Roulette is one of the most iconic and thrilling casino games, drawing in both beginners and seasoned players. The spinning wheel, the anticipation and the chance to win big on a single spin make it an all-time favourite. But here is the big question… Is there a strategy that actually works?
The short answer, Yes… but with the right approach. While Roulette is a game of chance, using smart betting systems, bankroll management and an understanding of probability can significantly improve your odds.
In this guide, we will break down the best Roulette strategies, how they work and which ones give you the best chance of winning.
- Understanding Roulette: Basics First
Before jumping into strategies, you need to understand how Roulette works.
How to Play Roulette
- The game involves a spinning wheel with numbered pockets (0-36 in European Roulette, 0-00-36 in American Roulette).
- Players bet on numbers, colours (red/black) or groups of numbers.
- The dealer (croupier) spins the wheel, and a ball is dropped.
- If the ball lands on your chosen number or bet type, you win.
Pro Tip: Always choose European Roulette over American Roulette, it has only one zero (0), which reduces the house edge to 2.7% compared to 5.26% in American Roulette.
- The Best Roulette Strategies That Actually Work
While Roulette is a game of luck, the right betting strategies can help you manage risk and increase your chances of winning.
Martingale Strategy (Double Your Bet After Every Loss)
How It Works:
- Start with a small bet on even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low).
- If you lose, double your bet on the next spin.
- Keep doubling until you win, then return to your original bet.
Pros:
Works well in the short term.
Simple and easy to follow.
Cons:
Requires a large bankroll to sustain long losing streaks.
Many casinos have table limits, preventing infinite doubling.
Pro Tip: Use the Reverse Martingale strategy. Double your bet after a win instead of a loss. It maximizes winning streaks while avoiding deep losses.
Fibonacci Strategy (Safer Than Martingale)
How It Works:
- Follows the Fibonacci sequence: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc.
- After a loss, move to the next number in the sequence.
- After a win, move back two steps.
Pros:
Slower progression means lower risk than Martingale.
Great for managing long losing streaks.
Cons:
Still requires a big bankroll for long streaks.
Winning a single bet does not recover all previous losses.
Pro Tip: Best used on even-money bets (red/black, odd/even).
D’Alembert Strategy (Low-Risk System)
How It Works:
- Start with a base bet (e.g., R10).
- If you lose, increase your bet by one unit (e.g., R10 → R20).
- If you win, decrease your bet by one unit.
Pros:
Lower risk than Martingale.
Easier to manage with small bankrolls.
Cons:
Does not recover losses as quickly as Martingale.
Long losing streaks can still be costly.
Pro Tip: Best for long, steady sessions rather than quick big wins.
James Bond Strategy (For High Rollers)
How It Works:
- Place three bets at once:
- 70% of your bet on high numbers (19-36).
- 25% on six numbers (13-18).
- 5% on zero (0) as insurance.
Pros:
Covers most of the table.
Higher chance of winning small profits per spin.
Cons:
Requires large bets to make decent profits.
Does not work well for small bankrolls.
Pro Tip: Works best for short sessions, not ideal for extended play.
- The Best Bets in Roulette at Casinos (Lowering the House Edge)
Not all Roulette bets are equal, some have better odds than others.
Best Bets for Beginners
Even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) – 48.65% win chance (European Roulette).
Column and dozen bets – Cover 12 numbers at once with a 32.4% chance to win.
Bets to Avoid
Single-number bets – Pay out is high (35:1), but the win chance is only 2.7%.
Five-number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3 in American Roulette).Worst bet with a 7.89% house edge.
Pro Tip: Combination bets (like covering multiple numbers) help balance risk and reward.
- Bankroll Management: Play Smart, Win More
Even the best Roulette strategy will not work without smart bankroll management.
How to Manage Your Bankroll in Roulette
- Set a budget – Decide how much you are willing to lose before you play.
- Use the 5% Rule – Never bet more than 5% of your total bankroll on one spin.
- Walk away after doubling your money – If you are ahead, cash out and leave.
- Avoid chasing losses – If you are on a losing streak, stick to your plan and do not increase bets emotionally.
Pro Tip: Treat your bankroll like an investment, never bet money you cannot afford to lose.
- Online Roulette vs. Live Casino Roulette
Should you play online Roulette or at a land-based casino?
Online Roulette Pros
✅ Play anytime, anywhere.
✅ Lower minimum bets.
✅ Bonuses & promotions (free spins, deposit matches).
Live Casino Roulette Pros
✅ Real dealer, real action.
✅ More immersive experience.
✅ No RNG-based results—better for strategy play.
Pro Tip: If playing online, choose live dealer games. They offer the same experience as real casinos.
- Common Roulette Mistakes to Avoid
Not knowing the difference between American and European Roulette – Always choose European Roulette to lower the house edge.
Chasing losses – Increasing bets recklessly can lead to huge losses.
Relying on “lucky numbers” – Roulette is random, do not fall for gambler’s fallacy.
Betting all-in on one spin – Professional players manage risk, not gamble recklessly.
Pro Tip: Play free online Roulette to practice strategies before risking real money.
Final Verdict: Can You Beat Roulette?
Roulette is a game of luck, but using the right strategies can improve your odds and help you win more often.
Best Strategies for Different Players
Martingale and Fibonacci – Good for even-money bets.
D’Alembert – Low-risk option for longer sessions.
James Bond – Ideal for high rollers.
Who Will Struggle?
Players who bet randomly without a system.
Those who chase losses instead of managing their bankroll.
Gamblers who expect guaranteed wins, Roulette is still a game of chance.
Final Pro Tip: If you stick to European Roulette, use smart betting strategies and manage your bankroll, you will maximize your chances of walking away a winner!