Best Systems and Strategies for Online Roulette
The second most popular category in online casinos after slot machines is roulette. In this game, the round results are consistent, and the casino's advantage is half that of slots. Visitors to online gambling sites naturally wonder if there is a profitable strategy for playing roulette.
This review explores 12 popular systems for online play. Readers will discover how these systems can help minimize losses, increase the likelihood of a successful round, or lead to an extended winning streak. All the presented roulette systems have been tested in practice by the editorial team's experts.
General Rules and Variations
The roulette wheel has 37 or 38 numbered pockets, and bets are placed on the marked table. The pockets are numbered from 0 to 36.
The player's task is to predict the pocket where the ball will land.
It is also possible to bet on larger groups of numbers—called outside bets. With a successful attempt, the casino pays out winnings according to the coefficient table. If the ball lands in pocket number 0 (zero), players lose all chips except those placed on zero itself.
In online casinos, 99% of roulette games have identical rules and belong to three main types:
- European: One zero and a player return rate of 97.3%. This means the casino has a 2.7% mathematical advantage.
- French: Half loss on even-money bets when zero is drawn. The casino edge is 1.35%.
- American: Two zeros, making it the least favorable option for players. Over the long term, the casino takes 5.26% from each bet.
All these variations can be found in both electronic versions and the Live Casino section of the website, where the game is hosted by live dealers.
Bet Options
In this game, there are four groups of bets: outside, inside, oral, and special. The last category is found in approximately 10% of roulette games.
| Rate | English term | Category | How many numbers? | Payout ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In no | Straight-up | Internal | 1 | 35:1 |
| Split | Split | Internal | 2 | 17:1 |
| Street | Street | Internal | 3 | 11:1 |
| Corner | Corner | Internal | 4 | 8:1 |
| Six-line | Six-line | Internal | 6 | 5:1 |
| Dozen | Dozen | External | 12 | 2:1 |
| Column | Column | External | 12 | 2:1 |
| Red, black | Red, Black | External | 18 | 1:1 |
| Big, small | 1-18, 19-36 | External | 18 | 1:1 |
| Chet, how many | Even, Odd | External | 18 | 1:1 |
The last three bets on 18 numbers are called even-chance bets. Dozens and columns are uneven.
Oral bets are placed on a larger wheel sector. Their goal is to expedite the process. Chips are placed on a separate track field. There are five types of oral bets:
- Voisins (voo-zah) or the big series—17 numbers.
- Tiers (tyehr) or the small series—12 numbers.
- Orphans—8 numbers.
- Zero Spiel (tsiro shpeel)—7 numbers.
- Neighbors—5 numbers.
The pronunciation and names commonly used in Russian offline casinos are provided in brackets.
The image displays various bets: all types of inside bets, on a column, on even numbers, and the oral voisins.
Special bets are created for entertainment. In online casinos, the most common ones are the complete bet, snake, bomb, last digit, and black or red split. Some of them are discussed in this review.
Roulette Playing Strategies
There are three major groups of playing strategies: financial (also known as mathematical), betting, and physical. The latter cannot be applied online. The fourth group involves using promotions, bonuses, and lotteries related to the game.
Roulette strategies are more for entertainment than a guaranteed winning solution. While they do not guarantee a win, they reduce the rate at which losses accumulate. The main benefit of strategies lies in emotional control. Attention is focused on following the plan, making it harder to get carried away and lose everything.
Martingale System
The most well-known strategy in gambling is the Martingale system. The name comes from dialects of the French language, and its etymology is unknown, but it is not named after its creator.
Martingale involves doubling the bet after an unsuccessful spin. The method aims to achieve a minimal win equal to the initial bet. This system only uses even-chance bets.
In case of failure, the player bets on the same outcome. For example, if the chips were on red, but black came up, the next bet should be on red.
It is possible to use a Martingale system with a lower multiplier, such as increasing the stakes by one and a half times. This is safer for the bankroll.
In the classic scheme, getting 10 consecutive losses is quite possible. This event will occur, on average, every 784th trial. On the 11th attempt, one would have to bet 1024 chips to win one. Even after five unsuccessful doubling attempts, there will be a 32-fold increase in bets.
Anti-Martingale Strategy
Also known as the "Reverse Martingale," this strategy involves doubling the bet after a winning spin instead of a loss. The Anti-Martingale is also applied to even-chance bets, making it a safer roulette system where players only risk one chip in each series. This strategy is suitable for beginners with a limited bankroll.
