Roulette Strategies
Roulette remains one of the most exciting casino games, but the odds for players are among the least favourable. Some roulette strategies may help you manage bets more deliberately, but none can guarantee regular wins. Consistent profit isn’t realistic unless luck repeatedly goes your way. Used carefully, popular roulette systems can add structure to a session, help you manage winning runs and limit the damage from losing ones. This guide looks at widely used systems so you can compare how they work, their risks and how well they fit your preferred style of play.
Getting Started with a Roulette Strategy
Before exploring the many systems available at online roulette tables, consider what you want from a strategy. Roulette takes patience and attention to learn, especially when you’re figuring out how its bets, odds and payouts differ.
If you want to try a system while playing roulette, keep these points in mind:
- You may need to try several roulette strategies before finding one that suits you.
- Roulette systems come in different forms, and each category has benefits and drawbacks to consider.
- No roulette method guarantees a win, but learning the odds and available bets can help you make more informed choices.
Accept That Roulette Won’t Pay Every Time
As with other casino games, the roulette odds favour the house because of the house edge. Online casinos retain that mathematical advantage at roulette. The edge is relatively modest compared with games such as video slots, though some table games, including blackjack, have a lower edge.
Over a sufficiently long period, the house edge lets casinos profit across their roulette tables. That result comes from the game’s mathematics. Individual sessions can still end in profit, but results—and their impact on each player—are random. You might double your bankroll in one session, while the casino could win back that amount and more from the wider group of players over time.
So don’t expect a roulette system to make you win every time. Whatever approach you choose, chance remains the deciding factor.
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Factors That Shape Your Roulette Strategy
A few factors affect which roulette system might suit your style of play. Table limits, the roulette variation and the specific bets you choose all matter.
Betting Limits: Check the table’s minimum and maximum stakes before choosing a roulette strategy. This is especially important for progressive systems, which increase your wager after a win or loss. You’ll need a low enough minimum and a high enough maximum to raise your stake several times before hitting the limit, since that’s where a progression can fail.
Types of Roulette Games: Casinos offer several versions of roulette, and one variant has twice the house edge of others.
- European Roulette: The house edge is 2.70%, which corresponds to an RTP of 97.30%.
- French Roulette: French Roulette also has a 2.70% house edge and 97.30% RTP. When La Partage applies, however, the house edge is cut in half to 1.35%.
- American Roulette: Unlike European or French roulette, the American wheel has an additional pocket: the double-green zero (00). Like the single zero, it cancels most bets and gives the casino its advantage. With two green pockets, American roulette has a 5.26% house edge, or 94.74% RTP.
If improving your chances is a priority, choose European Roulette or French Roulette rather than the American version. Consider American Roulette only if there’s no alternative; otherwise, another table game may be a better choice.
Main Categories of Roulette Strategies
Before considering individual systems, it’s useful to divide roulette strategies into two broad groups. Each takes a different approach to managing your wager:
- Progressive roulette strategies: These systems raise your stake according to a planned pattern after each round. They need a bankroll that can withstand increasing wagers, which brings extra risk. Martingale, Fibonacci and D'Alembert are well-known examples.
- Non-Progressive Roulette Strategies: These systems are usually simpler to learn and use, but they still involve risk. As the name suggests, your wager stays the same each round. This can suit a smaller bankroll or anyone looking for tighter control over table limits.
Beginners may want to start with a non-progressive system. After you understand the basics and gain more experience, you can explore the progressive approaches covered in this guide.
Popular Non-Progressive Strategies
Non-progressive systems don’t increase your stake after a round. Depending on the method, you either keep the wager unchanged or adjust it freely instead of following a progression.
Constant Bet Roulette Strategy
The constant bet strategy is simple: wager the same amount every time, without changing either the stake or your number selection. For example, you could bet $1 on “0” for the entire session.
This approach may keep you playing for a reasonable time and give you a fair chance of finishing with a win, but it can’t change the underlying odds.
Constant Proportion Roulette Strategy
The constant proportion strategy is similar to the previous method, but uses a fixed percentage of your bankroll rather than the same cash amount on every bet.
As your balance rises, your stakes rise too, giving you the potential to win more. If you lose, your calculated wagers get smaller, which may let you stay at the table longer.
Andrucci Strategy
The Andrucci strategy is a high-risk approach rather than a formal betting system. Observe the numbers that come up, play 30 rounds with a random straight-up bet each time, and record the winning numbers. The premise is that certain numbers will pay out more often, although there’s no scientific evidence for this assumption.
