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-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.


More From CasinoGrounds

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_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

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.

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