
It is the relationship between probability and gaming which provides the reasoning for why betting systems exist. Like all forms of gaming, such as dice and blackjack, every type of roulette has a system of odds which allow the gambler to determine whether or not to wager in order to win or lose. Methods for placing bets are based upon prior events and attempt to capitalize upon those events to produce favorable results for future bets.
From this perspective, it would appear that betting systems can be somewhat confusing. However, there is no theory that does not have an explanation and it is precisely that which will be explained further in relation to the most widely accepted betting systems for roulette.
Unlike many of the previously discussed methods for betting, the Fibonacci method is based upon a mathematical formula. The objective of this method is simply to create parameters for the player to make bets. Based on the Fibonacci method, each number is the sum of the two numbers immediately preceding it.
Thusly, when creating a sequence using the Fibonacci method, the first number is always "one" and proceeds as follows: 1+1=2+1=3+2=5. Using the Fibonacci method, it is also assumed that players will bet similarly. A classic example is a player who initially wagers five dollars. The Fibonacci method dictates that subsequent wagers should proceed as follows: 5+5=10+5=15+10=25+15=40 etc.
Using the Martingale System is probably the greatest risk involved in participating in roulette. However, many gamblers claim that this method is successful and therefore represents a worldwide class technique. The Martingale System works as follows: each time the player suffers a defeat, he doubles his initial stake to compensate for the lost funds.
For example, if someone places two dollars on a red box and loses; he needs to bet four dollars on a black box during the next round. Although the dynamics seem simple enough to comprehend, this system can deplete a gambler's assets quickly. Hence, it may be preferable to learn additional methods before proceeding with the Martingale.
The Labouchere or cancellation method calls for breaking down your desired winnings into a sequence of numbers and canceling them as each round progresses. The Labouchere method can only be applied to equal stakes; hence it is possible to employ this method in either red/black boxes or odd/even numbers. When employing the Labouchere method to begin a new round, we need to divide up our desired earnings into smaller units of currency. For instance, we could take ten dollars and separate it into the following amounts: 1-1-1-2-2-2-1.
We then remove both extremes from the list and add them together to arrive at how much we need to wager for each round. We will keep doing this until we reach the middle of the list. In addition to the final two examples of betting methods presented here, obviously certain things cannot be overlooked. While one employee is signing his termination letter and receiving his severance pay, another player will have been banned from that casino and possibly from a list of undesirable players.
The D' Alembert Method bears similarities to the Martingale Method but it is certainly one of the safest alternatives among all betting methods available. After a loss, the D' Alembert Method instructs us to raise our bets by one unit whereas after a win we must lower our bets by one unit. Consequently, through this method we avoid large increases in our bet sizes similar to those experienced using the Martingale Method thereby preventing large potential losses.
In roulette, betting systems are essentially strategies developed to lower a casino's advantage over its players utilizing mathematical concepts. While there are certainly questions regarding the overall effectiveness of betting systems, they do provide credibility and strategic aspects to gambling by allowing players to mathematically control how they place their bets based on previous results.
Typically, betting systems used in roulette rely on progressions and regressions with the goal of maximizing gains and minimizing losses related to spinning a wheel or rolling a die based on probability of success or failure with regards to subsequent spins. In essence, betting systems typically seek to use past occurrences as predictors of future success.
The Fibonacci betting system uses a sequence where each number in the sequence is formed by adding the two numbers directly preceding it (i.e.: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8...). Similarly, in terms of placing bets in roulette, this system requires that after a player loses a bet they move forward two spaces in the sequence and after they win a bet they step back two spaces in the sequence. The ultimate goal of this system is to recover all lost monies through a series of bets rather than relying solely on a single winning bet.
The Labouchere or cancellation system relies on listing a sequence of numbers corresponding to monetary totals you wish to achieve as winnings. To place a bet using this system you must combine the first and last numbers on your list and eliminate them once you have achieved a win. If you suffer a loss you must add that amount to your list at the end. Once you have eliminated all numbers from your original list or exhausted your allocated bankroll, you stop playing.
The D' Alembert method is viewed as a safer alternative compared to the Martingale method. Following a loss, this method suggests raising your bets by one unit while following a win raises your bets by one unit. Through continuous wins and losses using this method, your bets fluctuate gradually (either upward or downward) which minimizes the potential for very high losses relative to other betting systems.