variants. Blackjack offers one of the lowest house edges as far as [card games](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/blackjack/) are concerned, giving players a greater chance to beat the game. In mathematical terms, a blackjack player betting a total of €10,000 over 1,000 blackjack hands could expect to lose a paltry €70.

Insurance throws this house edge out of whack when it is introduced into the equation as a standalone bet. From 0.7%, the house edge skyrockets to an eye-watering 7.4%—representing over a 10x multiplier vis-a-vis the standard house edge. Granted, the precise number may vary depending on the house rules and the number of decks, among other factors–but a general house edge of 7% can be safely assumed for most multi-deck games.

This plays into the narrative that for most players, getting blackjack insurance is a terrible decision due to the house edge it gives to the casino rather than just saying “no” to the offer. This comes with one caveat, though: highly skilled card counters with oodles and oodles of experience may actually be able to maximise blackjack insurance by accurately determining the number of 10s left in a particular shoe.

## When Should You Take Blackjack Insurance?

As we have discussed earlier, the probability of winning a blackjack insurance side bet is determined by the house rules, game variant, and number of decks used. Whenever a dealer shows an ace, their odds of having a 10 in the hole or a “natural”  blackjack are approximately 31%. In other words, in every 4 out of every 13 hands where the dealer’s up-card is an ace, they will have a natural blackjack.

Meanwhile, the payout for blackjack insurance is 2:1. This means that every player betting €20 on insurance will receive a €40 reward if the dealer gets blackjack. The expected value of insurance can be determined by multiplying the odds of the dealer getting blackjack by the payout of the insurance bet. In this particular case, the expected value or EV of the insurance bet would turn out negative—indicating that players will lose more money on this bet over time.

The only reason you would take blackjack insurance is if you are a grizzled veteran blackjack player with exceptional card-counting skills. Another (bad) reason why you might want to bet on insurance is if you’re a “gut” player who plays blackjack for fun and if it doesn’t kill your bankroll. Most experienced blackjack players would recommend that players never bet on insurance. Period, _end of_.

## If You _Must_ Take Blackjack Insurance…Consider This

One of the most common justifications for players to take blackjack insurance is because they have a hand value worth 20. However, unless you have an ace and 9 (which equates to a value of 10 or 20), this is a prime example of flawed reasoning. The basic underlying premise of insurance wagers is that the dealer has a 10 in the hole—making blackjack insurance on a player hand of 20 actively puts you at an instant disadvantage.

The greater the ratio of 10-value cards **in the shoe**, the greater the likelihood that your insurance bet might win. The key phrase in this statement is “in the shoe.” If you have two 10 cards in your hand, the last thing you want to bet on in that situation is that another 10 card is hiding behind the dealer’s ace.

## The Final Word on Blackjack Insurance

Insurance is almost always a good idea—the operative word being “almost.” Except when it comes to blackjack.

See, even if you were Tommy Hyland, Peter Griffin, Al Francesco, and Stanford Wong—that is, one of the greatest card counters of all time—it’s still best to avoid getting blackjack insurance. It’s all a matter of probability. The odds of the dealer holding a natural blackjack is less than 33% of the time. While you might hit an insurance side bet every now and then, the maths stands: you WILL almost always lose money over the long run. Moreover, blackjack insurance goes against every tenet of tried-and-tested basic strategy.

The only thing blackjack insurance increases is the house’s advantage over you. It might sound counterintuitive, but the blackjack table is the last place you’ll want to have an “insurance policy.”


Blackjack insurance may seem like a good idea—until players discover the risk it involves. When is this side bet the right move?

Blackjack Insurance: Should It Be Used?

featured-img-random.svg

A random number generator, also known as RNG, is the method by which casino games like slots can ensure that the outcomes of each round are genuinely random. An RNG in modern online games is an algorithm that will constantly generate combinations that relate to possible outcomes in any given casino game. All [licensed online casinos](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/) must ensure that their complete game library is verifiably fair and random. But how does this relate to your gameplay?

Keep reading our guide on how online casinos ensure fair play with random number generators to understand how they affect you and your favourite games.

## How do RNGs work in online casino games?

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1712309211/blog/How%20Casinos%20Ensure%20Fair%20Play%20with%20Random%20Number%20Generators/img-random-1.png" alt="slot machine with random numbers" />

Random number generators are essential to ensure that games are random and fair. The RNG algorithm determines whether you win or lose a round. Without an RNG, casino games have the potential to be fixed with predetermined outcomes that can result in biased results against the player. A casino game developer is required to integrate a 3rd party RNG algorithm in order to legally provide any game to casino players.

Slot machines originally used machinery to ensure random outcomes. Now, modern machines and online casino games all use RNG algorithms to determine round outcomes. The only exception to this when it comes to online gameplay is live casino games. These are still determined by decks, dice, or the spin of the roulette wheel, depending on the game in question. 

Slots and [online casino games](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/) all use RNG algorithms that have been created by independent 3rd party developers. The algorithm works similarly to a stopwatch that is constantly creating number combinations. Each tick of the clock generates a new mixture of combinations in a random order. Taking slots as an example, the algorithm’s clock will essentially stop as soon as you hit the “Spin” button, with the outcome of the round being immediately determined. Each number combination within the algorithm relates to specific outcomes possible within the game. The visuals you see of spinning reels are animations that have no impact on the actual results of the round.

## Fairness and Randomness with RNGs

Fairness and randomness are vital to any casino game and something that gambling authorities take very seriously. Randomness is provided by the RNG, which is a big part of what makes a game fair. Random number generators are developed to ensure that each game round is independent from the last. This means that any previous rounds will not impact the outcome of your active game round. It may be that you notice certain patterns from round to round, but this is purely coincidental. When dealing with randomness, we instinctively try to find patterns. This could include win and loss streaks. However, it is like flipping a coin. Heads may show up more than tales, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the coin is weighted.

Other elements of fairness include transparency of game rules and game odds. Return to player percentages that are found in virtual casino games are controlled by the RNG. These percentages are an average of payouts from that specific game over an extended period of time. On average, a slot game with an RTP of 96% is expected to return 96 coins for every 100 wagered. Sometimes, you may come away with more and other times less, as the RTP is taken from a global average. The RNG controls the RTP by having certain sequence ratios corresponding to winning and losing rounds. This is how different games are able to offer different RTPs.

## RNG Certification and Testing

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1712309212/blog/How%20Casinos%20Ensure%20Fair%20Play%20with%20Random%20Number%20Generators/img-random-2.png" alt="rng testing checkmark" />

RNG algorithms are created by 3rd party developers to ensure impartiality. The RNG algorithm provided by these developers has to be certified and regularly tested. There are dedicated organisations set up for the purpose of auditing and certifying RNG algorithms used within casino games. Auditing organisations like eCOGRA and Technical Systems Testing are highly trusted and widely used throughout the industry. These organisations ensure that auditing is done on a regular basis and without bias or favouritism. 

One of the ways games are tested is by allowing them to complete potentially millions of game rounds, which are compiled and compared with the information provided by the game developer. RNG auditing is a requirement that must be fulfilled by online casinos to retain their gambling licences. Licensing authorities like the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority have strict requirements regarding fairness and player protection. If a site can’t prove its games are fair, it comes at risk of losing its gambling licence.

### Compliance and Oversight

In order to comply with regular auditing, online casinos are required, above all, to be transparent. There is a wide range of tests done to ensure a game is fair and compliant. This includes everything from graphics to RTP to any relationship with previous versions of the game or platform. The code behind the games must also be secure so that it is not vulnerable to hacking or any kind of manipulation. Technical Systems Testing and eCOGRA are purely there to test if a game is compliant with current gambling regulations. This is just one of many different types of audits that an online casino is subject to. Other types of audits include responsible gaming and player protection protection procedures.

## Online Casino Game RNG Tips

So far, we have touched on the technical side of RNGs, but how can this affect your gameplay? Is there anything you can do to improve your odds of winning? Take a look at these tips to see how you can leverage your knowledge of RNGs to provide you with the best gaming experience possible.

### How to Check if a Casino Game is Verifiably Random

Knowing how to check if a casino game is verifiably random is easy and doesn’t require a lot of time. The first step is to ensure that the online casino you are playing at has a valid gambling licence. This is usually displayed at the bottom of the casino site and can be referenced to the licensing authority. The UKGC and MGA sites have full lists of licensed operators that you can check, along with any previous licence violations that may have been actioned. You cannot guarantee that a site will provide fair games if they are not properly licensed.

When it comes to the games themselves, the online casino will have a separate certification seal from a testing authority such as eCOGRA. This seal should also be presented at the very bottom of the casino site, along with their gambling licence information. All games are tested for fairness when an online casino is audited. This means that the casino must be able to show that all games it hosts on its site are fair or otherwise not receive certification. That is why it is not necessary to provide a certification seal on every individual game.

### RTP and Volatility

All virtual casino games, including slots, video poker, and table games, must display their RTP somewhere within the game rules. This RTP is a percentage that shows the average returns that are to be expected over an extended period of play. RTP can vary from game to game, so it’s good to know if a game’s RTP is on the low side. The industry average RTP for slot games sits at around 96% to 97% per cent. You would expect that any slot game with a lower RTP would have some interesting and rewarding bonus mechanics to make up for this. Progressive jackpot slots tend to have a lower-than-average RTP, for example.

Volatility is also another parameter that affects the game outcomes in slots. This determines the frequency and value of payouts. Volatility can either be described as low, medium, or high. A slot game with low volatility will pay out often but in smaller amounts, whereas high-volatility slots pay out larger amounts less frequently. There is not a correct answer for what you should play when it comes to volatility. It is simply a matter of personal preference as to whether you would rather wait for bigger wins or are happier with a more steady flow of smaller wins. 

### Understanding the Difference between True RNG and Pseudo RNG

Technically speaking, there are two types of random that can be attributed to an RNG algorithm. Online casino games provide randomness via pseudo RNG due to the fact that they are required to handle potentially millions of simultaneous game rounds at any given moment. True RNG is too resource-intensive and slow to provide outcomes on such a large scale. Here are the primary differences in how true RNG and pseudo RNG determine outcomes:

- True RNG - Typically handled physically by a device, truly random RNG uses external factors to provide random results. These factors are unpredictable and can include environmental noises or changes in the pressure surrounding the device to generate different outcomes. 
-  Pseudo RNG - Determined entirely by computer algorithms, all virtual online casino games use pseudo RNG to create outcomes. Random sequences of numbers are constantly being generated, with the player determining what sequence will be applied to their game round when hitting the Spin button in a slot game, for example. The sequence of numbers that are applied to the round will determine a specific winning or losing outcome. The term pseudo RNG doesn’t mean that RNG algorithms are flawed in any way. It is simply a scientific term used to distinguish itself from True RNG devices.

### Controlling the RNG

The software and code behind online casino games are heavily secured to protect them from manipulation. This means that players are not able to hack into the game to alter the outcomes of rounds to be more in their favour. Equally, online casinos also have no access to the algorithms controlling the games on their site. Online casino games are created by providers, which online casinos can then host on their sites. Casinos do not usually develop the games themselves and have no access to the behind-the-scenes operations of these games. Essentially, this means that online casinos are not able to manipulate the games or their RNGs, and the same game at a different casino will be using the same RNG algorithm.

## Conclusion

While we, as players, cannot affect RNG algorithms, it is still a good idea to get an understanding of how they work. As humans, we often look for patterns where there might not be any. This can, unfortunately, lead to some assumptions that may affect our decision-making. When gambling, we want to play with a clear head and the best way to ensure that is by understanding the game we are playing inside and out. We can then rationalise different outcomes and make more informed betting decisions, hopefully providing a clearer path to more fun and successful gaming sessions.


Read our guide on how online casinos ensure fair play with random number generators to understand how they affect you and your favourite games.

How Online Casinos Ensure Fair Play with Random Number Generators

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This blackjack guide covers an introduction to blackjack, the basic rules, playing blackjack at online casinos, and practical tips for wagering and game management.

How To Play Online Blackjack

featured-img-james-bond-roulette.png

With a licence to kill and a talent for winning it big, James Bond has seen his [fair share of casinos](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/). The writer, Ian Flemming, placed his famous 007 character at [many different casino tables](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/), including baccarat, poker, and, of course, roulette. The roulette table even makes an appearance in some Bond movies, such as Diamonds Are Forever, The World Is Not Enough, and the original Casino Royale from 1967.

It is no wonder then that a betting system, known as the James Bond Roulette Strategy, has been named after him. This betting strategy was said to have come from the book version of Casino Royale, [which Flemming later went into detail on during an interview](https://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/lifestyle/gambling/james-bonds-roulette-system.htm). 

## How does the James Bond strategy work?

Following the James Bond strategy first requires you to bet a total of 20, 200, or 2,000 units across the table. Each unit can correspond to a currency such as dollars, euros or British pounds. In the book, 007 wagered £200 per spin, which is a little high for most players. It is therefore recommended to start with the minimum bet possible of 20 units with this strategy.

The bet is split into multiple betting options, aiming to cover as many bases as possible. The split of the bet is done with percentages where 70% goes towards the numbers 19 to 36. 25% is put on 3 numbers across 2 rows, which should include the numbers 13 to 18. The final 5% is then put towards the green segments. If you are playing European roulette, this would be the full 5% on 1 segment, whereas with American roulette, it would be split into 2.5% on each of the 2 green segments.

As an example, if you are playing with 20 units, your bet should look something like this:

- 14 units on numbers 19 to 36
- 5 units across 2 rows covering the numbers 13 to 18
- 1 unit on zero or 0.50 units on zero and 0.50 on double zero in American roulette

Experienced players tend to employ a progressive betting strategy of doubling up the bet after a loss in order to attempt to recoup any losses. This is similar to other betting strategies, which are mentioned further down in this guide. Doubling up from a starting 20 units can start to take its toll on your bankroll after losing a few rounds, however. A larger budget is therefore required to put this method into effect. 

## James Bond Roulette Strategy Odds 

Using this betting method means covering 25 out of the 37 slots for European roulette or 25 out of 38 slots for American roulette. The slots not covered are numbers 1 to 12, which gives you a coverage of 67.5% on European roulette tables. This is what incentivises the progressive method of doubling up the bet on a loss, as it is theoretically likely that one of the right numbers will hit on over half of the rounds played. This sounds especially enticing when [the odds of winning on a bet on red or black](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/roulette-odds-payouts-table/) stands at 48.6% for European roulette and 47.4% for the American version.

It is important to keep in mind that despite the 67.5% coverage, the law of averages is still against you when using this system. If each of the 37 segments were landed during 37 rounds of play on a European roulette table, it would still result in an overall loss of 20 units. The results would be broken down like this:

- Hitting 1 to 12 would result in a loss of 240 units
- Hitting 13 to 18 would result in a win of 60 units
- Hitting 19 to 36 would result in a win of 144 units
- Hitting the zero would result in a win of 16 units.

Adding all the wins together and taking away the losses would result in a balance of -20 units. Naturally, it is highly unlikely that there will be 37 rounds, each showing a different number, but it still highlights a flaw in the system nonetheless.

