Roulette betting systems, explained clearly

Negative progressions (raise after losses)

Martingale doubles after each loss on even-money bets, then resets after a win. It targets frequent small profits until a long losing streak or table limit creates a large loss.

D’Alembert raises one unit after a loss and lowers one after a win — slower than doubling, still capable of climbing uncomfortably. Fibonacci moves along 1-1-2-3-5-8… after losses and typically steps back two numbers after wins.

Positive progressions (raise after wins)

Paroli (reverse Martingale) presses winners and returns to base after a loss or after a preset streak (often three). Downside per failed spin is usually near one unit; upside depends on catching consecutive hits.

Cancellation systems

Labouchère starts with a list of numbers that sum to a profit target. Each bet is first + last. Wins cross those numbers off; losses append the lost amount. Flexible targets, heavy bookkeeping, and fast stake growth when the list lengthens.

Coverage layouts

James Bond-style packages split a fixed budget across high numbers, a six-line, and zero. Something “hits” often, which feels active, but uncovered sectors (classically many low numbers) produce full-package losses. It is not a progression.

Flat betting as the control group

Flat betting keeps the stake constant. It is the cleanest way to see edge and variance. Every other system should be compared against a flat log with the same base unit and spin count.

Common questions