Learn The Best Roulette Strategies for Winning

Introduction

Roulette is a thrilling game of chance that has drawn mathematicians and punters throughout its existence. The 37 numbers—or 38 in the case of American roulette—on the roulette wheel all have the same chance of landing in each betting round. Needless to say, success in roulette is all a matter of luck. However, employing the right roulette strategy could help give you the discipline you need to skew the odds in your favor. A roulette betting strategy can help you make better bets, increasing your chances of leaving the roulette table with a profit. 

If you’re new to the roulette game and wonder about Roulette how to play, you should know that there are a few simple strategies to get you started. First up, decide what kind of bets you want to place – there any many possibilities with roulette tables. We’ll show you everything you need to know about roulette strategy, betting patterns, how to use roulette strategy to win, and help you come up with the best roulette strategy suited to your playstyle.

Understanding the House Edge

While implementing strategies can indeed help you win at roulette, no strategy will beat roulette’s inherent house edge. House edge refers to the statistical advantage that the casino possesses over players in every casino game.

House edge is often referenced as a percentage representing the average profit the casino expects to make from each bet over a given period of time. The house edge guarantees that the casino will win more money than it loses over the long run. The house edge in roulette implies that the odds of hitting a specific number or roulette bet are slightly lower than the odds of winning a payout.

European roulette—by far the most common variant in offline and online casinos—has a lower house edge of 2.70%. This is because there is only a single (0) on a European roulette table. American roulette, on the other hand, is a variant with a single zero (0) and a double zero (00), giving it a higher house edge of 5.26%. 

Why is there a difference between American and European roulette in terms of house edge? The answer lies in the American variant having an additional double zero, whereas the European and French variants do not. However, the payouts for each bet remain exactly the same. The double zero (00) in American roulette, in essence, is just another way for you to lose money, accounting for the higher house edge in the American variant. Therefore, European roulette is preferable to play rather than American roulette due to its lower house edge.

Popular Betting Systems

Before we discuss roulette betting systems, it’s essential to have a fundamental grasp of basic roulette bets and rules. The game involves a spinning wheel with numbered pockets, a ball, and a roulette table with designated betting spaces where players place their bets. The two main bet types include:

• Inside bets. Inside bets refer to wagers placed on specific numbers or small number groups (such as a straight bet and split, street, corner, and six-line bets). They feature higher payouts but have a lower probability of hitting. 
• Outside bets. Outside bets allow players to select a larger group of numbers based on their color or parity. They include red or black, high or low, and odd or even numbers. While they offer players a better probability of winning, they pay out at 1:1 odds. They are also called “even-money” bets for that reason.

The purpose of any roulette strategy is for you to turn in a profit over the long run and minimize the risks of losing while playing. In roulette, the objective is to guess on which number the ball will land after the roulette wheel is spun. Wagering on a single number, known as a “straight bet,” gives you the chance to win a 35:1 payout if the ball lands on your selected number. However, the odds of winning this bet are extremely low. 

By casting a broader net using a strategy when playing roulette, your chances of winning may increase. But as your odds of winning certain roulette bets get better, the payouts become smaller. That’s where a roulette betting strategy comes in: a good one will help you boost your odds of winning while leaving sufficient room to turn a profit. 

Let’s take a look at the most popular roulette betting systems as follows:

The Martingale System

The Martingale roulette strategy is a commonly-used betting progression system used in casino games that’s relatively simple to apply. This strategy can only be used for even-money roulette bets that pay out at a 1:1 rate and give you somewhere close to a 50% chance of winning – excluding the zeros. These include red/black, odd/even, and high/low bets. They can also be referred to as “outside bets.” 

Here’s how it works. First, place your bet on an even money bet. Once the outcome is decided, there are two options. If your bet wins, you continue betting with the same unit stake; if your bet loses, you double your initial stake on the next roll. If you win in the next bet, you’ll have already made a tidy profit.

The concept behind the Martingale strategy is that you’ll eventually win a bet that will help you recoup your previous losses and generate a profit as soon as you win. But due to the variance and randomness of roulette, you could see your stake sizes grow exponentially when you’re at the end of a losing streak.

Fibonacci System

The Fibonacci roulette strategy, as the name implies, consists of a popular numerical series wherein each number is the sum of the two numbers preceding it. The Fibonacci system is based on the first ten numbers of the series, which are 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, and 55. Like the Martingale system, the Fibonacci roulette strategy only applies to the even-money outside bets that pay 1:1, so make sure you place your bets on their respective designated betting areas. 

