Roulette Strategies: From Basic to Advanced Strategies
With the dazzling red, black and green roulette wheel spinning, the ball tossed and the punters waiting in anticipation about where the ball will land and who will make their fortune, playing roulette has become one of the most iconic images in the casino world,
Naturally, as many of the big casino games played internationally, scores of individuals have dedicated their lives to crafting the most successful roulette strategy to maximise their chances of winning at roulette.
Looking to win at roulette and play roulette to the fullest potential?
Well, using a roulette strategy as a punter is a great way to increase your chances of fruitful endeavours on the roulette table.
In this guide we will break down the bread and butter of the roulette game, the best roulette strategy, and how to implement roulette betting strategy, in online roulette and on the casino floor.
Let’s spin the wheel!
Types of Roulette
There’s more to the roulette wheel than just a bunch of numbers and pleasing aesthetics, there are also a few variations of the game, depending on where you play in the world.
The most common are European and American Roulette, which are both found in virtually all online casinos and land-based casinos.
Another common face in the roulette world is French roulette, with European and French roulette using the same wheel, with the difference mainly being slightly different betting strategies and structures (such as La Partage).
European Roulette
When it comes to casino games, European Roulette has cemented itself as a staple since it was first played in French parlours in the 19th century. It features a wheel that’s both elegant and exciting, with its own unique characteristics that set it apart from other types of roulette.
So, what makes European Roulette, well, European Roulette?
First, let’s talk about the wheel layout and numbers.
In European Roulette, the wheel is divided into 37 numbered pockets. These pockets are marked from 1 to 36, and there’s an additional pocket that’s painted green and labelled with a single zero (0). The numbers on the wheel are arranged in a non-sequential order, giving the game an exciting edge of unpredictability.
Now we know the numbers, let’s dive into the house edge.
In European Roulette, the house edge is relatively low compared to other variations. Thanks to that single green zero pocket, the house edge stands at around 2.70%. This means that, on average, the casino expects to retain about 2.70% of every bet placed by players.
It’s worth noting that the house edge in European Roulette is generally kinder to players than in American Roulette, which has an additional double zero (00) pocket. If you’re looking to hop in and use the roulette strategies below effectively, spin the European roulette wheel.
American Roulette
When it comes to the glitz and glamour of the casino world, American Roulette is a true classic that has captivated players for years. With its iconic double zero (00) pocket and distinctive wheel layout, it has become instantly recognisable to everyone, in part thanks to Las Vegas and Hollywood films.
In American Roulette, the wheel consists of 38 numbered pockets. These pockets are marked from 1 to 36, just like in European Roulette, but there are two additional pockets: a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). These extra pockets are painted green and add an extra layer of excitement and complexity to the game.
In regards to the house edge in American Roulette, it’s slightly higher compared to European Roulette.
With the presence of the double zero (00) pocket, the house edge stands at around 5.26%. This means that, on average, the casino expects to retain about 5.26% of every bet placed by players.
As a result, the house edge is much dearer than European Roulette.
In saying this, American Roulette still offers plenty of excitement and winning opportunities for players who enjoy the added risk when they play roulette games online or in person.
However, if you’re looking for better returns playing roulette and using roulette strategies, it’s recommended to stay clear of American roulette.
Popular Roulette Strategies
Now that you’ve got your head around the roulette wheel, it’s time to take a look at some famous roulette strategies that have made a mark on the game.
These strategy tips have made their name by some truly interesting legends and results created from using them. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, so decide which is the right roulette strategy for you.
Martingale Strategy
The Martingale strategy is one of the most renowned systems used by punters internationally, in part because it’s a simple and easy-to-understand strategy that aims to recover losses and potentially make a profit.
Here’s how it works:
Each time you place a bet and lose, you double your next bet. Sounds a bit crazy right?
The idea behind this strategy is that when you eventually win, the win will cover all previous losses and result in a net profit.
For example, let’s say you start with a $10 bet on red. If you lose, you double your bet to $20 on the next spin. If you lose again, you double it again to $40. You continue doubling your bet until you eventually win. When you win, you go back to your original bet size and start the process over.
The Martingale roulette strategy is based on the belief that, statistically, you’re bound to have a winning spin sooner or later. By doubling your bets after losses, you aim to recoup your losses and make a profit when that winning spin finally occurs.
However, it’s important to note that while the Martingale betting strategy seems enticing, it does have its limitations.
Of course, the most important to take into account is your bankroll. As you double your bets, you can quickly reach the table limit or exhaust your cash if you face a long losing streak.
Additionally, roulette outcomes are independent, and there’s no guarantee that a win will occur within a specific timeframe, so make sure your betting unit when using the martingale system is watertight.
