Labouchere Roulette System
| Updated: How to Use the Labouchere Casino System in Roulette
The basic rules of roulette are often defined as nothing more complicated than placing a bet on the number you believe will win next. It is not possible to predict the outcome in any way, regardless of whether the game is played in a brick-and-mortar casino or online. In land-based casinos, a dealer spins a physical wheel, while in web-based casinos all online roulette games are produced by a Random Number Generator. It should be noted that, with the advancement of online casinos, you can now play live-dealer roulette, operated in real time by a live dealer. This makes the game almost identical to its land-based counterpart and, thus, its outcome is just as random and fair.
It is not possible to use a strategy to determine precisely the final result, as the ball doesn’t follow any pattern. However, what you can do to minimize your losses and improve your game is to use a betting system. Roulette is one of the most suitable games for applying a betting system because it doesn’t require any action other than guessing the next winning number. Nowadays, you can find a number of betting systems that will help you improve your gaming experience in one way or another. One of them is the Labouchere betting system, which is used by hundreds of roulette enthusiasts.
The current article aims to broaden players’ knowledge and understanding of the Labouchere casino system. Starting with a brief history, we will move on to the basic features of the system and then cover its application to roulette. Finally, we will draw players’ attention to some of its major advantages and disadvantages.
Brief History
Although there is no definitive written evidence identifying the inventor of this betting system, the name Henry Labouchere is often associated with it. He was a renowned English public figure, writer, and politician during the Victorian era. He was also known for his passion for roulette and claimed credit for inventing this betting system. Initially, the system was created to be used in roulette games only; however, nowadays, with some adjustments, it can be applied to various casino games, including blackjack, baccarat, and craps.
Basics of the Labouchere Betting System
The Labouchere betting system is a negative progression system. In other words—after each losing wager you increase your bet, and after each winning wager you decrease it. It aims to help you recoup previous losses while generating a small profit in the process. To achieve this, you need to win several times, as a single win is unlikely to be sufficient. In the gambling world, this system is often referred to as the Cancellation System, Split Martingale, or American Progression.
In comparison with other popular negative progression betting systems, this one is considered more complicated. Thus, it is not recommended for novice players, as they might find it hard to apply during the game. Although its principle is more complex, the system is still used by many gamblers worldwide because it has proven to be quite effective.
How to Apply the Labouchere Betting System in Roulette
The principle behind this system differs significantly from that of most other betting systems. If you decide to give it a try, the first thing you need to do is to think of a sequence of numbers and write it down. In theory, there are no limits to the numbers you may include in the series; however, the simpler the sequence, the easier the system is to apply.
This string of numbers plays a crucial role in the system because the amount of potential profit strictly depends on it. To figure this out, simply add the value of all the numbers in the sequence. For instance, assume your sequence is 1-2-3-4. In this case, your potential profit is $10, the sum of all the numbers.
To determine the size of your bet, add the first and last numbers in your sequence. Using the 1-2-3-4 sequence as an example, your first wager would be $5. As with other betting systems, the size of each bet in the Labouchere system is determined by the outcome of the previous round. To illustrate, let’s assume you win the first spin. You should then cross off the first and last numbers on your list—one and four.
Because your odds remain the same each round, it is entirely possible that you will lose instead. In such a situation, add the amount of your previous wager ($5) to the end of the sequence. As a result, your numbers will change to 1-2-3-4-5. This is the entire plan behind the system, and to apply it correctly you need to stick to it throughout the game. The two basic things you need to remember are:
- Whenever you win, remove the first and last numbers from your sequence and bet the total of the remaining numbers.
- Whenever you lose, add the amount of your previous wager to the end of the sequence, then bet the sum of the first and last numbers.
When you should start from the beginning of the system depends on how many numbers you have included in your sequence. For instance, if you have decided to use 1-2-3 as your sequence and win your first spin, your next wager should be $2, with no further calculation needed. If you win again, the betting cycle is complete and you start over.
As you can see, if you write down a series that consists of only three numbers, all you need to do to start from scratch is to win twice. At first glance, the system appears complicated and usually takes more time to grasp compared with other negative progression systems. However, once you understand its main principle, it is only a matter of time before you get used to it and start applying it almost automatically.
| Roulette The Labouchere Betting System | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bet Sequence | Bet Size | Spin Outcome | Net Winnings |
| 1-2-3-4 | 5 | LOSS | -5 |
| 1-2-3-4-5 | 6 | LOSS | -11 |
| 1-2-3-4-5-6 | 7 | WIN | -18 |
| 2-3-4-5 | 7 | WIN | -1 |
| 3-4 | 7 | LOSS | -8 |
| 3-4-7 | 10 | WIN | +2 |
| 4 | 4 | WIN | +6 |
Pros & Cons of the Labouchere Betting System
One of the system’s biggest advantages is the flexibility it gives roulette players with their bets. You are in charge of determining the sequence of numbers and adjusting it accordingly throughout the game. You can choose any numbers you like, which means you can write down shorter or longer sequences. Also, thanks to this system, you have the opportunity to make a profit and recoup all of your previous losses. Your wins don’t even need to outnumber your losses because the system is designed to be efficient in roulette games.
The biggest drawback of any negative progression system, including the Labouchere, is that you never know when a winning streak will come to offset your losses. If the worst-case scenario occurs and you lose several times in a row, the numbers you add will gradually increase, which can make following the plan harder, and your stakes may become quite high. Whenever you use this betting system, you should always keep track of your funds and set reasonable numbers for your series.
The Labouchere roulette system is suitable for players across the board, as it can be adapted to fit any bankroll size. It’s all about creating your own sequence of bets and adjusting it on the fly. However, as with any roulette strategy, it has both advantages and disadvantages.
- You pick your sequence, which gives you greater control over how you play.
- No need to win more than you lose to come out ahead.
- Adjust your betting sequence to suit your style and bankroll.
- You can’t predict when the wins will come to cover your losses.
- A few losses can spiral into high bets pretty quickly.
- You need to constantly monitor and adjust your bets, which can get complex.
FAQ: Labouchere Roulette System
The Labouchere system involves creating a sequence of numbers to determine a player’s bet sizes. After a loss, the player adds the lost bet amount to the sequence’s end. After a win, they cross out the first and last numbers in the sequence. This process goes on until the player crosses out all numbers in the sequence and achieves their win goal, turning a profit.
No system, including Labouchere, can guarantee wins in roulette due to the game’s inherent randomness. Labouchere aims to manage bets and recover losses over time, but success is not assured, and heavily depends on a balanced sequence and timely wins.
The Labouchere system is more complex than simple betting strategies and might not suit beginners. It requires discipline, a decent bankroll, and the ability to quickly adjust bets based on wins and losses. Players should practice and understand it fully before using it in the real casino environment.
The Labouchere system encourages strategic betting by adjusting bets based on previous outcomes. It promotes a structured approach to managing wins and losses, aiming for overall profit. However, it requires careful bankroll management and a good understanding of betting patterns.
The benefits include a systematic approach to betting and the potential to recover losses. The risks involve potentially steep increases in bet size after consecutive losses, requiring a significant bankroll to sustain longer losing streaks. It’s crucial to start with simpler sequences and have a realistic win goal.