[Read more about house edge in Roulette here.](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/roulette-house-edge-explained/)

### Payouts

While the odds may look promising, the main downfall of the James Bond betting system is the payouts for winning rounds. Below is a breakdown of what can be expected in a round of European roulette as a payout for any given winning round:

- 1 to 12 equals a loss
- 13 to 18 pays out at a rate of 5:1
- 19 to 36 pays out at a rate of 1:1
- 0 pays out at a rate of 35:1

These rates mean that betting 20 units with this method will result in a win of 28 units should the ball land on numbers 19 to 36, meaning a profit of 8 units. Landing on 13 to 36 provides a payout of 30 units, resulting in a 10-unit profit. Should the ball land on the zero, it results in a win of 36 units, which is a profit of 16 units. Betting 20 units for the possibility of profiting 8 units is a rather small return on the stake. This is especially true when there is still around one-third of the table that remains uncovered by any wagers. 

## Pros and Cons of the James Bond Roulette Strategy

While 007 has the financial backing of the British government, most players have to settle with using their own hard-earned money. It is, therefore, important to consider the pros and cons of the James Bond Roulette Strategy before diving headfirst into the roulette tables. Consider carefully whether this is a betting system that is suitable for your playstyle and bankroll.

### Pros

Bond’s betting system is set in stone. It calls for no changes in bet types or how the wager is split, so it is easy for newer players to know what to do in each round. The betting system essentially asks you to place the same bet every round with the added possibility of doubling up after every losing round. This avoids any confusion, formulas, or counting that may be needed with other strategies.

There is also the benefit of covering a lot of segments across the table. 67.5% or around a third of segments will result in a payout, which means that over half the rounds should result in a win on average.

### Cons

Betting at 20 units a round may already be steep for some. The addition of doubling up after each losing round can make this strategy particularly punishing during a losing streak. It is probably best to avoid this strategy if you don’t feel comfortable that your budget will be able to cover it. Even larger budgets can come down quickly when applying the progressive betting style. Losing 3 rounds in a row would require you to then bet 320 units on the following bet.

While the rigid nature of the James Bond strategy makes it accessible for newer players, more experienced players may find this style to be a bit too inflexible. Many players like to adapt their playstyle as they are playing. They may see a moment to change the bet types, increase their wagers, or go for something a little less risky. Changing any of this would essentially mean abandoning the betting system.

The balance of risk and reward also doesn’t quite add up with the James Bond roulette strategy. All 3 payouts of 8, 10, and 16 units equal to less than the original stake of 20 units. This, paired with the fact that there are still 12 segments uncovered, means that there is always a risk of losing more than any of the potential winnings for each round.

## How is the James Bond Strategy different from other betting systems?

The most unique part of the James Bond strategy is the fixed betting options that it specifies. These options being split into set percentages of your stake means that there is essentially no need to plan for the next bet. [Other betting strategies](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/all-roulette-strategies-systems/) ask the player to look for specific patterns or allow the player to vary their bet types. This does add another layer of complexity to these strategies that some, especially newer players, may want to avoid. 

## What Alternative Roulette Strategies Are There?

In order to see just how different the James Bond strategy is, it is best to look at what alternatives are out there. Remember that some strategies are more risky than others, and it is important to consider the pros and cons of each betting system.

### The Martingale System

The Martingale System is a well-known betting strategy in which bettors double their wager after each loss and return to their initial stake after each winning round. It popularised this progressive style of play, which has also been adopted in the James Bond strategy. It again requires a large bankroll to survive longer losing streaks. The system works best when applied to even-money bets like black/red or odds/evens in roulette, where the probability of winning is just under 50%. With optimal play, the Martingale System can also be effective in other table games, such as blackjack. However, the exponentially increasing stakes make it very risky overall.

### The Parlay Roulette Strategy

The Parlay strategy takes the opposite approach to the Martingale system. Rather than doubling the bet after losses, the Parlay doubles the bet after wins. This lightens the burden on your bankroll since it focuses on winning streaks instead of chasing losses. The bet amount resets after each loss, but it is also wise to plan ahead and put a cap on the doubling of your bets. For instance, you could set a win streak limit of 4 to 5 times before resetting your bet down to its starting value. Limiting the number of times you double up curbs risk while still riding hot streaks. It is again advisable that you bet on even-money bets, such as black/red or odds/evens, when using this strategy.

### The Fibonacci System

[The Fibonacci System comes from the Fibonacci sequence](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/fibonacci-roulette-betting-system/), a mathematical occurrence that is found in art, design, and even nature. The sequence follows the rule of starting with the number 1 and then counting up by adding the previous 2 numbers. By following this rule, you get a spread of numbers that end up looking like this:

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610

Pick any number from this sequence and add the previous 2 numbers from it, and you will see they add up to the initial number you picked. This same formula can be applied as a betting system concerning the amounts you stake. This betting system is a bit more difficult than those mentioned above, but fear not - our dedicated guide will provide you with plenty of examples to help you understand how Fibonacci System can be applied in the game of roulette.

## Conclusion

Figuring out whether any strategy is right for you is a completely subjective matter. There is not a single legitimate strategy that can cover all the bases. Some approaches will be more risky than others and will require a higher bankroll. The important thing is finding a play style that suits you and your budget. Any strategy that asks you to take greater risks than you are comfortable with should be avoided.

We advise that you first try out any new strategy at a virtual roulette table that can be found at online casinos. These can even be played without using real money funds, as they instead use a balance of an essentially unlimited supply of virtual money. This allows you to test out any strategy without the risk of losing your bankroll. Just make sure to select demo mode when entering the game. An added benefit of these virtual tables is that they are played single-player, meaning there is no pressure when it comes to time and other players. You can test out any approach at your own pace and with any stake you wish. This is a great way to figure out which is best for you before hitting the tables for real.


Experience the thrill of the casino with the James Bond Roulette Strategy, inspired by the legendary 007 himself. Spin to win like Bond!

The James Bond Roulette Strategy

featured-img-baccarat.png

# How To Play Baccarat

Baccarat is a card game with a lot of mystique. It is, after all, James Bond’s favourite table game. Often played for high stakes, baccarat can often be found in the high-roller sections of most casinos worldwide, well excluded from the purview of most casino bettors. 

The thing is, you don’t have to be a high roller like Agent 007 to enjoy this elegant casino game, nor do you have to have the bankroll of America and Macau’s biggest bettors. The rise of [online casinos](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/) has broadened accessibility to this compelling, immersive game for anyone and everyone with an internet connection.

Nowadays, online casinos allow both novice and experienced players the convenience and accessibility of playing the game anytime, anywhere, with the added bonus of a broader game selection, generous bonuses and promotions, and the authentic atmosphere of a land-based casino with live dealer baccarat games.

That said, if you’ve always wanted to play baccarat but didn’t know where to begin, today is your lucky day: this article will teach you everything you need to know about the “high roller’s game.”

## A Brief History of Baccarat
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706174875/blog/How%20to%20Play%20Online%20Baccarat/img-timeline-baccarat.png" alt="a timeline showing key dates in baccarat" />

The origins of baccarat are disputed; one school of thought believes that the game dates back to the 15th century in Italy, then known as baccara. Meanwhile, another school of thought believes that baccarat, as we know it today, originated in 19th-century France as a popular game among the nobility.

During the Napoleonic era and prior to the legalisation of casino gambling in 1907, baccarat was played in private rooms. The earliest documented baccarat variant was Baccarat Banque, a card game designed for three people, which was mentioned in French journalist Charles Van Tenac’s Album des jeux. The game later evolved into Chemin de Fer. This faster-paced, more thrilling version of Baccarat Banque was the most popular baccarat variant in France until the 1950s.

The emergence of Punto Banco, wherein bettors could wager on which hand wins between the player or the banker, marked a sea change in the development of modern baccarat. Punto Banco remains the most popular baccarat variant today, eclipsing Chemin de Fer and becoming synonymous with the modern game.

## Baccarat Rules: An Overview

Baccarat’s allure is simple. Besides all the glamour and the luxury: it’s a game of pure luck. That’s what makes it so popular. The premise behind baccarat is that it requires no complex strategies, making it universally popular whether you’re a newbie or an experienced player.

Each baccarat round of play—known as a coup–has three possible outcomes: “player” (e.g., the player will score higher),  “banker” (e.g., the banker will score higher), and “tie.”

The main goal of baccarat is to bet on the hand you guess will score a 9 or come closest to scoring a 9 as possible. This is done by wagering on the Banker, Player, or a Tie.

Baccarat rules dictate that all betting action on any particular hand winning should be completed before the coup begins. Then, the game starts with two cards being dealt face-down to both the player and the banker. After a pause enabling players to pinch the cards, the hands are revealed and scored accordingly. 

Then, the totals of the hands are calculated. All tens and face cards represent a value of zero, an ace is valued at one, and all other remaining cards are scored at their face value.

If, however, any hand scores higher than a 9, the score will be adjusted by subtracting 10 from the original hand total.

Depending on the house rules at any physical or online casino, the banker or the player may be entitled to draw a third card. There will always be a maximum of three cards for any hand.

Bettors who wager on the player’s hand winning are paid at a 1:1 ratio. Bettors who wager on the banker’s hand winning are also paid at a 1:1 ratio; however, baccarat rules dictate that they pay a 5% commission, effectively reducing the odds on their payout to 19:20, or 0.95:1 when betting on the banker to win. A winning tie bet is paid out at 8:1.

Ultimately, baccarat is purely a guessing game on which hand will win. Based on the odds, the banker’s hand will win slightly more often at a 50.68% clip, excluding games that end in a tie. That gives the house a 1.36% house edge on bets on the player’s hand winning. However, since the house collects a 5% vig on winning banker bets, the house edge on a banker bet equates to 1.17%.

## Baccarat Side Bets

Baccarat also features optional side bets that can be wagered alongside the main Player, Banker, and Tie bets. While they offer bigger payouts, they [possess higher house edges than the main bets](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/are-baccarat-side-bets-worth-it/), as they seldom happen in baccarat.

The most common side bets in baccarat games include:

- **Player Pair/Banker Pair**. This wager is a bet on whether the Banker’s or Player’s hands will be a pair. Pays out 11:1.
- **Tie**. This wager is a bet on whether the Banker’s and Player’s hands will end up having the same total. Pays out 8:1.
- **Super 6**. This wager is a bet on whether the Banker wins with a point total of 6. Pays out 12:1.

## Mastering Baccarat Basics
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706174876/blog/How%20to%20Play%20Online%20Baccarat/img-general-baccarat.png" alt="a baccarat table, cards and chips" />

The beauty of baccarat is that there are no factors to consider other than pure luck or actions to take other than to watch the game unfold as the cards are dealt. Nevertheless, it’s good to review the process of a baccarat coup since there are some details that need to be discussed.

First, once all bets are placed, two face-down cards are dealt for the banker side and the player side. Then, the cards are revealed. Whichever side scores a 9, or closest to it, without going over wins. 

For instance, if the player’s hand is dealt a 4 and a 7, and the banker’s hand is dealt a 3 and a 6, the player’s hand total is 1, while the banker’s hand total is a 9. This is the best-case scenario for the banker. A hand with a total of 8 or 9 is called a “natural,” meaning no further cards are drawn, and the round is immediately ended with bets being paid out.

However, there are plenty of scenarios where a dealer will draw a third card for either side based on a list of predetermined rules that dictate when a third card will be dealt. 

For instance, the player will draw a third card if the starting total on the player’s first two cards is 5 or less. If the player’s total is 6 or 7, the hand automatically “stands” and won’t draw any further cards. The following is a list of scenarios where the player is dealt a third card:

- If the player’s total is 5 or less, the side will draw a third card. If the starting total of the player side’s hand is  6 or 7, the hand stands.
- If the banker’s total is 2 or less, a third card will be drawn regardless of what the player’s third card is. 
- A third card will be drawn if the banker’s hand total is 3 or less UNLESS the player’s hand total is 8.
- If the banker’s hand total is 4 or less, they will draw a third card if the player’s third card is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.
- If the banker’s total is 5, a third card will be drawn if the player’s third card is 4, 5, 6 or 7.
- If the banker’s total is 6, a third card will be drawn if the player’s third card is a 6 or 7.
- If the banker’s initial hand total is 7, the hand will stand.

Banker third card rules are slightly more complicated. The banker will stand on 7, 8, or 9 and will be dealt another card on a 0, 1, or 2. On some hands, however, the banker’s action is dependent on the value of the player’s third card.

The banker will draw a card on a total of 3 unless the player’s third card is an 8; draws a card on a total of 4 unless the player’s third card is 1, 8, 9, or 10; draws a card on a total of 5 only if the player’s third card is 4, 5, 6, or 7; and finally, draws on a total of 6 only if the player’s third card is 6 or 7.

As a bettor, the dealer will handle all of these rules for you; nevertheless, it’s always good to know how the third card rules will affect how the game unfolds.

## Online Baccarat: Why Should You Choose a Reliable Online Casino?

Online baccarat has become one of the most popular games for players because of its sheer simplicity, thrill, and potential for massive payouts. Therefore, it’s important for casino enthusiasts to choose a trustworthy and reputable online casino. A safe online casino platform guarantees a pleasurable, immersive gaming experience and the security of your personal and financial data.

How do you choose a reliable online casino to play online baccarat? First, check whether the casino holds a valid licence from a reputable authority. Licences from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), for instance, ensure that the online casino complies with the highest standards of transparency and fairness. Another is to check whether the online casino uses SSL encryption and has independent security certifications from eCOGRA, which will ensure the safety of your data. Lastly, check how responsive its customer support team is and whether they address your concerns and queries satisfactorily and promptly.

## Basic Baccarat Game Strategies

While it will take some time before you channel your inner Agent 007 and play like a boss in the most exclusive tables of Macau or Las Vegas, here are some basic tips and strategies to get you started in baccarat, whether you play online or offline.

### When In Doubt, Bet on the Banker

Betting on the banker gives you the best odds and the lowest house edge, meaning you’ll have a higher chance of winning in the long run.

### Don’t Waste Time on Side Bets

Side bets like Ties or Player/Banker Pairs may seem enticing with their higher payouts, but beware of their greater house edge. Ideally, it’s best to lay off these bets since they represent the lowest chance of winning.

### Manage Your Bankroll Wisely

Baccarat is a game of pure luck. Therefore, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it during your baccarat sessions. Don’t chase losses, and set a win-goal. Once you hit your win goal, it’s often a good idea to quit while you’re ahead and enjoy your winnings.

### Don’t Overanalyze Patterns

Baccarat has no skill involved—it’s 100% pure luck of the draw. Each game result is independent of the previous ones. It’s important not to fall into the trap of spotting streaks or patterns. Instead, make smart bets based on the odds.

## Basic Baccarat Betting Strategies

Baccarat offers three main betting options. Banker bets offer the best odds and lowest house edge, followed by Player bets, which pay 1:1, but have a slightly lower house edge. Tie bets have the highest payouts but have the lowest odds and highest house edge. As earlier explained, if you’re just starting out, stick to betting on the banker.

