Martingale Strategy Explained – Online Casino Betting System Guide

John Bonello

Updated by John Bonello

Content Editor

Last Updated 24th Apr 2025, 09:34 AM

The Martingale betting system is one of the most well-known strategies used by players in online casinos. They use it especially as a roulette betting strategy. Simple, bold, and designed for even-money bets, the Martingale system is often the first method new players try. This page is your complete guide to the Martingale. I will break down how the Martingale strategy works. You will also learn why it's best suited for roulette. Finally, I'll also explain what you should know before using it. Whether you’re just curious or want to learn a smart way to bet, this is the perfect place to start.

History of the Martingale System

The Martingale system comes from 18th-century France. It was not invented for casinos, but for simple coin toss games. It was linked to a man named John Henry Martindale, a casino owner. He didn’t create it — but he promoted it. He told players to double their bets, thinking the win would come soon. This idea spread fast in Europe. Gamblers started using it at the roulette table. By the 1800s, it became known as the Martingale System.

When Did It Become a Betting Strategy?

People started using it in gambling in the mid-1800s. It became common at roulette tables in French casinos. By the 20th century, it was used in land-based casinos worldwide. Today, it’s used in online casinos and even in sports betting.

What Is the Martingale Betting System?

The Martingale Betting System is a way to bet that’s based on doubling your stake. It’s simple. When you lose, you double your bet. When you win, you go back to your first bet.

Example:

  • Bet $10 and lose → next bet is $20.
  • Lose again → next bet is $40.
  • Win → go back to $10.

Best Games to Use Martingale

The Martingale betting system is best for casino games with even-money bets and simple outcomes.

Great casino games:

Not ideal for:

Casinos.com Tip: Try the Martingale strategy while playing online roulette for free. This way you can understand exactly how it works, without risking your money.

Martingale vs Other Betting Systems

There are a number of online casino betting systems used by gamblers. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. But how does the Martingale system compare to other popular betting strategies?

SystemMain IdeaBest ForRisk Level
Martingale Betting SystemDouble after lossRoulette🔴 High
FibonacciFollow a sequence after lossRoulette/Baccarat🟠 Medium
Reverse Martingale Betting SystemDouble after winBlackjack🟡 Medium
D’Alembert Betting SystemAdd one after loss, subtract after winRoulette🟢 Lower
Oscar’s Grind Betting SystemSlow profit, only increase after winBlackjack🟢 Lower
Labouchere Betting SystemFollow a number lineRoulette🟠 Medium
Paroli Betting SystemDouble after win (stop at 3 wins)Blackjack🟡 Medium

So, what does this table show? In a nutshell, these are the main points to remember:

  • Use the Martingale Strategy if you want a simple method and have a large bankroll.
  • Try Fibonacci or D’Alembert for slower, safer play.
  • Use Reverse Martingale or Paroli when you are winning.
  • Oscar’s Grind and Labouchere are good for strategy lovers.

Martingale Accuracy: What the Stats Say

The Martingale system works in theory — but not always in practice. It can win in the short run, especially in 50/50 games. However, long losing streaks are more common than most people think.

Some quick numbers:

  • In a game with a 48.6% win chance (like red/black in roulette), the odds of losing 6 times in a row are about 1 in 65.
  • If you start at $10, six losses means you’d have to bet $640 next.
  • Total money needed to reach that point: $1,270.

So yes, it can work — but it can also get very expensive fast.

Important Tips

As we like to say here at casinos.com, good advice beats good luck. When playing for real money, be careful. Don't risk what you can't afford. It's important to:

  • Know your limits.
  • Set a budget.
  • Don’t chase losses too long.
  • No system beats the house edge forever.

The Martingale system can be fun — but only if you stay in control!

Pros and Cons Of The Martingale Strategy

Advantages
Very simple to use.
Works well for even-money bets (like red/black in roulette).
Disadvantages
You need a big bankroll.
You can hit the table limit fast.
Long losing streaks can be expensive.
High risk strategy

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John Bonello
John Bonello
Content Editor Content Editor

With a passion for words, John is always thinking about what to write next. He has over 12 years of experience working with online content and as an Editor at Casinos.com, John makes sure that readers get the latest and most accurate information about the online gambling industry.

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