Roulette Systems - What Are They & How Do They Work?

British players have long used a variety of strategies when playing roulette, whether online or in a casino. Popular strategies include:

• Martingale
• d’Alembert
• Fibonacci
• Labouchere

It is important to note that these strategies cannot guarantee wins; still, they can help players maximise each session.

In this guide, BestOdds will outline what roulette systems are and provide comprehensive coverage of each one. This page will also offer several insights to help readers use them correctly, featuring examples throughout.

What Is a Roulette Betting System?

A roulette system is a set of rules players follow to maximise their roulette sessions. Each system provides players with a formula to follow. Some are more positive than others in terms of their progression, but each provides its own benefits.

Roulette systems are designed to manage losses and deliver modest wins over time. No system works better than another, as it depends on the play style of an individual. Additionally, they cannot guarantee wins.

Roulette systems have a long history, dating back to the 18th century in France, when players sought patterns and strategies to beat the game. By the 1800s, tales of individuals “beating the system” at Monte Carlo fueled widespread fascination with these methods. The most famous early system, the Martingale, involved doubling bets after losses in an attempt to recover them with one win.

In the 1960s, mathematician Edward Thorp rigorously analysed such betting strategies and demonstrated that none could overcome the built-in house edge in the long run.

Many players continue to use roulette systems today, particularly online, as they provide structure and discipline to gameplay in an otherwise fast-moving and unpredictable casino environment. These systems serve more as guidelines for managing bets and bankrolls than as guaranteed winning formulas.​

Why A Betting System Never Changes The House Edge

In roulette, the house edge is a fixed mathematical advantage built into the game’s rules and payout structure, and betting systems cannot change it.

For example, in American Roulette, the wheel has 38 pockets (1-36, plus 0 and 00), but the payouts are based on 36 numbers. This difference means the casino has an advantage: the probability of winning on a bet like Red/Black is 18/38, while the chance of losing is 20/38.

Calculating the house edge involves subtracting the player’s winning probability from the casino’s probability, yielding 2/38, or about 5.26%. This represents the average percentage of each bet the casino expects to keep over the long term.

While betting systems like the Martingale can manage how much a player bets on each round, they do not affect the underlying probabilities or payouts. Thus, over many spins, the player’s expected losses will align with the house edge, ensuring the casino’s advantage remains constant regardless of the betting method.

This principle applies across all roulette bets and variants, making it impossible for any betting system to guarantee consistent long-term winnings.​

Popular UK Roulette Systems

Several roulette systems and strategies have become extremely popular with players over time. These include the following:

Martingale System

The Martingale system is one of the most well-known roulette betting strategies in the UK. It involves doubling the bet after every loss, with the expectation that a subsequent win will recover all previous losses plus a profit equal to the original stake.

For example, if a player bets £10 on red and loses, the next bet would be £20 on red. If that loses too, the player bets £40, and so on, until a win recovers all losses and earns a profit of £10. This system requires a large bankroll and carries risks due to table limits and the potential for long losing streaks.

D’Alembert System

Named after 18th-century mathematician Jean le Rond d’Alembert, this method is a more conservative negative progression strategy. A player increases their bet by one unit after each loss and decreases it by one unit after each win.

For example, betting £10, losing, then betting £20; if winning, reducing to £10 again. This system aims to gradually balance wins and losses, reducing volatility compared to the Martingale system.

Fibonacci System

The Fibonacci system follows the famous Fibonacci sequence to determine bet sizes. When a player loses, they move to the next number in the sequence to place their bet. After a win, the bet size moves back two steps in the sequence. This method is designed to recover losses over multiple wins but is complex and can lead to large bets during losing streaks.

The sequence that is followed with this roulette system is as follows: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, and so on.

Labouchère System

The Labouchère system involves choosing a sequence of numbers that sum to the desired profit. Bets are placed equal to the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence. For instance, if the target is £10, the player may choose the sequence 1-2-4-1-2.

After a win, the numbers are crossed off; after a loss, the amount of the lost bet is appended to the sequence. This system is flexible and allows players to set specific profit targets, but requires careful tracking.