Nevertheless, there are some players who swear by using “baccarat strategies,” chief of all being the Martingale betting strategy. With this betting strategy, you would theoretically double your stake after every losing bet, doubling your wager until you win. If you win, you reset your wager amount to its original stake.

The trouble with the Martingale strategy is that it will burn players on long cold streaks—which can lead to a lot of losses if you’re on the wrong end of one. Moreover, this strategy doesn’t take the 5% commission on winning banker bets into account. With the banker paying out at odds of 0.95:1, you’ll need to go on an epic winning streak to turn in a profit.

Other players follow patterns that are shown on the baccarat trend analysis display on most online and land-based baccarat tables and base their bets on them. This could be patterns of alternating Player and Banker wins, or a streak of Banker or Player wins in a row. Other players may bet against the trend, believing they’re due to win. However, as we mentioned earlier, baccarat is a game of 100% pure chance. Therefore, betting on streaks or past winning hands does not equate to an edge since the cards themselves have no recollection of previous results.


Learn More

If you’ve always wanted to play baccarat but didn’t know where to begin, today is your lucky day. This guide teaches you how to play.

How To Play Baccarat

featured-img-Baccarat-CNS-985.png

# Are Baccarat Side Bets Worth the Risk?

Baccarat is a [popular and unique casino card game](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/) that comes in various formats. Baccarat mainly comes down to 3 betting options: whether to bet on the player, the banker, or a tie. The house edge of baccarat is determined by which of these 3 bets you choose on any given round. The house edge of betting on the player is 1.24%, whereas betting on the banker will provide a lower house edge of 1.06%. Ties are generally not recommended as they have a massive house edge of 14.36%. 

You can get a [full overview of the game rules here](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/how-to-play-baccarat/).

## What are baccarat side bets?

In addition to the 3 main betting options, numerous baccarat tables offer the player the possibility to place side bets. These act as additional bets that may be offered by a baccarat table and must be placed on top of one of the three main bets. 

Baccarat side bets also come in various shapes and sizes, so it’s important to know what options are available when playing. Placing side bets will tend to drive up the house edge percentage, depending on the side bet in question. It is, therefore, recommended only to place side bets if you have the budget to sustain them.

Here is a breakdown of just some of the baccarat side bets available.

### Pairs

Pairs can come in the form of Player Pairs, Banker Pairs, Either Pairs, or Perfect Pairs. Banker and Player Pairs require the first two cards drawn to be a pair from the banker or the player, not both. It pays out at a rate of 11 to 1. Either Pair means that the bet will win if either side draws a pair in their first two cards, and so pays out at a slightly lower rate of 5 to 1. Perfect Pairs requires a pair of the same suit to be drawn. This is unlikely to happen but pays out at a rate of 25 to 1. The house edge decreases the more decks are in play.

### All Black/Red

Betting on black or red isn’t just associated with roulette. In baccarat, betting on All Black or All Red requires all cards in the hand to consist of the same colour. Only the colour matters, so it can still be a blend of hearts and diamonds when betting on red, for example. All Red pays out at a rate of 22:1, while All Black baccarat side bets come at a rate of 24:1. The house edge does vary a lot between black and red. All Red side bets have a large house edge of around 14%, while All Black side bets have a lower house edge of 6.53%.

### Bellagio Match

The Bellagio Match baccarat side bet requires a hand consisting of three of a kind. This could be three 7s or three Queens, for instance. The payout depends on whether you are betting on the player or the banker to achieve a Bellagio Match. There is a 68:1 payout and a house edge of  8.57% when betting on the banker. Betting on the player provides a 75:1 payout with a house edge of 5.27%.

### Dragon 7

The Dragon 7 side bet requires a hand of three cards, equalling a total of 7 points. Two 2s and a 3 would equal 7 points, for example. This comes with a house edge of 7.61% and a payout rate of 40:1.

### Dragon Bonus

The Dragon Bonus is a slightly more complicated side bet, as it changes depending on the margin the bet is won by. It requires betting that either the banker or the player will win with a natural 8 or 9. The margin for the win must be 4 or more with the payout depending on how big the margin is.

- A margin of 9 pays at a rate of 30:1
- A margin of 8 pays at a rate of 10:1
- A margin of 7 pays at a rate of 6:1
- A margin of 6 pays at a rate of 4:1
- A margin of 5 pays at a rate of 2:1
- A margin of 4 pays at a rate of 1:1

A tie will result in a push for the bet. Betting on the player comes with a house edge of 2.65%, while the house edge for the banker is 9.37%.

### Matching Dragon

The Matching Dragon side bet is an evolved version of the above-mentioned Pairs betting option. Rather than just looking for a pair, however, the Matching Dragon side bet is searching for as many of the same ranked cards as possible. The payout increases the more matching cards are present in both the players’ and the banker’s hands.

- 1 matching card pays at a rate of 1:1
- 2 matching cards pay at a rate of 3:1
- 2 matching cards pay at a rate of 20:1
- 2 matching cards pay at a rate of 40:1
- 2 matching cards pay at a rate of 60:1
- 2 matching cards pay at a rate of 100:1


### Baccarat side bet tips & strategies
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706174678/blog/Side%20Bets%20in%20Baccarat%20-%20Are%20They%20Worth%20the%20Risk/img-Baccarat-CNS-985.png" alt="chips, cards, and an arrow to symbolise potential increase in baccarat bankroll" />

Before wagering any real money, it is important to fully understand what side bets are available at any given baccarat table. This can vary greatly from table to table, and between [online casinos](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/), so grasping this first will allow for more effective strategising. It is also important to keep the overall budget in mind, as side bets will require an additional wager, which will require additional funds from round to round.

A common piece of advice is to avoid betting on ties in baccarat due to the high house edge of 14.36%. The same advice can also be attributed to side bets. The All Red side bet, for example, also comes with a high house edge of 14%. A high house edge is offset by larger payouts, so it is important to pick a limit to the house edge that would be comfortable. This can vary from player to player, but generally speaking, the lower the overall budget, the better it is to stick with lower house edges.

It is important to get comfortable with different baccarat tables and the various side bets they may offer. Thus, online baccarat tables that offer a demo mode can be highly valuable. Being able to experiment with a few rounds of play without risking any real money is a great way to learn the game and see how different house edges can affect the state of play. 

A popular strategy is to also follow the banker-only or player-only method. This simple system requires betting on one side or the other until that side loses a hand. From there, simply switch over to the other side. This strategy simplifies decision-making and also makes it easier to get a grip on the various side-bets that can vary in house edge and payouts depending on which side is being bet on.

## Are baccarat side bets worth it?

Baccarat side bets add further risk/reward mechanics that can be worth it on a subjective level. Side bets are usually suited for more experienced players and players with a higher budget to spend. An extra layer of bet variety helps keep the game exciting and fresh while offering further potential to win big. 

With that being said, it is recommended for newer players to first get a grasp of the standard rules before diving into more complex side betting that carries additional risks. All side bets come at the cost of requiring an additional wager, as well as a higher house edge. Many side bets also run counter-intuitive to many common baccarat betting strategies. Dragon 7, for example, is a highly specific side-betting option that will often not fit in with other specific strategies. 

Deciding whether diving into baccarat side bets is worth it should be taken on a table-by-table basis. Make sure to check the house edge and payouts whenever possible to make an informed decision. Playing baccarat without any side bets can still offer a lot of fun, especially with the low house edges. Only place side bets that are at a comfortable level and ensure you play within the means that your budget allows.


Baccarat, a renowned card game in casinos, offers players three distinct betting choices: wagering on the player, the banker, or a tie. This article will teach you what to to bet and what not to bet.

Are Baccarat Side Bets Worth the Risk?

featured-img-black-jack-rules.svg

# Shuffling Through Terms: The Complete Blackjack Glossary

Have you ever been completely puzzled by the terminology thrown around [at the blackjack table](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/blackjack/)? Whether you are a new player or a veteran, you don’t want to get caught missing out on key information that could prove valuable to your betting. Blackjack has been around for centuries now and has built up a large vocabulary that players love to throw around. Be sure to check through this complete glossary of blackjack terms to elevate your knowledge and gameplay to the next level.

### Ace Poor or Rich

A deck that is Ace Poor has had more aces drawn than is usually expected. There are, therefore, fewer aces in the deck than would be expected over a certain period of gameplay. An Ace Rich deck is the opposite, where fewer aces have been drawn than you would have anticipated.

### Anchorman

When multiple players are seated at the table, there will inevitably be one who is last on the deal. This player is seated closest to the right of the dealer and is known as an Anchorman.

### Bankroll

Your bankroll is your total real-money budget to spend on [any given casino game](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/). This term isn’t just used for blackjack but for [all casino or sports betting](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/) activities. Managing your bankroll is a key aspect of any casino strategy.

### Blackjack

Not just the name of the game but also the best hand available. The name of the game actually comes from the hand and not the other way around. You need to be dealt an Ace and a face card or 10 to score a blackjack. This combination automatically wins the round with an increased payout of 3 to 2. 

### Box

The box is where you place your chips when making a bet in any game of blackjack. It gets its name from the rectangular box that is imprinted on the blackjack table.

### Bust

In a game of blackjack, you are aiming to get a score of 21. A lower value than 21 can still result in a win if it is higher than the dealers. Anything higher than 21 will result in a bust, which automatically loses the round.

### Buy-In

The buy-in is the minimum and maximum bet amount possible to make at a table. This amount can vary depending on the casino and the variation of blackjack being played.

### Card Counting

Counting cards is a tactic that is used to predict the likelihood of certain cards appearing on the next draw. You can keep a count in your head to establish the possibility of the next draw being a face card or a 10, for example. Starting from zero, you will either add (+)1 or subtract (-)1 from the count depending on what cards are being drawn. The higher the number, the more likely it is that a 10 or face card has the potential to appear. Below, you can see the basic rules for card counting in blackjack.

- A draw of 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 means adding 1 from your count
- A draw of 7, 8, or 9 – does not affect the count
- A draw of 10, Jack, Queen, King, or Ace means subtracting 1 from your count

### Charlie

A Charlie is a hand that has 5 or more cards without going bust. Some blackjack variants offer this as an alternative way for the player to win a round. Whether you need 5, 6, or 7 cards in your hand to reach this will depend on the table.

### Chipping Down or Up

Chipping Down or Chipping Up refers to the trajectory of your gameplay over a number of rounds. It could either be going up, so you are building up a stack of chips from your winnings, or it could be going down as a result of some steady losses.

### Cut

The Cut is a plastic card that the dealer can use to signify when a deck needs to be shuffled again. A player can choose where to cut the cards, which the dealer will keep track of with their plastic bookmark.

### DAS or NDAS

DAS is short for Double After Split. This is a game rule that can be found at certain blackjack tables, which allows the player to double their bet after splitting their cards. NDAS refers to tables where this rule isn’t allowed, also known as No Double After Split

### Double Down

To Double Down or Doubling Down refers to a betting action where the player doubles their wager. This option is available after seeing your hand and requires that you then draw one more card and no more.

### Double Exposure

Double Exposure Blackjack is a variant of traditional blackjack that requires the dealer to immediately show both of their dealt cards. This provides the player with the added advantage of knowing exactly what to beat with their hand. Double Exposure Blackjack comes with some drawbacks for the player to compensate for this advantage as landing a blackjack will only result in a 1 to 1 payout, and any draws that happen will result in the dealer winning.

### Early Surrender

The Early Surrender option is available in some variants of blackjack. This allows the player to forfeit their hand before the dealer checks for a blackjack in their hand. Taking this option returns half of your stake.

### Even Money

Even Money refers to the payout that comes with winning a round of blackjack with a standard hand and no side bets. Any winning hand that isn’t a blackjack will result in a 1 to 1 payout, meaning you earn double your stake.

### Face Cards

Jacks, Queens, and Kings are all known as Face Cards. The name comes from the fact that each card depicts a person on them. 10s can also be referred to as Face Cards in blackjack, as their value is the same.

### First Base

The First Base is the seating position opposite the Anchorman. Instead of being the last person to receive their cards, the person seated in First Base receives their cards first out of all the players on the table.

### Five-Card Charlie

Some blackjack tables offer a Five-Card Charlie rule. This allows a player the chance to draw 5 cards, and if it doesn’t result in a bust, the outcome of the round will be a win for the player.

### Flat Bet

A Flat Bet system is a betting strategy that requires the player to keep their bet amount the same no matter the results of any given round. The player chooses a baseline bet amount and sticks with that same amount during the entire session.

### Hard Hand

Any hand that doesn’t contain an Ace or a hand where the Ace counts as a 1 is known as a Hard Hand. This is essentially the opposite of a Soft Hand.

### Heads Up

Playing Heads Up means being seated at a table with no other players. Some prefer this as it allows for faster game rounds.

### Hit

One of the actions available to you on your turn is to tell the dealer to Hit. This signifies that you wish to have another card drawn and added to your hand.

### Hit 17

Hit 17 is a specific rule available at certain blackjack tables. It requires the dealer to Hit when they’ve drawn a soft 17. This is in contrast to a Stand 17 blackjack table.

### Hole Card

The face-down card in the dealer’s hand is referred to as a Hole Card. This card will only be revealed after all players have finalised their betting decisions during a single round.

### House Edge

The house edge refers to the statistical advantage the casino has over the player. In a standard game of blackjack with no side bets, the house edge is around 2%. 

### Insurance

A side bet option that is available with some blackjack variants is Insurance. This option pays out at a rate of 2 to 1 and is available when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. The Insurance side bet pays out if the dealer’s hand results in a blackjack. 

### Late Surrender

Similar to the Early Surrender surrender option, this can be used after the dealer has checked their face-down (Hole) card. Taking this option forfeits your hand and pays you half of your stake back.

### Match the Dealer

Another popular side betting option that looks to predict that either one of your cards will be the same as the dealer’s face-up card. This is known as a Match the Dealer side bet. The payouts for winning with this side bet will depend on how many in-play decks are being used. 

### Multiple-Deck

Any game of blackjack that is played with more than 1 deck is known as Multiple-Deck Blackjack.

### Natural Blackjack

Scoring 21 with only 2 cards is known as a Natural Blackjack.

### NRSA and RSA

Non-Resplit Aces (NRSA) and Resplit Aces (RSA) refer to different game rules available at a blackjack table. This determines whether the player is allowed to split the Aces in their hand after already splitting once.

### Paint

Paint is another term used for Face Cards. This includes Jacks, Queens, and Kings.

### Pair

A hand with 2 cards of the same value is known as a Pair.

### Pat Hand

It is usually not recommended to Hit while having a hand with a value of a Hard 17 or higher. Any hand like this is known as a Pat Hand.

### Perfect Pairs

Perfect Pairs are a blackjack variant that enables the player to win if the first 2 cards they draw are of the same value.

### Power Double

Power Blackjack is a specific variant of blackjack with additional rules that allow the player to discard and replace their double-down card. This is usually only allowed when the player has a hand with a value of 9, 10, or 11.

### Push

When both the player and the dealer have hands with the same total value, it becomes a draw, otherwise known as a Push.

### Resplitting

Resplitting is allowed in certain blackjack variants and allows the player to split after having already split. Some variants allow the player to split their hand up to 3 times, enabling them to play with a total of 4 hands.