In this roulette strategy, you cannot change your stake amount based on a win or a loss. All you need to do is to follow the Fibonacci series when betting. For instance, you bet one unit on the first bet, one unit on the second bet, two units on the third bet, three units on the fourth, and so on based on the 10-number Fibonacci sequence. 

Advanced Betting Strategies

Next, we’ll move on to more complex betting strategies that could heighten your roulette experience at Mega Dice. We’ll discuss how they work, how they differ, and when they are best applied.

Paroli System

The Paroli system, also known as the Reverse Martingale system, has you increasing or reducing your bet on each spin. When you lose, you keep your stake as it is. But when your bet wins, you double your bet on the next spin. Once you’ve won three bets in a row, stop betting, collect your winnings, and start over with your initial stake amount. Each time you lose, just continue betting with your initial stake size.

The goal is to hit three in a row while doubling your stake on each roll to maximize your profits without running the same risk as the Martingale system. The idea behind the Paroli system is to quit as soon as you hit consecutive wins and quit when you’re ahead before your luck runs out. It’s best to use the Paroli system when the tables get hot and winning streaks emerge. However, it’s impossible to predict when these happen due to the randomness of roulette. Nevertheless, the Paroli system allows players to maximize their bankrolls.

D’Alembert System

The D’Alembert system is one of the best roulette strategies because it can be easily tailored depending on your play style. Before implementing the D’Alembert system, you’ll need to choose an outside bet of your choice. Then, set a betting unit size. For instance, $10. The D’Alembert system starts off with a four-unit bet, meaning your initial bet size, in this case, would be $40 on an outside bet. If you win the bet, you reduce one unit (e.g., 3 units). If you lose the bet, you will increase your next one by one unit (e.g., 5 units).

Depending on the roulette variant you choose to play, the odds of you winning each bet hover around the 48% range. This implies that the D’Alembert system could even out your bets over time. The D’Alembert system is a good way to manage your bankroll while controlling your spending by giving you the ability to set your unit amount.

James Bond Strategy

The James Bond roulette strategy is an advanced betting strategy that covers a greater selection of bets on the roulette wheel, and requires a higher bankroll to pull off. Here’s how it works. 

Let’s assume a minimum bet of $200 split among the following separate bets as follows:

• $140 on low numbers (e.g., numbers 1-18);
• $50 on a six-line inside bet (e.g., numbers 7-12);
• And $10 on a single “0” to round it out.

If the ball lands on a low number, you will win $140 and lose all your other bets. This would leave you with a $80 profit. If the ball lands between the numbers 7 and 12, you will win $250 and lose all the other bets to leave you with a $50 profit. If the ball lands on 0, your $10 will turn into a $350 payout. While you lose the rest of your bets, you would still be in a $340 profit.

Best Bets for Reducing Losses

Outside bets offer you the best risk-to-reward ratio in roulette. Despite offering lower payouts, outside bets offer just under a 50% probability of winning. The following is a quick rundown on outside bets:

• Red/black. This bet is a wager on what color pocket the ball is going to land. Pays out at even money or at a 1:1 rate. 
• Odd/even. This bet is a wager that the ball will land on an odd or even number. Pays out at even money or at a 1:1 rate.
• High/low. A bet on low numbers is a wager that the ball will land between numbers 1-18, while a high bet is a bet that it will land between numbers 19 to 36. Pays out at even money or at a 1:1 rate.
• Dozens. A dozen is a bet on one or more of the three sets of 12 numbers. You can bet on the first dozen (numbers 1 to 12), second dozen (numbers 13 to 24), or third dozen (numbers 25 to 36). Dozens pay out at 2:1. 
• Columns. A column bet is a wager on 12 numbers separated into three columns that indicate 12 numbers grouped according to their position on the wheel. A bet on columns is a bet that the ball will land in one of the numbers belonging to the aforementioned column. Columns pay out 2:1.

American vs. European Roulette Strategies

Your odds of hitting outside bets improve drastically when playing European or French roulette, which only has a single zero pocket on the roulette wheel. American roulette, which features an extra double zero, has a house edge of 5.25%. Its European and French counterparts, on the other hand, offer the lowest house edge of 2.70%. 

Whereas there is only 1 out of 37 times that you can lose your bet when the ball lands on a 0 in European roulette, there are 2 out of 38 times you can lose your bet when playing American roulette because of the single 0 and the double (00). Therefore, from a house edge perspective, European and French roulette are objectively better roulette variants to play. 

