Betting Strategies used in Roulette

Depending on whether or not you're playing on an American or a European wheel, you're going to find that roulette is either a difficult game to win, or an easy one. Given that American wheels have added spaces to their wheel, it's much easier to win a bet on a European wheel, so seek them out if they're available. You'll be playing against a much lower house advantage, and this will make it easier to design a workable betting system. If you're not sure how to go about doing that, though, there are a few methods that people have found to be useful at the roulette table.

While people do follow certain betting methods at the roulette table, they are really based more on probability, not on the game itself. After all, roulette is a true game of chance, so strategizing only takes you so far. Still, you may find yourself a system that will make you comfortable when playing roulette, and that will take off a lot of the stress that games of chance can bring.

The most common method of betting in roulette is known as the "Martingale" system which first came about in France during the 18th century. In this system, you start off with a fixed bet; let's say $5, since that is a common minimum bet at roulette tables. You bet with this amount until you lost, at which point you double your bet continuously until you win. Once you do win, you will be betting enough to get back all the money you lost previously, and then some. Just make sure not to start off betting at the maximum, because you won't be able to double from there. There is also a system called the Anti-Martingale system where the gambler reduces the amount of a bet after a loss.

Progressive betting is also a fairly common system. You start off betting a fixed amount, and whenever you win you will increase your bet by that much. So if you start off betting $5 and win, your next bet will be $10. Win again, and it's $15. When you lose, subtract the initial amount and you'll have your next bet.

These are only a couple examples of betting techniques other roulette players use. Once you play enough, though, you're likely to develop your own strategy. Finding one that's comfortable for you will be the best thing you can do in the game.