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When playing casino games online, you can make flat bets or apply a betting strategy that is based on recovering losses. One of the primary ones is the Martingale system, which is one of the oldest and most well-known betting systems in use; it is a negative progression system that is straightforward to apply. It is best applied to even money bets, and it is based on the premise of recouping losses when you get on a winning streak. Here, we break down all about the Martingale betting system and discuss whether this betting system really works.
The Martingale betting system, one of the oldest and most well-known betting systems, relies on doubling your bet after each loss, with the aim of recovering losses once a win occurs. It is a negative progression system that is straightforward to apply, as it is most effective when applied to even money bets. While it has its proponents, it’s important to understand both its advantages and limitations. In this article, we discuss whether the Martingale betting system works, whether the inherent risk is worth it, and how to use it when gambling online.
- The Martingale system requires you to double your bet after every loss, thus trying to recoup your losses with a single win.
- It is suggested to start with a small base stake, double it after every loss, and revert to the starting stake after every win.
- It is best applied as a short-term strategy in games with even money bets.
- It can be a risky strategy in the long run, as the stakes can get very high if you go on a losing streak.
- It is a betting system that promotes a loss-averse mentality and the Gambler’s Fallacy.
What Is the Martingale System?
The Martingale betting system is a negative progression betting system that is very easy to learn and apply, as there is no complex math, only a simple doubling of your bet amount. As it is based on negative progression, it means that you have to double your stake every time you lose a bet. Every time you win, you revert to the starting amount.
As you can note, applying the Martingale system requires a larger bankroll, and if you get on a losing streak, the bet amounts will quickly rise to staggering amounts. It is why you should only apply it to even money bets and why this is one of the more used betting systems in blackjack and one of the best roulette strategies to try.
You can apply the Martingale system in other casino games, like the Pass and Don’t Pass craps bets, or on the Player bet if you choose to play baccarat. We don’t recommend you apply the Martingale system when playing slot games, as the stakes can run very high very quickly. However, you can apply the Martingale system when you place sports bets.
Here is an example of the Martingale system applied in an imaginary game of roulette where you have a $10 starting bet amount and only make Red bets:
| Spin | Bet | Bet Amount | Result | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red | $10 | Lose | -$10 |
| 2 | Red | $20 | Lose | -$30 |
| 3 | Red | $40 | Lose | -$70 |
| 4 | Red | $80 | Win | +$10 |
| 5 | Red | $10 | Win | +$10 |
Martingale System Pros & Cons
As with all gambling strategies, the Martingale system comes with its pros and cons, which we’ll outline in the table below:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to learn and apply | You need a fair bankroll to apply it correctly |
| Fair chance of recouping your losses | You may need to bet a lot of money but get low profit |
| Short-term winnings | You need to play at high-limit tables |
| Appealing to aggressive bettors | You can’t take advantage of a winning streak |
| Allows bankroll control in the short run | Works only with even money bets |
Martingale System Alternatives
The Martingale is not the only betting system you can apply to, as there are plenty of similar and opposite betting systems. Here, we’ll list several that are based on the Martingale system:
- Reverse Martingale – the Reverse Martingale system is also known as the Paroli system. It is a positive progression system where, after every loss, you keep the exact amount you stake, and you double the stake after every win. Opposed to the Martingale system, which focuses on recouping losses, the Reverse Martingale focuses on maximizing your profit when you are on a winning streak.
- Mini Martingale – the Mini Martingale system is a variant of the Martingale system, but in this one, you limit the number of times you double up your stake. It will help prevent raking a too high stake amount if you get on a losing streak.
- Grand Martingale – this is a variant of the original Martingale system, where instead of doubling the stake after every loss, you double the stake and add an additional unit so that you can wager with a larger amount. If you are lucky and win, then you’ll recoup your losses and get a small profit margin. However, if you don’t win, you risk losing your bankroll at a faster rate.
- Fibonacci system – the Fibonacci system uses the Fibonacci sequence of numbers. It is a negative progression system where you increase the stake after every loss and decrease the stake after every win, but you do this after the Fibonacci number sequence.
Should You Use the Martingale System?
The Martingale system is a way to increase your chances of recovering losses when you go on a losing streak. Because it requires you to double the stake amount after every loss, the stake you must place can get very high very quickly.
It is simple to learn, apply, and follow, and it can be a good short-term strategy when you only play games with even money bets. However, like all similar betting systems, there are no guarantees with the Martingale system, as it promises an advance that does not exist and does not affect the game’s odds and house edge.
FAQs
Is the Martingale System a Profitable Gambling Strategy?
The Martingale system can be profitable only in the short term, as it allows you to recoup your losses after several losing rounds.
Does the Martingale System Work in The Long Run?
The Martingale system does not work in the long run, as it does not account for the house edge and the game’s odds, which is why it is not a viable long-term strategy.
What is a 100% Profitable Martingale System?
The 100% Profitable Martingale system is a strategy where you double your next stake until you reach a profit. While it is 100% profitable, it requires vast amounts of money and comes with extreme risk.
Can I Use the Martingale System for Roulette?
You can use the Martingale system in roulette, but you have to limit yourself to only placing even money bets like Red/Black, Odd/Even, and High/Low. Still, because the roulette table comes with a green zero field (two in American roulette), the odds are still in favor of the house.
Can I Use the Martingale System for Blackjack?
You can use the Martingale system for blackjack, but only for a short while. However, if you go on a longer losing streak, then you will need to stake a large amount that may exceed your bankroll or the table’s limit, in which case, the Martingale system becomes inapplicable.
Can I Use the Martingale System for Sports Betting?
You can apply the Martingale system for sports betting, but you have the best chances when you place point spread bets or over/under bets. It is still a risky strategy as it is not applicable for accumulator bets, and it does not affect the vig.
What Is the Risk of Using the Martingale System?
The Martingale system is based on chance, as you get a 50%-50% chance of winning or losing. But, in fact, it does not account for the house edge or vig, and if you get on a losing streak, you can very quickly lose your entire bankroll, which is why it is not an applicable strategy in the long run.
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