What is the Martingale system in roulette?
The Martingale system is a betting strategy based on recovering your losses. The idea is that with every losing roulette spin, you double your wager. In theory, this means that if you eventually win again, you’ll recover any previous losses plus gain a small profit. Here’s an example of how the Martingale system works for roulette:
Spin | Bet | Stake | Result | Profit | Running total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Red | $1 | Lose | -$1 | -$1 |
2 | Red | $2 | Lose | -$2 | -$3 |
3 | Red | $4 | Lose | -$4 | -$7 |
4 | Red | $8 | Win | +$8 | +$1 |
5 | Red | $1 | Lose | -$1 | $0 |

How to play Roulette | The Martingale strategy explained
#1 Top rated casino
Accepts Virginia players
625,000 Gold Coins + 125 SC Free + 1250 VIP PointsBonus
2435 claimed this offer in the last month

Deposit options include





- Get 5,000 Coins free every day
- Start earning VIP points from sign up
- Play your way with 24/7 support
2
Accepts Virginia players
1.75 Million WOW Coins + 35 Free Sweepstakes CoinsBonus
1656 claimed this offer in the last month

Deposit options include


- Exclusive promo code: CORGBONUS
- 1300+ Slots, Live Casino, and Bingo
- Redemptions available
3
Accepts Virginia players
Get 200% More Coins on First Purchase – 1.5 Million CC + 75 SCBonus
1463 claimed this offer in the last month

Deposit options include





- Crown Coins Loyalty Program
- FREE Daily Rewards & Weekly Challenges
- Mobile App for iOS Available
Using the Martingale system
For roulette, the most effective way of using the Martingale system is to focus on even-money outside bets. Wagers like red, black, odd, even, 1-18, and 19-36 all have odds of 1:1 and are the safest bet you can make in roulette. That said, there’s still risk involved.The main issue with the Martingale is that if you hit a losing streak, your wager will quickly double. Even with even-money bets, there’s a chance you could deplete your bankroll before you’ve recovered your winnings. On top of that, you could end up betting big but only to gain a very small profit.
What are the pros and cons of the Martingale roulette system?
Pros
- It’s easy to understand and simple to apply
- There’s a chance you could recover your losses
- It could bring small winnings in the short-term
Cons
- If you hit a losing streak, you could quickly wipe out your bankroll
- All roulette tables have betting limits, so the maximum amount you can wager will always be capped
- You can end up betting big but for a potentially small win
How does the Paroli roulette system work?
The Paroli system is the reverse of the Martingale strategy. If you lose a round, you keep your stake the same. And if you win, you double your stake – this is known as ‘positive progression staking’. The overall aim of Paroli is to double your stake for three winning spins in a row. Once that happens, you go back to your starting stake. Here’s an example:
Spin | Bet | Stake | Result | Profit | Running total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Red | $1 | Lose | -$1 | -$1 |
2 | Red | $1 | Lose | -$1 | -$2 |
3 | Red | $1 | Win | +$1 | -$1 |
4 | Red | $2 | Win | +$4 | +$2 |
5 | Red | $4 | Win | +$8 | +$10 |

How to play Roulette | The Paroli strategy explained
Martingale vs Paroli: Which is better? Martingale and Paroli will suit two very different players. The Paroli system is often seen as more risk-averse as you’re increasing your bet with winnings rather than your own bankroll. It’s a much more conservative betting style. Martingale on the other hand can help to recover earlier losses, though is much riskier. To take full advantage of the Martingale system, you’ll also need a large bankroll and to find a roulette table with a high enough limit.Neither the Martingale nor the Paroli strategy can guarantee a win in roulette. They both have their advantages and disadvantages, though ultimately can’t change the odds of winning. The best strategy to choose will ultimately depend on your betting style, preference, and size of your bankroll.
FAQs
Is the Martingale system allowed in casinos?
Is the Martingale system profitable?
How big a bankroll do you need for Martingale?
Can Martingale beat the house edge?
What are the risks of the Martingale system?
Can Martingale help me win at roulette?
Try other roulette strategies
- Roulette strategies
- For the basics
- D'Alembert system
- For first timers
- Fibonacci system
- For risk-takers
- Labouchere system
- For high rollers

Chief Gaming Officer
Alexander Korsager has been immersed in online casinos and iGaming for over 10 years, making him a dynamic Chief Gaming Officer at Casino.org. He uses his vast knowledge of the industry to create content across key global markets.

Head of Gaming
Semi professional athlete turned online casino enthusiast, Hannah Cutajar is no newcomer to the gaming industry. With over 5 years of experience, she now leads our team of casino experts at Casino.org and is considered the go-to gaming specialist across several markets including the USA, Canada and New Zealand. Her number one goal is to ensure players get the best experience online through world class content.