Betting Systems Explained

Betting systems are structured approaches to managing bet sizing across a series of wagers. Roulette Tracker Pro supports six betting systems plus custom configurations. This comprehensive guide explains how each system works, when to use them, and their real-world performance.

Important Disclaimer

NO betting system can overcome the house edge. These systems change how you lose (or win) in the short term, not if you lose in the long term. The house edge is a mathematical constant:

• European Roulette: -2.7% expected return per dollar wagered
• American Roulette: -5.26% expected return per dollar wagered

Betting systems are tools for:

• Bankroll management
• Structured play (avoiding impulsive bets)
• Testing strategies
• Entertainment value

Use them for discipline and structure, not as a path to guaranteed profit.

System 1: Flat Betting

How It Works

Bet the same amount every single time. No increases, no decreases.

Example:

• Base bet: $10
• Bet 1: $10 (loss) → Bet 2: $10 (loss) → Bet 3: $10 (win) → Bet 4: $10
• Stake never changes

Pros

• Simplest system: No calculations needed
• Predictable bankroll: You always know maximum loss
• Low variance: No exponential growth
• Beginner-friendly: Perfect for first-time users

Cons

• Slow profit: Wins don't accelerate gains
• No loss recovery: String of losses = net loss
• Boring: No excitement from progression

When to Use

• First-time betting card users
• Small bankrolls ($100-$200)
• Conservative play
• Testing the app before using aggressive systems

Bankroll Requirement

Minimum: 20x base bet

Example: $10 base bet = $200 minimum bankroll

System 2: Martingale

How It Works

Double your bet after every loss. After a win, reset to base bet.

Example:

• Base bet: $5
• Bet 1: $5 (loss) → Bet 2: $10 (loss) → Bet 3: $20 (loss) → Bet 4: $40 (win) → Reset
• Net result after 4 bets: -$5 -$10 -$20 +$40 = +$5 profit

The Logic

Eventually you'll win, and when you do, you'll recover all previous losses plus one base unit.

Pros

• Guaranteed profit per cycle: If you win before bankroll depletes
• Intuitive logic: "I just need one win"
• High short-term win rate: Most sessions end in profit

Cons

• Exponential growth: $5 → $10 → $20 → $40 → $80 → $160 → $320...
• Table limits: Most tables cap bets ($500-$1,000 max). You hit the limit after 7-8 losses.
• Catastrophic ruin: One bad streak wipes out your entire bankroll
• False security: Feels safe because you win often, but rare losses are devastating

When to Use

• Large bankroll (minimum 100x base bet)
• Short sessions (5-10 bets max)
• High tolerance for risk
• NOT recommended for beginners

Bankroll Requirement

Minimum: 127x base bet (to survive 7 consecutive losses)

Example: $5 base bet = $635 minimum bankroll

Why 127? $5 + $10 + $20 + $40 + $80 + $160 + $320 = $635

Real-World Example

Player starts with $500 bankroll, $5 base bet:

• Bet 1: $5 (loss) → Bankroll: $495
• Bet 2: $10 (loss) → Bankroll: $485
• Bet 3: $20 (loss) → Bankroll: $465
• Bet 4: $40 (loss) → Bankroll: $425
• Bet 5: $80 (loss) → Bankroll: $345
• Bet 6: $160 (loss) → Bankroll: $185
• Bet 7: Can't afford next bet ($320 required) → BUST

Six consecutive losses (not uncommon!) wiped out $315 of a $500 bankroll.

System 3: Fibonacci

How It Works

Follow the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34...) when losing. On a win, move back two steps in the sequence.

Example:

• Base bet: $10
• Bet 1: $10 (1x) - loss
• Bet 2: $10 (1x) - loss
• Bet 3: $20 (2x) - loss
• Bet 4: $30 (3x) - win → Move back 2 steps
• Bet 5: $10 (1x) - back to start

The Logic

Less aggressive than Martingale. Slower progression means longer survival during losing streaks.

Pros

• Slower growth: Less risky than Martingale
• Recovers losses: Eventually recovers with wins
• Moderate variance: Balances risk and reward

Cons

• Still risky: Can reach large bets (34x, 55x...)
• Complex tracking: Need to remember sequence position
• Slow recovery: Takes multiple wins to reset

When to Use

• Moderate bankroll (50x base bet minimum)
• Medium-length sessions (10-30 bets)
• Risk-averse players who want some progression

Bankroll Requirement

Minimum: 50x base bet

Example: $10 base bet = $500 minimum bankroll

System 4: D'Alembert

How It Works

Increase bet by one unit after a loss. Decrease by one unit after a win.

Example:

• Base bet: $10 (1 unit)
• Bet 1: $10 (loss) → Bet 2: $20 (loss) → Bet 3: $30 (win) → Bet 4: $20 (win) → Bet 5: $10

The Logic

Based on the (incorrect) idea that wins and losses will balance out. Gentle progression limits risk.

Pros

• Very gentle: Slowest progression of all systems
• Low risk: Hard to go bust quickly
• Simple math: Just add/subtract one unit
• Good for long sessions: Can play many bets

Cons

• Slow profit: Takes many bets to see significant gains
• Can still escalate: 10 losses = 10x base bet
• Requires patience: Not exciting

When to Use

• Conservative players
• Small to moderate bankrolls
• Long sessions (50+ bets)
• Testing strategies without high risk

Bankroll Requirement

Minimum: 30x base bet

Example: $10 base bet = $300 minimum bankroll

System 5: Reverse D'Alembert (Contra D'Alembert)

How It Works

Opposite of D'Alembert: Increase bet by one unit after a WIN. Decrease by one unit after a LOSS.