In summary,

System	Core mechanic	What you do after loss/win	Pros and risks
Martingale	Aim to recover all prior losses and keep a base profit equal to the initial unit	Loss: double the stake. Win: reset to base unit	Simple and fast recovery when a win comes; but stakes can explode during losing streaks and table limits or bankroll can prevent recovery
D’Alembert	Conservative negative progression to smooth variance	Loss: increase by 1 unit. Win: decrease by 1 unit	Easier bankroll management and lower volatility; but recovery is slower and long losing runs still hurt
Fibonacci	Bet sizes follow the Fibonacci sequence in units	Loss: move one step forward. Win: move two steps back	Structured recovery without doubling each time; but sequence can grow quickly and requires tracking
Labouchère	Write a list that sums to a target profit and bet first plus last numbers	Loss: append the lost amount to the list. Win: cross off first and last numbers	Flexible and target-driven; but the list can lengthen, stakes can become large, and careful record-keeping is needed

Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions

Players in the UK must avoid many common pitfalls and misconceptions about roulette systems. These can include:

Why past spins do not affect future ones

Each spin of a properly maintained roulette wheel is an independent event. Independence means the probability of red on the next spin stays the same regardless of what just happened. For European roulette with a single zero there are 18 red slots, 18 black, and 1 zero, so the chance of red on any given spin is 18 out of 37. A run of ten blacks in a row does not increase the chance of red on the next spin. Believing that a red is “due” is the classic gambler’s fallacy. Over many spins, results will fluctuate around the expected frequencies, but short streaks and clusters are normal in random sequences.

Hot and cold numbers

Random sequences naturally create clusters. You will see some numbers appear more in a short window and others appear less. That does not imply a persistent edge. Players often mistake short-term variance for a pattern. Over the long run, every number on a fair European wheel converges toward 1 out of 37. Casinos monitor wheels for bias, and modern wheels are designed to minimize wear patterns. Online games use certified RNGs that are periodically tested. Treat leaderboards like “last 50 spins” as entertainment, not as predictive data.

Dealer influence myths

Professional dealers are trained to spin the ball and wheel in consistent but varying ways, and the ball is subject to chaotic physics and micro-variations that make precise targeting infeasible. Houses also rotate dealers and adjust procedures to preserve randomness. While very old stories exist about biased wheels or predictable spins, regulated UK casinos test equipment routinely. In live online streams, camera angles, spin protocols, and audits further reduce human influence. If you ever suspect non-random outcomes, the correct action is to leave the table and choose a licensed operator with published testing certificates.

“Guaranteed win” systems

No staking system changes the house edge. European roulette has a theoretical return of about 97.3 percent because the zero tilts the math in the house’s favor on even money bets. Progressions like Martingale, D’Alembert, Fibonacci, and Labouchère only reshape risk and variance. They can create many small wins with the occasional very large loss or slower, more gradual swings, but the expected value per unit staked stays negative. Table limits and finite bankrolls ensure there is always a nonzero risk of ruin. Any claim of “guaranteed” profit ignores these constraints and should be treated as a red flag.

Responsible play and bankroll management

Roulette is entertainment, not an income source. Decide a session budget in advance and size your base unit as a small fraction of that budget. A common rule is 1 to 2 percent per unit. Set firm loss and time limits, take breaks, and use operator tools like deposit limits, cooling off, and self-exclusion if needed. If you feel pressure to chase losses or to recover quickly, end the session. Keep written notes only if they help you control pace and stakes, not because you expect to outsmart randomness.

In summary,

Pitfall or myth	What people believe	Reality	Practical takeaway
Past spins affect future ones	After many blacks, red is “due”	Spins are independent. Probability on the next spin is unchanged by the past	Ignore streaks when sizing bets. Do not chase “due” outcomes
Hot or cold numbers	Some numbers stay lucky or unlucky	Short-term clustering is normal in random results. Long term frequencies converge	Treat recent-results boards as trivia, not strategy data
Dealer can influence outcomes	Skilled dealers can steer results	Regulated procedures, rotation, and physics make targeting infeasible. Equipment and RNGs are audited	If you doubt fairness, leave the game and choose a licensed, tested operator
Systems guarantee wins	A progression can overcome the zero	Staking changes variance, not the house edge or expected value. Limits and finite bankrolls cap recovery and create risk of ruin	Use systems only to pace bets. Expect negative EV. Avoid “guaranteed win” claims
Playing to make money	Consistent profit is achievable with discipline	Roulette has a built-in negative expectation even with perfect discipline	Play for entertainment. Never risk money you cannot afford to lose
Poor bankroll control	Large units and no limits are fine if a system is good	Oversized units plus variance can create large drawdowns	Set session budgets, use 1 to 2 percent unit sizing, and predefine loss and time limits

Matching Systems to Wheel Variants

Players should recognise that the roulette variant they play may require a different system. Some are more suited than others.

American Roulette

American wheels include 0 and 00. The extra pocket raises the house edge on most bets to about 5.26 percent. That larger edge makes long losing streaks more common than on single zero games over the same number of spins. Progressions that escalate quickly can collide with table limits and bankroll ceilings faster here. Conservative systems that change stake sizes in smaller steps, such as D’Alembert or a modest Labouchère list, help moderate volatility and slow the pace of exposure. They do not change expected value, but they reduce the chance of hitting an extreme stake after a short run of losses. If you like Martingale in theory, the American wheel is the harshest environment for it because the recovery chain grows while the underlying edge is worse.