That said, why would online casinos bother offering American roulette tables when it’s essentially the same game with worse odds? The answer is that casual players who are unfamiliar with the differences in house edge will opt to play American roulette. More experienced roulette players would prefer European or French roulette due to its lower house edge.

Bankroll Management

Bankroll management refers to the process wherein you, as a bettor, oversee your income and expenditure when playing your favorite casino games. Practicing good bankroll management when playing online roulette helps you extend your bankroll over a longer timeframe and gives you more chances to profit. Here are some tips on how to manage your bets, set hard limits, and how to avoid common pitfalls when playing longer roulette sessions: 

Set hard limits

Don’t make the mistake of measuring yourself against other people’s standards—no two bettors are alike. Every roulette player has different motives, goals, and bankroll sizes. That’s why it’s important to set only a portion of your funds you are willing to lose—and not take things further than this set budget. Establish what you can comfortably use and play with, and never exceed your limits. 

Don’t play with funds you can’t afford to lose

Playing with a predetermined bankroll for gambling helps you become more prudent with your betting decisions because you know you’re playing with limited resources. This forces you into betting conservatively.

Set a fixed betting unit

In order to conserve your bankroll effectively, you can set your base betting unit to no more than 2% up to a maximum of 5% of your session’s set bankroll. That means if your total roulette bankroll is $200, you can bet up to $10 each round either as a single wager or spread out on multiple bets. Doing so helps you get the most out of your bankroll.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Roulette is a relatively simple casino game to play. However, if you haven’t had a lot of experience playing it or are unfamiliar with the rules, you can make rookie mistakes that could end up being costly. To avoid the most common pitfalls before hitting the online roulette tables at Mega Dice, take a look at the most common mistakes you should avoid:

Playing American roulette instead of European roulette

American roulette and European roulette are the exact same game, but with one key difference: the American roulette wheel has an additional double zero slot. In European or French roulette, the wheel only has a single zero. The additional slot skews the probability of the player winning from 1 in 37 chances in European roulette to 1 in 38 chances in American roulette. While that might appear to be negligible, the additional zero raises the house edge of American roulette to a high 5.25% compared to European roulette’s lower 2.7% house edge. By playing American roulette, you’re essentially playing with the same risk for a smaller chance of winning. For the best odds, play European or French roulette. 

Not knowing the roulette rules and betting options

An in-depth knowledge of the available bets and rules of roulette increases your chances of turning a profit significantly. For instance, when you know that outside bets offer the best chances of winning despite paying out at even money, you can set aside a greater proportion of your bankroll on outside bets compared to straight up bets or inside bets that are less likely to hit. 

An overreliance on combination bets

Combination bets are a series of straight bets. Straight bets pay out at a whopping 35:1 rate, but the odds of hitting them are quite low at 1/37. However, combination bets eat a significant portion of your bankroll for the statistically low probability of hitting a straight up bet. Your bankroll may already be exhausted by the time you hit one of your numbers. Outside bets offer the most value even since their odds of hitting hover around 50% while offering an even-money payout.

Playing without a strategy

Roulette is a game of chance, and it might be fun to let it ride and test your luck—but you can’t get lucky all the time. Much less if you don’t use a roulette betting strategy. You can employ any of the roulette strategies outlined in this article and apply them as necessary.

Placing bets at random

What’s worse than playing without a strategy? Placing multiple bets at random. Again, you might get lucky sometimes, but you can’t get lucky all the time. The built-in house edge of roulette will ensure that the odds will always tilt in favor of the house. Practice discipline, don’t bet on every round, and focus on making outside bets that give you the best odds of winning. Wildly betting at random can deplete your bankroll in an instant. Haste makes waste; don’t bet at random because you’re in a rush to get a W. The action never stops in online roulette, so stay calm and keep it tight. 

Not knowing when to call it a day

Ultimately, roulette is a game of luck. Some days, you won’t get the rub of the felt—and when those days come, know when to take a break. Likewise, you might feel tempted to ride out your luck when your bets are hitting, and you’ve exceeded your win target for the session. Whether you’re winning or losing, it’s good to set limits once you’ve hit your win target or your stop loss. When the fun stops, you should stop; to know when to stop is also to win. The online roulette action never stops at Mega Dice—and tomorrow is always another day to test your luck playing roulette online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the house edge in roulette, and how does it impact my strategy?