Example:

• Base bet: $10
• Bet 1: $10 (win) → Bet 2: $20 (win) → Bet 3: $30 (loss) → Bet 4: $20

The Logic

Capitalize on winning streaks by increasing bets when you're winning. Decrease exposure when losing.

Pros

• Rides momentum: Profits multiply during hot streaks
• Limits loss exposure: Reduces bets when losing
• Psychologically satisfying: Feels good to increase bets when winning

Cons

• Requires winning streaks: Doesn't work well if results alternate
• Can give back profits: One loss at high stakes erases multiple wins
• Streaks are rare: 5+ consecutive wins are uncommon

When to Use

• Optimistic players
• Chasing winning streaks
• Moderate risk tolerance

Bankroll Requirement

Minimum: 30x base bet

Example: $10 base bet = $300 minimum bankroll

System 6: Paroli (Reverse Martingale)

How It Works

Double your bet after each WIN. After 3 consecutive wins (or a loss), reset to base bet.

Example:

• Base bet: $10
• Bet 1: $10 (win) → Bet 2: $20 (win) → Bet 3: $40 (win) → Reset to $10
• Or: Bet 1: $10 (win) → Bet 2: $20 (loss) → Reset to $10

The Logic

Let profits run during winning streaks. Losses are always limited to base bet.

Pros

• Low risk: Max loss per cycle is base bet
• High upside: 3 consecutive wins = 7x base bet profit
• Exciting: Feels great when streaks hit
• Protects bankroll: Losses don't compound

Cons

• Streaks are rare: 3 consecutive wins only happen ~12% of the time
• Frequent resets: Most cycles end after 1-2 bets
• Needs luck: Relies on short-term variance going your way

When to Use

• Risk-averse players
• Small bankrolls
• Short, fun sessions
• Entertainment-focused play

Bankroll Requirement

Minimum: 20x base bet

Example: $10 base bet = $200 minimum bankroll

System 7: Custom

How It Works

Define your own rules. Configure:

• First loss rule: What to do after first loss (e.g., bet 1.5x)
• Second loss rule: What to do after second consecutive loss (e.g., bet 2x)
• Third+ loss rule: Subsequent losses (e.g., bet 3x)
• Win rule: What to do after a win (e.g., reset to base, decrease by 0.5x, etc.)
• Max multiplier: Cap on how high bets can go (e.g., 10x base max)

Example Custom System:

• First loss: Bet 1.5x
• Second loss: Bet 2x
• Third+ loss: Bet 2.5x
• Win: Reset to base
• Max multiplier: 5x

When to Use

• Advanced players
• Testing proprietary strategies
• Simulating systems you read about
• Fine-tuning risk/reward balance

System Performance Comparison

Simulated over 1,000 spins, $10 base bet, even-money bets (Red/Black):

System	Avg ROI	Max Drawdown	Ruin Risk	Best For
Flat	-2.7%	Low	Very Low	Beginners
Martingale	-2.7%	Very High	High	High rollers
Fibonacci	-2.7%	Moderate	Moderate	Balanced play
D'Alembert	-2.7%	Low-Moderate	Low	Conservative
Reverse D'Alembert	-2.7%	Moderate	Low-Moderate	Streak chasers
Paroli	-2.7%	Low	Very Low	Fun sessions

Key Insight: All systems have the same long-term expected return (-2.7%). They differ only in variance and ruin risk.

Choosing the Right System

If you have a SMALL bankroll ($100-$200):

• Use: Flat Betting or Paroli
• Avoid: Martingale, Fibonacci

If you have a MODERATE bankroll ($200-$500):

• Use: D'Alembert or Fibonacci
• Avoid: Martingale

If you have a LARGE bankroll ($500+):

• Use: Any system, but understand the risks
• Test: Custom systems

If you're RISK-AVERSE:

• Use: Flat Betting, D'Alembert, or Paroli

If you want EXCITEMENT:

• Use: Martingale (with caution), Paroli, or Reverse D'Alembert

Common Mistakes

1. Using Martingale Without Sufficient Bankroll

7 consecutive losses require 127x base bet. If you can't afford that, don't use Martingale.

2. Chasing Losses by Switching Systems Mid-Session

"Flat betting isn't working, let me try Martingale!" This is how you go bust. Stick to your system.

3. Believing Systems Overcome House Edge

They don't. All systems lose 2.7% per dollar wagered over the long run. Use them for structure, not profit.

4. Ignoring Table Limits

Martingale and Fibonacci can quickly hit table max ($500-$1,000). Check limits before playing.

Key Takeaways

• Betting systems change variance and bankroll volatility, not expected return
• Flat Betting: Safest, simplest, best for beginners
• Martingale: High risk, high volatility, requires large bankroll
• Fibonacci: Moderate risk, moderate volatility
• D'Alembert: Low risk, gentle progression
• Reverse D'Alembert: Rides winning streaks
• Paroli: Low risk, fun for short sessions
• Custom: Advanced users testing proprietary strategies

Ready to test? Create a betting card at /assistant and try different systems!