How to Win on Online Roulette: Strategies, Betting Systems and Tips

Roulette has been a casino favorite for centuries. Simplicity and genius make it one of the most accessible yet craziest games in gambling. But despite the simplicity of the rules, players quickly realize that the outcome depends mostly on luck. That's why so many people turn to roulette strategies — not as a guaranteed way to profit, but as a way to manage their bankroll, add structure to the game, and control emotions at the table.

Before you dive into specific systems, remember — roulette is a game of chance, and no strategy can change the inherent winnings. What strategies can do is help you control the pace of your bets, limit losses, and enjoy the game more.

Understanding the House Edge

Before trying any strategy in roulette, it is essential to get the full picture, and without the house edge, it is impossible to do so. What the house edge is, therefore, is a built-in mathematical advantage that ensures that the casino always wins in the long run. The advantage is that there are zero pockets on the wheel that slightly shift the odds in favor of the player.

• European Roulette (Single Zero) — the European wheel has 37 pockets — numbers 1 through 36, plus a single green zero (0). Because bets like red/black or odd/even don’t cover the zero, it gives the casino a house edge of 2.70%. That means for every $100 wagered over time, the casino expects to keep $2.70.

• French Roulette (Single Zero + Special Rules) — French roulette also uses the 37-pocket wheel, but adds special player-friendly rules such as La Partage and En Prison. Both rules apply when an even-money bet (red/black) loses to a zero spin:

  • La Partage → you lose only half your bet instead of all of it.

  • En Prison → your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin; if it wins, you get your stake back. 

Thanks to these rules, the effective house edge on even-money bets drops to just 1.35%, making French roulette the most favorable option for players.

• American Roulette (Double Zero) — the American wheel has 38 pockets — numbers 1 through 36, plus both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). That extra pocket significantly raises the casino’s advantage, pushing the house edge to 5.26%. In practical terms, the American version doubles the cost of playing compared to European roulette.

The type of wheel you choose matters far more than the betting system you use. Whenever possible, play European or French Roulette — your bankroll will last longer, and your chances of walking away with a win improve.

Types of Roulette Strategies

Roulette strategies are not tricks to beat the game — no system can eliminate the house edge. Instead, they’re betting frameworks that help players manage risk, control their bankroll, and add structure to gameplay. Broadly, roulette strategies fall into two categories:

Progressive Betting Systems 

These methods adjust your bet size after every win or loss. The idea is either to recover past losses (negative progression) or to press winning streaks (positive progression). Progressive systems can generate short-term excitement but also carry a higher risk if losing streaks run long.

Examples: Martingale, Grand Martingale, Reverse Martingale (Paroli), Fibonacci, D’Alembert.

Flat or Fixed Betting Systems

With flat betting, you keep your stake the same each round or spread it across a fixed pattern of bets. This reduces volatility and makes bankroll management easier, though winnings accumulate more slowly.

Examples: James Bond strategy, 666 strategy, fixed-percentage bankroll betting.

Progressive systems may look attractive, but can burn through your balance quickly if the table limits or losing streaks catch you off guard. Flat systems are safer, especially for beginners, but offer smaller returns. Choosing between them depends on whether you value consistency or risk-taking.

Progressive Betting Strategies

Progressive systems are the most popular among roulette players because they add a lot of pure fun and a sense of chasing or pressing results. But they also come with a higher risk. Here are the most common approaches:

Martingale Strategy

• Concept: double your bet after each loss until you hit a win.

• Goal: recover all previous losses and gain a small profit with just one win.

• Problem: long losing streaks quickly hit table limits or drain your bankroll.

• Verdict: extremely risky — best only for players with very deep pockets and short sessions.

Grand Martingale

• Concept: same as Martingale, but you add one extra unit on top of the doubled bet.

• Goal: speeds up recovery and boosts profits when you win.

• Problem: bankroll burns out even faster on losing streaks.

Reverse Martingale (Paroli System)

• Concept: increase your bet after each win instead of after losses.

