How to Use Casino Games Betting Strategies: Our Guide

Gambling at the casino offers excitement. Popular betting strategies like the Labouchere, Reverse Labouchere, Martingale, and D’Alembert systems are used by experienced players to boost their winning probabilities.

How To Use The Labouchere System

The Labouchere Strategy is a betting system used in various casino games where bets are increased after losses. Its goal is to help Australian online gamblers recover losses by achieving a few wins in an online casino game.

The Labouchere Strategy in Roulette

To begin using the Labouchere strategy, you’ll need a pen and paper. Write down any sequence of numbers, such as 4, 1, 2, and 3.

Then, place your first bet equal to the sum of the first and last numbers in your sequence. For example, if your sequence is 4, 1, 2, and 3, your first bet would be $7, calculated as 4 + 3.

If you win your first bet, cross out the first and last numbers in your sequence and add together the next two remaining numbers for your next bet. For example, if you used 4 + 3 for $7, next use 1 + 2 for $3. Repeat this until all numbers are crossed out, then create a new sequence.

Labouchere Strategy

If you lose your first bet, simply add the amount you bet (e.g., $7) to the end or beginning of your sequence. For instance, if you add it to the beginning, your sequence will be 7, 4, 1, 2, 3.

Continue betting following the same rule: add the first and last numbers in your sequence for your next bet if you lose, and cross out the numbers if you win.

Pros And Cons of The Labouchere System

This strategy can be applied to various casino games like baccarat, craps, and blackjack. Try it out at your preferred online casino and aim for rewarding outcomes.

Pros
  • The system is flexible
  • You can start off by basing your sequence on the minimum betting amount
  • The strategy adds interesting elements to playing the game
Cons
  • Players have no guarantee that they will end the series fast
  • Gamblers need to have a sufficient bankroll
  • The system doesn’t influence the odds

How to Use The Martingale Strategy

The Martingale is a popular betting system where you increase bets after losses by doubling them until you win.

Using the Martingale system is simple: start with the minimum bet, and after each loss, double your bet until you return to the original amount. It’s a risky strategy because it involves doubling bets after losses, but it can help recover losses quickly. To use it effectively, you need a large bankroll and a table game with a high betting limit.

Example:

  • Bet $1 and lose (-$1).
  • Bet $2 and lose (-$3).
  • Bet $4 and lose (-$7).
  • Bet $8 and win (+$1).
  • Return to the original $1 bet.

Pros And Cons of The Martingale System

The Martingale can be used in a variety of casino games like baccarat, blackjack and craps, but it’s most commonly used in online roulette.

Pros
  • The system is easy to understand
  • Can help you recover your losses
  • Brings small winnings in the short-term
Cons
  • If you hit a losing streak, it can be difficult to recover
  • If a game has a betting limit, the maximum wager will be capped
  • You might bet big for only a small win

How to Use The Reverse Labouchere System

The Reverse Labouchere system is the opposite of the Labouchere system. Instead of increasing bets after a loss, you increase them after a win to maximise profits during a winning streak.

First, choose any sequence of numbers, such as 1, 2, 3, and 4. Begin by betting the sum of the first and last numbers in your sequence, which would be $5 (1 + 4). If you win, add the amount you bet to the end of your sequence. If you lose, remove the first and last numbers from your sequence and bet the sum of the new first and last numbers.

Your sequence can include as many numbers as you like.

  • When only one number remains in your sequence, bet that amount.
  • Start a new sequence once you’ve used all the numbers in your current one.

Pros And Cons of The Reverse Labouchere System

This system is not as simple as other betting systems, but it works well with games like roulette, craps, and baccarat.

Pros
  • It is up to the player to decide the level of risk by choosing a sequence
  • Allows you to bet previous winnings instead of chasing losses
Cons
  • There’s a risk of wiping out your winnings if you do not time the end of each betting session

How to Use The D'alembert System

The D’Alembert betting strategy, created by French mathematician Jean-Baptiste le Rond d’Alembert in the 18th century, is a conservative approach where bets increase after losses and decrease after wins.

It aims to limit potential losses while offering opportunities for gradual profits, making it ideal for players seeking effective bankroll management and risk minimisation in casino games.

The D’Alembert system is a popular betting strategy for games like roulette, focusing on even money bets where red and black outcomes are expected to balance out. Start by choosing a base stake, typically 2% to 5% of your total bankroll.

