Much like online slots, online roulette relies heavily on luck compared to other online casino games. Without a solid betting strategy, you can easily hit a bad streak. Fortunately, some basic strategies can strengthen your game without diminishing the fun and excitement of each wheel spin. The best roulette strategy and system is the one you are most comfortable with. Here, you’ll learn how to play roulette and discover the best strategies.
Know Your Odds
When playing roulette at a casino, remember that your odds and the house edge vary between American and European roulette (or other popular variants). The main difference is that the European version has 37 numbers, while the American version has 38 due to an extra green pocket for double zero (00). This seemingly small difference significantly impacts the odds:
European Roulette: 37 numbers, one green pocket (0)
American Roulette: 38 numbers, two green pockets (0 and 00)
European roulette offers slightly better odds, with a house edge of 2.7% compared to 5.26% for American roulette. While you don’t need to memorize these numbers, understanding them can help you develop more effective betting strategies.
Simple Strategies for Online Roulette
Casinos, whether land-based or online, are in the business of making money. While no strategy guarantees a win, some basic betting strategies can help minimize losses and strengthen your game. Whether you’re new to online roulette or a seasoned player, there’s a strategy that fits your style.
Let’s explore some of the best and most popular betting strategies for online roulette, starting with one perfect for new players. We’ve outlined several well-known roulette strategies for you to consider.
The Martingale Strategy
The Martingale strategy is popular with new players because it requires no math and is very easy to remember, making it ideal for someone who wants to enjoy the game responsibly without overthinking each bet.
The key to this strategy is to focus on making even-money outside bets, such as low/high, red/black, or odd/even bets. These bets have a higher chance of winning, though they offer lower payouts. The concept is simple: double your bet each time you lose and continue doubling until you win. This way, when a win eventually occurs, it recovers all previous losses. However, this strategy can be risky. If you don’t win early on, you might not be able to double your next bet, making bankroll management crucial.
There’s also a “reverse Martingale,” where you double your bet after each win instead of after each loss, also focusing on even bets for the highest chance of hitting wins.
The d’Alembert Strategy
The d’Alembert strategy is considered safer for online roulette games, despite being based on a flawed theory by Jean-Baptiste le Rond d’Alembert. He believed that if a coin flip lands on “heads,” the next flip is more likely to show “tails,” which is not true. However, this betting strategy works for some people.
Start with the lowest-value bet you’re comfortable with, making even-money bets. If a bet wins, keep the same bet size for the next spin. If the second spin also wins, halve the bet for the third spin. If the first spin loses, repeat the same bet, and if the second spin loses, double the bet for the third spin. This low-risk strategy can help, but a long losing streak could lead to quick losses, so knowing when to quit is important.
The Fibonacci Strategy
The Fibonacci strategy involves a sequence of numbers: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987. Although it involves math, the sequence can be written down for reference. Start with a small bet and increase the bet size according to the sequence. After a win, move two steps back in the sequence and repeat. The goal is to move back to the beginning of the sequence through a series of wins. However, a losing streak at the higher end of the sequence can lead to significant losses.
The Paroli Strategy
The Paroli system aims to generate small, consistent wins and avoid big losses. It’s a positive betting system that dates back over 100 years. It involves placing flat bets until you hit a winning streak, then doubling your bet after each consecutive win. For example, if you place one unit on red and win, you place two units on the next spin, and four units if you win again. This continues until you lose or hit three consecutive wins. This low-risk system is easy to use and doesn’t require much of your initial funds.
The James Bond Strategy
The James Bond strategy, best suited for European roulette, involves splitting your total wager across an even-money high bet, a double street bet, and the 0. This covers a third of the table, but if the ball lands on numbers 1 to 12, you lose. It’s a rewarding but risky strategy, best for high-rollers who can afford large bets.
General Betting Strategies
No matter what casino game you play, remember these general strategies:
Don’t get carried away: Set a loss limit and stop playing once you hit it. Never chase your losses.
Learn the game: Understand the rules and strategies before playing. Use online demos and guides to familiarize yourself.
Manage your bankroll: Spread your bets to ensure small, consistent wins rather than risking everything on a single bet.
Manage your time: Set time limits for your gaming sessions and take frequent breaks.
By following these strategies, you can enjoy online roulette responsibly and increase your chances of success.