Doubling usually stops after the third consecutive win. The betting scheme of 1-2-4 can result in a win of 14 chips. In the fourth attempt, it's advisable to place 12 chips. If successful, the next increase should be with an even smaller multiplier.
Achieving five wins on even-chance bets consecutively is expected in approximately every 37th series. After this event, it becomes impractical to continue playing for the sixth time.
In the Anti-Martingale, players typically bet on the opposite outcome after a win. For instance, if red was successful, the next bet would be on black. Alternatively, players may choose to capture a series of five consecutive equal-chance outcomes.
D'Alembert System
The most effective roulette strategy, also named after Thomas Donald, involves gradual increases after losses and is used for even-chance bets.
In this strategy, the increase occurs not with a multiplier but with a fixed sum, usually the amount of the initial bet. In the case of a winning spin, there is a decrease with the same increment.
How it works:
- If a player starts with a "red" bet and loses one chip.
- The next bet on "black" would be 2 chips.
- In the event of another loss, the subsequent bet would be 3 chips on black, not 4. There is no doubling in this system.
- When the fourth spin is lost, 5 chips are placed on the same even-chance outcome.
- At this point, 10 initial bets have been lost.
- Let's say luck favors the player on the fifth attempt with a successful black outcome. Gaining +5 chips in the spin, the next step is to decrease by one. In the following round, 4 chips would go on red, the opposite even-chance outcome.
- Continue decreasing with the same minimal increment until returning to a 1-chip bet on an even chance.
- The series is considered complete when returning to the initial bet. Alternatively, players may choose to end a session after achieving minimal profits. A short break or returning the next day is advisable. A session typically consists of 10-15 series.
Optimal profit in one series is 10 initial bets. End the series in a loss if the initial bet is exceeded 20 times. According to expert experiences, rebounding from a significant loss may take several hours. It's recommended to fix losses between 80-120 bets, resuming with a 1-chip bet on even chances the next day with a 90% probability of recovering losses in 10-12 series, each with a profit of +10.
Regarding bankroll, the minimum stack for the D'Alembert strategy is 200 bets, with optimal play having a balance of 1000. This bankroll is nearly indestructible when following the described loss compensation rule.
Continuous growing profits are achievable, with the initial bet being exceeded 20 times approximately every 30th entry. The D'Alembert strategy doesn't guarantee extraordinary returns, with daily gains ranging from +5-10 bets. To sustain a modest profit throughout one's life, the D'Alembert strategy remains practically the only viable option under three conditions:
- A constant bankroll exceeding 1000 initial bets.
- The ability to recognize escalating losses, fix and minimize them.
- Willingness to dedicate several hours to gaming daily.
Contrary D'Alembert
When profits are partially re-introduced into the game, it becomes a mathematical strategy called Contrary D'Alembert. The principle involves minimal increases after a successful spin and is designed for uneven outcomes.
Lucky Seven
A variation of Contrary D'Alembert with a predetermined cycle length is termed "Lucky Seven." The player's goal is to win seven times consecutively. One chip is added to the bet after each successful spin, playing on even-chance outcomes. This method is suitable for players with a small bankroll.
Successfully completing one series is expected once in 155 attempts, requiring at least 500 spins. This strategy is safe, with only one chip lost in each unsuccessful round. Successfully completing a cycle of seven wins results in a bankroll increase of +280 bets.
In case of a loss, the current profit (if any) is recorded, and the cycle restarts with the minimum bet. The goal remains the same: winning seven times consecutively on even-chance outcomes.
| Rate | Net gain | Bank increase |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 20 | 20 | 30 |
| 30 | 30 | 60 |
| 40 | 40 | 100 |
| 50 | 50 | 150 |
| 60 | 60 | 210 |
| 70 | 70 | 280 |
There's another version of the system, resembling an Anti-Martingale. The bet is increased not fixedly but with a multiplier of x1.5 or 50%. The outcome in the case of a successful series will be slightly better, around +330. The main drawback of this more aggressive variation is the possible absence of chips of a specific denomination, as bets become fractional. Additionally, in this variant, the residual win after an unsuccessful series will be less than in the "flat" increase.
The table illustrates the dynamics of the series with rounded values.
| Rate | Net gain | Bank increase |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 15 | 15 | 25 |
| 23 | 23 | 48 |
| 35 | 35 | 83 |
| 52 | 52 | 135 |
| 78 | 78 | 213 |
| 117 | 117 | 330 |
Fibonacci Method
The Fibonacci sequence is a geometric progression with a multiplier of 1.62. The values of the series are rounded to integers: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, etc. Many processes in nature follow this progression.