### Royal Match

An additional side betting option, The Royal Match, requires the player to draw a King and a Queen in the same suit and on the first 2 cards drawn to win.

### Shoe

The Shoe is a device or compartment that stores all of the decks used at the blackjack table.

### Shuffle Tracking

An alternative to card counting, Shuffle Tracking instead follows how the cards are being shuffled to determine the likelihood that certain cards will be drawn in the upcoming round. This is done by steering slugs of high-value cards to the front of the deck.

### Side Bet

Many different blackjack tables offer a variety of Side Bets. These are additional betting options that offer a separate payout when certain conditions are met. This could be betting on specific cards to be drawn into your hand, for example.

### Soft Double

Doubling down on any Soft Hand is known as a Soft Double.

### Soft Hand

Any hand that has an Ace that can be counted as either a 1 or an 11 is known as a Soft Hand. This is in contrast to what is known as a Hard Hand.

### Spanish 21

A specific variant of blackjack, Spanish 21 offers more betting options and the potential for bigger prizes at the cost of a larger house edge.

### Split

If the first 2 cards you are dealt have the same value, you have the option to Split. This means separating the cards into 2 separate hands and being dealt an additional 2 cards. Some blackjack variants allow you to Split multiple times in a round.

### Split and Double After Split (Surrender SAD)

A blackjack table may offer the option for you to Double Down after committing to a Split. An option can also be available at some tables to allow you to Surrender even after deciding to Double.

### Splitting Pairs

A Split and Splitting Pairs are essentially the same thing. It allows you to Split your hand into 2 while drawing an additional 2 cards. This is only possible when the original 2 cards are both of the same value.

### Stand

When you decide that you don’t wish to have any further cards dealt, you tell the dealer that you have decided to Stand.

### Stand 17

As opposed to the Hit 17 rule, any blackjack table that includes the Stand 17 rule requires the dealer to make the Stand decision when drawing a Soft 17.

### Standing Hand

A Standing Hand is one where you have chosen not to draw any further cards after the initial 2 received at the start of the round.

### Stand-Off

A draw in a game of Blackjack is also known as a Stand-Off. This is where you and the dealer both have the same total value of cards after deciding to Stand.

### Stiff

A hand with values of between 12 and 16 is known as a Stiff. This is generally an unfavourable hand for the player. It can also refer to a dealer’s face-up card being either a 2, 4, 5, or 6.

### Surrender

Players can use the Surrender option instead of deciding to Hit or Stand. This forfeits the hand but returns half of the stake back to the player.

### Tie Bet

A Tie Bet is when both you and the dealer have a hand of 21. This results in a draw, otherwise known as a Push, where the stake is returned to the player.

### Upcard

In a standard game of blackjack, the dealer will give themself a face-up and a face-down card. The card that is face-up is also known as the Upcard.

More from CasinoGrounds.com

Have you ever been completely puzzled by the terminology thrown around at the blackjack table? Whether you are a new player or a veteran, you don’t want to get caught missing out on key information.

Shuffling Through Terms: The Complete Blackjack Glossary

hero_img_dream_catcher_3_F2761_0957c41b4b_e10dfc5940.jpg

featured_img_dream_catcher_25d3ed0e7b_ddeb8abcd7.svg

Reading through our Dream Catcher strategy article, you'll learn different strategies for what segments to bet on depending on how comfortable you are with risk when gambling. The systems include tables that assume you're betting one unit at a time to achieve the suggested wheel coverages and your chances of hitting them. We'll also show you the best possible and by far biggest paying strategy long-term, applicable not just to Dream Catcher but to any live casino game out there. At the end of the article, there's a glossary to help you better understand the terms we use in this article, along with links to pages with more information on these topics.

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1630398524/guides/dream-catcher/guides-header-dream-catcher.jpg" alt="Dream Catcher Strategy article banner" />

## Dream Catcher odds

<div class="tableContainer">
<table style="min-width:450px">
 <thead>
  <tr>
   <th>Wheel number</th>
   <th>Odds of hitting</th>
   <th>Pays</th>
   <th>Segments</th>
   <th>House Edge</th>
   <th>Colour</th>
  </tr>
  </thead>
<tbody>
  <tr>
   <td>1</td>
   <td>1:2,35</td>
   <td>1:1</td>
   <td>23</td>
   <td>4.66%</td>
   <td>Yellow</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
   <td>2</td>
   <td>1:3,60</td>
   <td>2:1</td>
   <td>15</td>
   <td>4.49%</td>
   <td>Blue</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
   <td>5</td>
   <td>1:7,72</td>
   <td>5:1</td>
   <td>7</td>
   <td>8.76%</td>
   <td>Purple</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
   <td>10</td>
   <td>1:13,51</td>
   <td>10:1</td>
   <td>4</td>
   <td>3.42%</td>
   <td>Green</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
   <td>20</td>
   <td>1:27,03</td>
   <td>20:1</td>
   <td>2</td>
   <td>7.26%</td>
   <td>Orange</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
   <td>40</td>
   <td>1:54,05</td>
   <td>40:1</td>
   <td>1</td>
   <td>9.19%</td>
   <td>Red</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
   <td>X2</td>
   <td>1:54,05</td>
   <td>x2 multiplier next number</td>
   <td>1</td>
   <td>n/a</td>
   <td>Black/silver</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
   <td>X7</td>
   <td>1:54,05</td>
   <td>x7 multiplier next number</td>
   <td>1</td>
   <td>n/a</td>
   <td>Black/gold</td>
  </tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

## Dream Catcher wheel strategy based on risk versus reward
Depending on how much risk you're comfortable with when gambling, here are three strategies you can try based on coverage of the Dream Catcher wheel.

<div class="tableContainer">
<table style="min-width:450px">
<thead>
  <tr>
   <th>Volatility strategy</th>
   <th>Wheel coverage</th>
   <th>Total segments</th>
   <th>Odds to win</th>
  </tr>
 </thead>
<tbody>
  <tr>
   <td>Low risk</td>
   <td>38.88%</td>
   <td>21/54</td>
   <td>1:2,51</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
   <td>Medium risk</td>
   <td>25.92%</td>
   <td>14/54</td>
   <td>1:3,86</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
   <td>High risk</td>
   <td>5.55%</td>
   <td>3/54</td>
   <td>1:18,02</td>
  </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>
</div>

### The low-risk Dream Catcher strategy
Covering **38.88%** of the wheel (*21/54 = 0,3888*), expect frequent but smaller wins when opting for the *low-risk strategy*. It offers low volatility, often **extending** your bankroll lifetime, enabling you to play longer sessions in hopes of the occasional win streak landing several *20:1*s and *10:1*s in a short time.

### The medium-risk Dream Catcher strategy

<div class="tableContainer">
<table style="min-width:450px">
<thead>
   <tr>
   <th>Bet</th>
   <th>Segment</th>
   <th>Coverage</th>
   <th>Chance of hitting</th>
  </tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
  <tr>
   <td>x1</td>
   <td>20</td>
   <td>2/54</td>
   <td>3.70%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
   <td>x1</td>
   <td>10</td>
   <td>4/54</td>
   <td>7.40%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
   <td>x1</td>
   <td>2</td>
   <td>15/54</td>
   <td>27.77%</td>
  </tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

Covering **25.92%** of the wheel (*14/54 = 0,2592*), the medium risk strategy is for longer sessions. It ups the volatility slightly, as you'll only win just a little over *one in four* on average in hopes of landing one or more multipliers before hitting your number afterward.

The dream outcome using the medium risk strategy is to hit three **x7 multiplier in a row**, resulting in a **€1.715** payday if landing on *segment 5*, + your initial bet back.

### The high-risk Dream Catcher strategy

<div class="tableContainer">
<table style="min-width:450px">
<thead>
  <tr>
   <th>Bet</th>
   <th>Segment</th>
   <th>Coverage</th>
   <th>Chance of hitting</th>
  </tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
  <tr>
   <td>x1</td>
   <td>20</td>
   <td>2/54</td>
   <td>3.70%</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
   <td>x1</td>
   <td>40</td>
   <td>1/54</td>
   <td>1.85%</td>
  </tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

Covering **5.55%** of the wheel (*3/54 = 0,0555*), the high-risk strategy is highly volatile, hitting your numbers just over *five times per hundred* spins on average. You're sacrificing smaller wins for volatility in hopes of stacking multipliers up to three times before landing your *40:1* and *20:1*'s.

The dream scenario using this strategy is hitting an **x7 multiplier three times in a row**, resulting in a multiplier of **x343** if you hit your *20:1* or *40:1*, resulting in a **€6.860** or **€13.720** payday on a *€1 bet*.

## The absolute best Dream Catcher casino strategy
The **best Dream Catcher casino strategy** is to play on **online casinos that offer cashback** on your net losses. It's a sound strategy as you can recuperate between **5%**  and up to **20%** of your net losses and applies to any game you've played, not just Dream Catcher. 

Over time, those percentages make up a nice sum of money that you - in most cases - are free to use as you want, paid weekly or daily. If you prefer live table games or game shows such as Dream Catcher, your best money-saving tactic, in the long run, is to play on cashback casinos.

## How to pick the best Dream Catcher casino to play on
Here's a short list of tips to quicken your decision on whether or not your casino pick is a good choice:

- Check that the casino is licensed by one - or more - regulatory bodies.
- Ensure that the casino has your preferred game(s) available.
- Make sure that it has your preferred payment method(s).
- See if it has a bonus(es) that entices you.
- Ensure that the wagering conditions and withdrawal limits are fair.
- Check for casino player reviews by doing a quick Google search to see what others say about it.

**CasinoGrounds' pick when going for the best Dream Catcher casino**:

LeoVegas casino is a "top 3" picks-candidate, one of the best choices you can make when looking for the best Dream Catcher casino to play on.

**Here's why**:

- Best selection in Live Casino games, including game shows like Dream Catcher.
- LeoVegas is regulated and licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, the Danish Gambling Authority, and the Swedish Gambling Authority.
- New players can choose a welcome bonus meant for live casino play.
- They have a good selection of payment methods applicable to your country of residence.
- Speedy withdrawals of funds when your player account is KYC-verified.

[Click here to sign up with LeoVegas - the best Dream Catcher Casino](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/leovegas/).

**Disclaimer**: *Dream Catcher is a game of chance where the house always has a mathematical edge over its players. There are no winning strategies out there you can use to beat the game in the long run. Gambling is not a source of income. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Please gamble responsibly*.

#### Glossary
Here's an alphabetical list of words used in this article with explanations; a brief dictionary to help you better understand what we've discussed.

**Cashback:** *a promotion available to loyal patrons where the casino credits a certain percentage of any losses back to the player accounts. Here's our [list of cashback casinos](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/).*

**Game shows:** *A mix of traditional casino table games and money wheel games that combine elements from world-famous [game shows](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/) and board games with hosts.*

**KYC-verified:** *KYC is short for Know Your Customer, a crucial part of AML (Anti-money laundering) and Customer Due Diligence checks to verify the ID of customers as legitimate. [Read more about why casinos enforce KYC here](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/know-your-customer-gambling/).*

**Net losses:** *excluding any bonus funds, net losses are amounts you have deposited and lost to the casino.*

**Regulatory body:** *A term used to describe regulators such as the MGA (Malta Gaming Authority), the UKGC (UK Gambling Commission, SGA (Swedish Gambling Authority), and DGA (Danish Gambling Authority) that regulate ownership and operations of online casinos subject to pervasive regulation under laws, rules, and regulations of each of their respective jurisdictions and markets.*

**Table games:** *any casino game where the house dealers or croupiers sit down at a table to play against other players. Examples include Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat. See our [casino table games](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/) section for more examples.*

**Volatility:** *A term used to describe the amount of risk associated with a game. As an example, expect to win less frequently but much bigger when playing on [high volatility slots](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/), versus frequent but smaller wins when playing low volatility slots.*

Learn the best Dream Catcher strategy, and try alternative wheel strategies based on the level of risk and odds of winning. 

The Best Dream Catcher strategy

featured_img_roulette_odds_132b3046fb_565ec0136a.svg

The table below gives you a clear overview of Roulette odds and payouts for each bet type and the expected value (EV) per €1 wagered. The table includes the European variant with the lowest house edge and the American variant with the highest house edge. 

European and American Roulette odds & payouts table

If you're new to Roulette, start by reading our comprehensive guide on [how to play Roulette](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/how-to-play-roulette-guide/), followed by learning the [names of all roulette bets](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/all-roulette-bets-explained/), and then find out [why and how the casino has the edge over you when you play](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/roulette-house-edge-explained/).

<div class="tableContainer">
<table style="min-width:900px;">
 <thead>
 <tr>
    <th>Name of bet</th>
    <th>Winning pocket(s)</th>
    <th>Odds against winning (European Roulette)</th>
    <th>EV pr. €1 wager (European Roulette)</th>
    <th>Odds against winning (American Roulette)</th>
    <th>EV pr. €1 wager (American Roulette)</th>
    <th>Payouts</th>
  </tr>
</thead>
  <tbody>
  <tr>
    <td>Zero (0)</td>
    <td>0</td>
    <td>36 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>37 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>35:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Double-Zero (00)</td>
    <td>00</td>
    <td>N/A</td>
    <td>N/A</td>
    <td>37 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>35:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Straight-up</td>
    <td>An single number</td>
    <td>36 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>37 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>35:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Row</td>
    <td>0, 00</td>
    <td>N/A</td>
    <td>N/A</td>
    <td>18 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>17:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Split</td>
    <td>any two adjoining numbers vertical or horizontal</td>
    <td>17+1⁄2 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>18 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>17:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Street</td>
    <td>any three numbers horizontal (1, 2, 3 or 4, 5, 6, etc.)</td>
    <td>11+1⁄3 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>11+2⁄3 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>11:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Corner</td>
    <td>any four adjoining numbers in a block (1, 2, 4, 5 or 17, 18, 20, 21, etc.)</td>
    <td>8+1⁄4 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>8+1⁄2 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>8:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Top line/Basket (US)</td>
    <td>0, 00, 1, 2, 3</td>
    <td>N/A</td>
    <td>N/A</td>
    <td>6<br>+3⁄5 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>6:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Top line/Basket (European)</td>
    <td>0, 1, 2, 3</td>
    <td>8+1⁄4 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>N/A</td>
    <td>N/A</td>
    <td>8:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Double Street</td>
    <td>any six numbers from two horizontal rows (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 etc.)</td>
    <td>5+1⁄6 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>5<br>+1⁄3 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>5:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>1st column</td>
    <td>1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34</td>
    <td>2+1⁄12 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>2+1⁄6 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>2:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>2nd column</td>
    <td>2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35</td>
    <td>2+1⁄12 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>2+1⁄6 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>2:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>3rd column</td>
    <td>3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36</td>
    <td>2+1⁄12 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>2+1⁄6 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>2:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>1st dozen</td>
    <td>1 to 12</td>
    <td>2+1⁄12 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>2+1⁄6 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>2:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>2nd dozen</td>
    <td>13 to 24</td>
    <td>2+1⁄12 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>2+1⁄6 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>2:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>3rd dozen</td>
    <td>25 through 36</td>
    <td>2+1⁄12 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>2+1⁄6 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>2:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Odd</td>
    <td>1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33 or 35</td>
    <td>1<br>+1⁄18 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>1+1⁄9 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>1:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Even</td>
    <td>2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 or 36</td>
    <td>1<br>+1⁄18 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>1+1⁄9 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>1:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Red</td>
    <td>32, 19, 21, 25, 34, 27, 36, 30, 23, 5, 16, 1, 14, 9, 18, 7, 12, 3</td>
    <td>1<br>+1⁄18 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>1+1⁄9 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>1:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Black</td>
    <td>15, 4, 2, 17, 6, 13, 11, 8, 10, 24, 33, 20, 31, 22, 29, 28, 35, 26</td>
    <td>1<br>+1⁄18 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>1+1⁄9 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>1:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>1-18</td>
    <td>1, 2, 3, ..., 18</td>
    <td>1<br>+1⁄18 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>1+1⁄9 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>1:1</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>19-36</td>
    <td>19, 20, 21, ..., 36</td>
    <td>1<br>+1⁄18 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.027</td>
    <td>1+1⁄9 to 1</td>
    <td>-€0.053</td>
    <td>1:1</td>
  </tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

A comprehensive odds and payouts table with bet names, winning pockets, and their expected value for European and American Roulette.

