Updated by Nonna Vivi Vidi Vici
VIP Whisperer & Player Loyalty Godmother
Hello there, wonderfully curious gambler!
Come closer. I’m your friendly online auntie here to dish out the delicious, slow-burn magic of one of the most politely persistent betting systems ever invented: the Oscar’s Grind.
Now, if I’ve ever dreamed of being the tortoise in the race — cool, calm, methodical, and smugly crossing the finish line while the hare burns out in a cloud of dust and regret — then Oscar’s Grind might just be my new bestie. It’s not flashy. It won’t get me rich in a weekend. But it does what it says on the tin: it grinds.
I’ve stumbled across the OG, and found it to be one of the least dramatic, most polite betting strategies in all of casino-land. It’s not here to dazzle or crash the party. No, Oscar’s Grind — or as I like to call it, The Gentle Grind (aka the OG) — arrives in a sensible sweater, brings a reusable coffee cup, and quietly walks away with a modest win. And you know what? That’s oddly admirable.
The OG is for the player who likes neat things. Predictable. Achievable. If the Martingale betting system is a rollercoaster, the OG is a Sunday stroll with snacks and good shoes. It’s for gamblers who like their wins slow, their risks low, and their systems logical. Which is great for me, because I can follow along, with no plot twists. Small wins, steady progress, and a little mental math — with a dash of flair.
Are you feeling me? Ready? Let’s grind!
He just quietly outlasted the casino by doing the equivalent of financial tai chi — low impact, high control. Let’s travel back to the swinging 60s — 1965 to be precise. No, not for a Beatles concert or to twirl in a paisley shirt, but to meet a fella named Oscar, something of a gambling yoda.
Oscar was featured in a book called The Casino Gambler’s Guide by Allan Wilson. Now, Oscar didn’t rock up to the casino in a velvet suit waving a lucky rabbit’s foot. No, he brought something much rarer — patience. And a plan. He played to win one unit of profit per cycle, and then started over. That’s it. One unit. Slow. Steady.
The Oscar’s Grind betting system is designed to help meticulous casino players grind out small wins on a regular basis.The general idea is to earn a single unit of profit in each cycle and then start again. Simple. Even if I’ve been up all night watching roulette wheels spin. It’s a cautious strategy. It can be applied to popular casino games. It works incredibly well with online blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps. Also known as Holyes press, and similar to Pluscoup Progression. It’s a straightforward strategy, once I wrap my head around it (like anything really) and the concept of playing betting cycles. End goal: Finish each cycle with a single unit of profit. Easy as ABC!
With the Oscar’s Grind betting system, I only increase the size of my stake after I win. Once I win a bet, I increase the size of my stake to two units. If I lose, I bet two units the next time. If I win, I move up to three units.
A unit is a percentage of my bankroll and it varies from one gambler to the next. If I have a $1,000 bankroll to play with, I might decide to set the base unit at $30. I then play a number of cycles throughout my session, and the goal is to win $30 each time.
I should only use the OG on even chance bets. Keep it even Steven. For example, I would use the Oscar’s Grind betting system on red/black when I play roulette for free online, or pass/don’t pass.
I always start the Oscar’s Grind betting system by placing a one-unit wager. If it wins the cycle is immediately over, as I have achieved my goal of winning one unit per cycle. I then start a new cycle by betting on one unit again.
If I lose, I bet one unit again and keep betting one unit until I win. With the OG, I only increase the size of my stake after I win. Once I win a bet, I increase the size of my stake to two units. If I lose, I bet two units the next time. If I win, I move up to three units.
Essentially, I keep the size of my stake the same when I lose and increase it by one unit each time I win. Like playing marbles, except with my own cash! The cycle comes to an end as soon as I win a single unit of profit. I can begin a new cycle by wagering one unit. And copy, paste repeat!
