A Guide to the Best Roulette Strategy – How to Play Roulette and Win
Roulette, a highly popular casino table game made famous thanks to movies like James Bond, is a game of chance. While games like this rarely have strategies that will help you win, there is a roulette strategy or two that will help you maintain your bankroll and even boost it.
Come with us as we discuss the most successful roulette strategy for each game variation and how these strategies work. We will also compare these systems and offer top tips on how to make the most of them.
The Best Roulette Strategy Options
A roulette strategy enables you to implement a structured system to follow as you play. These systems make it easier to know when to lower or raise your bet value to ensure that you recoup losses and turn a profit. There are several top online roulette strategy options that you can try.
- Fibonacci Strategy—A top strategy for low-risk players who like a solid system
- D’Alembert System—Offers a medium-risk, user-friendly strategy
- James Bond Roulette Strategy—A top alternative for moderate-risk players
- Martingale Strategy for Roulette—Top system for high-rollers and high-risk players
- 1-3-2-6 System—Great for small wins and more reserved players
- Paroli System—A positive progression system that carries low risk
- Labouchere System—An excellent system for advanced players
- Parlay Roulette Strategy—Ideal for high-risk players who want significant returns
Getting To Know Each Roulette Strategy
There are plenty of roulette strategy options available to UK players. These all differ in how they’re applied and which players they’re best suited to, but they all offer a more structured way to play and are equally as successful. You can find a detailed description of each system below to find the roulette strategy that works best for you. Keep in mind, though, that you must know how to play roulette before applying one of these systems.
Fibonacci Strategy
The Fibonacci Sequence is a string of numbers, where a number in the sequence is realised by adding together the two numbers before it:
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34 etc.
Using the Fibonacci roulette strategy requires selecting a betting unit, say £1, which you must multiply by a number on the Fibonacci Sequence. With each loss, you must multiply your bet unit by the following number of the sequence until you win, in which case, you jump back two numbers in the sequence and multiply your bet value by that number.
If you’re new to playing roulette, this system can be challenging. It is essential to keep note of which number in the sequence you’re on so you know what to do next, whether you win or lose. Try practicing this system at the best roulette casinos that provide games in demo mode.
Example of the Fibonacci Roulette Strategy
Decide on your bet value, say £1. Wager an outside bet on Black. If you lose, you wager another £1 on Black since the first two figures in the sequence are 1. If you lose this round, your next wager on Black will be £2 since the following number in the sequence is 2. If you lose, you’ll wager £6, as the following number is 3, but if you win, you’ll reduce your wager back to £1.
D’Alembert System
This system is ideal for medium-risk players looking for a quick, easy roulette strategy. The idea of this roulette winning strategy is to set a betting unit, which you must increase by a single unit for every loss and reduce by a single unit for each win.
Since you’re not doubling your bet each time, the D’Alembert Strategy is gentler on the bankroll and offers greater control when playing for real money. However, if played over an extended period, particularly over a losing streak, it can significantly impact your playing funds.
D’Alembert Roulette Strategy Example
Choose your betting unit, say £1. Wager an outside bet on High. If you win your wager, place the same bet again. If you lose, bet on High again, but this time, wager £2. If you lose this wager, bet £3 in the next round.
James Bond Roulette Strategy
The James Bond roulette strategy is another top roulette betting strategy for medium-risk players. If you choose to implement this system, you’ll need to wager several bets across the roulette table as follows:
- Wager £10 on the High bet
- Place £2.50 on the Line bet for 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
- Bet 50p on “0”
In placing this wager, you’ll need to bet £13 per betting round on 25 out of the 37 available numbers. This system boosts your probability of winning European or French roulette by 67.6%, making it a top European roulette strategy.
James Bond Roulette Strategy Example: Follow the betting outline indicated above. If you win, replay the bet. If you lose, play the bet again, but double your betting values.
Martingale Strategy for Roulette
The roulette Martingale strategy is one of the most popular gambling systems. It applies to several table games, including roulette and blackjack, with many players considering it a roulette double strategy. The Martingale roulette strategy requires you to establish a bet unit value and wager this value on the same even-money wager. If you lose the bet, you double your bet value and continue doing this until you win, where you will then revert to your original bet unit value.
The Martingale roulette strategy is popular among players as it allows you to recoup your losses and earn a small profit. However, since you’re doubling your bet value each time, it can significantly impact your bankroll if you’re on a losing streak. As such, it is handy to create a cut-off limit.
Martingale Roulette Strategy Example
Wager a £1 bet on Odd. If you lose, you double your bet unit of £1, leaving you with a new bet of £2. Bet on Odd again – if you lose, your bet doubles again to £4, but if you win, it returns to your original bet value of £1.
1-3-2-6 System
The 1-3-2-6 system is the best mathematical roulette strategy for players wanting to turn a small profit quickly. To implement this system, you’ll select a betting unit, then place a wager on an outside bet (even-money) such as Even. If you win, you’ll multiply your bet by the next number in the 1-3-2-6 sequence, but if you lose, you’ll begin the sequence all over again.