After reviewing your notes, find the numbers that appeared most often during those 30 bets and place straight-up wagers on them.
All-In Roulette Strategy
The all-in strategy is particularly aggressive: you risk your entire bankroll on every spin, assuming you’re lucky enough to get more than one spin.
James Bond Strategy
The James Bond strategy is another non-progressive system, devised by Ian Fleming in his book “Casino Royale.” You wager the same amount each round and spread it across nearly half the table in an attempt to increase your chance of a hit.
Here’s an example of the James Bond roulette strategy with a total stake of €/$20:
- €/$1 on the green zero
- €/$14 on 19-36 (High Numbers) outside bet
- €/$5 on the 13-18 six-line (or double street bet)
These bets cover roughly two-thirds of the wheel or board, which might suggest a win 2 out of 3 times in theory, but random results don’t follow a set pattern. You lose only if the ball lands on a number from 1 to 12.
The possible results are:
- 1-12: You lose the full €/$20 stake.
- 13-18: You receive €/$25 at 5:1, for a €/$5 profit.
- 19-36: You receive €/$28 at 1:1, for a €/$8 profit.
- 0: You receive €/$35 at 35:1, for a €/$15 profit.
Popular Progressive Strategies
Progressive systems generally fit into three groups: positive progression, negative progression or regression, and flat progression. Unlike non-progressive methods, they change the stake based on the previous result. These labels describe both the direction of the change and why the wager is adjusted.
The Martingale Strategy
It would be hard to call the Martingale system the most successful roulette strategy, but it’s certainly the best known. The method is also used in many other gambling settings. Players apply it to even-money bets and side bets in Craps, Blackjack, Baccarat and online slots, as well as sports betting.
The Martingale roulette system is easy to understand: double an even-money wager after every loss. A win takes you back to your original betting unit, and then you continue as usual. If you lose again, double the wager once more until you win, theoretically recovering your previous losses. Then return to your starting stake. The problem is that a losing streak requires increasingly large wagers, and eventually the table limit prevents you from doubling again.
Here’s an example of a possible Martingale sequence:
Bet Number Bet Amount ($) Outcome Total Win/Loss ($) Accumulated Profit ($) 1 1 Loss -1 -1 2 2 Loss -2 -3 3 4 Loss -4 -7 4 8 Loss -8 -15 5 16 Loss -16 -31 6 32 Win 32 1
Note: In this Martingale example, a win on the sixth bet after six bets leaves a net profit of $1.
Fibonacci Roulette Strategy
This system follows the same principle as the Fibonacci number sequence, where each new number is the sum of the two before it:
0, 1, 1 (0+1), 2 (1+1), 3 (1+2), 5 (2+3), 8 (3+5), 13 (5+8), and so on...
In roulette, the sequence determines your wager for each round, with each amount based on the sum of the previous two bets. A win moves you back two places, while a loss advances you to the next number. The system begins with a $1 betting unit.
Bet Number Bet Amount ($) Outcome Total Return ($) Accumulated Profit ($) 1 1 Loss -1 -1 2 1 Loss -1 -2 3 2 Loss -2 -4 4 3 Loss -3 -7 5 5 Loss -5 -12 6 8 Loss -8 -20 7 13 Win 26 6
Note: In this Fibonacci example, seven bets followed by a win on the seventh produce a net profit of $6.
Reverse Martingale Strategy (Positive Progression)
The Reverse Martingale strategy, also known as the Paroli roulette strategy, is a positive progression system. It can offer the chance of a bigger win while keeping the pace relatively measured, potentially allowing a longer session.
The familiar Martingale is a regressive approach that increases the wager after each loss in an effort to recover what’s already been lost. Statistically, this makes it more aggressive and can drain a bankroll quickly. Reverse Martingale instead aims to increase returns during a winning streak.
With Reverse Martingale, you raise your wager after a win, not a loss. The idea is to bet the amount you just won. If that wager loses, return to the same small starting bet rather than continuing to increase it.
Bet Number Bet Amount ($) Outcome Total Return ($) Accumulated Profit ($) 1 1 Loss -1 -1 2 1 Loss -1 -2 3 1 Win 2 0 4 2 Win 4 4 5 4 Loss -4 0 6 1 Win 2 2 7 2 Win 4 6
Note: Following this Reverse Martingale sequence results in a net profit of $6.