The OG is easier to explain, if I use an example. Let’s say I am playing the Oscar’s Grind blackjack betting system, and I’ve decided to make $10 my base unit. This chart shows a hypothetical OG blackjack wagering session I might enjoy:
| #️⃣ Wager | 🚲 Cycle | 💰 Stake | 🥇 Result | 🔼🔽 Cycle Win/Loss | 🔼🔽 Overall Win/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ First Bet | 1 | $10 | Win | $10 | $10 |
| 2️⃣ Second Bet | 2 | $10 | Loss | -$10 | $0 |
| 3️⃣ Third Bet | 2 | $10 | Loss | -$20 | -$10 |
| 4️⃣ Fourth Bet | 2 | $10 | Win | -$10 | $0 |
| 5️⃣ Fifth Bet | 2 | $20 | Win | $10 | $20 |
| 6️⃣ Sixth Bet | 3 | $10 | Loss | $10 | $10 |
| 7️⃣ Seventh Bet | 3 | $10 | Win | $0 | $20 |
| 8️⃣ Eighth Bet | 3 | $20 | Loss | $20 | $0 |
| 9️⃣ Ninth Bet | 3 | $20 | Loss | -$40 | -$20 |
| 1️⃣0️⃣ Tenth Bet | 3 | $20 | Win | -$20 | $0 |
| 1️⃣1️⃣ Eleventh Bet | 3 | $30 | Win | $10 | $30 |
| 1️⃣2️⃣ Twelfth Bet | 4 | $10 | Loss | $10 | $20 |
| 1️⃣3️⃣ Thirteenth Bet | 4 | $10 | Loss | $20 | $0 |
| 1️⃣4️⃣ Fourteenth Bet | 4 | $10 | Win | $10 | $10 |
| 1️⃣5️⃣ Fifteenth Bet | 4 | $20 | Loss | $30 | $10 |
| 1️⃣6️⃣ Sixteenth Bet | 4 | $20 | Loss | $50 | $30 |
| 1️⃣7️⃣ Seventeenth Bet | 4 | $20 | Win | $30 | $10 |
| 1️⃣8️⃣ Eighteenth Bet | 4 | $30 | Loss | $60 | $40 |
| 1️⃣9️⃣ Nineteenth Bet | 4 | $30 | Win | -$30 | -$10 |
| 2️⃣0️⃣ Twentieth Bet | 4 | $40 | Win | $10 | $30 |
As I’ve illustrated above, each time I earn one unit ($10) of profit, I end the cycle and start again. If I lost a bet when following the OG betting system, I simply bet the same amount again. However if I win, I increase the size of my stake!
The Oscar’s Grind betting system is an interesting approach. It can be considered a positive progression system because I increase the size of my stake after winning, and I chase a profit rather than a loss. However it is not particularly aggressive, as I always go back to betting a single unit as soon as I earn a small profit, so it does not really aim to capitalise upon winning streaks.
See? It’s like I’m dieting, but with my bankroll. A little discipline. A lot of willpower. And I’ll be beach-ready (or table-ready) in no time.
In that regard, it is different to positive progressions systems like the Paroli strategy (not not payroll, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here) - which aims to secure a run of three straight wins - and the 1-3-2-6 system, which pays handsomely when I win four in a row. If I want a more aggressive positive progression system, I can check them out, or look at the reverse Martingale, which is even bolder.
The Oscar’s Grind betting system is most likely to appeal to slow and steady players, like me, who enjoy trying to grind out small wins and make positive progress after securing a win. Carry on reading to learn the main advantages and disadvantages of this betting system and how to apply it to roulette, baccarat, craps and blackjack with live dealers.
A piece of advice: I avoid anything flashy or unpredictable. If a bet sounds too exciting, I’ve worked out that it’s probably not for the OG. I can generally trust The Grind. Steady. Predictable. Like I’m watching a British baking show— it may take a while, but I feel better for the experience. Notice how I increase my bet only after a win. I’m not chasing losses like a caffeinated squirrel.
Blackjack and Oscar’s Grind are like gin and tonic for me — a match made in strategic heaven. Although some would claim that, that is debatable. So, is the OG the best blackjack betting strategy? Well, it does make sense due to the high theoretical RTP featured in this popular casino game. Classic Blackjack already has a high RTP (Return to Player), often over 99% and some variants go even higher due to bonus features. So, my chances of winning are very close to 50/50. That’s about as close to 50/50 as casino games get without giving me a hug. Remember, I only use the OG with these roughly even money (1:1) bets, so Oscar’s Grind blackjack betting system is popular among many players. Though, of course it helps if I’m a blackjack fundi first.
I love using this system when playing blackjack. Blackjack is one of the best games for this system. With its high RTP, predictable pacing, and zero circus acts. If you know how to play blackjack, you should try it.
I start off by choosing my unit price and placing a wager equal to that amount. If my base unit is $20, my foray into the Oscar’s grind blackjack begins with a $20 wager. If that bet is successful, I can congratulate myself on a job well done. The cycle is complete. I can now start the Oscar’s Grind blackjack betting system again by placing a $20 wager.
IF I lose, I simply keep betting that amount on each hand until I win. However, at this point, I will not be in profit for my cycle, so I increase the size of my stake by one unit after winning. In the case of this Oscar’s Grind blackjack betting system example, I would go up to $40 for my next wager.
The Oscar’s Grind betting system is an interesting approach. It can be considered a positive progression system because I increase the size of my stake after winning, and I chase a profit rather than a loss.
The idea behind the Oscar’s Grind blackjack betting system is to keep increasing the unit by one - in this case, by $20 - with each win. This is quite similar to chasing a loss because I am ultimately chasing just one unit of profit. As soon as I am in profit for the cycle, I go back to start a new Oscar’s Grind blackjack cycle, regardless of whether I have just won a bet for a single unit or for 20 units.
Sometimes, I complete the cycle quickly, but sometimes, it takes dozens or even hundreds of bets. That is why it is called the Oscar’s Grind and not Oscar’s breeze!
Blackjack differs from other games, because I win more than just my stake when playing it. I win one-and-a-half times my stake if I am dealt blackjack, I can double my winnings by doubling down, I can double my winnings by splitting aces or another pair, and insurance can cut my losses when applicable. (Now that’s revolutionary)
There are no official Oscar’s Grind blackjack betting system rules for what to do with my extra winnings. Most players just add them to their bankroll and treat it as a single win. However, if successfully doubling down or splitting aces puts me into a narrow profit, I might decide to end my Oscar’s grind blackjack cycle and start a new one. This is a personal judgment, and different players have different interpretations when following Oscar’s blackjack betting system.
