The Most Used Gambling Strategy: Martingale Method Explained
Wagering methods took the betting world to another level. Clever mathematicians or business people found ways to integrate logical concepts into luck places. Moreover, they found ways to win or lower their losses.
A betting system is a structured approach to gambling that aims to improve the odds of winning by managing the bets placed. It is not only about collecting money but also involves strategies that intend to increase the winning chances.
These methods can look like analysing past results, studying the game’s rules, and considering the opponent’s behaviour. Betting systems can be applied to various types of gambling games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, and sports betting. Understanding and utilising a betting system differentiates pro bettors from novices and even makes them win.
Double, double and then win
Unlike Fibonacci, Martingale is not a well-known person but rather a concept. However, many believe that the method carries the name of an 18th-century casino owner in France, John Henry Martindale. Some historians say Martindale was a wealthy and successful businessman who used the strategy to win big in casinos.
Through the years, the name got misspelt and remained Martingale. So you can say that Martingale was a person, but the background is incomplete without the proper explanation.
The Martingale system is a progressive betting strategy where you double your bet after each loss, aiming to recoup your losses and make a profit. The idea behind this system is that eventually, you will win, and the winnings will be large enough to cover all your previous losses.
Martingale in Roulette
Martingale is the most used at the Roulette tables because it perfectly combines skill and luck. American Roulette has a house edge of 5.25%, and the European version’s house edge is 2.7%
Let’s say you want to compare both for a black or red bet. In fact, you can use this method for any outside bets: odd/even, red/black, or over/under because they give you the perspective of a 50/50 chance. However, it is false. You get 48.7% odds in your favour for European Roulette, and the American wheel offers 47.4%.
In roulette, the Martingale system works on the outside bets. For example, if you wager $10 on red and it comes up black, you’ll add another $10 on the next spin. If it comes up black again, you will double the bet to $40 on the third spin.
Let’s say that you were lucky enough to win this time. Because outside bets have a 1:1 payout rate, it means you win $80. Your total bet so far was $70 ($10+$20+$40), so you make an additional $10 besides covering your cumulative losses.
Overall, the Martingale system can be effective in the short term use. It is generally not recommended for long-term use in casino table games, as verified by Casino Alpha.
Online casinos limitations
Online casinos have live dealers with different offers. Some dealers work at $2 tables, while others spin the wheels or deal cards for high-rollers. Each table and game has limitations and rules you must know about.
The problem with the Martingale system is that it assumes a losing streak will eventually end. Moreover, it also states that you have unlimited money to continue doubling your bet until you win. In reality, losing streaks can last longer than expected, and most players have limited funds, so they may be unable to continue doubling their bets. So you should consider two aspects of the wagering spectrum.
First, you should find a table that offers you a minimum bet low enough to allow you to start doubling without spending every penny in your budget. So if you have less than $200 to test the Martingale system, pick a $2-$5 table.
Another thing to consider is the maximum bet size. Casinos put this rule to help people don’t overspend. You should make some calculations before picking a dealer and see if, by doing this strategy, you exceed that maximum amount. If you do, then find a table with other sums. Under this rule, you’ll also see that online casinos have a losing limit. So, you might reach the maximum loss potential before winning by risking to keep doubling.
A strategy doesn’t make you a winner
The ultimate thing you must comprehend is that no plan, method or strategy makes you a winner every time you play. Martingale was created to limit and cover the losses and eventually make some extra money. Not the other way around.
It can indeed bring you essential sums of money in short periods. It can even help you understand other complex betting methods, such as Labouchere or James Bond. But remember that you can use Martingale for table games like Blackjack, Poker, Roulette or Baccarat. For slots and video poker, you can only rely solely on luck.