Roulette is probably the most popular table game out there, played by millions around the world. However, it can also be quite challenging even for veteran players. Contrary to popular belief, roulette is a game based on chance, so the skill level (or experience) of the player is not important at all. That being said, there are some strategies and patterns that can help you increase your odds of winning or at least limit your losses. Below, we will talk about these strategies and systems: to use them in an actual roulette game, you can visit 7Slots casino online.
Pick the Right Variant
The first strategy is the simplest one, but it is quite important. Most players think that all roulette games are the same, but this is not true. There are different types of roulette, and each one offers different odds. The main variants are European, American, and French. The main difference between them is the number of zeros on the wheel and the table layout.
European and French roulette wheels have one zero (37 numbers in total). American roulette, on the other hand, has two zero pockets (0 – 00, 38 numbers in total). This is not a “design” difference, it affects the house edge, which means the edge the casino has over players. The house edge is lower in European and French roulette (2.7% – 1.35%). American roulette is higher: 5.26%. Therefore, you should stick with European or French roulette to maximize your chances and return on your investment.
- For example, betting on a single number in European roulette has a 1/37 chance of winning (2,70%) and it pays 35:1. If you place a 10-unit chip for this bet, the payout will be 360 units.
- In American roulette, the winning chance for the same bet is 1/38 (2,63%), and the payout is the same. The difference may not seem that important, but it actually is, especially if you consider the expected value.
The expected value of a bet is calculated by multiplying the probability of winning by the payout. After that, you need to subtract the probability of losing from the bet size. In European roulette, the formula for the expected value is:
- (1/37) x 350 – (36/37) x 10 = -0.27 (this is your average loss in the long run)
In American roulette, the expected value formula returns the following result:
- (1/38) x 350 – (37/38) x 10 = -0.53
So, in American roulette, you will lose more money in the long run. Picking the right variant has an important effect on your winning chance, and perhaps, it is the most important thing: play single-zero variants of roulette instead of double-zero ones.
Using a Betting System
There are lots of betting systems for roulette. They are basically a set of rules that tell you how much to bet or where to bet. These rules are based on the outcomes of previous spins. In other words, a betting system can focus on increasing your chances of winning or managing your bankroll much more effectively.
The most common ones are the Martingale, the Fibonacci, and the Paroli. Let’s take a closer look at them.
- The Martingale system asks you to double your bet (2x) after every loss. You should keep doing this until you win. After that, you should return to your original bet size. For example, if you play with 2 units and lose, your next bet should be 4 units.
- The Fibonacci system requires determining your bet size according to the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc.) You must increase the bet amount after every loss and decrease it after every win, using this sequence. So, start with 1 unit, continue with 2, 3, 5 units, and more if you win. If you lose, return to the previous value in the sequence.
- The Paroli system requires doubling your bet after every win until you reach a win or loss limit you determined beforehand. After that, you need to return to your original bet size.
There are some benefits of using a betting system: you can manage your bankroll much more efficiently and recover your losses quickly. However, they all are based on the fact that “you will win sooner or later”. While this is true, your bankroll may deplete, or you may reach the table limit before the win happens. These strategies require big bankrolls: if you are playing with limited money, they won’t be very productive for you.
Systems that focus on your winning chances are plenty, but they are not that effective. For example, there are 37 possible outcomes in European roulette, and by placing specific bets, you can cover 30 of those outcomes. “James Bond” strategy works like that. While this tactic increases your winning chances, the house edge still limits you in the long run. In other words, if you play long enough, the return on your investment won’t change at all, no matter how many outcomes you are covering. Such tactics cannot change or affect RTP or house edge, so they are useless essentially.
Manage Your Bankroll
Players with limited bankrolls can focus on other bankroll management techniques. Simply put:
- Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Set a limit for how much you are willing to lose.
- Set a goal for how much you want to win.
- Stop playing when you reach these limits.
These simple rules can be very productive for all types of players. By using them, you can avoid chasing losses. For example, if you have a bankroll of 1,000 units, you can set a loss limit of 300 and a win limit of 400. When you reach these limits, you can simply walk away from the table. This way, you can control your emotions and make rational decisions.
However, no matter which strategy or pattern you use, remember that roulette is still a game of luck, and no strategy can guarantee a win. Always play responsibly and focus on having fun.