Progressive Fractional Roulette Strategy (Positive Progression)
Progressive fractional betting works much like Reverse Martingale, but is intended for players who don’t want to risk all their winnings. Instead of wagering the full amount won, you bet only a portion of it, choosing the percentage yourself.
Bet Number Bet Amount ($) Outcome Total Return ($) Accumulated Profit ($) 1 1 Win 2 1 2 1.5 Win 3 2.5 3 2 Win 4 4.5 4 2.5 Loss -2.5 2 5 1 Loss -1 1 6 1 Loss -1 0 7 1 Win 2 2
Note: After 7 bets with the Progressive Fractional Roulette Strategy, including three wins followed by three losses, the stated net profit is $2.
D'Alembert Roulette Strategy (Negative Progression)
The D'Alembert strategy is another system used by players hoping to win at roulette. It increases the betting unit by one after a loss and reduces it by one after a win. This is a relatively restrained approach: rather than doubling your stake, you adjust it by one unit in either direction.
Bet Number Bet Amount ($) Outcome Total Return ($) Accumulated Profit ($) 1 1 Loss -1 -1 2 2 Loss -2 -3 3 3 Loss -3 -6 4 4 Win 8 2 5 3 Win 6 5 6 2 Win 4 7 7 1 Loss -1 6
Note: Following 7 bets with the D'Alembert Roulette Strategy—three losses, then three wins, followed by a loss—the stated net profit is $6.
Labouchere Strategy (Negative Progression)
The Labouchere strategy is a regressive method with an additional sequence rule. It’s designed for even-chance bets such as red or black. Write a sequence of numbers representing your intended stakes. Each wager is the sum of the first and last numbers; after a win, remove those numbers, and after a loss, add your previous wager to the end of the sequence.
For example, start with the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, then play the next few hands as shown below:
Bet Number Sequence Bet Amount ($) Outcome Total Return ($) Accumulated Profit ($) 1 1-2-3 4 Loss -4 -4 2 1-2-3-4 5 Win 10 6 3 2-3 5 Loss -5 1 4 2-3-5 7 Loss -7 -6 5 2-3-5-7 9 Win 18 12 6 3-5 8 Win 16 28
Note: After 6 bets with the Labouchere Strategy, clearing the full sequence would leave a net profit of $28.
Hollandish Roulette Betting Strategy
The Hollandish betting system is another regressive approach. It increases the wager whenever a set of three equal bets ends in a net loss. After each set, work out the total profit or loss; if it’s negative, increase the next set by one unit. Continue until a set produces a net profit, then return to the original stake for a new set.
Bet Number Block Bet Amount ($) Outcome Total Return ($) Accumulated Profit ($) 1 1 1 Loss -1 -1 2 1 1 Loss -1 -2 3 1 1 Win 2 0 4 2 2 Loss -2 -2 5 2 2 Win 4 2 6 2 2 Loss -2 0 7 3 3 Win 6 6 8 3 3 Win 6 12 9 3 3 Loss -3 9
Note: Following the sequence above would produce a net profit of $9 after 9 bets.
Other Roulette Strategies and Systems
The methods above are some of the best-known roulette approaches. Players also try these less familiar ideas at the table.
Covering the Table
This is not one formal system, but rather an approach that spreads bets over a wider range of outcomes. For example, a player might bet on red, odd and the 1st 12 numbers. If all the selections hit, the payout can be substantial; if one or two miss while another wins, the loss may be less than it would be with a single isolated bet.
Column/Dozen Betting
Column/Dozen betting involves a single wager with a potential payout of 2:1. Choose one dozen or column, covering 1/3 of the wheel. On average, that selection is expected to hit 1 in 3 times.
Double Street Quad Strategy
This combination covers nearly half the board. Place two double-street bets, each covering six numbers, plus one corner bet and one straight bet. Together, these wagers cover 17 numbers.
Five Quad Strategy
A quad bet is placed at the intersection of four numbers. For the five-quad strategy, make four quad bets and add one straight-up bet. This covers 21 numbers, so a winning selection is expected to occur more often than with narrower coverage, though there is no guarantee.
Tier et Tout Strategy
This system aims to take advantage of hot streaks. Decide how many chips to use, then bet one-third of them on an even-money option.
- If the bet wins, add the entire profit to the starting pool, then wager one-third of the new total on the next bet.