Fibonacci Strategy
If you consider yourself a numbers and sequences enjoyer, the Fibonacci roulette strategy might be the perfect one for you. Named after the legendary Italian mathematician, Leonardo Fibonacci (who created the eponymous mathematical sequence), this strategy follows a specific number sequence that can potentially help you manage your bets.
Here’s how it works:
The Fibonacci sequence starts with 0 and 1, and each subsequent number is the sum of the two preceding ones. So it goes like this: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, and so on.
To apply the Fibonacci strategy in roulette, you use this sequence to determine your betting units. You start by betting the smallest unit (1) and progress through the sequence after each loss. If you win, you go back two steps in the sequence.
For example, if your initial bet is $1 and you lose, your next bet would be $1 again. If you lose again, you move to the next number in the sequence and bet $2. You continue in this manner until you win, at which point you go back two steps.
The thesis of the Fibonacci strategy is to capitalise on winning streaks while minimising losses during losing streaks. It provides a structured and calculated approach to betting, helping you manage your bankroll and potentially turn a profit.
D’Alembert Strategy
Looking for a roulette strategy that’s easy to grasp?
The D’Alembert roulette strategy might be just what you’re seeking. Named after the French mathematician Jean-Baptiste le Rond d’Alembert, this strategy is straightforward and can be a helpful tool in managing your bets.
Here’s how it works:
With the D’Alembert strategy, you increase or decrease your bet by one unit after each win or loss, respectively. The idea behind this strategy is to balance out your wins and losses over time.
For example, if you start with a $5 bet and win, you decrease your next bet by one unit to $4. Conversely, if you lose, you increase your next bet by one unit to $6. The goal is to bring your overall wins and losses closer to a harmonious equilibrium.
The D’Alembert strategy is based on the premise that the universe swings back and forth, that is to say, that after a series of wins, you’re more likely to experience losses, and vice versa. By adjusting your bets gradually, you aim to protect your bankroll during losing streaks and take advantage of winning streaks.
When using the D’Alembert strategy, make sure you take note and set limits, both for increasing and decreasing your bets, to keep yourself and your strategy in check. Approach the D’Alembert strategy with a balanced mindset and you’ll have some serious fun playing roulette online.
James Bond Strategy
The James Bond roulette strategy is a popular betting system used in roulette, named after the suavest spy of all time, James Bond. It’s a simple and straightforward strategy that covers a wide range of numbers on the roulette table.
Here’s how it works:
You place three different bets during each round. First, you place a larger bet on the number 0. This covers the green zero pocket. Then, you place another bet on the numbers 19 to 36, which covers the higher numbers. Finally, you place a third bet that covers the remaining numbers from 13 to 18.
By using this strategy, you cover a total of 25 out of the 37 possible numbers on the roulette table, giving you a high chance of winning. If the ball lands on the numbers 19 to 36, you’ll win a double payout. If it lands on the number 0, you’ll win a triple payout.
The only numbers you don’t cover with this strategy are the lowest, 1 to 12.
It’s important to note that the James Bond strategy does not guarantee consistent wins or eliminate the house edge. It’s simply a betting system that provides a structured approach to roulette.
Like all strategies mentioned above and below, it’s subject to the inherent randomness of the game.
The James Bond strategy is favoured by many players because it offers a balanced distribution of bets and the potential for larger payouts (plus who doesn’t want to feel as cool as James Bond). Bringing an extra element of excitement and an easy-to-follow blueprint, it’s a popular choice for both beginners and experienced roulette enthusiasts.
Progressive Betting Strategies
Whether you’re spinning the roulette wheel at an online casino or in person, you’re going to want to know whether it’s the minimum bet or the outside bets that are suitable for the next spin.
Having a constant bet strategy can be helpful, but the most successful roulette betting strategies are those adapting to the situation at hand and making informed decisions.
When it comes to the progressive side of roulette, here are some of what are considered the best roulette betting strategies.
Paroli System
Looking for a roulette strategy that focuses on maximising your winning streaks?
The Paroli strategy might be that match made in heaven. This simple and popular strategy aims to capitalise on winning streaks while keeping those pesky losses to a minimum.
Here’s how it works:
With the Paroli roulette strategy, you start by placing an initial bet. If you win, you double your bet for the next round. If you win again, you continue to double your bet. You keep doing this as long as the wins keep coming.
The idea behind the Paroli strategy is to let your winnings ride and increase your bets during winning streaks. By doing so, you aim to accumulate profits quickly while limiting your exposure during losing streaks.
So how would you put it into practice?
For example, let’s say you start with a $10 bet and you win. You then double your bet to $20 for the next round. If you win again, you double it to $40. You can continue this pattern as long as you’re winning or until you reach a goal you’ve set out previously.