Roulette odds & payouts table

featured-img-house-edge-explained.svg

In this article, we will explain the Roulette house edge, how it differs depending on which Roulette game variant you're playing, and how the edge makes it impossible to beat the game in the long run.
 
## What is Roulette house edge
All casino games, including Roulette, are made so the house will win in the long run. The term "house" refers to the casino. The term "edge" refers to the casino's mathematical advantage over you if you play. This advantage varies depending on the type of bet placed, and the Roulette variant played.
 
**Continue learning:** [All roulette bets explained](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/all-roulette-bets-explained/)
 
**In simple terms:** Roulette house edge is the difference between [the odds of you winning and what the casino pays for a specific type or group of bets](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/roulette-odds-payouts-table/).
 
### European Roulette house edge
In European Roulette, the house edge is 2.70%. The European variant has a single-zero wheel, with 37 pockets, of which one pocket is for the Zero, and the 36 others are for the numbers 1-36, and payouts for hitting a single number is 35:1.
 
### American Roulette house edge
In American Roulette, the house edge is 5.25%. The American variant has a double-zero wheel, with 38 pockets, of which two pockets are for the 0 and 00, and the 36 others are for the numbers 1-36, and payouts for hitting a single number is 35:1.
 
## How to calculate house edge in Roulette
You can calculate the house edge for all bets in Roulette if you know the expectation of the bet placed. The expectation is a mathematical term that tells you your long-term expected losses or winnings of a bet.
 
**Here's how you do it:**
Expectation = (Loss x Probability) + (Win x Probability)
 
**To proceed with the calculation, you'll need to answer two questions: **
- What is the probability of winning, and the amount of a win?
- What is the probability of losing, and the amount of a loss?
 
### Example of calculating the house edge of a bet on Black in European Roulette
 
For example, we're placing a €10 bet on "black," which pays even money. If we win, we get our bet back + €10. If we lose, it's a €10 loss.
 
To calculate what edge the house has over us when we place this bet, we work out the total number of possible outcomes and then split these into the winning and the losing ones.
 
The European Roulette wheel has 37 pockets, 1-36 numbers, and one Zero (green). Eighteen of these pockets are black, and nineteen of these pockets are not.
 
- **Win probability:** 18/37 (black pockets)
- **Loss probability:** 19/37 (red pockets + green pocket)
 
Now that we know the probabilities for winning and losing, we set up another equation to calculate the house edge.
 
- (Loss x Probability) + (Win x Probability)
- (-€10 x 19/37) + (€10 x 18/37)
- (-€5.13) + (€4.86)
- Expectation = -€0.27
 
Our expected long-term losses from placing a bet on black or any other "even money" bets on the Roulette table is minus €0.27 per €10 wagered, and €0.27 of €10 is 2.70%, which is the house edge of European Roulette.
 
**Keep exploring:** [The ultimate guide on how to play Roulette](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/how-to-play-roulette-guide/)
 
## Frequently Asked Questions about Roulette house edge
 
### How does the house have an edge in Roulette?
The house has an edge in Roulette due to the single and double-zero pockets on the Roulette wheel.
 
### Why does the house always win in Roulette?
The house always wins in the long run as the game is structured to give the house a minimum mathematical advantage of 2.70%.
 
### How do you beat the house edge in Roulette?
In the long run, you can not beat the house edge in Roulette (or any other casino game) because of the single or double-zero pockets that make up 37 or 38 pockets on the wheel and the 35:1 payouts for a 1:1 bet.
 
### Can the house cheat at Roulette?
The house has no incentive to cheat in Roulette due to its mathematical advantage over its players, and regulation ensures that all results are truly random and fair to both the casino and the players.
 
### What numbers hit the most in Roulette?
Although some numbers are "hot," meaning they come up more frequently, this is a short-term and random result. Over time, all numbers, including the Zero-pockets, turn up just as frequently; 1/37 or 1/38.

In this article, we will explain the Roulette house edge, how it differs depending on which Roulette game variant you're playing, and how the edge makes it impossible to beat the game in the long run.

Roulette house edge explained

featured_img_how_to_roulette_cd949bc9dc_f1947e0835.svg

Roulette is a guessing game where you place bets based on what you think the outcome of each spin will be. This guide will teach you the basics needed to play the game, and you'll also find links to continue exploring each topic covered in this article more in-depth by following the "Learn more"-links. 

## The basics of playing Roulette
Before a round of Roulette starts, players must place their bets. 

- The table Croupier lines up a ball into the spinning roulette wheel, and players are still allowed to place bets. 
- At one point, the Croupier will announce "No more bets," and players can no longer place any further bets.
- Once the ball loses enough momentum, it drops into the wheel and settles in one of the pockets. 
- The table Croupier pays winners their winnings according to [bets and odds](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/roulette-odds-payouts-table/) (numbers, sections, colors). 

## Types of roulette bets
There are over twenty kinds of Roulette bets, depending on whether you're playing European (French), American, or other casino-specific Roulette types. The different types of bets belong to two main categories: inside bets and outside bets. 

**Learn more:** Find an explanation of [all types of Roulette bets here](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/all-roulette-bets-explained/)

### Outside bets
You place outside bets on the outside of the rectangle of the Roulette table layout. 

**The outside bets available are:**
- Red/Black
- Odd/Even
- High/Low
- Columns
- Dozens
- Imprisonment bet or La Partage
### Inside bets
You place inside bets inside of the rectangle of the Roulette table layout. 

**The inside bets available are:**
- Straight up
- Split
- Street
- Corner
- Line
- Five-number
- Basket
- Snake bet

### Call bets
Call bets are grouped with inside bets as betting on these is done within the same rectangle on the Roulette table layout. They're only available on European and French Roulette tables, not American ones. 

**The call bets available are:**
- Voisins du Zero
- Jeu Zero
- Tiers du Cylindre
- Orphelins
- Neighbors
- Final Bet
- Full Complete or Max bet

## The game layout of Roulette
Although there are three distinct variations and many more casino-specific Roulette variants, the game layout always includes a wheel and a section for placing bets. 

### Wheel layouts
There are two Roulette wheel types; American and European. Their only difference is the number of zeros on the wheel. 

- European Roulette has 37 pockets (0-36 numbered and one zero).
- American Roulette has 38 pockets (0-36 numbered and two zeros).

### Table layouts
The Roulette table layout is standardized, making it instantly recognizable regardless of whether you're playing American, European, or French Roulette. There are, however, minor differences depending on what variant you're playing.

- European Roulette has 37 "straight up" bet fields.
- American Roulette has 38 "straight up" bet fields. 
- French Roulette has 37 (same as European), but the names of each area you can place a bet on are in French.

## Roulette rules
Besides the basic flow of the game, as covered at the beginning of this article, there aren't many other rules to consider when you're playing online. The exception is that each Roulette table played online might have different rules that cover payout structures, special bonuses, minimum and maximum wagering limits, and what happens if there's a technical error or a voided game.

## Roulette house edge
The term "house edge" refers to the casino's mathematical advantage over players playing their games. In the case of Roulette, the house edge is 2.60% for European Roulette and 5.25% for American Roulette.

In short, the house always wins in the long run as it'll profit between 2.60% and 5.25% of all wagers placed on its Roulette tables given an infinite period and spins. 

**Learn more:** *[Roulette house edge explained](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/roulette-house-edge-explained/)*

## Roulette variations
There are three distinct, standard variations of Roulette available to players; European, American, and Roulette. The difference between these is minuscule, yet many sub-variations of the standard ones are available. 

## Roulette systems and strategies
There are countless Roulette betting systems and strategies available out there. Please make no mistake, however, as none of them work. The reason is simple: Roulette is a minus EV (expected value) game, where the odds always favor the house. There is no strategy out there that, in practice, will allow you to beat the game consistently. Anyone who says otherwise is flat-out lying to you. 

Perhaps you've heard of the Martingale system or the Fibonacci strategy? Alluring as they may be, you'll quickly discover the threat they pose to lighting your bankroll on fire just after a couple of "unlucky" streaks. 

Knowing what strategies and betting systems are available for Roulette, though, and understanding how they work, will help you save money and time not wasted on doing something that doesn't work. 


Roulette is a guessing game where you place bets based on what you think the outcome of each spin will be. This guide will teach you the basics needed to play the game

How to Play Roulette

hero_img_free_bet_jack_2_F43_BB_4c04636f0f.jpg

featured_img_free_bet_jack_6850ac89a8_1de6dd4fcc.svg

The strategy of Free Bet Blackjack is much more straightforward to memorize than the basic strategy of standard [Blackjack](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/blackjack/), where the key takeaway is to accept all free doubles and free splits. 

In this article, you will find a quick, straightforward introduction to basic strategy when playing Evolution Gaming's Free Bet Blackjack, together with three charts that tell you the optimal play. 

## Basic Free Bet Blackjack strategy
When you play Evolution Gaming's Free Bet Blackjack variant with eight decks, the house has a 1.55% edge over you. The optimal theoretical payout percentage based on the first-hand dealt from the dealer shoe is 98.45%.

**Tip:** *The optimal strategy of this variant is only achievable when you stay away from the Free Bet Blackjack side bets, as these lower the respective RTP range from 98.45% to between 94.12% and 95.90%.*

The optimal strategy for playing Free Bet Blackjack is to apply regular [basic blackjack strategy](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/blackjack-chart-list/), except for free bets, as you should always accept every free double and free split opportunity. 

## Free Bet Blackjack strategy charts
We've made three charts you can use during play to make better decisions. 
- a chart showing you what to do in real money hands
- a chart showing you what to do when playing free hands
- a chart listing all free splits, and free doubles

**Note:** *The charts presented in this free bet blackjack strategy article assume that you are familiar with regular blackjack rules.* 

### Chart showing how to play real money hands in Free Bet Blackjack

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706786733/blog/Free%20Bet%20Blackjack%20Strategy/img-01_-_Real_Money_Hand.jpg" alt="strategy chart showing how to play real money hands in Free bet blackjack" />
</div>

**When to double:**
- Always accept a free double.
- Always double a Soft 16 vs. dealer's 6.
- Always double a soft 17 and 18 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.

**When to hit:**
- Always hit on a player 5-8
- When on a hard 12 (except when the dealer shows a 5 or a 6).
- When on a hard 13 (except when the dealer shows a 3, 4, 5, or a 6).
- When on a hard 14/15/16 (except when the dealer shows a 2, 3, 4, 5, or a 6). 
- Always hit when on a soft 12-17 (except for when you double)
- When on a soft 18 vs. dealer's 9, 10, or A.

**When to stand:**
- When on a hard 12 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.
- When on a hard 13 vs. dealer's 3-6. 
- When on a hard 14/15/16 vs. dealers 2-6
- When on any hard 17 and above.
- When on a soft 18 vs. dealer's 2-8 (except when doubling vs. 5 or 6). 
- When on any soft 19 and above. 

### Chart showing how to play free hands in Free Bet Blackjack

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706785509/blog/Free%20Bet%20Blackjack%20Strategy/img-02_Free_Hand.jpg" alt="strategy chart showing how to play free hands in Free bet blackjack" />
</div>

**When to double:**
- Always accept a free double.
- Always double a soft 16 vs. dealer's 6.
- Always double a soft 17 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.
- Always double a soft 18 vs. dealer's 4, 5, or 6.
- Always double a soft 19 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.
- Always double a soft 20 vs. dealer's 6.

**When to hit:**
- Always hit on a player 5-8
- When on a hard 12 (except when the dealer shows a 5 or a 6).
- When on a hard 13  and 14 (except when the dealer shows 3-6).
- When on a hard 15 and 16 (except when the dealer shows 2-6)
- When on a hard 17 (except when the dealer shows 2-6 or 10)
- When on a soft 12-17, except for when you're doubling.
- When on a soft 18, except when you're doubling versus dealer's 7.

**When to stand:**
- When on a hard 12 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.
- When on a hard 13-14 vs. dealer's 3-6. 
- When on a hard 15-17 vs. dealer's 2-6. 
- Stand on 17 vs. dealer's 10.
- Always stand on hard 18 and above.
- When on a soft 18 vs. dealer's 7.
- When on a soft 19 and above (except for when doubling). 

### Chart showing how to play split hands in Free Bet Blackjack

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706785509/blog/Free%20Bet%20Blackjack%20Strategy/img-03_-_Splits.jpg" alt="strategy chart showing how to play split hands in Free bet blackjack" />
</div>

- Always opt for a free double when available.
- Always opt for a free split when available.
- Always stand on a pair of tens (10,10).

You can try [demo play blackjack](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/blackjack/) or head over to [our online casinos section](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/) to play for real money.

More from CasinoGrounds

In this article, you will find a quick, straightforward introduction to basic strategy when playing Evolution Gaming's Free Bet Blackjack, together with three charts that tell you the optimal play.

Free Bet Blackjack strategy charts

featured_img_all_roulette_bets_ac1ce3e6fa_2695a836a3.svg

With over 192 different Roulette bets available across +20 bet categories, this guide will teach you what these bets are and how they're played on the Roulette table.

**Discover:** This article is a part of our [ultimate guide on how to play Roulette](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/how-to-play-roulette-guide/)

## Outside bets
You place Outside bets on the outside of the Roulette table's layout.
 
### Red or Black bets
When placing red or black bets, you're wagering that the outcome will be a red or black number. This bet pays 1:1.
 
### Odd or Even bets
When placing odd or even bets, you're wagering that the outcome will be an odd or even number. This bet pays 1:1.
 
### High or Low bets
When placing high or low bets, you're wagering that the outcome will be between *1-18* (low) or *19-36* (high). This bet pays 1:1.
 
### Column bets
When placing column bets, you're wagering that the outcome will be one of three possible columns with 12 numbers each. This bet pays 2:1.
 
