How to Win at Roulette: 5 Best Betting Strategies

The game of roulette is known worldwide as one of the most popular and exciting forms of gambling. While millions of people play it, few understand the math behind it or the implications of that math.

If you have been playing roulette for years and still haven't found a way to beat the game, or you are new and looking at how to play it best, you have come to the right place.

We are going to teach you the roulette strategies applied by some of the best roulette players out there that will allow you to go in with a plan and walk away a winner more often!

Top Five Roulette Betting Strategies:

1. Martingale Roulette Strategy
2. Reverse Martingale Roulette Strategy
3. Fibonacci Roulette Strategy
4. Steady Betting Roulette Strategy
5. Paroli Betting Strategy

How to Choose the Best Roulette Strategy

Now that we know how to bet in roulette and what options we have, it’s time to talk about forming a roulette strategy that is best for you.

There is no definitive reason to call one strategy the best roulette strategy.

Each strategy has its merits, and whether you are betting on one number or nearly all of them, the house edge always remains 2.7% on every dollar you bet.

This means that the definitive choice of a good strategy for each player should depend on their preferences, their risk aversion, and other personal factors.

One of the key things to take into consideration is certainly the bankroll you are playing with. The bigger your bankroll, the more options you have in terms of a strategy.

So before we talk about specific strategies, let’s talk about organizing your bankroll to do well in roulette without risking it all too fast.

Bankroll in Roulette

Bankroll is the term we use for the money you use to play your game of choice. You can have a fixed bankroll for the game, which is advisable, or simply play on occasion with money that is not specified for this purpose.

The reason I say having a separate gambling bankroll is a good idea is that gambling can be tricky, and betting your everyday expenses’ money, whether you play Texas Hold’em or roulette, can quickly turn into a disaster.

Instead, you should determine how much money you are willing to lose in a certain week or month without feeling too bad about it and try playing with that money only.

Now that you know your bankroll, you should size up your bets in comparison to it. Remember that the more numbers you are betting on, the bigger portion of your bankroll you can afford to bet at once.

However, your roulette betting strategy should ensure that you are never betting more than 5% of your current bankroll on a single spin, as even outside bets can sometimes get tricky to hit.

If you are betting on a single number, it is not advisable to bet more than 2% of your bankroll at any one time, and even this can be risky. You should find your perfect bet somewhere in the middle as you experiment with bet sizes and different betting options.

Now, we can move on and talk about some specific roulette strategies that are often used by players around the world.

You can pick any roulette strategy you prefer to use and approach the game in a way you like more. These strategies are equally applicable to online roulette casinos as they are to land-based ones. On top of that, each of these has its strengths and weaknesses, so the final choice will certainly be yours.

Roulette Strategy #1 – Martingale Betting System

Pros:

• Simple playing strategy
• Steady returns
• Good chance of success

Cons:

• Requires a big bankroll
• Can be frustrating

Of all the roulette strategies out there, The Martingale roulette system is one of the most commonly used around the world.

Centered around increasing the bet size when losing, the Martingale betting system is a high-risk strategy with steady returns and a high chance of success.

The Martingale betting system is all about making roulette bets that offer double money and doubling your bet until you finally hit. This way, you always win a single betting unit when your bet gets there.

The big risk with Martingale is that it can take a while for this to happen at times, which means a substantial betting bankroll is required.

Martingale Roulette Strategy Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose Your Bet: Before you get started, you need to choose what to bet on. Red/Black and Odd/Even are the most common bets used in the Martingale strategy. Pick one of these and keep pursuing it until it hits.
2. Place Your First Bet: Now that you have decided what to bet on, you need to decide the value of your initial bet. Remember you will be doubling the bet with each miss, so make sure you start reasonably low.
3. Double Your Bet When You Lose: If your first bet is not a winner, double your bet on the next spin. Keep doubling the bet as long as you are losing.
4. Restart Your Bet When You Win: When you finally win, go back to betting one betting unit on the next spin. Restart your betting with every win, and double the bet with every loss.
5. Walk Away a Winner: Before you start playing, decide how many betting units you are happy with. Walk away from the table once you have won this amount.

