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    Is Martingale an effective betting strategy worth trying?

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    What is the Martingale system? Join us as we learn about the history of the strategy, whether it works, and if it can be applied to online slots.

    A betting system is a structured strategy gamblers use to manage their bets to maximise winnings or minimise losses.

    These systems are applied to online casino games like craps, baccarat, blackjack or roulette, and some can also be used when betting on sports. One such example is the Martingale, whose premise is relatively straightforward.

    What is the Martingale betting system?

    The Martingale system has been around for almost 300 years, is quite simple to learn and can be described in a few words: If you lose, double your wager.

    The Martingale is a negative progression system used to determine the size of your bets. It’s a gambling strategy that involves doubling your bet after every loss to potentially recover all previous losses and gain a small profit if you win.

    It is most commonly used in games with near 50/50 odds, such as roulette and blackjack, but it can also be applied to other online casino games and sports betting.

    History of the Martingale betting system

    The Martingale system is believed to have been invented in the 18th century by French mathematicians, but it really gained traction when John H. Martindale, a casino owner in 18th-century London, wandered around his casino floor encouraging patrons to double their bets after losses.

    The system’s reputation was greatly enhanced in 1891, when a gambler, Charles De Ville Wells, known as the “man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo,” won over a million Francs playing roulette—that's $13 million in today’s money!

    It is believed that Wells used the Martingale system to win, partially bankrolled by investors he had recruited back in London.

    Does the Martingale system work?

    The Martingale system can work for casino games in the short term but is not a guaranteed winning strategy in the long run. Here is a breakdown of the short and long-term implications of using this betting strategy:

    Why it can work short-term

    • If you have a large bankroll and no betting limits, you can often recover funds after a few rounds.
    • The system is effective during short winning streaks, allowing for small, consistent profits.

    Why it fails long-term

    • Casino betting limits: Most casinos have table betting limits, preventing indefinite doubling in the case of a continued losing streak.
    • Bankroll limitations: A long losing streak can deplete your funds quickly.
    • The house edge remains: The system doesn’t change the odds; games like blackjack or roulette still favour the house.

    While the Martingale system seems appealing based on its sheer simplicity, the strategy carries high risks and doesn’t eliminate the house advantage. The ultimate drawback of the system, however, is the need for an almost unlimited bankroll to fund its long-term implementation.

    Responsible Gambling & Play Safe

    Can the Martingale system be used on slots?

    The betting strategy is best used on table games such as roulette and blackjack but can be applied to other online casino games too. Baccarat is a great example if you opt for a player bet. You can also use it on craps if you stick to bets like pass, don’t pass, come, don’t come.

    You could also consider using the Martingale approach on online slots with high RTP, low volatility and no basic bonus features, but it works much better on table games, either the virtual or live dealer versions.

    In conclusion, the Martingale system can work in the short term but is almost guaranteed to fail over time due to bet growth, table limits and bankroll constraints. It is a high-risk strategy that many gamblers have tried, but few have managed to turn a profit in the long term.

    Leave us a review on Trustpilot!

    Published: February 24, 2025

    Anything incorrect or missing?

    Let us know
    Deni avatar image

    Article by Deni

    CasinoWow Contributor

    Hi, I’m Deni and I am here to ensure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about online casinos and games and, of course, have fun while doing it. I do so through in-depth research and a keen eye for detail resulting in comprehensive reviews and engaging articles. Let’s explore the iGaming world together!

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