This system makes a good roulette strategy for making the most of a winning streak. It also has a definite end, which allows you to terminate the system when you reach the fourth number so that you don’t risk the profit you have made.
1-3-2-6 Example
Decide on your betting unit, for example, £1. Place a bet on Even, and if you win, multiply your bet value by the first number, 1. Again, place a £1 bet on Even. If you win, multiply your bet value by 3, giving you £3. Wager your Even bet again. If you win, multiply your bet value by 2, giving you £6, but if you lose, go back to £1 and start again.
Paroli System
Many UK players refer to the Paroli System as a winning roulette strategy for low-risk players. It follows a positive progression strategy that requires you to double your bet value after each win. The roulette strategy is ideal for low-risk players as a losing streak will not be as impactful on your bankroll as the Martingale roulette strategy.
Bear in mind that this system requires you to determine a profit target. Once you have met this goal, you must stop playing.
Paroli Roulette Strategy Example
Set your bet unit value (£1) and wager an even-money bet on Red. If you win, wager £2 on Red. If you win, double your bet to £4; if you lose, lower your bet to your original value of £1.
Labouchere System
If you’re looking for a more advanced roulette strategy, the Labouchere Strategy is a great option. This complex system requires you to set up a sequence containing five or more single-digit figures.
Once you have done this, add together the first and last numbers of your sequence to calculate your bet value. When you have your bet value, place a wager on an even-number roulette bet, like Red. If you win your bet, cross off the numbers used and then add together the following first and last numbers to get your next bet value.
If you lose the bet, add your bet value to the end of the sequence and start from the beginning. This system is a highly involved roulette wheel strategy and requires good focus, making it a better option for advanced UK players.
Labouchere System Example
Let’s say we set up our sequence as 1-2-3-4-5. Your first bet on Red will be 1+5 or £6. If you lose this wager, you’ll add 6 to the end of your sequence and add that to 1, leaving you with a starting bet of £7. If you win, you cross off 1 and 5 and add together 2+4, giving you a bet of £6.
Parlay Roulette Strategy
The Parlay Roulette Strategy follows a similar system to the Paroli Strategy but incurs greater risk for more significant returns. This system requires players to re-invest their earnings into their next wager to increase profits massively over a shorter period.
The roulette strategy requires you to determine a profit target and exit the game once you have reached this goal.
Parlay Roulette Strategy Example
Set your initial betting unit, say £2. Place your outside bet wager on Odd. If you win this wager, double your bet to £4 and continue to double your bet until you meet your target. If you lose your wager, return to your original bet value and begin again.
Non-Progressive vs. Progressive Roulette Strategy Systems
The best roulette betting strategy options fall into two primary categories: progressive and non-progressive.
- Progressive Roulette Strategy Systems—These systems require increasing your bet value after each loss or win. While they help to build on a winning streak and serve well to recover losses, they can be brutal on your bankroll.
- Non-Progressive Roulette Strategy Systems—These systems work to maintain your bankroll and limit losses. As such, they don’t require you to expand on your bet value; instead, they keep it the same for each round.
| Type of Strategy | Betting System | Level of Risk | Example Strategies |
| Progressive | Increasing your bet value after a loss or a win | High-risk | Martingale, Fibonacci, Paroli, Parlay, Labouchere |
| Non-Progressive | Bets remain the same for every round | Low-risk | James Bond Roulette Strategy |
Positive Progression vs. Negative Progression Roulette Strategies
Progressive Roulette Strategies split into two smaller categories: Positive and Negative Progression Systems. These systems both serve to recoup losses and earn you a profit, but they work in opposing manners:
- Positive Progression Strategies—These roulette strategy systems require you to increase your bet after each win. They focus on making gains during a winning streak and keep your bets to a minimum during a losing streak. As such, they are the less risky of the two progressive betting styles.
- Negative Progression Strategies—The aim of these betting systems is to recoup your losses when you win by increasing your bet after each loss. They are more risky since you increase your wagers, often doubling them, when on a winning streak. Remember that these systems only work well in the short term, and they can significantly impact your bankroll, making them a better option for high-rollers.
| Betting Aspect | Positive Progression System | Negative Progression System |
| Aim | Increase profits off a winning streak | Recoup losses from a single win |
| Bet Accommodation | Increase bet after each win | Increase bet after each loss |
| Risk Value | Lower risk as bets increase only after a win | Higher risk as bets increase on a losing streak |
| Best Suited To | Players looking to boost profit gradually using lower-risk systems | Players with a more sustainable bankroll and who want to maximise their earnings more quickly and don’t mind a higher level of risk |
| Effect on Bankroll | Less effect as bets only increase following a win | Significantly affect the bankroll, particularly during a losing streak |
| Examples | 1-3-2-6, Paroli, Reverse Martingale | Martingale, Fibonacci, D’Alembert |
A Roulette Strategy Chart – How the Roulette Strategies Compare
Even the best roulette strategy doesn’t guarantee a win. You should use these systems to maintain your bankroll and recover losses rather than to earn high payouts.