- If the first bet loses, wager the remaining two-thirds of the starting bankroll.
- If the pot does not divide evenly by 3, round down and set the remainder aside. This allows the betting pool to be divided into one-third and two-thirds.
Kavouras Bet
The Kavouras bet is a combination covering 20 numbers on the wheel. Bet one unit on 0, 1, 2, 3; two units on the double street covering 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36; and one unit on each of the 8/11, 13/14, 15/18, 17/20, or 27/30 splits.
Oscar's Grind
Oscar's Grind starts with one unit on an even-money bet and continues until you are one unit ahead. A win reaches that target immediately, so you return to the same stake. If a loss is followed by a win, increase the bet by one unit only if that will not create a profit. Keep going until you are one unit ahead, then start again.
Shotwell Betting System
The Shotwell system spreads bets around the wheel instead of concentrating them on the table layout. Start with a six-line bet, then add straight bets on numbers, leaving no more than three numbers between your chosen numbers. The goal is to distribute coverage around the wheel.
Dealer's Signature
Dealer's Signature is not a strategy in the strict sense. It rests on the theory that some dealers release the ball at a consistent speed and angle, producing apparent patterns in the results. Those who follow the approach watch for such patterns and bet accordingly.
Column/Dozen Progressive Betting System
This approach applies a progression such as Martingale to column bets rather than even-money bets.
How to Choose a Roulette Strategy
There are almost as many roulette systems as there are game variations. Before settling on one, practise and consider how it fits the stakes and bankroll you plan to use. A method that feels manageable for one player may not suit another.
You can also guide your choice by asking yourself:
- Are you new to roulette, or have you played before?
- How much is your bankroll, and can you afford to lose it?
- Why do you play roulette: for entertainment, to get more familiar with the game, or to try to make money?
After considering these questions, you can choose the roulette strategy that best suits your situation.
Our Top Roulette Tips
Before trying any of these systems at an online roulette table, take a look at these practical tips. They may help you understand the game, manage losses and avoid common table mistakes. These general pointers are not tied to a particular system, though several can complement betting strategies.
Practise at Free Roulette Tables
As with almost any type of casino game, it can be helpful to practise without risking money. Demo RNG roulette games let you try betting systems without financial exposure. If a method does not work, you will not lose cash; once you understand how it works, you can decide whether to use it at a real-money table. You can also see whether a progressive or non-progressive approach suits you better.
Know the Rules of Your Roulette Game
Roulette variants have different rules, bet types and odds, which can all influence your choice of strategy. Differences go beyond French, American and European roulette: some newer games use two balls, while others feature random multipliers. Be sure you understand the particular game before placing a bet.
Keep Bets Small for Longer Sessions
Most roulette systems rely on following a betting pattern, so using your whole bankroll in a few rounds leaves little opportunity to apply the method. Going all in is the obvious exception, though it is barely a system: win and keep playing, or lose and leave with nothing. Instead, choose a minimum stake that fits your bankroll and lets you play many rounds. That gives you time to assess a strategy properly.
Consider Outside Bets
With some exceptions, many roulette systems use outside wagers such as odd/even, red/black even-money bets or 2 to 1 bets. These selections hit relatively often; even-money bets are essentially 50/50. This makes them a better fit for some betting systems than many other options. New players may find outside bets easier to manage, whether or not they follow a formal strategy.
Read Online Casino Bonus Terms Carefully
Although online casino bonuses for table games like roulette can be uncommon, some offers may include them. Bonus funds may carry higher wagering requirements, and match-deposit bonuses commonly count table games towards wagering at 5% - 20%. Other promotions, such as cashback, may return part of a week's roulette losses. Always read the specific terms before counting a bonus as part of your bankroll.
Try Some Combination Bets
New players may prefer outside bets, while more experienced players can combine them with straight, dozen, column or snake bets. Split and corner bets can cover particular sections of the wheel too. These combinations spread exposure across different outcomes, but they do not eliminate the house edge or guarantee a win.
Ready to Play Roulette?
These are some of the best-known roulette systems and can bring structure to your play. No strategy is guaranteed to work, though, as players can lose over the long term. You might have winning sessions, but the underlying odds still work against you over time.
A strategy that matches your preferred style can give you a clear betting plan. It cannot guarantee results, but it may help you manage stakes, limit losses and decide how to handle a winning streak.