Martingale Roulette Strategy Example

Roulette Strategy #2 – The Reverse Martingale Strategy

Pros:

• Less variance than Martingale
• Can lead to big wins fast
• Requires a lesser bankroll

Cons:

• Fewer winning sessions
• Table limits may become a problem

As the name suggests, the Reverse Martingale roulette strategy requires you to do the exact opposite of Martingale. You will be doubling your bets when you win, and restarting your betting when you lose.

Like Martingale, this betting strategy is all about betting on double-money bets like Odd/Even and Red/Black, although some other bets can technically work as well.

The big advantage of Reverse Martingale is that it is less prone to variance, as you set your own limits and decide when to stop doubling the bet while winning.

As long as you lose, you are only losing one betting unit at a time, which makes it the perfect strategy for the most risk-averse players out there.

Reverse Martingale Roulette Strategy Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pick Your Poison: To start with the Reverse Martingale strategy, you will need to pick one bet and stick to it for a while. For example, you could bet that the next number will be Even.
2. Place Your Bets: The first bet you make will be your betting unit. You will be doubling this unit once, twice, or as many times as you see fit when you are winning, so choose carefully.
3. Bet One Unit While Losing: If your first bet is a loser, bet one unit again on the next spin. Keep betting one betting unit ever time you lose.
4. Double Your Bet When You Win: Anytime you win, you will want to double your bet on the next spin. How many times you choose to double is up to you.
5. Quit While Ahead: The real danger with Reverse Martingale is that people can get greedy. Make sure to start from the beginning after a few double-ups and walk away with a profit.

Reverse Martingale Roulette Strategy Example

Roulette Strategy #3 – The Fibonacci Roulette Strategy

Pros:

• Smaller bankroll required
• Less variance involved
• Locks up some of your winnings

Cons:

• More breaking even at times
• Harder sequence to remember

Named after the famous mathematician, the Fibonacci roulette strategy uses a number sequence in which every number is the sum of the previous two numbers to determine the size of your next bet.

Much like the Martingale, the Fibonacci strategy is a progressive betting strategy, but the progression is a bit less steep, making it a bit easier on your bankroll.

The Fibonacci numbers sequence you will use looks like this:

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233…

With this strategy, you will always increase your bet to the next step in the sequence when you lose, and fall back two steps when you win. This rewards consecutive wins, but also helps you take losses a bit easier.

Fibonacci Roulette Strategy Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose What to Bet On: Like with other betting strategies, you must first choose your initial bet. Pick an even-money bet, perhaps one that hasn't hit in a while, and get started.
2. Size Up Your Bet: The size of your first bet will determine where your betting progression takes you. Make sure this bet is not too big and that you can afford to use the progression the right way.
3. Move to the Next Step When You Lose: Anytime your bet is a loser, progress to the next step on the list. Keep going until you finally spike a win.
4. Move Back Two Steps When You Win: Anytime you win, you will want to lock up some profit. Move down two steps and keep betting.

Fibonacci Roulette Strategy Example

Roulette Strategy #4 – The Steady Betting Strategy

Pros:

• Minimal risks involved
• Doesn't require a massive bankroll
• Stress-free way to enjoy roulette

Cons:

• Less chance of walking away a winner
• Limited adrenaline rush

If you are less of a risk taker and prefer playing roulette for pure enjoyment, keeping a steady bet is probably the best way to go.

Many roulette players don't deviate too much from their initial bet, and it often works very well for them, as it doesn't allow for bad luck to completely decimate their bankroll.

Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to bet the exact same amount every time, but you also should not be doubling and tripling your bets every time you win or lose.

Keep a reasonably steady bet, enjoy the free drinks the casino has for you, and bet at your own pace to enjoy the game with minimal risks.

Steady Betting Roulette Strategy Step-by-Step Guide

1. What to Bet On: Like other strategies, steady betting requires you to choose your initial bet. This time around, you don't necessarily have to bet on even-money bets, but you should also make sure not to be too greedy and bet a single number either.
2. Make Your Bet: The size of your first bet will more or less be the size of every bet you make. Choose a reasonable amount that doesn't break the bank and get started.
3. Keep Your Bets Steady: Win or lose, keep your bets in the same range. Don't get carried away by a couple of consistent wins or chase your losses when things aren't going so well.
4. Enjoy Your Night: The biggest advantage of steady betting is that it does not cause as much stress as some other strategies, and it allows you to enjoy your night with less concern for your bankroll.

