Best strategies for winning at roulette

Alright, let’s not rush the party without knowing who’s attending first. South African roulette is very much like the classic versions you find worldwide — European and American. However, some local casinos might sprinkle a bit of uniqueness here and there, making it essential to understand the basics first.

Why Choosing the Right Version Matters

You wouldn’t bring a spoon to a sword fight, right? Picking the right roulette variant is your first step to winning. While it might seem like the differences between the European and American versions of roulette are minimal, the impact on your chances of winning is significant. Making the right choice between these two versions could mean the difference between enjoying a long, exciting session at the table or losing your bankroll in record time. It’s not just about luck; it’s about maximizing your chances with a better version of the game.

European roulette is typically the preferred choice among seasoned players. The key difference lies in the number of zeros on the wheel. European roulette has a single zero (0), whereas American roulette has both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). This seemingly small difference might appear trivial, but it significantly impacts the house edge. The presence of the double zero in American roulette increases the house edge to 5.26%, whereas European roulette offers a more player-friendly house edge of just 2.7%. Over many spins, this difference can have a huge effect on your long-term outcomes.

When it comes to winning chances, European roulette gives players a better shot. With only one zero, you have a greater probability of winning on your outside bets, like red/black or odd/even. The house edge being lower means that, on average, you’re less likely to lose your bet over time. In contrast, American roulette’s additional double zero decreases your odds slightly. While the differences in winning chances might not be glaringly obvious in the short run, they add up significantly the more you play.

Availability of these games can vary depending on where you’re playing, but European roulette is more commonly found in most casinos, whether land-based or online. In contrast, American roulette tables are not as widespread. While it’s true that you might come across an American roulette table from time to time, especially in certain regions or specific casinos, the European version is more prevalent overall. For the best odds and a better chance to build your bankroll, always aim to sit at a European roulette table if you can. The tiny difference in house edge is a BIG deal in the long term, making it the smarter option for serious players.

Mastering the Language of Roulette

Let’s talk lingo. When you sit at a roulette table or join a live casino game online, it’s essential to know the key terms. Understanding the language not only makes you feel more confident but also helps you navigate the game like a pro. Here’s a detailed list of important roulette terms you’ll encounter:

• Inside Bets
  These are bets placed on specific numbers on the roulette table. They tend to be riskier but offer higher payouts. You can bet on individual numbers or small groups of numbers, with the potential for substantial rewards if you’re lucky.
• Outside Bets
  These bets cover broader options like red/black, odd/even, or high/low. While these bets come with a lower payout than inside bets, they have a higher probability of winning, making them safer for players who prefer less risk.
• En Prison Rule
  This is a rule that can be found on certain European roulette tables, particularly in French roulette. It allows players to “imprison” their even-money bets (such as red/black or odd/even) if the ball lands on zero. The bet remains for the next spin, and if it wins, you get your original bet back. This rule lowers the house edge, offering a slight advantage for players.
• La Partage Rule
  Similar to the En Prison rule, the La Partage rule is also available on some European tables. If the ball lands on zero, players lose only half of their even-money bets. This rule also helps reduce the house edge, offering an additional benefit to players.
• Straight-Up Bet
  A bet placed on a single number. It’s one of the most straightforward but riskiest types of inside bets. The payout is typically 35:1, making it very attractive despite its lower chance of hitting.
• Split Bet
  This bet involves placing a wager on two adjacent numbers by placing the chip on the line between them. It pays 17:1 and gives players a better chance of winning than a straight-up bet.
• Street Bet
  A bet on three numbers in a row. It’s made by placing your chip at the end of the row. The payout is 11:1, and while it still carries some risk, it’s a middle-ground option between inside and outside bets.
• Corner Bet
  A bet on four numbers arranged in a square on the table. The chip is placed at the intersection of the four numbers. The payout is 8:1.
• Six Line Bet
  A bet placed on two adjacent rows of three numbers. It covers six numbers in total and offers a payout of 5:1. It’s a relatively safe bet with a decent payout.

The Importance of Bankroll Management

Focusing on Outside Bets for Better Longevity

Why bet on single numbers when you can have better odds? When you’re at the roulette table, the goal is often to play for as long as possible while maintaining a solid chance of winning. Outside bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low almost give you a 50% chance to win with each spin, making them a reliable option for players who prefer less risk. These bets not only offer a higher chance of winning, but they also give you more opportunities to play, stretching out your bankroll for longer periods.

