How to Use the Martingale Roulette Strategy
There are various strategies in roulette, and Martingale is one of the most famous ones. Despite being a famous method and frequently used in casinos, this strategy carries more risk than many others. We’ll look at how to use the Martingale system, its pros and cons, and the reverse alternative system you can use.
Definition of the Martingale Roulette System
The Martingale system inherited its name from John Henry Martingale, a British man owning several gambling establishments in the 18th century. The idea behind the system is that no person will only lose, and everyone will land a win sometime. It’s a simple strategy that’s suited to both beginners learning the ropes of the game and experienced players with larger bankrolls.
The focus of this system is to recover your losses when you eventually win instead of trying to better your chances of winning. The idea is that you’ll double your stake each time a wager results in a loss. Theoretically, this means that when you win, you’ll have recovered all the previous losses. Below is a small table showing an example of how you’d bet at a casino roulette table.
| Spin | Bet | Stake | Result | Profit | Running Total |
| 1 | Black | 50c | Lose | -50c | -50c |
| 2 | Black | $1 | Lose | -$1 | -$1.50 |
| 3 | Black | $2 | Lose | -$2 | -$3.50 |
| 4 | Black | $4 | Win | $4 | +50c |
| 5 | Black | 50c | Win | 50c | $1 |
| 6 | Black | 50c | Lose | -50c | 50c |
How to Use the Martingale System
When you’re using this strategy with roulette, it’s best to focus on the more sure-to-win outside bets. Outside bets, also known as even-money bets, have 1:1 payouts and are wagers like black/red, odd/even, and 1-18/19-36. You have a 50/50 chance of winning such a wager, making it perfect for using the Martingale system.
However, the most significant risk to this strategy is depleting your bankroll quickly, especially if you fall into a losing streak. Also, you might play for a while before you win and only make a small profit related to how much you bet.
When betting, start small and work your way up. It’s surprising how fast you’re thrown into massive bets using this method. If you start with 50c, then your stakes will probably reach the maximum in 14 to 15 spins, like this: 50c, $1, $2, $4, $8, $16, $32, $64, $128, $256, $512, $1024, $2048, $4096, etc.
Pros and Cons of the Martingale System
Below, we explore some of this system’s most relevant pros and cons.
Pros
• An easy strategy to understand and implement
• Allows you to recover all previous losses
• Earn small profits in a short period
Cons
• The table’s betting limit can cap your playing using this system
• A losing streak can mean you use your entire bankroll
• High-risk, low-reward results are common with small winnings
Using the Martingale Roulette System
The Martingale system focuses on positive progressive staking. This means if you lose a wager, you keep the same amount for the next round. However, if you win a bet, then your stake doubles for the next spin. The goal of this strategy is doubling your stake for three spins in a row, meaning you win three spins in a row, and then resetting your stake to the original amount.
This strategy boosts your winnings significantly and minimizes your losses. Below, we added a minor example of how this strategy would work when playing roulette.
| Spin | Bet | Stake | Result | Profit | Running Total |
| 1 | Black | 50c | Lose | -50c | -50c |
| 2 | Black | 50c | Lose | -50c | -$1 |
| 3 | Black | 50c | Win | 50c | -50c |
| 4 | Black | $1 | Win | $1 | 50c |
| 5 | Black | $2 | Win | $2 | $2.50 |
| 6 | Black | 50c | Lose | -50c | $2 |
Discovering Which is Better: Martingale vs. Paroli
There isn’t a straightforward answer to which strategy is better, as both systems suit different playing styles. For players who want lower risk and have a lower bankroll, the Paroli system is better, as you only double your winnings and only for three spins max. However, you probably won’t recover all your losses.
On the other hand, the Martingale strategy suits high-rollers or players with a larger bankroll. You can recover your losses if you land a win, but often your losses are much higher than with the Paroli system. This strategy’s not suited to long-term play and carries a significant risk of a losing streak or depleted bankroll.
Overall, both strategies have pros and cons and can be suited for different players. It’s vital to consider the table’s betting limits, your bankroll, and the type of bets you make before deciding on a strategy.
Can I use the Martingale strategy in casinos?
Yes, it’s possible to use this strategy in casinos, as it doesn’t influence or try to trick the game. However, remember that most casinos have a maximum bet limit, so you can’t double your bet infinitely.
Can I make profits by using the Martingale strategy?
While you can make some profit if the strategy succeeds, it’s not a long-term strategy, as it carries a lot of risk to players and requires a large bankroll.
What’s the average bankroll needed to use this strategy?
The average bankroll depends on the table’s betting limits, and often your bankroll should be as large as the table’s maximum bet. So if the table has a $5,500 betting limit, you need at least a $5,000 bankroll and can then bet 14 times.
Can I beat the house edge using this system?
No, the house edge is a mathematical advantage the casino has over the player, and no strategy can beat this advantage.
How risky is the Martingale system?
One of the most significant risks is that this strategy quickly decreases your bankroll, and a losing streak can mean your bankroll depletes quickly.
Will this strategy help me win roulette?
No strategy guarantees a win, and all come with some measure of luck. However, Martingale, if successful, is a strategy that can help you recover losses.