Steady Betting Roulette Strategy Example

Roulette Strategy #5 – The Paroli Betting Strategy

Pros:

• A steady way to limited wins
• Smaller bankroll required
• Very simple to keep track of

Cons:

• Sometimes misses out on bigger wins
• Can be less exciting than other systems

Ideal for beginners in the game of roulette, the Paroli betting strategy is one that rewards wins and locks up a profit without as much risk as some other strategies.

Of course, Paroli also doesn't offer returns as often as the likes of Martingale, but it also puts your bankroll under a lot less stress.

The simple strategy involves doubling your bet exactly two times when you are winning and reverting to your initial bet when you lose. This way, you are neither risking too much nor winning too much in your good runs.

Paroli Roulette Strategy Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select Your Side: Much like other betting strategies, Paroli requires you to start somewhere. You can choose any bet for Paroli, although most people choose an even-money bet like Odd/Even.
2. Make the First Bet: Paroli allows you to make slightly bigger bets than Martingale or other systems, as it requires fewer double-ups. Since you will only double up twice when winning, you can set a higher initial bet.
3. Double Your Bet When You Win: If you win initially, double your bet on the next spin. If you win again, double it once more. If you win again, go back to the start and lock up your winnings.
4. Keep a Steady Bet When You Lose: If your bet loses, just keep betting a single betting unit until you win, which is the time to start doubling up.

Paroli Roulette Strategy Example

Roulette Betting Explained – Best Way To Play

If you want to learn how to win at roulette, you will need to understand how the game works and what betting options are available to you in the first place.

The one thing to always keep in mind is that the house edge does not change in roulette, regardless of the bet you are making.

A classic European Roulette game features a 2.7% house edge, which extends to all the bets on the table, with no discrimination.

This, of course, is the theoretical and long-term edge that the house has over you. With a little luck, the edge can be annulled, and a player can turn the odds in their favor and have a big winning session.

So, let's talk about some of the basic betting options you have in roulette, their payouts, and the potential they have to make you a winner.

Outside Bets

Placed by putting chips on the outer parts of the roulette betting table, outside bets are some of the easiest to win.

Outside bets come with low payouts but a high hit frequency, as they cover lots of different numbers on the roulette wheel.

These are the most popular outside bets:

• Red or Black: The player bets whether the ball will land in a black or red socket. The winning bets are paid at even money. The zero slot is a losing one for both the red and the black bet.
• Odd or Even: The player bets whether the ball will land in odd or even numbers. The winning bets are paid at even money. Zero is not considered an odd or an even number.
• High or Low: The player bets whether the ball will land in a low or high number. Numbers between 1 and 18 fall into the low category, while those between 19 and 36 are in the high category. The Zero does not count for either. Payouts are at even money.
• Dozens: There are three dozens of numbers on the roulette on the wheel. This bet covers 12 of those 36 numbers. Once again, the Zero is excluded. The winning bets are paid at 2:1.
• Columns: Similar to the dozens bet, this bet includes 12 numbers in total. However, the player is betting on one row of the numbers on the table. Payouts are at 2:1. An example of a column is 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35.

As you can see, outside bets are not too difficult to hit as they include many different numbers at a time. For that reason, the payouts on these bets are relatively low.

Many popular roulette strategies revolve around making outside bets and increasing or decreasing your wager depending on the outcome of the spin.

The main problem with outside bets is that they can be tedious at times and simply aren't as exciting as the inside bets. If you are more of a thrill-seeker, let's look into the inside betting options.

Inside Bets

Unlike the outside bets covering a whole range of numbers and offering small payouts, inside bets can be incredibly lucrative when you have a hot streak.

An inside bet can cover anywhere between one and six numbers in total and can offer a payout as large as 35:1. This means you could turn a small bet into a huge profit if you get lucky.