When you’re on a losing streak, it can be tempting to go after bigger payouts by betting on single numbers or more complex inside bets. However, these types of bets have a much lower probability of winning, which can deplete your bankroll much faster. In contrast, sticking to outside bets helps you maintain steady progress and gives you the chance to capitalize on more frequent wins, keeping your funds in play for a longer time. While these bets offer smaller payouts, they come with a better chance of hitting, reducing the emotional rollercoaster of a losing streak.

For example, when you place a bet on red or black, the odds of hitting are around 48.6%. This means you’re essentially betting on whether the ball will land on one of the 18 red or black numbers out of the total 37 or 38 numbers on the wheel, depending on whether you’re playing European or American roulette. These odds are significantly better than betting on a single number, where the chances of winning are much lower. By choosing red/black or other outside bets, you’re essentially opting for stability over the excitement of higher-risk bets.

Trying Out the Martingale Strategy (With Caution)

The Martingale betting system is one of the most popular strategies for roulette players looking to recover losses quickly. It’s simple: after every loss, you double your bet until you eventually win. The theory behind this is that when you win, you’ll recover all previous losses and come out ahead with a profit equal to your initial bet. Sounds like a foolproof strategy, right? But there are significant risks, especially if you hit a losing streak.

• Start with a Small Bet
  The Martingale system requires you to double your bet after each loss, so it’s important to start with a small bet you can afford to lose. For example, if you begin with a R10 bet, it’s relatively manageable. But if things go south quickly, your bets can increase rapidly, leading to large stakes.
• Double Your Bet After Every Loss
  After each loss, you double your previous bet. This is the core of the Martingale strategy. The idea is that by doing so, you’ll eventually hit a win and recover all the losses from earlier bets, plus a small profit equal to your original stake. If you start with R10, the progression would look like this:
  • Bet R10 and lose.
  • Bet R20 and lose.
  • Bet R40 and lose.
  • Bet R80 and win. You’ll recover your losses (R10 + R20 + R40) and end up with R10 profit.
• Know the Risks
  While the Martingale system sounds promising, it has significant risks. If you hit a losing streak, your bets can quickly escalate beyond your bankroll’s capacity. What started as a manageable R10 bet could snowball into R80, R160, or even higher if you continue losing. The more you lose, the higher the stakes become, and if you don’t have enough funds to keep doubling your bet, you could run out of money before hitting that crucial win.
• Beware of Table Limits
  Casinos have table limits that can ruin your Martingale strategy. These limits prevent you from continuing to double your bets indefinitely. For example, if you’re playing at a table with a maximum bet of R500, and you’ve already reached R250 on a losing streak, you won’t be able to double your bet again to R500, much less R1000. This can result in an incomplete recovery of your losses, leaving you in a tough spot.
• Big Bankroll Required
  The Martingale system works best for players with a large bankroll because it relies on having enough funds to double your bets after each loss. If your bankroll is limited, you’ll quickly hit a wall and may not have the funds to recover, especially if you hit a long losing streak. Players with smaller bankrolls should be cautious and consider whether the potential rewards outweigh the risks.

Exploring the Reverse Martingale (Paroli System)

D’Alembert System: A Safer Alternative

If the thought of doubling your bet after every loss feels too risky, the D’Alembert system might be the safer alternative you’re looking for. This strategy is based on the principle of gradual changes, which means you don’t have to deal with the high stakes that come with systems like Martingale. Instead, the D’Alembert system focuses on slowly adjusting your bet size in response to your wins and losses, offering a more controlled approach to managing your bankroll.

The D’Alembert system operates on a very simple premise: if you lose a bet, you increase your next bet by one unit. Conversely, if you win, you decrease your bet by one unit. This keeps your bet size fluctuations manageable, reducing the risk of significant losses while still allowing you to take advantage of winning streaks. For example, if your initial bet is R10, and you lose, you’ll increase your next bet to R11. If you win, you reduce it back to R10.

What makes this system appealing is its ability to offer a safer way to manage your bankroll while still maintaining some chance of profit. Unlike the Martingale system, which can escalate bets rapidly during a losing streak, the D’Alembert system keeps everything much steadier. Even after a few losses, your bet sizes won’t become unreasonably large. This slower, more gradual approach to betting ensures that you won’t risk blowing through your bankroll too quickly, allowing you to continue playing without the constant fear of being wiped out by a bad streak.

However, it’s important to note that the D’Alembert system doesn’t promise huge winnings like other more aggressive betting strategies. It’s more of a long-term strategy for players who want to enjoy their time at the roulette table without the anxiety of rapidly escalating bets. While it might not turn you into a high roller overnight, it allows you to keep your risks lower, providing a more relaxed gaming experience.