It is my experience that Blackjack sometimes throws curveballs — like splits, double downs, and the occasional blackjack. If those nudge me into profit, it’s my call: end the cycle or keep it rolling? I just have to promise myself that I’ll decide beforehand. (I hate breaking promises)
Roulette is basically Oscar’s home turf. Spin, bet, repeat — it’s like meditation with noise and lights. This is where the grind truly shines. I’ve got my roulette wheel. I’ve got my trusty red/black bets. Now all I need is a little rhythm.
I can apply the Oscar’s Grind betting system to all outside online roulette bets that carry a roughly even chance of success: red, black, high (19-36), low (1-18), odd, and even. Most people following the Oscar’s Grind betting system make the same bet with each spin of the wheel. However, I can mix it up if I like, as long as I stick to those options with odds of almost even money.
I commence by betting one unit on red, black, 1-18, 19-36, odd, or even; watch the wheel spin and hope for the best. If my bet pays off, I start the Oscar’s grind betting system again. If I lose, I keep betting at that stake until I win. When I win, I always increase my stake by just one unit. I keep going until I am in profit for the cycle. That is all I need to remember when using the OG for roulette.
It’s the closest thing to spinning serenity.
One thing to note when playing roulette is that systems like the Oscar’s grind work best when the odds are as close to even as possible. French Roulette has the highest RTP, followed closely by European Roulette, but American Roulette has a significantly higher house edge due to the double zero, so you might want to stick to the French or European variants. You can also check to see if there are any other roulette games that offer bonus features to reduce the house edge further.
Baccarat is a classy, elegant, casino game. Smooth, slightly misunderstood. Oscar’s Grind fits right in though. He isn’t here for high drama or to tempt me off to his room for a nightcap, he’s here to wager on the player or the banker and do it with grace. Two hands. One decision. That’s it.
The OG works well on certain Baccarat bets. Caution to beginners, it may be out of bounds for me. Best I know the game well first before attempting to grind.
Applicable to any Baccarat game, even for online baccarat with a live dealer., the OG should not be used when betting on a tie as that has a low chance of success. Of course the odds are much better, but the probability of lengthy losing streaks is high and that could quickly deplete my account balance.
I have two options, when using the OG for baccarat: dealer hand and player hand. Dealer’s hand has a slightly higher RTP. So it is a popular choice for the OG, making it possible to grind small wins, enjoy plenty of time at the table and walk away with a profit.
Banker bets have a slightly better edge, but both are acceptable. The game is simple, which suits the OG just fine. The banker hand has a teensy advantage, so many players lean that way. But either works. And remember, this is a marathon, not a Monaco Grand Prix.
Craps can look chaotic, but it has a calm core — and that’s where the OG parks itself. Craps players often use the Oscar’s Grind betting system in order to slowly accumulate units of profit, moderate losses, and enjoy a long session at the table. OG is, however, only applicable to certain craps bets that carry a roughly even chance of success.
So, pass, don’t pass, come, don’t come, Big 6, and Big 8. I would not want to use it on long odds bets like hard ways, field bets, aces, Any 7, ace, deuce, Boxcar, and so on. It would also be rare to use them on bets with odds considerably below even money, such as lay bets of 4 or 10 or place lose bets.
I stick to the bets with a roughly even chance of success. I choose a base unit amount and make my first wager for that sum. If it is $50 and I lose my first bet, my second wager would also be for $50. When I win I increase the stake to $50. I keep increasing it by $50 - the equivalent of one base unit in the Oscar’s grind example - until I am in profit for the cycle.
As soon as I move into profit, I close the cycle and start again. This will allow me to grind out a steady stream of small profits if my luck holds up. Remember that the house has a low edge on bets such as pass and don’t pass, so they are probably the best options for OG.
Simple. Repeatable. Like folding laundry while listening to a lo-fi beat.
To further reduce the house edge, I can also claim casino bonuses and ongoing promotions. These can be activated before applying my favorite Craps betting system. From there, I can test how well the system suits my preferences — and explore other strategies if I feel like mixing things up
If I crave fast wins and adrenaline hits, the OG isn’t my guy. He’s not even my cousin. But if I value control, structure, and small consistent victories, the OG is a great companion.
He won’t make me rich overnight. He probably won’t be the reason I booked that all-inclusive trip to Bora Bora. But he will help me feel more in control, avoid tilt, and maybe even come out ahead with my nerves — and my bankroll — intact.
The OG isn’t flashy. But it’s dependable.
And in a world full of chaos, that’s pretty darn valuable!
Ciao belli, I’m Nonna Vivi—matriarch, master of lasagna, and the undisputed queen of casino loyalty. I don’t run a programme, I run an empire—built on trust, tradition, and a touch of terror. Stick with me, and you’ll eat well, play smart, and never miss a bonus again.
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