We have put together the following roulette strategy chart to show you the progression of each strategy and how it will affect your running bankroll balance with each outcome. It is important to note here that we consistently bet on Black and began each system (with the exception of the James Bond Roulette System) with a 50p wager as our initial betting unit and a bankroll balance of £100.
| Round Result | Fibonacci Bet/Running Balance | D’Alembert Bet/Running Balance | Martingale Bet/Running Balance | James Bond Bet/Running Balance | 1-3-2-6 Bet/Running Balance |
| 6 Black | 50p/£100.50 | 50p/£100.50 | 50p/£100.50 | £13/£102 | 50p/£100.50 |
| 13 Black | 50p/£101 | 50p/£101 | 50p/£101 | £13/£109 | £1.50/£102 |
| 2 Black | 50p/£101.50 | 50p/£101.50 | 50p/£101.50 | £13/£96 | £1/£103 |
| 26 Red | 50p/£101 | 50p/£101 | 50p/£101 | £13/£103 | £3/£100 |
| 0 Green | 50p/£100.50 | £1/£100 | £1/£100 | £13/£108 | 50p/£99.50 |
| 11 Black | £1/£101.50 | £1.50/£101.50 | £2/£104 | £13/£115 | 50p/£100 |
| 35 Black | 50p/£102 | £1/£102.50 | 50p/£104.50 | £13/£122 | £1.50/101.50 |
| 30 Red | 50p/£101.50 | 50p/£102 | 50p/£104 | £13/£109 | £1/£100.50 |
| 14 Red | 50p/£101 | £1/£101 | £1/£103 | £13/£111 | 50p/£100 |
| 5 Red | £1/£100 | £1.50/£99.50 | £2/£101 | £13/£118 | 50p/£99.50 |
The Best Strategy for Roulette Variants
One of the greatest aspects of the best online roulette casinos is their extensive gaming options, which include unique and exciting roulette variations. While the best American Roulette Strategy is the Martingale or D’Alembert System, these more unique games require adapting these strategies.
For example, Lightning Roulette, created by Evolution Gaming, includes a lightning round where winning single-number bets are eligible for a multiplier. Since this doesn’t apply to even-money bets, you’ll need to use the Paroli System as your Lightning Roulette Strategy, but tweak it to use numbers instead of outside bets.
Similarly, a Mega Fire Blaze Roulette Strategy would also need adjusting to include numbers instead of outside bets.
How to Choose the Most Successful Roulette Strategy for You
There is no guaranteed winning roulette strategy, but these systems are a great way to maintain your bankroll so you can play for longer, and they can help you recover from losses in most instances. If you have decided to give one of the roulette strategy options a try, always keep the following in mind:
Know How to Play Roulette
When implementing a roulette strategy, the best place to start is knowing how to play the game and understanding the roulette odds and rules. A solid understanding of the game and the bets you can place makes it easier to work with your chosen strategies and betting choices.Take Your Bankroll Into Account
Each player will have a bankroll that is unique to them. You need to decide whether your bankroll allows you to test a strategy. There is no point in beginning a strategy only to find out that you can no longer participate after round three because your funds are depleted.Evaluate Your Risk Tolerance
If you are new to the game and you’re still learning how to play roulette a strategy like the Martingale System, which requires confidence and an extensive bankroll, may not be the best option. It is always best to start with a low-risk system and build up to some of the more advanced options once you’re comfortable.Take the Table Minimum Bet Values into Account
Each roulette table has a minimum betting limit that it applies. It is essential that you check what this is before you implement a strategy. For example, if you have a bankroll of £100 and the table limit is £10 for minimum bets, you’re not going to last long, particularly if you use a progressive betting strategy.Consider the Number of Betting Rounds You Can Play
Look at your bankroll and the table’s minimum betting limit to see how many rounds you’ll potentially be able to play. The more rounds you can play, the better, as this allows you to implement your strategy without being knocked out before it takes effect.
Tips for Picking the Best Roulette Strategy to Win
Now that we have covered the best roulette betting strategy options, let’s look at the top tips for keeping safe while playing when using these systems.
- Test Your Roulette Strategy in Demo Mode—The best way to try a new strategy is to practice it in demo mode for free play. You can find roulette games in demo mode at the best online casinos in the UK.
- Stick to French or European Roulette—European and French Roulette only have 37 numbers on their wheel, which means they offer better odds, a lower house edge, and a greater probability of winning. These odds, combined with the best roulette strategy, will give you the best chance of making a small profit.
- Set a Gambling Budget To Stick To—Roulette is a game of chance, which means any strategy you implement will not guarantee a specific outcome. As such, it is essential to set and stick to a budget. Once your bankroll is depleted, it is time to stop playing.
- Only Use Safe Online Casinos—Only use safe online casinos with licences issued by the UK Gambling Commission. These sites offer fair gaming, high RTP roulette options, and consistent payouts.
- Practice Responsible Gambling—Another important aspect of implementing a strategy is to practice responsible gambling. You can do this by applying limits to the time and money you spend at an online casino or by reaching out to a resource like GamCare, should you need to.
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