Skip to main content

Martingale Roulette System

A. Antonova
Since 2017, Anisia has been sharing her iGaming expertise with readers of CasinoGamesPro.com. Her work covers comprehensive reviews of casino favourites like slots, roulette, blackjack, and video poker, along with thorough assessments of payment options, mobile casino platforms, and leading online casinos.
(editor) | Updated:

Martingale System: What It Is and How It Works in Roulette

Even though roulette is regarded as a game of chance, there are many betting systems that can help you minimize your losses and, with a bit of luck, even turn a profit. In general, each betting system provides a plan that can guide you in making better wagering choices. This not only enriches your gaming experience but also heightens your excitement. Because several types of betting systems exist, all kinds of players, including beginners, can benefit from them.

One of the oldest betting systems ever created is the Martingale Betting System. It is extremely well-known, especially among roulette players, as it has proven to be very useful when applied to this game. What makes it suitable for roulette is the fact that it was initially designed to be used on even-money bets. The Martingale can also be applied to other popular casino games such as craps, blackjack, and baccarat. Another factor that has undoubtedly contributed to its huge popularity is its straightforward nature. It doesn’t take much effort or time to grasp its main principle and understand the idea behind the plan.

To incorporate the Martingale betting system successfully into their roulette sessions, players should carefully choose the amount of their initial bet. They should also decide in advance how many sessions they are willing to play so they can allocate their budget accordingly. As a negative progression system, the Martingale requires players to increase their bets after each loss. Most importantly, this system tends to work best for players with larger gambling budgets, and only over a short period of time. Read on for additional tips on succeeding with the system.

Basics of the Martingale Betting System

Roulette Number 12 PhotoThe first thing you need to know about the Martingale betting system is that it is a negative progression system. This means that every time you lose, you are required to double your wager until a win finally occurs. After a win, you should return to the starting point and place the amount of your initial bet. It is advisable to decide on the value of one betting unit before you join a game. This way, you have time to think the matter through without rushing, and the chances of setting an unreasonable amount on the spur of the moment are much lower.

Bear in mind that the size of a betting unit should correspond to the money you intend to spend that day. You should adjust this amount each time, according to your bankroll, to ensure you place reasonable bets and fully enjoy the game. The entire betting system rests on the idea that it is highly unlikely to experience an extended sequence of losing bets while playing roulette. Although every losing streak ends eventually, it may not end as quickly as you hope.

How to Apply the Martingale System in Roulette

The Martingale betting system was originally created for roulette, so it is no surprise that it is most often applied to this game. If you decide to give the system a try, the first thing you need to do is set the amount of a single betting unit. It is also best to determine in advance how many sessions you will play so you can divide your bankroll accordingly. By doing so, you reduce the risk of running out of money before a winning streak occurs.

If you are new to betting systems, it is best to assign a low value to your initial betting unit so you can get used to the plan without damaging your bankroll. Let’s assume that one betting unit equals $5 and that you bet on odd numbers only. When the game begins, you should place your first $5 bet on the odd numbers of your choice. The size of your next wager will depend on the outcome of the previous round.

If an even number wins, you must double your bet, so your next wager increases to $10. Should the ball land on an even number again, you double your stake once more, raising the next wager to $20. Let’s assume you have already lost three times in a row and have raised your wager to $40. During the fourth round, however, an odd number finally comes up. As a result, you recoup your previous losses and earn a profit equal to one betting unit—$5 in this example.

The main idea behind this system is that if you double your bet after every loss, your eventual win will cover all previous losses and yield a profit of exactly one betting unit. This principle appears perfectly logical and, at first glance, even flawless. In practice, however, this is not always the case. To determine whether the system is truly beneficial, let’s examine some of its most important aspects.

Roulette Martingale Betting System
Bet NumberBet SizeSpin OutcomeNet Winnings
#15LOSS-5
#210LOSS-15
#320LOSS-35
#440WIN+5
#55WIN+10
#65LOSS+5
#710LOSS-5
#820WIN+15

Pros and Cons of the Martingale Roulette System

When it comes to roulette strategies, the Martingale is easily the most popular and widely used betting system for this game of chance. The system is simple to follow and sounds great on the surface—until you hit a snag. It’s all about doubling your bets after each loss and resetting them after a winning round, but remember, it’s not all smooth sailing. This section outlines what’s hot and what’s not about the Martingale system, breaking down its advantages and disadvantages in plain language.

Pros
  • Super Simple: The system is easy to use; no complex calculations are required.
  • Quick Recovery of Losses: A single win can erase an entire losing streak.
  • Short-Game Winner: Ideal for quick sessions.
Cons
  • Requires a Fat Wallet: You must have enough money to keep doubling your bets.
  • Ignores Table Limits: Reaching the table limit can prevent you from continuing the progression.
  • No Impact on Your Odds: The system does nothing to reduce the house edge.

Important Things to Consider Before Applying the Martingale System

Roulette Casino PhotoIf you decide to try this system and see for yourself whether it works, you should consider several important factors. First, the Martingale is specifically designed to help you make a profit, even if your losses outnumber your wins. The idea is to give you the chance to secure a larger profit in the end. However, remember that to make it work you need a solid bankroll. If you experience several losses in a row and are on a tight budget, you will quickly run out of money. In that case, you will neither enjoy the game nor make a profit.

It is also essential to know when to stop playing and walk away. The Martingale betting system has proven to be effective, but only over a short period of time. If you plan to spend an entire day at a casino, this betting system might not be your best option. It can quickly drain your funds and force you to leave the casino much earlier than you intended.

What you should keep in mind is that all betting systems, including this one, do not influence the house edge in any way.

Final Thoughts

When applied to roulette, the Martingale betting system can be beneficial, but only under two conditions: you have a solid bankroll and you use the plan for short sessions. It can increase your level of entertainment and potentially earn you a profit while you play your favorite casino game. Just make sure that the value of your initial betting unit matches your bankroll and that you don’t get carried away by placing large wagers. Also remember, there is never a guarantee that if an odd number has won five times in a row, the next round will produce an odd number again.

FAQ: Martingale Roulette System

The Martingale system involves doubling your bet after every loss. Start with a base bet and double your wager if you lose. Once you win, revert to the initial bet. The system is recommended for even-money bets and aims to recover your losses with a single win.

No, the Martingale system can’t guarantee wins. While it can help recover losses, it doesn’t change the house edge or the game’s randomness. Success depends on landing a win before reaching the table limits or completely depleting your bankroll.

The Martingale system is best for players with a sizable bankroll due to potential rapid increases in bet size after consecutive losses. Players with limited budgets might lose their bankrolls quickly.

The main risk is the potential for quick and substantial losses, especially during a longer losing streak. Additionally, table betting limits can impede the system’s effectiveness by preventing further doubling of bets.

Begin with the lowest table bet and choose a session bankroll you are comfortable with. Always double your bet after a loss, and return to the starting bet after a win. Monitor your bankroll and be prepared to stop if losses accumulate.

»