Parlay System
If you’re looking to maximise your potential winnings in roulette, the Parlay strategy might catch your interest. This strategy involves progressively increasing your bets using your winnings, aiming to squeeze the most out of those winning streaks when they roll around.
Here’s how it works:
With the Parlay strategy, you start with an initial bet. If you win, you don’t pocket your winnings but instead, add them to your next bet. This means that your subsequent bet will be larger, as it includes your original stake and the winnings from the previous bet. You continue this pattern, letting your winnings ride and potentially multiplying them.
The idea behind the Parlay strategy is to use the house’s money, so to speak, by betting with your winnings rather than your initial bankroll. This allows you to potentially win larger amounts without risking your own funds.
For example, let’s say you start with a $10 bet and you win. Instead of pocketing the $10, you add it to your next bet, making it $20. If you win again, you continue the progression, using the total amount of $30 for your next bet. This pattern goes on as long as you keep winning.
Reverse Martingale Strategy
Essentially a flip of one of the most successful roulette strategies of all time, the Reverse Martingale strategy might pique your interest. Also known as the “Paroli” or “Anti-Martingale” strategy, it involves increasing your bets when you’re winning and scaling them back during losing streaks.
Here’s how it works:
With the Reverse Martingale strategy, you start with a small bet and increase it after each win. The idea behind this strategy is to ride the wave of success and let your winnings grow.
For example, let’s say you start with a $10 bet and you win. Instead of doubling your bet like in the traditional Martingale strategy, you increase it by a predetermined amount, such as 50%. So if you win, your next bet might be $15. If you win again, you increase it further, say to $22.50, and so on.
The Reverse Martingale strategy is based on the belief that winning streaks often occur in clusters, and it’s advantageous to pounce on these streaks by increasing your bets. The goal is to accumulate profits while they’re heading on the up and up.
However, it’s important to be cautious with this strategy, as it can be risky during losing streaks. Unlike the traditional Martingale strategy, the Reverse Martingale doesn’t aim to recoup losses quickly. Instead, it focuses on letting winnings grow gradually.
When you encounter a losing streak, it’s advisable to scale back your bets to minimise potential losses and prevent yourself from tumbling out the casino doors with a minus balance to boot.
Specialised Roulette Strategy
Now, last but definitely not least, we’ve arrived at the specialised roulette strategy section.
One thing to take into account is that these strategy tips are aimed towards land-based casino games, as they involve analysis of the physical wheel to devise a strategy and make decisions.
Biased Wheel Strategy
When it comes to roulette, not all wheels are made equal. There are those that possess slight imperfections that cause certain numbers or sections to win more frequently than others.
This is known as a biased wheel.
To identify a biased wheel, observe the wheel like a hawk. Look for patterns, such as specific numbers hitting more often or certain sections of the wheel consistently producing favourable outcomes. Keep in mind that this strategy is quite time-consuming and will require effort to ascertain the imperfections.
Once you’ve identified the patterns, adjust your betting strategy according to maximise those sweet returns.
Visual Ballistics
Visual ballistics is a roulette strategy that involves predicting the outcome of a spin by observing the ball’s behaviour as it spins around the wheel.
It relies on the idea that the ball’s trajectory and speed, combined with visual cues, can help determine where it will likely land. Much like the biased wheel strategy, this tactic takes heaps of analysis and observation to effectively determine exactly what the patterns are.
There are methods you can use to make this process easier, such as taking note of the ball’s entry point, bounces, and how the ball behaves when it comes into contact with the deflectors, frets, or diamond-shaped obstacles on the wheel.
While quite hard to execute and not recommended for beginners, these are among the best roulette strategies for physical wheels, and casinos tend to be aware of these tactics and often use strategies to counteract them.
However, if you are looking to give them a try, they can produce some great results at a roulette casino.
Conclusion
Feeling ready to spin the roulette wheel after reading this guide?
I hope so!
In this guide, we’ve covered the basic concept of Roulette, different ways that people play roulette around the globe, and types of different roulette strategies that you’ll find utilised on the casino floor (and how to use them yourself).
While it may seem overwhelming at first with all these strategies that we’ve listed, try starting off with one that suits your playstyle and learn that inside out, then move on to another one.
Ultimately, remember to have fun and enjoy yourself and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. Learning roulette strategies and playing roulette is fun, but responsible gambling is the key,
Spin the wheel, don’t let the wheel spin you.
Good luck out there, and employ these strategies to become a shark in no time.
Roulette Strategy FAQ
Emily is our seasoned content writer. She writes easy to read and helpful game guides, so you can quickly understand the rules of each game and get some useful tips that can help boost your chances of winning.
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