- **Column 1:** *1*, *4*, *7*, *10*, *13*, *16*, *19*, *22*, *25*, *28*, *31* and *34*.
- **Column 2:** *2*, *5*, *8*, *11*, *14*, *17*, *20*, *23*, *26*, *29*, *32* and *35*.
- **Column 3:** *3*, *6*, *9*, *12*, *15*, *18*, *21*, *24*, *27*, *30*, *33* and *36*.

### Dozens bets
When placing a dozens bet, you're wagering that the outcome will be one of three possible 12-numbered dozens. It's different from the column bets as the numbers in dozens are in sequence. This bet pays 2:1.

- Dozens 1: The ball lands between the numbers 1-12.
- Dozens 2: The ball lands between the numbers 13-24.
- Dozens 3: The ball lands between the numbers 25-36.

## Inside bets
You place Inside bets inside the Roulette table's rectangular layout.

### StraightUp bets
When placing straight-up bets, you're wagering that the outcome will be one - or several - numbers. This bet pays 35:1.

### Split bets
When placing split bets, you're wagering that the outcome will be a split between two straight-up numbers next to each other, and you put it on the line separating the two. This bet pays 17:1.

### Street bets
Street bets are also called "Trio" or "Stream" bets. When placing street bets, you're wagering that the outcome will be any number within a row of three. This bet pays 11:1

### Corner bets
Corner bets are also called "Four-number" or "Square" bets. When placing corner bets, you're wagering that the outcome will be one of four numbers within a square, and you put in the middle line where all numbers touch. This bet pays 8:1.

### Line bets
Line bets are also called "Six-number" bets. When placing line bets, you're wagering that the outcome will be one number within two consecutive three-numbered rows. This bet pays 5:1.

### FiveNumber bet
The Five-number bet is also known as the "Top Line" bet. When placing the five-number bet, you're wagering that the outcome will be 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This bet pays 6:1.

### Basket bet
The basket bet is also known as the "First four" bet. When placing a basket bet, you're wagering on the outcome being 0, 1, 2, or 3. The basket bet is the same as the five-number bet but without the "00". This bet pays 6:1.

### Snake bet
The snake bet has its name because of the snake-like pattern it makes from all the bets placed. When placing a snake bet, you're wagering on the outcome being 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, or 34. This bet pays 2:1.

## Call bets
Call bets are bets that you explicitly announce to the table croupier before you place money to cover the cost of these on the Roulette table in land-based casinos. In online casinos, call bets are pre-selected sections, automatically setting the required amount of chips on the intended areas.

### Voisins du Zero bet
Voisins du Zero is French for "neighbors of zero." This bet is only available on French/European Roulette tables with single-zero wheels. When placing a Voisins du Zero, you're wagering that the outcome will be on the numbers closest to the Zero, and the bet requires nine chips in total.

- 0, 2, and 3 are covered with a trio bet and for two chips.
- 4/7, 12/15, 18/21, and 19/22 with four split bets of one chip each, for a total of four.
- 25/26/28/29 with a split bet of two chips.
- One last split bet for one chip placed on 32/35

### Jeu Zero bet
Jeu Zero is french for "zero game." This bet is only available on French/European Roulette tables with single-zero wheels. When placing a Jeu Zero bet, you're wagering that the outcome will be on the numbers closest to the zero-pocket on the wheel, and the bet requires a minimum of four chips to place.

- 0/3, 12/15, and 32/35 with three split bets of one chip each, for a total of three. 
- A one-chip straight-up bet on 26.

### Tiers du Cylindre bet
Tiers du Cylindre is French for "thirds of the wheel." This bet is only available on French/European Roulette tables with single-zero wheels. When placing a Tiers du Cylindre bet, you're wagering that the outcome will be the twelve numbers on the opposite side of the wheel between (and including) 27 and 33, and the bet requires a minimum of six chips to place.

- 5/8, 10/11, 13/16, 23/24, 27/30, and 33/36 with six split bets of one chip each for a total of six.

### Orphelins bet
Orphelins is French for "orphans." This bet is only available on French/European Roulette tables with single-zero wheels. The bet covers two sections of the Roulette wheel not covered by the Tiers or the visions Bets. There are two types of Orphelins bets;
- 1) "Orphelin's in Plein" and,
- 2)  "Orphelins en Cheval."

#### Orphelin's in Plein bet
The Orphelin's in Plein bet is not as common as its counterpart "en Cheval." When placing an Orphelin's in Plein bet, you're wagering that the outcome will be one of eight numbers using straight-up bets, which requires a minimum of 8 chips to place.

A one-chip straight-up bet on 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, 34 each.

#### Orphelins en Cheval bet
The Orphelins en Cheval bet is the most common of the "Orphelin's" bets. When placing an Orphelin's en Cheval bet, you're wagering that the outcome will be one of eight numbers using a combination of split- and straight-up bets, which requires a minimum of 5 chips placed.

6/9, 14/17, 17/20, and 31/34 with four split bets of one chip each for a total of four.
A one-chip straight-up bet on 1.

### Neighbors bet
When placing a neighbor's bet, you're wagering that the outcome will be a straight-up number of your choice and its two closest neighbors, placing only straight-up bets, requiring a total of 5 chips placed to bet.

**An example using "0 and the Neighbors":** 
One straight-up bet for one chip placed on 0.
One straight-up bet for one chip each on 3, 26, 32, and 15 for four chips in total.

## Final bet
The final bet is only available on French/European Roulette tables with single-zero wheels. When you place a final bet, you're wagering that the outcome will be on all numbers ending from 0-9, depending on your number of choice. This bet requires two or three chips placed to bet. 

- Final 0: 0, 10, 20 and 30.
- Final 1: 1, 11, 21, and 31.
- Final 2: 2, 12, 22, and 32.
- Final 3: 3, 13, 23, and 33. 
- Final 4: 4, 14, 24, and 34.
- Final 5: 5, 15, 25, and 35.
- Final 6: 6, 16, 26, and 36.
- Final 7: 7, 17, and 27.
- Final 8: 8, 18, and 28.
- Final 9: 9, 19, and 29.

## Complete bets
Also known as "Full Complete" or "Maximum," the Complete bets is where you bet on every single bet combination that includes a number of your choice.

**Examples of full complete bets on a selection of outcomes:**
- A complete bet on Zero requires 17 chips and pays 235 chips.
- A complete bet on 1 requires 27 chips and pays 297 chips.
- A complete bet on 2 requires 36 chips and pays 396 chips.
- A complete bet on 3  requires 27 chips and pays 297 chips.
- A complete bet on 4 requires 27 chips and pays 297 chips.
- A complete bet on 27 requires 30 chips and pays 264 chips.
- A complete bet on 28 requires 30 chips and pays 264 chips.
- A complete bet on 29 requires 30 chips and pays 264 chips.
- A complete bet on 30 requires 30 chips and pays 264 chips.
- A complete bet on 34 requires 18 chips and pays 198 chips.
- A complete bet on 35 requires 24 chips and pays 264 chips.
- A complete bet on 36 requires 18 chips and pays 198 chips.

## Imprisonment bet
Imprisonment is a variant of the game only available on French Roulette tables. It's a twist of the "La Partage," where instead of getting half the bet back if the ball lands on Zero when playing an even money bet (red/black, odd/even, high/low), the player can choose to "imprison" the wager until the next spin. If the imprisonment bet wins on the next spin, the croupier returns the wager to the player minus the winnings of the original bet. 

### La Partage rule
La Partage is French for "sharing it," and it's not a bet but a rule otherwise known as the "half-back" rule. La Partage is only possible on French Roulette tables; availability depends on where you play. 

La Partage means that if the ball lands on Zero, the standard variant gives a player half the wager placed on an even money bet (red/black, odd/even, high/low). 

Continue exploring: [Learn what Roulette house edge is and how it works](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/roulette-house-edge-explained/)

With over 192 different Roulette bets available across +20 bet categories, this guide will teach you what these bets are and how they're played on the Roulette table. 

All Roulette bets explained

featured_img_roulette_strategies_f8d4bdae9b_72d4817116.svg

This article gives you a quick overview of the most well-known Roulette systems. Followed by a brief introduction of each system.

Despite being an unbeatable game, Roulette systems exist because people think there are winning strategies out there that work. Roulette is a game of chance structured to ensure the house always has a long-term mathematical edge, also known as an advantage, over its' players by at least 2.70%. 

## What is a Roulette system? 
Also called a strategy, a Roulette system consists of three things; 
1) An idea behind the system.
2) How to place your bets.
3) How to manage your bankroll. 

*Although there is a logic behind any idea for a Roulette system, the math demonstrates that none can make you a winner long-term.*

[European and American Roulette odds](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/roulette-odds-payouts-table/) pay 35:1 when you hit a straight-up number. Still, the Roulette wheels have 37 (European variant) and 38 (American variant) pockets, giving the house a mathematical edge of 2.70% and 5.30% over you and an expected value of -€0.027 and -€0.053 per €1 you wager. 

## The Martingale strategy
The Martingale system is a class of several betting strategies. The most famous among gamblers is the simplified Martingale, where you, after each loss, double your stake in hopes of winning the next round and recovering previous losses plus winnings equal to your last stake. 

## The Oscar's Grind strategy
The concept of Oscar's Grind is that there are losing and winning streaks when playing even-money bets. The goal of Oscar's Grind is to either profit from a short winning streak immediately or hit a winning streak after a losing one, where the win compensates for losses. Like the Labouchère- and the Martingale systems, Oscar's Grind assumes you have infinite time and money when wagering to ensure profitable sessions. 

## The Kavouras Bet
The Kavouras bet is a system made specifically for Roulette, making use of three different bets; "Corner," "Split," and "Six Line." The thought behind the Kavouras strategy's goal is to bet on as many numbers as possible for the least amount of units. Specifically, the combination of the [different roulette bets](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/all-roulette-bets-explained/) covers 20 numbers and guarantees a minimum and a maximum profit of 1 and 10 if you hit. 

## The Tier et Tout strategy
The Tier et Tout strategy aims to have a winning bet within two bets. The system plays out by starting with a predetermined amount you want to bet and one that can be divided by three. You start with a new amount if you lose two bets in a row. If you win the first or the second bet, you add the winning number to your starting amount and divide it by three. You repeat the sequence continuously by placing one-third of the starting amount on the first bet. If you lose the first bet, you place the remaining two-thirds on the second bet. 

## The Labouchère strategy
The Labouchère system is a gambling strategy for even money games where you decide how much you want to win and write down a sequence of numbers. Whenever you win, you remove the left-most and the right-most numbers. When you lose, you add a number equivalent to the amount lost to the right of the number sequence. 

## The reverse Labouchère strategy
The reverse Labouchère plays the exact opposite of the original Labouchère system. The difference is that when you win, you add the winning number to the right-most end of your sequence, and when you lose, you remove the left-most and right-most numbers. 

## The four pillars strategy
The four pillars strategy is a high coverage system where you bet six units and cover 24 numbers. The name comes from a player who built this system, where the 14, 15, 17, and 18 corner bet is the centerpiece of it. Playing the four pillars, you can lose a maximum of 6 units per round or win a maximum of 12 units per round.

## The Hollandish strategy
The Hollandish strategy is a negative progressive roulette system where you wager on even-money bets. It's similar to the Martingale strategy, where your stake increases if you lose and reset when you win. The critical difference is that you make bets in rounds of three (instead of one), and your base unit bets increase by two units for each losing round.

This article gives you a quick overview of the most well-known Roulette systems. Followed by a brief introduction of each system.

All Roulette strategies & systems

featured_img_fibonacci_strategy_89d0e37c9b_44be844513_769eb8cb27.svg

One of the most iconic casino games of them all, [roulette](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/roulette/) is loved by beginners and experienced players alike. Players require good fortune to predict the winning number, but that doesn’t mean roulette isn’t a game of strategy. 

There are a number of systems in place which are designed to maximise winnings, and one of the most popular of these is Fibonacci. We take a closer look at the mechanics of the Fibonacci system and how to implement it for the best results. 

## The Basics of the Fibonacci Sequence

The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers that was first identified by a 12th-century Italian mathematician, Leonardo Pisano, who was also known as Fibonacci. He observed a pattern of numbers within nature, which was originally derived from analysing numbers of breeding rabbits. Fibonacci noticed that this same sequence of numbers was replicated in many ways, and over the years, it’s been applied to a whole variety of subjects to predict outcomes. 

Today, the Fibonacci sequence is used for everything from statistical modelling to trading and gambling - including roulette. 

The premise of Fibonacci is fairly simple compared to some other mathematical models. It starts with 0 and begins by adding 1. From thereon in, the next number is always the sum of the previous two numbers. This can be carried on indefinitely, but the Fibonacci sequence would start like this:

- 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144 …and so on.

The simplicity of the sequence means you don’t need to memorise any complicated formulas or series of numbers, as you can always calculate them yourself.

## How the Fibonacci Sequence Relates to Roulette

Although Leonardo Fibonacci didn’t originally discover this sequence of numbers specifically for the purposes of gambling, it’s a useful system that can be implemented in various games. This is because it provides a structured approach to betting and theoretically can help you to recoup any losses. 

With roulette, Fibonacci can be used to cover any previous losses and ensure that when a win lands, you break even or profit. 

The Fibonacci sequence is a type of negative progression betting system. This means that as you lose more bets, you increase the size of your stake. It can take nerve to follow a negative progression betting system because if you have a disastrous day, you can lose your whole bankroll. 

And even with Fibonacci, there’s no absolute guarantee that you won’t - but the goal is to start with the right size bet that allows you to land a win before you wipe out your money. With Fibonacci and other negative betting systems, landing a win should reverse your losses and either put you in profit or, at the very worst, allow you to break even. 

All of the negative progressive betting systems have the same basis: increasing the bet each time you lose. The only difference is how you increase your bets and how the mathematics applies. Fibonacci is one of the most popular negative betting systems, but others include Martingale, Labouchere, and D’Alembert. 

When you use Fibonacci to play roulette, you’ll always know exactly what your next bet is going to be. You need to stick to the system regardless of how you’re feeling because once you divert from the structure, the mathematical formula will no longer apply. This can be one of the hardest parts of using a negative progression betting system, as it can feel counterintuitive to increase your spending as you lose more.

However, by trusting the Fibonacci sequence, there’s a very good chance that you’ll recoup your money - providing a win lands before you spend your whole bankroll. Of course, it’s important to remember that nothing is ever guaranteed and with every system it’s always essential to have a strategy and a budget to stick to. One of the biggest gambling mistakes is to deviate from your planned strategy, and to chase your losses.

In the next section, we’ll look at exactly how to use the Fibonacci sequence when playing roulette and how much to spend on each bet. 

## The logic behind the Fibonacci Roulette Betting System and how to implement it

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706175428/blog/Fibonacci%20Betting%20System/img-fibonacci-strategy.png" alt="fibonacci betting sequence" />

We now know the sequence of numbers in Fibonacci, but before we dive into the application of the theory, it’s important to note that you can choose the amount of your stake. Fibonacci does not mean that you have to start with £1, even though that’s the number the betting system begins with. 

