How to win at roulette

Roulette, with its elegant allure and palpable suspense, is one of the most iconic casino games. Although chance plays a major role, certain strategies can help players maximise their chances. This article explores various methods, from bankroll management to betting systems, to help you play more wisely.

Understanding the basics of roulette

Before betting a single chip, it’s essential to master the basic rules of roulette.

The game is played around a numbered wheel on which a ball is rolled. Players place their bets on a table corresponding to the numbers or groups of numbers: even, odd, red, black, columns, dozens, etc. Once the ball has stopped, winnings are determined according to the bets made.

Knowing these rules is crucial, as they determine not only your understanding of the game but also the effectiveness of any strategy. A thorough knowledge of the rules allows you to play more carefully, avoid beginner’s mistakes and increase your chances of playing intelligently.

The different types of roulette

There are two main types of roulette:

• European Roulette: Includes 37 squares numbered from 0 to 36. The house edge is approximately 2.7%.
• American Roulette: Adds a ‘00’ box to the previous 37, bringing the total to 38. This increases the house advantage to approximately 5.26%.

Some roulette wheels have specific rules. Find out more at the casino of your choice.

Tip: Choose European roulette for a better chance of winning.

Play responsibly

Playing responsibly is essential if the roulette experience is to remain fun and not become a problem.

It is important to take regular breaks to avoid falling into a state of compulsive gambling. Continuous gambling can impair judgement, encourage reckless risk-taking and lead to significant financial losses.

It is also crucial not to try to recoup losses at any cost. Accepting that a defeat is an integral part of the game helps you to keep a certain degree of lucidity and avoid sinking into a negative spiral.

Finally, don’t hesitate to seek specialist help if gambling starts to have an impact on your personal, financial or emotional life. Responsible gambling means knowing when to stop.

To play roulette online in Belgium, choose a legal casino with a licence from the Gaming Commission.

Popular betting strategies

Martingale

Idea: Double the stake after each loss to compensate for previous losses and make a small profit.

Example: Initial bet of €1. If you lose, bet €2, then €4, etc.

Advantages: Potential to recover losses quickly.

Disadvantages: High risk in the event of a prolonged losing streak. Table limits may prevent the strategy from being pursued.

Paroli

Idea: Double the stake after each win, while returning to the basic stake after a loss. The aim is to take advantage of winning streaks without risking heavy losses.

Example: Base bet of €10. If you win, you bet €20, then €40, and so on. If you lose at any point, you start again with €10.

Advantages: Controlled risk, easy-to-follow strategy, capitalises on winning streaks without excessive betting.

Disadvantages: Less effective in the event of constant fluctuations, requires strict adherence to the win limit to secure profits.

D’Alembert

Idea: Increase the stake by one after a loss and decrease it by one after a win.

Advantages: Less risky than Martingale. Suitable for cautious players.

Disadvantages: Winnings are generally slower.

Fibonacci

Idea: Follow the Fibonacci sequence to determine the stakes after each loss (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.).

Advantages: Slower progression than Martingale.

Disadvantages: Can become complex to follow without good organisation.

Labouchère

Idea: Define a sequence of numbers representing the desired payout. The stake is the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence.

Example: Sequence 1-2-3. Initial bet: 1 + 3 = €4.

Advantages: Allows you to set a clear win target.

Disadvantages: Can become complicated in the event of a long series of losses.

James Bond

Idea: Spread the stakes over several areas of the board to cover a wide range of numbers.

Example: €200 bet split as follows: €140 on numbers 19-36, €50 on 13-18, and €10 on 0.

Advantages: Covers a large part of the board.Disadvantages: Requires a high initial stake.