Many players also combine inside bets to create certain sectors, which resemble outside bets in some ways. However, in this case, the player can have different payouts for different numbers.

Here are the most common inside betting options:

• Straight: A straight bet is a bet that covers just one number. The player can bet up to the table maximum on that number and get paid 35:1 on that bet if the number does land. This is the most profitable roulette bet.
• Split: A split bet covers two numbers that are adjacent on the roulette table. The bet pays 17:1 if either of the two numbers lands.
• Street: This type of bet covers three numbers that are vertically adjacent on the roulette table. This bet pays 11:1 if one of the three numbers you bet on is the lucky winner.
• Square: This bet covers four numbers on the roulette table, which are adjacent to each other in a square. An example would be 1, 2, 4, 5. This bet pays 8:1 if one of the four numbers wins.

As you can see, the payouts on these bets are much higher, but so is the risk you take by placing them. When forming an inside betting roulette strategy, players must be very careful with their bankroll.

The great appeal of inside bets is their high payout and the fact you can bet small and still get rewarded with plenty of big wins. Just be careful not to make your bets too big and lose too much before your numbers land.

Pick Your Roulette Strategy

I have given you plenty of roulette tips and strategies in this guide, which may end up helping you make better decisions at the table in the long run.

Of course, this does not mean you will win every time if you apply these roulette tips because it simply isn't possible to beat wheel over the long run.

Yet, with any of the strategies I showed you here, any given session can be a winning one. With some luck, you can have some great winning sessions and greatly reduce the amount you lose in the bad ones.

I advise that you pick your roulette strategy based on your own style of gambling. If you are more risk-averse, pick something like the Fibonacci or the Reverse Martingale. If you enjoy the thrill of risking it all, the Double or Nothing Strategy will work well for you.

In either case, make sure you gamble responsibly, always be mindful of your bankroll, and don’t let roulette, slots, or other casino games take over other aspects of your life.

Roulette Strategy FAQs

If you’ve read this entire guide but you’re still unclear about some roulette tips presented here or need further clarification, check out these short questions and answers that sum up the whole thing.

How to calculate roulette odds?

The odds in roulette are always calculated based on the real probability of your bet winning, with one number left for the house. If you bet on a single number, you will be paid 35:1, while the real chance of winning the bet is 36:1.

What is the best roulette strategy?

There is no single best roulette strategy to speak of. Each strategy I described in this guide has its merits and downsides. I highly recommend picking a strategy that fits your personal gambling style in some way, especially in terms of risk aversion.

Can you consistently win in roulette?

The honest answer to this question is no. No player can always win in roulette, regardless of the strategy employed. You can use my roulette tips to increase your chances of winning on the night, but in the long run, the house always maintains an edge.

Can a roulette betting system improve your odds?

No matter which roulette betting strategy you use, the final house edge will always remain the same, depending on the type of roulette game you are playing. However, you can make your chances a bit better on the night by sticking to one of the tried roulette strategies.

How big is the house edge in roulette?

The house edge depends on the type of roulette you are playing. In European Roulette, the house edge is always 2.7%. American Roulette has the house edge of 5.4%. In French Roulette, the edge is 1.35% if you are playing even money bets such as red/black.

Can your strategy influence your long-term results?

There is no way to diminish the house edge in the game of roulette. The house will always maintain its 2.7% edge in classic roulette, and over the long run, everyone's results should even out. It's all about how much you bet and how much fun you can have with it.

What number hits most often in roulette?

There is no answer to this question. Over the long run, provided that the wheel you are playing on is straight and the ball is balanced, each number will land the exact same number of times.

What is the safest bet in roulette?

While there are no safe bets, the most reasonable bets are those that offer even money payouts. If you bet on red, black, odd, even, high, or low, you will be paid just under 50% of the time. However, these are the long-term odds, and in the short run, anything can happen.

Can you bet on both colors or all numbers in roulette?

You can make as many different bets as you wish. If you bet on both colors, you lose if the ball lands in Zero while winning nothing if it lands in any other number. If you bet the same amount on all the numbers, you are losing 2.7% of your entire bet each time.