The series acts as a table for increasing and decreasing bets after losses and wins. In the context of roulette, the Fibonacci method is a variation of the Martingale, but with a smaller multiplier than x2.
Garcia Method
Gonzalo Garcia-Pelayo, a Spanish mathematician, is the most famous roulette player who devised a positive physical strategy for identifying wheel biases. Garcia also utilized various methods to adjust the bet size based on the spin result. The two most well-known variants are explained below.
Garcia Strategy #1 is a variation of the D'Alembert system for high rollers, focusing on even-chance bets.
If a casino has a table maximum, for example, $1000, and a player plans to bet $500 but wants some protection from an unfavorable outcome, the initial bet should be half the table maximum. The cycle consists of only six rounds. After a loss in each round, the increase occurs by 1/5. The sequence becomes: 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000. In case of a successful spin, the decrease happens with the same step.
Garcia Strategy #2 involves nested progressions of bets with the fixing of intermediate losses, focusing on even-chance bets. The system aims to recover and achieve a minimal profit after a bad series of spins, compensating potential losses. The principles are as follows:
- The session is divided into intervals of three bets each.
- Losses in each interval are fixed or "set aside" for recovery later.
- Multipliers and fixed steps are not used when determining bet sizes.
- The third bet in each interval should compensate for the losses of the two previous bets and provide a small profit for the segment.
- The first two bets of each interval should completely recover the loss of the preceding interval and yield a small profit, but only relative to the previous segment.
The table illustrates the betting scheme in the case of a catastrophic development: 12 consecutive losses on even-chance bets.
| Interval | First | Second | Third | Loss in interval | Accumulation of loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | 10 | 25 | −45 | −45 |
| 2 | 20 | 30 | 60 | −110 | −155 |
| 3 | 45 | 75 | 140 | −260 | −415 |
| 4 | 100 | 180 | 300 | −580 | −995 |
Sector Betting
Previously, mathematical (financial) strategies involving increasing investments after unsuccessful spins were discussed. Another class of systems is flat betting, where players use a constant bet size.
One popular type of flat betting strategy is sector betting. Sections of the wheel are displayed on a separate game board called the track. The idea behind this system is to quickly place chips on 7, 8, 12, or 18 numbers consecutively located on the wheel.
Completes
Complete is a specific type of bet covering all inside bets on a single number. The player's goal is to hit the jackpot while simultaneously hedging against failure. The Complete covers nine cells on the field, and any number hit results in a win. If the ball lands in the main wheel cell, a significant boost to the bankroll is possible.
Cuban
This roulette strategy involves two bets: on the central column and on the even-chance "red." The player aims to cover almost the entire field, leaving only 10 numbers uncovered. Two chips are placed on an odd chance, and three on an even chance. There is no increase after a loss.
Snake
The Snake strategy is often mentioned in sources; it is also the name of an exotic bet in some Asian land-based casinos and on certain electronic roulette wheels.
Red cells are arranged on the field in a zigzag pattern, hence the name. In essence, this bet is not much different from dozens and columns, as it also involves 12 numbers. The strategy might make sense only for the sake of curiosity.
The name Cuban has an interesting etymology: Cuban refers to Cuba, and the three columns somewhat resemble the striped flag of Cuba, which includes a red element.
The rationale behind the system is the uneven distribution of cells of different colors. A possible strategy is to bet on the third column (numbers 3 to 36) plus the even-chance "black."
Are There Foolproof Gambling Systems?
Roulette strategies that provide a mathematical advantage for the player do exist. The first group includes physical systems where the specific properties of a wheel and the dealer's throw are taken into account, involving statistical data collection.
Guaranteed results are provided by strategies associated with promotions. In 90% of land-based casinos, roulette games offer tickets for lotteries. Analyzing the scheme of obtaining these tickets and the size of lottery prizes, it is possible to achieve a mathematical advantage against the casino in the range of 10-20%.
Both mentioned groups of strategies are for offline play. Unfortunately, there are no winning systems online. A small stable profit over tens of thousands of spins is possible using the D'Alembert strategy, but only with a substantial bankroll.
Common Misconceptions of Beginners
Inexperienced players often trust publications claiming the existence of winning strategies for online roulette. In reality, such systems do not exist. It is not advisable to trust such information.