European Roulette

European wheels have a single zero. The house edge on most bets is about 2.70 percent, which meaningfully lowers the tax on every stake compared with American. Any staking plan you enjoy will perform less poorly here. Systems that spread risk and recover gradually, such as Fibonacci or Labouchère, tend to feel smoother because you need fewer consecutive wins to get back to even after a stumble, and streaks that look punishing on American feel more manageable. If you must use a progression that occasionally climbs, you have a bit more breathing room before limits and bankroll pressure kick in. Still set stop points, since even single zero variance can produce long sequences.

French Roulette

French wheels are single zero like European, but they often include La Partage or En Prison on even-money bets. With La Partage, if the ball lands on zero, half of your even-money stake is returned. That reduces the effective house edge on even-money wagers to about 1.35 percent. En Prison has a similar effect over two spins. This softer edge improves the survivability of risk-mitigating systems on even-money bets. Fibonacci and Labouchère are especially compatible because partial refunds on zero dampen drawdowns and shorten the path to recovering a list or stepping back in the sequence. Despite this improvement, the expectation is still negative. Treat the rule advantage as a way to make your unit go farther, not as a path to profit.

Variant	House edge and rules context	Systems that fit best	Practical guidance and risks
American Roulette (0 and 00)	About 5.26 percent on most bets. Higher frequency of long losing runs relative to single zero	D’Alembert for gentle step changes. Small, tightly managed Labouchère lists. Avoid aggressive Martingale progressions	Use small base units. Short lists. Strict loss and time limits. Expect stake ramps to hit limits sooner
European Roulette (single 0)	About 2.70 percent on most bets. Lower tax per spin than American	Fibonacci for incremental recovery. Labouchère for target-based pacing. Any system is less punishing than on American	Favor even-money bets if using progressions. Predefine maximum list length or sequence depth. Reset after recovery
French Roulette (single 0 with La Partage or En Prison on even-money)	Effective edge about 1.35 percent on even-money bets due to zero refunds	Fibonacci and Labouchère shine on even-money wagers. Conservative D’Alembert also viable	Focus on even-money bets to benefit from the rule. Keep units small. Use the softer edge to slow drawdowns, not to chase profit

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling must always be practised by UK gamblers. Players must adopt various betting strategies to promote safe play and keep themselves safe when engaging in games like Roulette.

Strategies include playing with small stakes and maintaining the bankroll. Players can stay in control and avoid spending more than they can afford. Additionally, players must avoid chasing losses and using roulette systems that strain their finances.

Players should use a UKGC-licensed casino, as these offer various tools to promote responsible gambling. These include:

• Deposit limits
• Time-outs
• Self-exclusion resources

Independent help can also be obtained from charitable organisations, most of which are available 24/7.

Main Takeaways

Roulette systems can provide players with a structured approach when playing the classic casino table game. Each system can offer a different way to play a variant, providing players with something to consider.

It is important to recognise that each betting system offers something different, with some requiring larger bankrolls than others. They also require players to be disciplined and practice responsible gambling due to the potential risks that are associated with them.

Remember, a roulette betting system can enhance a session, but it cannot guarantee wins. The house edge is not impacted, meaning the odds will always remain the same.

TL;DR:

• Roulette Systems offer a way for players to approach the game.
• Different systems should be used for different variants.
• Most popular systems include Martingale, d’Alembert, Fibonacci, and Labouchere.
• Avoid making mistakes
• Play responsibly at UKGC-licensed casinos.

FAQs

Do roulette systems improve the chances of winning?
No. Systems do not change probabilities or the house edge. They only organise stake sizes and pacing.

Can any betting system guarantee long term profits?
No. The house edge remains, so results will average out negatively over time. Claims of guaranteed profit should be treated as scams.

Which roulette system is safest for beginners?
D’Alembert and Fibonacci are often considered gentler because they increase stakes in smaller steps. They still carry risk, so start with small units.

What are the most popular roulette systems?
Common systems include Martingale, D’Alembert, Fibonacci, and Labouchère. Each changes stake size after wins or losses in a different way.

How does the house edge affect systems?
The house edge applies to every spin, so no staking plan can remove it. Systems can change the shape of your results, not the expected value.

Is European Roulette better than American for systems?
Yes. European has one zero and a lower edge than American with double zero. The same staking plan will lose money slower on European.

What makes French Roulette attractive for system users?
Rules like La Partage or En Prison return some value on a zero for even money bets, which reduces the effective edge. This can soften drawdowns.