Begin each cycle with one unit as your initial bet. If you lose, increase the next bet by one unit; if you win, decrease it by one unit, or keep it the same if it’s already at one unit.

Pros And Cons of The D’alembert System

D’Alembert betting system can be used in roulette, blackjack and baccarat and is fairly easy to learn, which is why it’s so popular to use.

Pros
  • A very easy method to learn
  • Allows you to easily manage your bankroll
  • Allows you to be in control of your spending
Cons
  • It’s more for small rather than big wins
  • You could fall into a losing streak

How to Use The 1,3,2,6 Betting System

The 1,3,2,6 system is notable for its progressive method. Widely used in games like blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette, this system has gained popularity among enthusiasts. Let’s explore how this betting system works in detail.

  • Start with a one-unit wager. Move to the next step after a win, or begin again after a loss.
  • Bet one unit for the first bet.
  • If you win, increase your stake to three units for the second bet; if you lose, return to the initial step.
  • Bet two units for the third bet to recover any previous losses.
  • If you win, advance to the final step by betting six units; if not, restart the system from the beginning.

Pros And Cons of The 1,3,2,6 Betting System

Pros
  • Low Risk: Minimises losses during losing streaks to prevent rapid depletion of funds.
  • Profit Potential: Offers decent profits with minimal risk exposure when completing the sequence.
  • Easy to Use: Simple and easy to remember, making it beginner-friendly.
Cons
  • House Edge Unaffected: This system doesn’t alter the casino’s built-in advantage.
  • Not Guaranteed: While it aids in bankroll management, it doesn’t ensure continuous winnings.
  • Risk of Losses: Prolonged losing streaks can lead to substantial losses, especially without setting a stopping point.

Casino Games Strategies Glossary

Strategy
A planned approach or method used to maximise chances of winning in casino games.
Basic strategy
The optimal playing decisions in blackjack based on the player's hand and the dealer's upcard.
Hole card strategy
A blackjack strategy based on analysing the dealer's facedown card (hole card) to make optimal playing decisions.
Bluffing
A strategy employed in poker where players deceive opponents by betting or acting in a way that misrepresents their hand.
Card counting
A strategy used in card games, such as blackjack, to track the ratio of high to low-value cards to gain an advantage.
Flat betting
A strategy where players consistently bet the same amount without increasing or decreasing their wager.
Martingale System
A betting strategy where a player doubles their bet after each loss, aiming to recover all previous losses with a single win. This approach can be risky due to table limits and the possibility of a losing streak.
Bankroll management
Techniques for effectively managing and budgeting one's gambling funds.
Progressive betting
A betting system where the wager amount is adjusted based on previous outcomes.
Paroli
A positive progression system where bets are increased after a win and reset to the original amount after a loss.
D'Alembert
A betting system where players increase their bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win.
Fibonacci
A betting system where each bet is the sum of the previous two bets in the Fibonacci sequence.
Limit setting
Establishing predetermined win or loss limits to control the duration and outcome of a gambling session.
Gamble responsibly
Practicing safe and responsible gambling behaviours, including setting limits and knowing when to stop.
Table selection
Choosing a suitable table or game variant that aligns with the player's skill level and desired betting limits.
Game-Specific Strategies
Strategies tailored to specific casino games, such as roulette, poker, or baccarat, to improve outcomes.
Game selection
Choosing casino games with favourable odds or low house edges to improve chances of winning.
Risk management
Techniques for minimising potential losses and maximising potential gains during casino gameplay.
Time management
Implementing strategies to regulate the duration and frequency of casino gameplay.
Expected value
The anticipated value or potential profit of a bet or decision based on mathematical calculations.

Summary

Several casino game strategies are popular among experienced players. Experiment with different ones to find what fits your style best.  You can switch between strategies based on the game and your luck, but always remember that casino games are games of chance. The key is to enjoy yourself and gamble responsibly.

Four Suits
Jamie Bungaree avatar
Jamie Bungaree
Head of Casino Games

Hi, I’m Jamie, the Head of Casino Games at CasinoAus. For over eight years, I’ve been exploring the exciting universe of iGaming, from pokies to table games. My experience isn’t just about playing; it’s about understanding the mechanics and delivering quality content. My background in journalism equips me to provide you with insights that go beyond the surface. I’m here to make sure you have an engaging and informative experience.

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