Instead, the numbers in the sequence should be seen as referring to a betting unit - and it’s up to you to decide how much a single unit is worth. You might decide that 1 unit = £1, a very simple approach that makes it easy to know exactly what to bet. However, you could bet lower with 1 unit = £0.20, or you could bet higher with one unit = £50.00 or more.

The most important thing is that you decide how much a unit is worth, and you don’t change this until a betting sequence is complete. Altering the value of a betting unit before you land a win means that you might not recoup your losses, or you could wipe out your bankroll too quickly. 

When you’ve decided how much a unit is worth, it’s time to start playing. Your first bet will be one unit and should be placed on a bet with a 1:1 outcome, such as odds/evens or red/black. The Fibonacci system doesn’t work as well with higher-risk bets, as you’ll wipe out your bankroll before landing a win. Therefore, every bet you place when using Fibonacci will be a 1:1 bet. 

Every time you lose at roulette, your next bet is the following number in the Fibonacci sequence. Therefore, if you lose the first bet, your next bet is one unit again. If you lose your second bet, the next bet is two units. Lose that bet, and your next bet is three units. Continue to play, betting the number of units that match the next number in the Fibonacci system until you land a win. 

If any bet wins, the next bet goes back two steps in the Fibonacci sequence and continues from there. If you haven’t gotten that far, simply start from the beginning again. 

The idea of Fibonacci in roulette is that when you win, you’ll balance out previous losses because the size of the winning bet will be much larger. This is why you have to hold your nerve and continue to increase the bet value until you win. Reducing or freezing the amount you bet halfway through a session means that the sequence will be breached.

It can be helpful to have the Fibonacci sequence written down so you don’t lose where you’re up to when you bet. It’s important to ensure that you progress through the sequence accurately to collect the right amount of winnings. 

## Advantages and Limitations of the Fibonacci System

Mathematically, using Fibonacci, you can cover previous losses a lot more easily, and there’s a much greater probability that you’ll walk away with a profit. However, that depends entirely on implementing the system fully - if you deviate from the Fibonacci sequence at any point, you’ll lose its advantage. 

This means that before you start playing, you need to check the betting limits on the table and compare this to how much you want to bet per unit. If the maximum limit doesn’t allow you to advance very far through the Fibonacci sequence, it’s not likely to work. Your betting unit value and the betting limits of the roulette table must allow you to work your way through the Fibonacci sequence in order to receive the winnings you hope for. This is one of the biggest limitations of the Fibonacci system and other negative progression systems, and it’s vital to check this before you start playing. 

The other problem is that Lady Luck doesn’t pay any attention to betting systems, and roulette is all about good fortune. There is always the risk that on a bad day you could end up betting your whole bankroll without winning - but that’s not really different to any other betting system within roulette. Fibonacci doesn’t guarantee that you’ll win, but if you can keep going for long enough until you do, you’ll recoup your losses. 

The advantage is that Fibonacci uses low-risk bets of 1:1. This means there’s a better chance that you’ll land a win, and as soon as you do, you’ll start to recoup anything you’ve lost. Even if you have multiple losses, it only takes a few wins to leave you with a profit. Below is an example of what ten spins on Fibonacci could look like with three wins and seven losses:

<div class="tableContainer">
<table>
  <tr>
    <th>Bet Value</th>
    <th>Outcome (bet loss or win)</th>
    <th>Running Total</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>1</td>
    <td>Loss (-1.00)</td>
    <td>-1.00</td>
  </tr>
    <tr>
    <td>1</td>
    <td>Loss (-1.00)</td>
    <td>-2.00</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>2</td>
    <td>Loss (-2.00)</td>
    <td>-4.00</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>3</td>
    <td>Loss (-3.00)</td>
    <td>-7.00</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>5</td>
    <td>Win (+10)</td>
    <td>+3.00</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>2</td>
    <td>Loss (-2.00)</td>
    <td>+1.00</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>3</td>
    <td>Loss (-3.00)</td>
    <td>-2.00</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>5</td>
    <td>Win (+10)</td>
    <td>+8.00</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>2</td>
    <td>Loss (-2.00)</td>
    <td>+6.00</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>3</td>
    <td>Win (+6.00)</td>
    <td>+12.00</td>
  </tr>
</table>
</div>

As this table shows, it only takes a few wins to counteract any losses very quickly, and it’s much easier to acquire a profit. The mathematical basis of Fibonacci allows losses to be neutralised very quickly, but it relies on the player being able to follow the system through until they land a win (and of course, a fair share of luck).

## Comparing the Fibonacci System with other Roulette Strategies

No roulette strategy can guarantee a win because the game is essentially dependent on good luck. But they all aim to help players maximise their wins and recover losses quickly. 

Some systems do this better than others, while some require players to accept a greater risk or pay a higher stake. Martingale is another popular negative progressive betting system which requires players to simply double their stake for each losing bet. The trouble with this is that the stake can increase very rapidly, which means that there’s the risk of wiping out much more quickly. To put that into context, with ten successive losses, Fibonacci bets would reach 55.00 - Martingale bets would have escalated to 512.00. Ouch! For this reason, many players prefer the slow and steady approach of Fibonacci. 

The complete opposite of the negative progressive betting system is a positive betting system, where you decrease your bet value as you lose and increase it when you win. This can also achieve good results, but the expert consensus is that it’s best used on games like craps rather than roulette. The profits on a positive progressive system are typically much smaller, and for longer playing sessions, the results may not be as good. 

Of course, there’s no requirement to follow a progressive betting system, and you can simply bet a flat rate each time. This is an easier system to adopt and may be preferable for beginners as the bets don’t escalate. However, with flat bets, there’s no way to recoup losses with a single win, and you’re more reliant on landing multiple wins.

## Conclusion: is the Fibonacci Roulette Betting System worth trying?

It’s important to emphasise that neither the Fibonacci sequence nor any other type of betting system can guarantee you a winning roulette session. However, what it can do is increase the chances of turning a profit by using a mathematical formula. 

Fibonacci is a simple sequence that can be quickly calculated without having to use complex equations. It’s easy for everyone to follow, even total beginners. The notion of increasing bets can be daunting, and if you’re on a losing streak, stakes can rise steeply. However, it only takes a couple of wins to be in profit, and with 1:1 bets, the probability of a win is quite high. 

For this reason, the Fibonacci roulette betting system is certainly worth trying and has the potential to significantly improve profits compared to simple flat bets. If you decide to try this system, check the table limits in advance and don’t set your unit value too high. Make sure to only use the money you can afford to lose. With those caveats in place, Fibonacci offers great potential for both winnings and fun times!

There are a number of systems in place which are designed to maximise winnings, and one of the most popular of these is Fibonacci. We take a closer look at the mechanics of the Fibonacci system.

Fibonacci Roulette Betting System: A Step-By-Step Guide

featured_img_blackjack_odds_c3e3ce434d_e171b2d6fe_1e4afcf0da_d8f39cba47.png

Blackjack ranks among the [top casino games](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-games/) at online and physical casinos. It draws its popularity from its seemingly simple game mechanics. Starting from two cards, a player has to create a hand with a value higher than that of the dealer without going bust or exceeding a hand value of 21. 

A player total of 21 is called “blackjack” or a “natural.” Likewise, players may stand on the first two cards they were initially dealt or ask the dealer for more cards (called a “hit”) to add to their total until they choose to “stand” on the total hand value or go bust.

However, blackjack’s simplicity can be misleading—delving underneath the surface of blackjack odds and probabilities can reveal how maddeningly complicated the game can be.

Therefore, each player must understand the inner workings of blackjack odds and how to leverage them to their advantage. Sharpening your blackjack skill makes the game even more thrilling and potentially lucrative. This guide will give you the full scoop on blackjack odds and probabilities, teach you concepts such as the house edge and return to player (RTP), and, finally, teach you how to extract the most value out of your bets. Ready? Let’s begin.

## Blackjack Odds: How Likely Can a Player Bust Out?

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706014199/blog/Blackjack%20Odds%20and%20Probabilities/img-blackjack-odds.png" alt="image of two aces and a jack adding up to 22 and the text bust" />

Players can use various blackjack strategies to increase their probability of winning, gain more advantageous blackjack odds, and reduce the house edge.

At the same time, casinos have plenty of tools at their disposal to reduce players’ odds of winning. This includes adding gameplay restrictions (e.g., no doubling after a split), reducing blackjack payouts, or adding an extra deck or two in the shoe.

For this reason, players need to gain a thorough understanding of blackjack probabilities to recognise the edge they might have against the house. 

The following blackjack odds table demonstrates your probability of busting out on a hit after the dealer has dealt your first two cards.

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706014201/blog/Blackjack%20Odds%20and%20Probabilities/Table_01.png" alt="probability of busting out on a hit" />
</div>

## Blackjack Odds: How Likely Can the Dealer Bust Out?

Every casino gives itself a house edge. That means the odds are tilted against you, and the dealer holds a clear-cut advantage and better blackjack odds than you. This is compounded by the fact that the dealer always acts after the player, with the benefit of deciding based on your results as an added bonus.

However, house rules for blackjack will vary depending on the casino you choose to play, which may further tilt the odds in the house’s favour. For example, a dealer required by house rules to hit on a “soft” 17 (a hand containing an ace that can be counted either as 1 or 11 without the hand exceeding 21) has a better probability of winning than a dealer required to stand on a soft 17.

The following table will demonstrate the probability of a dealer busting out and how house rules can play a factor in the latter.

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706014201/blog/Blackjack%20Odds%20and%20Probabilities/Table_02.png" alt="image of two aces and a jack adding up to 22 and the text bust" />
</div>

## The Lowdown on House Edge: Explained

The “house edge” refers to the mathematical advantage the casino holds over the players. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone playing casino games—it is, after all, the reason why casinos operate. The built-in mathematical advantage applies to all casino games, meaning the odds of the house winning money over the long run are significantly higher than the players’ odds of making a profit. Therefore, the lower the house edge, the better it is for the player.

The mere fact that the dealer acts after a player and bases their decisions on how the player acts is a significant house edge. If a player busts out, the dealer wins without having to act any further. Besides house rules, different blackjack variants may lead to a higher or lower house advantage when compared to traditional blackjack.

It’s key to understand blackjack odds and probability and how they are affected based on the blackjack variant you wish to play. The following table lists the most common blackjack variants and how they affect the house edge.

### House Edge in Popular Blackjack Variants

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706014200/blog/Blackjack%20Odds%20and%20Probabilities/Table_03.png" alt="image of two aces and a jack adding up to 22 and the text bust" />
</div>

Ultimately, a player's house edge is determined by the blackjack variant they choose to play. Every blackjack game has its own subtle variation that may increase or decrease house edge based on house rules and the number of decks the variant uses. These factors may favour either player or dealer, therefore changing the house advantage, blackjack odds, probabilities, and rewards. Before playing a blackjack game, you should be familiar with the rules and house edge—and the actions that may increase or reduce it—because they might mean the difference between turning a profit or losing.

## What is Return to Player (RTP)?

The return to player (RTP) metric can be seen as the opposite of the casino’s house edge. In essence, RTP is the percentage of a payout that a game “returns” or pays back to the player over a set number of bets. From another perspective, RTP can be seen as the ratio of winning bets over the total number of bets a player makes.

As discussed earlier, the inherent statistical advantage in blackjack odds is called the house edge. The house edge indicates the casino’s profit margin on a particular game over the long term. House edge is calculated by subtracting the RTP value from the total turnover. For instance, a blackjack game showing an RTP of 99% would have a house edge of 1%, as demonstrated by the equation: 100%-99%. The higher the house edge, the less favourable it is for players to turn in a consistent profit over a sustained betting period. 

The effects of RTP in the game of blackjack resonate across all aspects of the game. Online and land-based casinos offer many blackjack variants, each with its own set of rules, house edge, and number of decks used. Casino game developers painstakingly implement these options when they create games. Therefore, players ought to familiarise themselves with the rules, RTP, and information about the blackjack games they wish to play. While RTP isn’t a perfect metric by any means, it can be a vital tool to improve your chances of winning at blackjack (or any casino game, for that matter).

## Card counting: How can it affect a player’s odds of winning?

Card counting is a hot topic in the world of online betting—especially when it comes to blackjack. In essence, card counting involves a player using a system to monitor the ratio of low cards vis-a-vis high cards by keeping track of the cards that have been dealt over a game of blackjack or other table games to gain an edge over the house. The basic underlying premise of card counting is that a shoe or a deck rich with 10 value cards, such as 10s, Kings, Queens, and Jacks, is favourable to the player, while one with low-value cards (such as 2s, 3s, or 4s) is more favourable to the dealer.

For instance, when a shoe has a higher concentration of 10 value cards and aces, there will be a higher statistical probability of natural blackjacks being dealt. Natural blackjacks pay at a 3:2 clip or 150% of your bet size, and the dealer will more likely bust out more often. On the other hand, when a higher concentration of low-value cards remains, fewer blackjacks will be dealt, and the dealer is less likely to bust out. Players, therefore, can harness the dark arts of card counting to monitor the card concentration in each shoe and make bigger bets when more higher cards remain and smaller bets when more lower cards are left. The concept is simple, but executing the strategy consistently to make profits is more complicated—if not made impossible by some casinos. 

One school of thought views card counting as a legitimate strategy for highly skilled players to increase their chances of beating the house. However, most casinos view it as an unfair advantage or downright cheating. Therefore, many casinos have implemented measures to discourage or prevent card counting.

## Basic blackjack strategy: How to improve your odds of winning

Blackjack strategy can be boiled down to a strictly better, mathematically-proven way that reduces the house edge to 0.50%. Most new blackjack players learn to play the game by following the Basic Strategy chart. This guide shows the superior way to play your first two cards based on the dealer’s face-up card. As discussed earlier, the casino gains the house edge by virtue of the fact that the player must act first. Therefore, since basic strategy only applies to the first two cards dealt, players need to gain a better understanding of the best actions to take after taking a hit.

Here’s a quick rundown on basic blackjack strategy.

### How to Play “Hard” Blackjack Hands

“Hard” hands refer to a starting blackjack hand of two cards that lack an Ace.

- If your hand value is 8 or less, always take a hit.
- If your hand value is 9, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 3 to 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your hand value is 10, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 9. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your hand value is 11, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 10. If the dealer is holding an Ace, take a hit.
- If your hand value is 12, take a hit if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 or 3. If the dealer’s hand value is 4 to 6, stand. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your hand value is 13 to 16, stand if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your hand value is 17 to 21, always stand.

### How to Play “Soft” Blackjack Hands

“Soft” hands refer to a starting blackjack hand of two cards containing an Ace.

- If your hand contains an Ace and 2 or Ace and 3, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 5 or 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your hand contains an Ace and 4 or Ace and 5, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 4 to 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your hand contains an Ace and 6, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 3 to 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If you have an Ace and 7, stand if the dealer has 2, 7, or 8. Double down if the dealer has 3 to 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- Always stand if your hand contains an Ace and 8 or Ace and 9.