Do past spins influence future results?
No. Spins are independent. Believing a colour or number is due is the gambler’s fallacy.

Are hot and cold number boards useful for systems?
Not for prediction. Short streaks happen in randomness, and apparent patterns usually vanish over time.

Can dealers influence the outcome?
In regulated settings, no. Procedures, audits, and modern equipment aim to ensure fairness.

How should I size my base betting unit?
Pick a small fraction of your session bankroll, often around 1 to 2 percent. This helps you survive variance without reaching table limits too quickly.

What are sensible session limits for system play?
Set a hard loss limit and a soft time limit before you start. Stop when you reach either limit, even if a system suggests continuing.

What is the main risk with Martingale?
Stake sizes can explode during losing streaks. Table limits and finite bankrolls can prevent recovery, leading to large losses.

How does D’Alembert manage risk?
It steps up or down by one unit, which moderates volatility. Recovery is slower than Martingale but the stake curve is less aggressive.

How does Fibonacci work in practice?
You move forward one step on a loss and back two on a win, using the Fibonacci sequence in units. The sequence can still grow large during bad runs.

What is Labouchère and why do players like it?
You create a list that sums to a target profit and bet the first plus last numbers. It feels structured and goal oriented but the list can lengthen and produce large stakes.

Should I combine systems in one session?
It is possible, but it adds complexity without improving the odds. If you switch, do it for pacing or comfort, not for edge.

Do table limits matter for systems?
Very much. Limits cap recovery progressions and can force a stop at the worst moment. Check limits before you begin.

Does zero affect even money systems differently?
Yes. Zero is a loss on even money bets unless La Partage or En Prison is in place. Those rules reduce the damage when zero hits.

Are live dealer games or RNG games better for system users?
Neither changes the edge. Choose based on pace, presentation, and trust in regulation. RNG and live games from licensed UK operators are tested.

How important is game speed with systems?
Faster games increase the number of spins and therefore exposure to the edge. Slower pace can reduce hourly loss in terms of expected value.

Can bonus funds help when using systems?
Only if the bonus terms allow roulette and the wagering contribution is fair. Many bonuses exclude roulette or count it at a low percentage, so always read terms.

What is risk of ruin and why should I care?
Risk of ruin is the chance you lose your bankroll before your system recovers. Aggressive progressions raise this risk significantly.

How do I choose a table for system play?
Prefer European or French rules, low minimums, and generous maximums. This combination gives more flexibility with unit sizing and progression depth.

Should I track results while using a system?
Tracking can help enforce discipline and stop points. Do not treat tracked streaks as predictive.

What is a realistic expectation per session with a system?
Small, swingy outcomes around your unit size. Many short sessions may end near break even, punctuated by occasional larger losses.

Is there a best system for even money bets only?
Progressions like D’Alembert, Fibonacci, or Labouchère are typically applied to even money bets. French rules can improve their survivability.

Can I use the Kelly Criterion for roulette?
Kelly requires a real edge. Since roulette has a negative edge, Kelly would recommend a zero stake.

Are wheel bias strategies valid today?
Modern wheels and oversight make meaningful biases rare in regulated venues. Treat bias hunting as entertainment, not a plan.

Does stopping after a small win help long term?
It can protect a session result but it does not change long term expectation. Stop rules are for discipline, not for positive EV.

Is chasing losses ever a good idea with systems?
No. Chasing ties emotions to stake size and often breaks bankroll rules. Stick to predefined limits.

How should I plan my bankroll for a weekend of play?
Start with a total budget you can afford to lose, split it by session, and choose a small, consistent unit. Bring only what you plan to use that session.

What is the difference between La Partage and En Prison?
La Partage returns half your even money stake on zero. En Prison holds the stake for the next spin, and you recover it if the bet wins on that spin.

Does switching tables improve system performance?
No. It may help with comfort and pace, but it does not change probabilities or the edge.

Is American Roulette ever a good idea for system users?
It is playable, but the higher edge makes progressions harsher. If possible, choose European or French.

Can I automate a system online?
Auto bet features can increase speed and exposure. Use caution and keep limits strict if you use automation.

How do I evaluate if a system is working for me?
Measure enjoyment, stress level, and adherence to limits. If you feel pressure to raise stakes or break rules, change approach or stop.

Are winnings taxable for UK players?
In the UK, gambling winnings are generally not taxed, but this can change and personal circumstances vary. When in doubt, seek current guidance.

What responsible gambling tools should I use?
Deposit limits, time outs, reality checks, and self exclusion are valuable. Set them before you play and adjust only after cooling off.

Bottom line, what is the best approach with systems?
Treat systems as pacing tools. Keep units small, prefer single zero tables, use firm limits, and play for entertainment only.