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Martingale System

The Martingale is probably the most famous roulette system.

Use Martingale System at these Casinos

Watch the video below which describes the Martingale Roulette system: a negative progression system (like Fibonacci Roulette), where you increase your bets after a loss to claw yourself back to profit. Please read the notes at the bottom of the video. This system is most often played on the even money bets.

There is a variant for Dozens and Columns called Martingale Dozens. There are various variants that are good for the Martingale. It´s easy to play on Premium Roulette, for example, as there is a DOUBLE BET option, which just doubles your bet and spins the wheel. Easy.

Video Tutorial- Playing this System

How to Play the Martingale on the Roulette Table- 10 tips to help you.

  1. Keep your bets the same after a win.
  2. Double your bet after a loss, then revert back to your starting bet once you win. (Try Roulette Splendide at Virgin Casino for an easy way to do this. They have a “Double Bet” option).
  3. You can change what you bet on (red/black, even/odd etc) or continue on the same bet- the odds are the same.
  4. Keep your session short. At some point you will see 5 or more losses in row. Get out before you get there.
  5. Have a clear profit target and stop loss before you start. DON’T exceed them on the Martingale System.
  6. You can play this on most bets, but most players use it on the lower risk even money roulette bets (red/black etc).
  7. Remember the table limits. At some point you will run out of room to double your bet if you suffer a bad losing streak. Start with a low bet to maximise your room for manouevre, or play high limit tables but keep an eye on your bets- they can ramp up quickly in the Martigale. Plan your bets and bet your plan!
  8. Be aware of the gambler’s fallacy. Just because you have just seen 5 reds in a row, it doesn’t mean that there is more chance of a black coming up. Why not bet odd, even, hi or lo? Mix it up!
  9. If you hit your profit target or stop loss, quit. Be strict with yourself.
  10. Play in short sessions and take a break. Stay focused!
Martingale Roulette Sequence

Pros and Cons of this System

  • Easy to understand
  • Can work well in short bursts
  • Flexible. You can play it on any bets. Most people play the Outsite Bets with a 50% table coverage or more.
  • Careful! Your bets can ramp up quickly and before you know it, you are betting a lot to win a small amount within one Martingale sequence. This is an aggressive system where your bets can ramp up quickly. Make sure you also have a look at less aggressive systems like the Hollandish System.
  • The Martingale does not alter the overall house edge: 2.6% in European Roulette.
  • It’s a negative progression- so you flat bet after a win, which means you limit your profit potential on a lucky streak.

More Martingale Systems

This system has a number of variants, notably the Super Martingale (careful here as it’s even more aggressive) and the Reverse Martingale where you increase bets after a win rather than a loss. Do you find the Martingale System risky or not so risky? If it’s the latter, wait until you read about the Triple Martingale system which involves tripling your bets after a loss. There are a bunch of other system that are variants of the Martingale such as the Balvinder Sambhi system. It really is the most famous strategy out there.

The Negative Martingale system in which you increase your bets after a win is a sister system that aims to accelerate winnings on a purple streak- but you must be disciplined and decide how long you will stay on for the ride.

Martingale System Top Tip

Start your first bet low and play on a wheel that has a decent betting limit to give yourself room to cover losses. Don´t stay on the Martingale progression too long. You will end up betting a big amount for a small win.

Play at Virgin

The Best Casino and Variant for this System

We recommend playing the Premier Roulette at Betfair. They have a x2 “Double Your Bet” option that is perfect for Martingale players.

Martingale System FAQs

  • If I see 3 reds in a row, should I bet on black?
    It is true that the odds of seeing 4 reds in a row is lower than the odds of seeing 2 reds in a row. But careful! You don’t bet on multiple spins in roulette, only one. The odds are the same for a single spin whether you have seen 3 reds in a row or Bugs Bunny at the table!
  • Why is this System called the Martingale?
    One theory is that the name derives from the Provençal expression “jouga a la martegalo” which translates roughly as “to play in an absurd and incomprehensible way” (!)