Though roulette is one of the most famous games played in any casino, it is usually presented as a game of complete chance. Still, professional gamblers have long been using proven strategies to win a few more chips than they put in. No system will guarantee you winnings every time (the roulette is still a probability game, after all). Still, these strategies are designed to help minimize risk and maximize your chances of walking away with more.
The Martingale Strategy: Increased Bets are Chased with Losses
The Martingale Strategy, also known as the ‘doubling system’, is probably the most famous and simplest, and it’s based on doubling your bet each time you lose, with the theory that the win will win you back all your losses and leave you a bit of a profit.
How It Works:
- Bet something small, like red or black (pretty much a 50/50 bet).
- You bet the same amount; if you lose, you double that next wager and keep doubling until you win.
- After you win, go back to your original bet amount.
It often appears as a game of pure chance. Still, professional gamblers have long used proven strategies to tilt the odds slightly in their favour. While no system guarantees consistent winnings (roulette is still a game of probability), these strategies are built to help manage risk and optimize your chances of leaving the table ahead.
Hidden Truth:
It is tempting to think this means success is guaranteed, but the strategy has a flaw: You could end up on an extended losing streak. Table limits are placed at the casino, and you may lose money before you’ve even made the winning bet. For instance, if you start with a $10 bet and lose six straight, you’ll be betting $640, which can drain even the most healthy bankrolls.
The Fibonacci Strategy: A Safer Way to Chase Losses
The Fibonacci Strategy is a strategy that is based on the famous Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two previous numbers (1,1,2,3,5,8,13, etc.). We are increasing our bets, not doubling as we do in the Martingale system.
How It Works:
- First, make a bet of one (1) unit corresponding to the first number in the Fibonacci sequence.
- Lose, and move to the next number in the sequence, and increase your bet accordingly.
- Win, and you move two steps back in the sequence.
Hidden Truth:
While this strategy gives you a wide coverage of the table, it’s also high-risk, especially if the ball lands on numbers between 1 and 12. The key issue here is bankroll management—you need a significant starting amount to sustain this system.
The D’Alembert Strategy: A Balanced Approach
Suppose you are looking for a less risky approach to playing roulette altogether. In that case, the D’Alembert Strategy is a more balanced method. You don’t double your bet after each loss; you just add one more unit.
How It Works:
- You start by putting a bet on red or black, or even/odd.
- Lose = bet x 2
- Win = bet + one unit• And decrease your bet by one unit if you win.
Hidden Truth:
D’Alembert System isn’t a hardcore loss chaser like Martingale, which is perfect for conservative players. But, like with all betting strategies, it doesn’t change the house edge, meaning long losing streaks are still possible.
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Sector Betting and Biased Wheels: The Pro Gambler’s Secret
Mostly, all roulette wheels are perfectly balanced. Still, some professionals prefer wheels that seem biased since, for example, they were not balanced perfectly during manufacturing or worn somewhat. This means the observant player can get an edge with these biased wheels.
How It Works:
- Look at every specific wheel over its several spins for biases or patterns.
- Play on sectors of the wheel that you believe come up more often.
Hidden Truth:
This method takes time, patience, and a constant wheel, which is available to few if any, casino players. Modern casinos also monitor and maintain their wheels to ensure they never have any biases.
The James Bond Strategy: A High-Risk, high-reward Bet Spread
The James Bond Strategy is named after the famous fictitious spy, and the trick is to spread your bets across the table to cover many numbers.
How It Works:
- Bet big numbers (19−36) – $140.
- Bet $10 on
- 0 to protect you from the house edge.
Hidden Truth:
This table coverage is broad, but with this strategy, it is also high risk if the ball lands on numbers between 1 and 12. The problem here is the bankroll management—you want a lot of starting amount to make this system work.
Conclusion: Managing Expectations and Maximising Fun.
None of these roulette strategies will dispossess the house edge, but they will help to regulate risk and lengthen your game. Roulette is one of the funnest games available if you set limits and bet on the thrill of the game … but only bet what you’re willing to lose.