Among the most common misconceptions are:
- Interconnectedness of Spin Results: One of the most popular misconceptions. Even if black has occurred 10 times in a row, the probability of red on the next spin does not increase.
- Existence of "Hot" and "Cold" Numbers: This is a variation of the previous illusion. While there is a certain regularity, it is due to the physical properties of the wheel. There are no biases in the online Random Number Generator (RNG).
- Restarting Electronic Roulette Changes Gameplay: This misconception stems from a misunderstanding of how RNGs work. The RNG is located on the provider's server, not the casino's site. It generates hundreds of random codes corresponding to roulette numbers and distributes this information to all players worldwide using a specific model.
- Online Casinos Can Influence Results: This is not true for licensed operators. In reality, the game is against the provider, and the casino acts as a mediator hosting the software. The situation is different for unlicensed platforms with fake games, where any deception is possible.
Useful Tips and Recommendations
Roulette is undoubtedly a better choice compared to slots. It offers a double return, and there is no dependence on bonus games that significantly influence results.
Here are some recommendations to increase the likelihood of winning or extend a lucky streak:
- Avoid American Roulette: This is the foremost rule. In this variant, the casino's advantage is 5.26%, worse than slots.
- Play on a Small Number of Numbers (3-5): According to roulette analyzers, this tactic is the only way to stay ahead over tens of thousands of rounds. Mathematics starts working after 1000 spins when covering half the field.
- Play "Wide": Covering half the field or even more is only advisable if you decide on a short session with any outcome. The goal of "wide play" tactics is a small profit in 20-30 rounds. Staying in the positive over hundreds of spins with direct bets on 18+ numbers is almost impossible.
- Use Different Even-Chance Bets: In addition to red and black, apply both high and low, even and odd during a session. This method protects against the temptation to deviate from the strategy when an unfavorable color occurs five or more times in a row.
- Use High-Speed Roulette: Opt for roulette with a fast spin rate. A good benchmark is up to 6 seconds per spin. This is available in electronic models from providers like G.Games, Betsoft, Playson, NetEnt, and Microgaming.
- Avoid Roulette with a Spread of 1-100 or Lower: In the online environment, these models are less than 20%. The difference between the table's minimum and maximum is crucial for increasing bets after losses.
- Maintain a Bankroll of at Least 500 Initial Bets for Even-Chance Bets: If you plan to use mathematical strategies, having a substantial bankroll is essential.
- Look for Casinos with Promotions for Roulette Players: Participate in roulette tournaments or seek promotions that cater specifically to roulette players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Wager a Welcome Bonus in Online Roulette?
On half of the Russian-language platforms, this is impossible. Other casinos credit 20% of the bet towards bonus wagering.
How to Receive Bonuses Specifically for Roulette?
Register at online casinos with British or American licenses that target users from Western Europe and/or North America. In the Russian segment, only roulette tournaments are available.
What Roulette Variants Exist Besides the Three Standard Types?
By 2024, over 20 unconventional online models have been created. The most popular include Lightning Roulette (Evolution Gaming) with increased payouts, Multiwheel (Microgaming) with bets distributed across multiple wheels, and Jackpot Roulette (Playtech, Belatra) with a jackpot.
Is it Worth Testing Strategies in Demo Mode?
On licensed electronic roulettes, the dynamics are the same whether playing with real or virtual money. Therefore, testing will provide an accurate impression of the strategy's effectiveness.
Can the Payout Rate in Roulette be Changed?
Owners of unlicensed casinos can do this, reducing the roulette return against a major client. With a license, interference with the gameplay is impossible.
If There's a Big Win in Slots in the First Spin, How to Avoid the 10% Withdrawal Fee?
Play French roulette with a fast spin and "accumulate" the commission using the D'Alembert strategy.
What to Do When You Need a Cashout, But the Bankroll is Below the Withdrawal Limit?
Engage in a low-volatility game, such as roulette, and try to increase the balance using the D'Alembert strategy.
Can a Casino Prohibit the Use of Progressive Strategies?
Very rarely, small offline establishments might take such a step when a visitor has a significant bankroll. A ban on any strategies is mentioned in the rules of approximately 1/4 of online casinos, but, in practice, there are no sanctions.
What is the Altered Donald-Nathanson Strategy?
It's the same as the classic system but with a zero bet, where the current minimum needs to be decreased. Unlike Donald and D'Alembert, there is no need for a pause; you should immediately bet on the opposite even chance.
