We have all seen roulette get played on the big screen, on TV, or in real life. However, few people know that the word used to describe this famous gambling game has a French origin, translating into – little wheel. There are multiple theories on how roulette came into existence. Some parties hold the stance that it derives from the Italian betting game Biribi. Others believe it inadvertently got invented by physicist Blaise Pascal, while this renowned Frenchman was unsuccessfully attempting to create his perpetual motion machine.
Whatever roulette’s history is, it has established itself as one of the most popular casino-style gambling options around, trailing only behind slots and blackjack in most regions and even superseding the latter in others.
Whereas before, people had to walk to a gambling venue and stand at a crowded table to see if Lady Luck was on their side when betting on wheel spins, today, anyone with a mobile phone has this privilege from anywhere at any time. The main appeal of this game is that it is one of the rare casino products that offer almost 50/50 odds when players decide to make black/red, odd/even, high/low wagers. Such a possibility paves the way for the implementation of negative and positive progressive betting strategies. Below we do a quick analysis of one of the most established such systems called the Martingale. It is a betting scheme that you can test with online roulette, which is simpler/quicker than betting on numbered boards at brick-and-mortar locales.
How to Win at Roulette Using the Martingale Strategy
Aptly enough, the Martingale class of betting systems also comes from France, from the 18th century to be precise. According to most gamblers, it is the most rudimentary wagering pattern out there, asking gamblers to remember that they must double their wager after every loss. The idea here is that by increasing the amount stake two-fold after each losing spin, when a win eventually comes, it will enable the player to recoup all previous losses and turn a profit.
Essentially, the Martingale roulette strategy is the St. Petersburg paradox put into gambling practice. That is an absurdity relating to decision theory and probability in economics, based on a theoretical lottery. It uses the assumption that in a coin flip situation, the coin will inevitably, at some point, land on its head side. So, if the bettor keeps doubling up on losing flips, in due course, he will recover his spent money with interest. The problem here is that no one has an infinite wealth to keep betting, waiting for this to occur. Therefore, when utilizing the Martingale strategy, it is wise to remain conservative. Start super slow, making initial low-stakes wagers.
Since roulette wheels, American and European, have either one or two green/zero pockets, no roulette wager is a 50/50 bet. If the white ball lands on such a position (green), all bets become void, and the casino wins everything all players have staked. It is these pockets that create the casino’s house edge in roulette. The house advantage is 2.7% on the European version and 5.25% on the American one.
Remember, the Martingale strategy can be effective if you have low expectations and do not get too greedy.
Proper Money Management is Essential
Everyone should budget their gaming sessions in a manner that suits their overall financial situation. Online gambling should always get looked at as chiefly an entertainment-based activity, not a money-making opportunity. That is why everyone should set deposit and loss limits on their account page at their chosen online casino supplying online roulette fun. Keep in mind that lacking impulse control when wagering can lead to severe financial troubles.
Other Roulette Tips
Given that the European version has only one green pocket, a lower house edge, it provides a higher win probability and should always be the preferred gambling option.
Not all online casinos and providers have the same bet limits. Because live tables are more costly to operate than slots, wagers made on such games will, on average, always be higher, as their respective minimum limits will virtually always be above €/£/$1. Naturally, this does not apply to software variants, which can get played at faster speeds with lower minimum limits.
Aside from the Martingale, other progressive wagering systems to consider are the D’Alembert, the Fibonacci, the James Bond, the All-Inn, and the Constant Bet scheme. Some of these are more dangerous than others. So, maintaining a reserved attitude when using each one is paramount, as some can swiftly dig you into a financial hole you may not be able to exit if you are not careful.
About the Author
Shelly Schiff has been working in the gambling industry since 2009, mainly on the digital side of things, employed by OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos.com. However, over her eleven-year career, Shelly has provided content for many other top interactive gaming websites. She knows all there is to know about slots and has in-depth knowledge of the most popular table games. Her golden retriever Garry occupies most of her leisure time. Though, when she can, she loves reading Jim Thompson-like crime novels.