Betting systems and gambling are like bacon and eggs, you do not often talk about one without mentioning the other. Betting systems exist for all casino games, even slot machines where the winner is determined by a purely random turn of the wheel (or random number generator for internet gamblers).

If betting systems are available for slots, then they certainly exist for roulette players. Along with craps, the betting combinations in roulette are about as complex as any casino game. Payouts range from even money to 35 to one. There is a range of combinations in between and players can make any combination of bets.

Percentages

Roulette is a game of percentages. Winning depends on a long-range strategy where losses are minimized and wins accumulated. There are no “big pots” like poker and big jackpots like with the slots. While “pulling it all on 22” has the possibility of a lottery-sized win, the odds of it coming home are very small.

That is why a system is so important. At least one roulette expert will tell you, success in the game can mean as small as a 10 percent return on money wagered. That means when starting with a $100 bankroll, walking away with $110, a $10 profit, should be considered a success. That does not seem like much considering the game’s high rolling image.

Commercial Systems

At least that is the base from which most systems begin. The specifics of the commercially available systems are a secret, except for those who pay up. A player can expect to pay the modest sum of approximately $30 for betting systems advertised on the web, or they can follow enough links to find one explained for free. Some web sites provide enough details of the system to entice the player to pay to learn more.

Generally, these systems are based on a set number of spins of the wheel with structured bets based on winning and losing turns. Prior to playing most systems require players to observe a number of spins and record the outcome. Betting then is based on the tendencies of the wheel.

Martingale System

Perhaps the most basis roulette betting system is called the Martingale system. It is very simple and many roulette players believe it ensures a player can always break even. The systems says to “double down” (double a bet) after every loss and return to the lowest bet after a win.

The problem is that it does not work because of betting limits. With a series of losses the player will not be able to bet enough to cover the loss with the next win. As such, the player never gets back to even and cannot maintain an edge.