### How to Play Blackjack Pairs

- Always split if your starting hand has a pair of Aces or Eights.
- If your starting hand has a pair of twos or threes, split if the dealer’s face-up card is 2-7. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your starting hand has a pair of fours, split if the dealer’s face-up card is 5 or 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your starting hand has a pair of fives, double down if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 9. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your starting hand has a pair of sixes, split if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 6. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your starting hand has a pair of sevens, split if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 7. Otherwise, take a hit.
- If your starting hand has a pair of nines, split if the dealer’s face-up card is 2 to 6, and 8 or 9. Stand if the dealer is showing a 7, 10, or Ace.
- If you have a pair of tens, always stand.

## Blackjack odds and probability of side bets explained

One of blackjack’s main draws is its relatively lower house edge compared to other table games like baccarat. Skilled blackjack players will typically face a house edge of 0.50%. Even when accounting for a bad run of play, the blackjack house edge only rises to 2%. That’s a remarkably high RTP rate compared to other popular table or casino games. 

Blackjack is essentially an even-money game, which can rise to 2:1 odds if you are dealt a natural blackjack. That’s where side bets come in. Blackjack side bets offer players to play longer odds and win big on blackjack. One caveat: the house edge skyrockets when playing blackjack side bets—with some bets raising the house edge from 0.50% to 10%. Side bets add the thrill of winning big, but you can also lose more money by overdoing it. Let’s look at some of the most common blackjack side bets.

### Common blackjack side bets

Whether you're playing at an online or physical casino, blackjack side bets are often shown on the felt or a menu. Here, you will see the side bets with their odds, payouts, and terms since they can vary depending on the site or casino you’re playing at.

The primary blackjack side bets are:

- Insurance
- Perfect Pairs
- 21+3

Let’s look at each common blackjack side bet in more detail.

#### Insurance

Insurance is the most common blackjack side bet, allowing you to protect yourself against the dealer hitting a natural blackjack if he has an ace facing up. The insurance side bet involves half of your original bet, which will pay out at 2:1 odds if the dealer has a natural blackjack. Insurance, in essence, helps diminish the house edge in an unfavourable situation for the player.

#### Perfect Pairs

Perfect pair side bets are paid out only when you’re dealt two of a kind under the following circumstances:

- **Mixed pair side bet**. A pair of the same value but different colours and suits will pay 5:1.
- **Coloured pair side bet**. A pair of the same value and the same colour will pay 12:1.
- **Perfect pair side bet**. A perfect pair—or pair of the same card will pay 25:1.

Returns may vary depending on the casino you choose to play in, and the house edge will vary depending on the payout, house rules, and/or number of decks used. This can range from 2% to over 10% or higher.

#### 21+3

21+3 refers to a side bet involving the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s face-up card. This side bet pays out depending on the following combinations:

- **Flush**. This side bet is paid at 5:1 when all three cards are suited.
- **Straight**. This side bet pays 10:1 when all three cards are consecutive.
- **Three of a kind**. This side bet pays 30:1 when all three cards are of the same kind (not the same suit).
- **Straight flush**. This side bet pays 40:1 when all three consecutive cards share the same suit.
- **Suited triple**. This side bet pays 100:1 when all three cards are the same card.

It must be noted that these three side bets represent the most common ones played across all casinos. However, new side bets are being invented all the time, depending on the casino or provider, in an attempt to draw new audiences and retain existing players. More complex, higher-paying side bets can be found as niche bets in selected casinos, with some offering up to 5000:1 payouts—but the chances of winning such side bets are much smaller.

Blackjack side bets ultimately require no skill and rely on pure luck. Thus, side bets are best used sparingly and only to add an additional element of thrill from time to time—if at all—to enhance your blackjack gaming experience. You should never make them the main focus of your blackjack strategy.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### Does blackjack have the best winning odds?

Blackjack’s low house edge of up to 0.50% distinguishes it among the table games with the best winning odds, putting the dealer on the same footing as the player as far as luck and skill are concerned.

### Is blackjack a skill-based game or a luck-based game?

Blackjack focuses on skill because winning relies on having a good understanding of hand values, strategies, and quick thinking against the dealer. While there is always an element of luck in all table games, blackjack gives the player agency to turn it into a game of skill.

### What are the odds of a player winning at blackjack?

The odds of a player winning a blackjack hand sits at 42.22%, while the chances of a dealer winning are 49.1%. The remaining 8.48% represents the odds for a tie.

### Are 21 and blackjack the same game?

Yes, 21 and blackjack refer to the same game. 21 is the maximum winning hand value in blackjack, and a hand value of 21 is called “blackjack.”

### Is blackjack a 50/50 game of chance?

No. When playing a game of blackjack, there are three outcomes to consider: a player win, a dealer win, or a tie/push. Therefore, it’s not a 50/50 game of chance.


Blackjack ranks among the top casino games at online and physical casinos. It draws its popularity from its seemingly simple game mechanics.

Blackjack Odds and Probabilities: A Beginner’s Overview

featured_img_blackjack_c9f8e98f29_862296ef93.svg

## Blackjack Strategy Charts

If you're playing blackjack in [online casinos](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/) or at brick-and-mortar ones, the casino has an 8% edge over you when you don't use a blackjack chart. That's a serious disadvantage. You can, however, reduce it to as little as 0.2% by following optimal play strategies. 

**To put optimal play into perspective:** your expected loss is €800 if you wager €10,000 and don't apply it, versus as little as €20 if you do.

You'll find multiple blackjack charts for different games on this page:

- 4 to 8 Decks: Dealer Stands on Soft 17
- 4 to 8 Decks: Dealer Hits on Soft 17
- Live Evolution Gaming Blackjack Chart
- Evolution Gaming Free Bet Blackjack Charts

### Blackjack Chart for When the Dealer Stands on Soft 17 (4 to 8 Decks)

What's the best mathematical approach to the game when your dealer stands on soft 17? Here's the perfect play to achieve it.

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706797128/blog/Blackjack%20Charts%20for%20Basic%20Strategy%20and%20Perfect%20Play/img-01-dealer-stands.jpg" alt="4 to 8 Decks: Dealer Stands on Soft 17" />
</div>

In order to best make use of our charts, you should learn the terminology and player options by heart.

**When to Surrender:**

- Surrender hard 16 when the dealer shows a 9, 10, or an A.
- Surrender hard 15 when the dealer shows a 10.
- Do not surrender a pair of eights, regardless of what the dealer shows.

**When to Split:**

- You should always split all pairs of A's & 8's.
- Split 2's when the dealer shows a 4-7.
- Split 3's when the dealer shows a 4-7.
- Split 4's when the dealer shows a 5-6 (Only when doubling after splitting is allowed on the table).
- Split 6's when the dealer shows a 3-6 (and 2's, Only when doubling after splitting is allowed on the table).
- Split 7's when the dealer shows a 2-7.
- Split 9's when the dealer shows a 2-6.
- Split 9's also if the dealer shows an 8-9.
- Never split a pair of 5's, or a pair of 10's, regardless of what the dealer shows.

**When to Double:**

- Hard 9 when the dealer has 3-6.
- Hard 10 (not when the dealer shows A or 10).
- Hard 11 (not when the dealer shows A).
- Soft 13-14 when the dealer has 5-6.
- Soft 15-16 when the dealer has 4-6.
- Soft 17-18 when the dealer has 3-6.

**When to Hit:**

- Always hit when your hand is a hard 11 or less.
- You should always hit when you have a soft 17 or less.
- Hit on hard 12 if the dealer does not have 4-6.
- Hit on hard 13 if the dealer does not have 2-6.
- Hit on hard 14 if the dealer does not have 2-6.
- Hit on hard 15 if the dealer does not have 2-6.
- Hit on hard 16 if the dealer does not have 2-6.
- Hit on soft 18 unless the dealer shows A, 9, or 10.

**When to Stand:**

- Always stand on hard 12 when the dealer shows 4-6.
- Always stand on hard 13 when the dealer shows 2-6.
- Always stand on hard 14 when the dealer shows 2-6.
- Always stand on hard 15 when the dealer shows 2-6.
- Always stand on hard 17 and up.
- Stand on soft 18 (hit when the dealer has 10, 9 or A).
- Always stand on soft 19 and up.

### Blackjack Chart for When the Dealer Hits on Soft 17 (4 to 8 Decks)

What's the best mathematical approach to the game when your dealer hits on soft 17? Here's another chart showing how to achieve perfect play.

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706797127/blog/Blackjack%20Charts%20for%20Basic%20Strategy%20and%20Perfect%20Play/img-02-dealer-hits.jpg" alt="4 to 8 Decks: Dealer Hits on Soft 17" />
</div>

**Rules of thumb:**

- Do not use your insurance option.
- Stay away from even-money choice.
- Always view your hand as a hard 10 or 20 if there are no rows for splitting your 5's and 10's.

**When in doubt**, use the "dealer hits on soft 17" strategy instead of the "dealer stands on soft 17" strategy as this will mean fewer losses over time.

### Live Evolution Gaming Blackjack Chart

<div class="blog-responsive-image">
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706797126/blog/Blackjack%20Charts%20for%20Basic%20Strategy%20and%20Perfect%20Play/img-03-dealer-stands-evolution.jpg" alt="Live Evolution Gaming Blackjack Chart" />
</div>

Players playing on the Evolution Gaming's Live Blackjack tables have requested a separate chart as the dealer will check for Blackjack if the face-up card is an ace.

This slightly changes how you approach optimal play on the Evolution Blackjack tables, so we've created a separate Evolution Blackjack chart adjusting to how you play your 10s. The game is still played with 4 to 8 decks, with the dealer standing on a soft 17.

### Evolution Gaming Free Bet Blackjack Charts

Evolution Gaming was the first provider to introduce Free Bet Blackjack online, a variant that was originally invented by Geoff Hall, and introduced to Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget casino during summer 2012.

You can find [dedicated charts for Free Bet Blackjack in this article](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/free-bet-blackjack-strategy/) by CasinoGrounds.


## FAQs

### How to Read And Interpret Blackjack Strategy Charts

Blackjack strategy charts are often complex for beginners. You should begin with learning the terms and then the basic strategy for hard hands, soft hands, and pairs. Blackjack strategy charts are divided into four sections based on the ace and hands. These are hard hands, soft hands, pairs, and surrender.

The hard hands section is for hands that do not have an ace and is the most important section of the blackjack strategy. This section shows you when it’s okay to hit (take another card from the dealer), stand (don’t take another card from the dealer), split (split a hand into two and play each independently), or double down (double the bet and add one more card).

The soft hands section is for hands that have an ace that is counted as 11, making it more valuable than soft hands. The section shows whether to hit, stand, split, or double down based on the total hands and the dealer’s upcard.

The pairs section shows whether or not to split a hand based on the pair the player has and the dealer’s upcard. The two decisions are yes (split hands and play each independently) or no (no split, play singly).

Finally, the surrender section shows whether or not to surrender your hand and forfeit half of your bet or go on playing based on the hand total and the dealer’s upcard. Again, there are two decisions: yes (surrender hands, forfeit half of the bet) and no (no surrender, keep playing).
Remember that you must know each strategy and move by heart to stand any chance of 
winning. But you won’t become familiar with each term and move in one day. The key is to keep learning and practising to improve your knowledge.

### How Blackjack Basic Strategy Works 

The blackjack basic strategy is a set of guidelines derived from computer-analysed results of millions of blackjack games, which guide players toward picking the right move based on the dealer’s upcards and the player’s hand total. The goal is to beat the dealer by hitting 21 or getting as close to it as possible; the basic strategy guides players to get a better chance of doing that.

The basic strategy charts show possible combinations for the player’s hand total and the dealer’s upcard and the possible move for each intersection of a hand total and upcard. Remember that the goal is to find the best move to get the least loss and maximum win in the long run.

### How to use a blackjack strategy?

The strategy has rows and columns; find the row that corresponds to your hand total and the column that corresponds to the dealer’s upcards. The first step is to understand the chart by learning the different sections and identifying your hand type and the dealer’s upcard. Next, you can locate your hand total on the chart and also locate the dealer’s upcard. Find the point where they intersect. Use the indicated best move: hit, stand, split, or double down. You’ll need to practise to improve your speed and accuracy.

### What’s important when using strategy charts for multiple decks?

The number of decks is the first important thing when using strategy charts for multiple decks. This is because it impacts the effectiveness of basic strategy, which becomes less favourable as the number of decks increases and the accuracy of card counting decreases. Other things to consider include the surrender and dealer rules, penetration, resplitting, double-down rules (instructions), and specificity (multiple deck-specific strategy card).

### How do strategy charts impact winning odds in online blackjack?

Playing blackjack online is significantly different from playing physically. Yes, there are slight impacts, such as reducing the house edge by as much as 1%. But it also improves winning odds by maximising the winning opportunities through double down or split pairs and minimises busting by guiding players to the right move most times.

### How can strategy charts improve betting and money management?

Although betting is still a game of chance and numbers, strategy charts help players make informed bets, reduce the risk of getting a bust, and plan their bets to optimise splits and double downs for more returns. Strategy charts also help players reduce impulsive bets, plan long-term bets, and generally manage their playing funds effectively. Finally, strategy charts cover a wide variety of games, and this can help players adjust to different games as they come.

### How often should I refer to a blackjack strategy chart during a game, and when is it most beneficial?

Beginners will need to check the blackjack basic strategy charts often, but as you become more competent and your skill increases, you might check the chart less. Never hesitate to check strategy charts when necessary. The important points to check are when your hand total is close to 21, when the dealer has a strong upcard, and when you are considering split pairs or double down moves.

### What is the purpose of using a blackjack strategy chart in the game?

The ultimate purpose for using the blackjack strategy is to win. There are three simple reasons to use a blackjack strategy chart: to reduce the house edge, minimise busting, and maximise your winning potential. The goal is to learn more about the game, find your edge, and play for long-term winnings.

### Can strategy charts be used in conjunction with card-counting techniques?

Players can and often do combine card counting techniques with strategy charts. This enables them to track and estimate the cards in the deck and make decisions based on such information. Learning to count cards and using strategy charts will significantly improve players’ performance.

### What are some common mistakes to avoid when using strategy charts in blackjack?

The first mistake is assuming you’ll win all the time with strategy charts; this breeds too much dependence on the chart and can impact your progress. The charts are guides to help players succeed but are never the holy grail of blackjack gambling. Ignoring the dealer’s upcard, emotional betting, holding out no surrender option, and ignorance of casino rules are other mistakes you must avoid.

### Can using a strategy chart affect the risk level associated with blackjack gambling?

Strategy charts do not, in the strict sense, reduce the risks associated with blackjack betting. What they do is help players make more informed decisions when playing, reduce the house edge, and generally improve their approach to the game. Using strategy or blackjack charts improves players’ understanding of blackjack at all levels.

Casinos typically allow players to check their charts when gambling on blackjack; you can download a PDF version of the charts to reference them when playing online casinos. With consistent practice and patience, you’ll learn how the game works and become familiar with most online blackjack and even slot machine games.


If you're playing blackjack in online casinos or at brick-and-mortar ones, the casino has an 8% edge over you when you don't use a blackjack chart. That's a serious disadvantage. You can, however, reduce it!

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