The house edge in roulette is the mathematical advantage that the casino has over the player. House edge refers to the long-term percentages that the operator expects to keep from the player’s bet. Knowing the house edge impacts your strategy by helping you make better decisions on which bets to place to give you a higher likelihood of consistently hitting. In terms of house edge, European roulette offers the lowest at 2.70%. This makes it a better option than American roulette, whose additional 00 slot raises its house edge to 5.25%.

How does the Martingale betting system work in roulette?

The Martingale betting system is used only for outside bets that pay even money on wins, excluding the zeroes. Essentially, it’s a betting system that involves you doubling your stake after each loss. The goal is to either get a quick, substantial profit if you hit your first two bets or win back your initial stake and then some if you lose your last bet. The idea is that you’ll eventually win, recoup any losses, and get your bankroll in the profit.

What is the difference between the Fibonacci and Labouchere betting systems?

Both Fibonacci and Labouchere roulette betting systems are progressive betting strategies used in roulette and other casino games. However, both have different approaches to raising and reducing bets after wins and losses. The Fibonacci betting system is based on the Fibonacci sequence. If you lose, you move to the next number in the 10-number series in your next wager. If you win, you move two steps back in the sequence in your next wager. The Labouchere betting system is customizable. First, you create a sequence of numbers representing your desired win target. Then, you bet the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence, crossing them out afterward. After a loss, add the lost bet stake to the end of the sequence. 

Which strategies work best in American vs. European roulette?

Most roulette strategies, such as Martingale or Fibonacci betting systems, can be applied to both variants. However, since European roulette features the lowest house edge among all roulette variants, the strategies outlined in this guide are most suited for players playing this variant. 

How can I manage my bankroll effectively while playing roulette?

Roulette is a game of pure chance. Therefore, bankroll management is key. Set a budget, break your bankroll into smaller units, avoid chasing losses, and take frequent breaks when playing online roulette. Set a strict budget for gambling and do not exceed this figure. Only bet what you can afford to comfortably lose, and know when to quit, either when you’re ahead or when you feel like you need a break.

Are there different strategies for online vs. live roulette?

The core principles of bankroll management and roulette strategy remain the same for online roulette and live roulette. However, a key benefit of playing at Mega Dice is that you can play a variety of online roulette games in demo mode. This allows you to play with a demo balance, allowing you to master your chosen strategy before playing for real money.

What are the best bets to reduce losses in roulette?

Some bets offer players a slightly better chance of winning and turning a profit. Even-money bets, in particular, offer bettors a 50% chance of winning, making it the best play on the board. Column and dozen bets, meanwhile, cover 12 numbers per bet and offer a 2:1 payout while covering a broad section of the roulette wheel. Inside bets and straight-up bets, while offering higher payouts, are less likely to hit in terms of probability. 

What common mistakes should I avoid when using roulette strategies?

A common mistake is to overbet. Instead of betting on every number individually, consider betting on the streets or dozens. This way, you cover a wider selection of numbers while still being in line for a good payout. Likewise, it’s also easy to lose your concentration when you implement strategies, which could have you playing recklessly or inattentively. Another common mistake is to continue playing after having already hit your win target or by trying to chase losses. Once your bankroll is exhausted, summon the willpower not to play beyond your means. Likewise, once you’ve hit your target, consider cashing out. This way, you’ll avoid falling into playing aimlessly, which could lead to costly mistakes. Remember, the online roulette action never stops, so you can always try another day. 

Can I actually beat the house with a roulette strategy?

There’s no way to beat the house at roulette, given its built-in house edge. However, it’s possible to manage your bankroll and set yourself up for a profitable session. Roulette is a game of pure luck where the odds are tilted in favor of the house. But by learning the game’s rules and mechanics, as well as implementing solid roulette strategies, you can keep your losses at bay and increase your likelihood of winning. No system guarantees consistent wins—no strategy is bulletproof against a run of bad luck that could have you taking significant losses.

Which betting system is the safest for beginners?

The most conservative approach as far as a betting system safe for beginners is sticking exclusively with even-money bets. These include red/black, odd/even, or high/low, which each gives you approximately a 50% chance of winning. While outside bets offer significantly lower payouts ranging from even money to 2:1 for columns and dozens, they help you build your bankroll and get more consistent wins over a longer period of time. Set a win target, play no more than 2% to 5% of your bankroll, and quit once you’ve hit your target or reached your stop loss — easy peasy.