• Benefit: lets you ride winning streaks with less risk.

• Problem: a single loss wipes out the streak’s gains.

• Verdict: best for even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low).

D’Alembert Strategy

• Concept: increase your bet by one unit after a loss, decrease by one after a win. Much gentler than Martingale, with slower swings.

• Benefit: helps manage bankroll with less volatility.

• Problem: profits accumulate slowly.

Fibonacci Strategy

• Concept: use the famous sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, …). Increase bets following the sequence after each loss, and step back after a win.

• Benefit: progression is more gradual than Martingale, reducing wipeout risk.

• Problem: still vulnerable to long losing streaks, and winnings may not cover all losses without extended play.

Progressive systems can deliver exciting streaks and short-term wins, but none of them remove the house edge. Always set strict limits before trying these methods.

Fixed and Non-Progressive Strategies

Not every roulette system involves constantly adjusting your bet size. Some players prefer fixed or non-progressive strategies, where you stick to a specific bet pattern or distribution regardless of wins or losses. These methods don’t promise profits — but they can shape your play style and add structure.

James Bond Strategy

• How it works: popularized by Ian Fleming’s famous spy, this system divides your stake across three areas:

  • 70% on high numbers (19–36),

  • 25% on a six-line bet (13–18),

  • 5% on zero.

• Why players like it: covers more than two-thirds of the wheel, giving frequent small wins.

• Risk factor: when the ball lands on 1-12, you lose the entire bet, which can wipe out multiple smaller wins.

• Verdict: fun as a themed, short-term system. Not sustainable for long-term play.

666 Strategy

• How it works: named because the sum of all roulette numbers is 666, this system aims to cover nearly the whole board (don’t worry, no demons or curses here). A standard version uses 66 units:

  • 36 units on red

  • 24 units on 12 splits (two-number bets)

  • 6 units on three straight-up numbers

• Pros: wins feel frequent since most of the board is covered.

• Cons: losses are large when uncovered numbers hit, and mathematically, the house edge remains unchanged.

• Verdict: expensive and risky. Better for experienced players experimenting with coverage systems.

All-In Strategy

• How it works: as the name suggests, you put your entire bankroll on one spin — usually on an even-money bet (red/black, odd/even, or high/low).

• Appeal: maximum adrenaline. One spin can double your bankroll instantly.

• Problem: a single loss wipes out your session completely. No recovery possible.

• Verdict: more of a gamble than a strategy. Only for thrill-seekers who accept the high risk of losing everything.

Fixed betting systems may feel safer than progressive ones, but they don’t change the underlying odds. Use them as entertainment tools rather than profit-making methods — and always play within your limits.

Strategy Comparison Table

Yes, there are many strategies, and some of them are radically different. It can be challenging for a beginner to navigate. Here is a table that will systematize everything for you.

Myths About Roulette Strategies

Despite countless betting systems and player tricks, roulette remains a game of chance. There are still many myths circulating, and believing in them can lead to wrong decisions. To play more effectively, you need to get rid of them. Let's take a look at the most common ones:

This system guarantees profit.

Reality — no system can overcome the built-in house edge. Whether you’re using Martingale, Fibonacci, or James Bond, the algorithm doesn’t change — the casino always has a small advantage in the long run. Betting systems only alter the pattern of wins and losses, not the outcome.

“Hot” or “cold” numbers matter.

Reality — every spin is independent, whether online with an RNG or at a physical wheel. Just because red has hit five times in a row doesn’t mean black is “due”. This belief is called the Gambler’s Fallacy — and it’s one of the most common mistakes players make.

Casinos fear certain strategies.

Reality — casinos don’t ban Martingale, Fibonacci, or any betting system because they don’t change the odds. The only thing casinos limit is the maximum bet size, which prevents progressive systems from running endlessly. The house edge remains intact regardless of how you place your bets.

Roulette is designed to be unpredictable. Strategies can make your play more structured or entertaining, but they can’t beat the math.