Roulette strategies

Roulette has always been one of my favourite casino games. There’s something exciting about watching the ball spin and hoping it lands your way. Here in South Africa, online roulette is hugely popular, and most top casinos offer a variety of roulette games to choose from.

While the outcome of every spin is random, I’ve found that using the right strategy can make the experience more enjoyable and help manage your bankroll. Whether you're playing for fun or hoping for a lucky streak, a solid system can add structure and reduce unnecessary risks.

I’ve tested dozens of roulette strategies over time—some simple, others a bit more advanced. Below, I’ll walk you through the most popular ones and share my honest thoughts on what works best for different styles of players.

By Adiela de Bruyn - Last modified 2025/03/19 - Estimated reading time: 7 minutes.

» Simple Strategies
» Progressive Strategies
» Advanced Progressive Strategies
» Flexible Strategies
» Conclusion

Simple Strategies

When I was new to online roulette, I found myself drawn to the simpler strategies. They were easy to understand and made me feel like I had a system. Most of these are built on the idea that patterns form over time, even though every spin is random. For example, the Pivot system looks for numbers that repeat within 36 spins. I liked how it gave me something to track.

Then there’s the One Hit Wonder and Memory Game. These strategies rely on spotting numbers that haven’t come up in a while. The thinking is that they’re ‘due’—but this is based on the Gambler’s Fallacy, which I quickly learned can be misleading. Still, I appreciated that these systems kept things simple and didn’t require large bets or constant changes. They helped me stay in control, especially with level staking that avoids sudden losses.

Progressive Strategies

Once I became more comfortable, I experimented with progressive strategies. These increase or decrease your bets after a win or loss. They can be exciting, but also risky. The most famous one is the Martingale. With this strategy, I’d double my bet after each loss and return to my original stake after a win. The goal is to cover previous losses with a single win.

Here’s a quick example I tried using R10 on red: R10 (loss), R20 (loss), R40 (loss), R80 (loss), R160 (win). That win recovers the previous losses and gives me a R10 profit. But I learned quickly that this strategy can burn through your bankroll fast during losing streaks. The Column strategy works in a similar way but focuses on full columns of numbers—an even bolder move.

If you prefer more measured risk, consider the D’Alembert or Angelika systems. They increase your stake slowly after each loss. I found them much easier to manage without stressing about large bets.

Advanced Progressive Strategies

Some strategies are best suited to players who enjoy structure or have a knack for numbers. One that stood out to me was the Fibonacci system. It follows a sequence—1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and so on—where each bet is the sum of the previous two. It’s a clever way to manage losses gradually and works well on even-money bets.

Then there’s the Labouchere system. This one took me a while to get used to. You write down a sequence of numbers that adds up to your desired profit. Each bet equals the first and last numbers of that list. Win or lose, you adjust the sequence. I liked how interactive it felt, but it’s best used when I could focus without distractions. The Ascot strategy is another complex one that uses a betting progression chart—it’s fun, but takes discipline.

Flexible Strategies

I’ve always appreciated roulette strategies that let me stay in control. That’s why I enjoy flexible systems. They don’t lock you into strict progressions and allow room for personal preference. The Parlay strategy is a good example. When I’m on a winning streak, I roll over my winnings into the next bet. It’s a low-risk way to go for bigger wins without touching my original stake.

The Paroli system is similar, but with a focus on chaining a few wins in a row. I often use this when I want a short, fun session without putting much at stake. It’s simple, effective, and easy to run even on my phone.

Strategy Comparison Table

Roulette Strategy Quick Reference
Martingale	High risk, easy to use, fast recoveries. Can wipe out bankroll quickly during losing streaks.
Fibonacci	Medium risk, needs attention, good for even bets. Less volatile than Martingale.
Paroli	Low risk, best for hot streaks. Easy for beginners and mobile users.
Labouchere	Medium-high complexity. Best for focused, long sessions. Track bets manually.
D’Alembert	Low to medium risk. Simple structure, steady betting. Good for controlled play.
Pivot	Low risk, easy for beginners. Based on repeated numbers in short-term spins.

Which Strategy Suits You Best?

Recommended Strategies by Player Type
Beginners	Pivot, Paroli, D’Alembert
Experienced Players	Fibonacci, Labouchere, Ascot
Mobile Players	Paroli, Martingale (with limits), Parlay
Low Bankroll	Paroli, D’Alembert
Big Risk Takers	Martingale, Column
Short Session Play	Parlay, One Hit Wonder

Bankroll and Realistic Play

No matter what strategy I use, I always set a firm bankroll before I start. I never chase losses, and I avoid raising bets just because I feel lucky. Most strategies work best with consistent betting and a calm mindset. It helps to decide how much I’m willing to lose, and when to walk away if I’m ahead.

Also, while progressive systems can be tempting, I don’t recommend them unless you’re comfortable with how fast they can climb. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment—especially if you’re playing on mobile and distracted.

Conclusion

Roulette strategies can’t beat the house edge, but they can make the game more engaging and structured. For me, they help control my bets, extend my sessions, and add extra enjoyment. Whether you’re using a light-touch strategy like Paroli or going deeper with Fibonacci, always remember—every spin is still random. Use these strategies as tools, not as guarantees. Play smart, set limits, and enjoy the ride.

Frequently Asked Questions about Roulette Strategies

Can roulette strategies really help me win?

Based on my own experience, strategies can help you manage your bankroll and make smarter bets. They won’t guarantee wins, but they add structure to your play and can reduce impulsive decisions. Just keep in mind that roulette is still a game of chance, and the house edge always applies in the long run.

What’s the safest roulette strategy for beginners?

In my view, the D’Alembert and Paroli strategies are solid picks for beginners. They’re simple to follow and don’t require massive bankrolls. They help you stay in control without taking on too much risk. These systems also work well on even-money bets like red or black, which are ideal for learning the game.

Is the Martingale strategy worth trying?

Martingale can be effective in short bursts, but I wouldn’t rely on it for long sessions. It doubles your bets after losses, which can get expensive fast. If you hit a long losing streak, your balance can disappear quickly. I suggest using strict limits if you try it, and only with money you can afford to lose.

Which strategies work best on mobile?

For mobile play, I prefer simple systems like Paroli or Martingale (with tight limits). These don’t need much note-taking or complex tracking. Strategies like Labouchere or Ascot can be tricky on a small screen unless you keep notes somewhere. The easier the system, the better it suits mobile gaming.

Do any roulette strategies work with small bankrolls?

Yes, strategies like Paroli, Pivot, and D’Alembert work well with smaller budgets. I’ve used them myself when I wanted longer sessions without risking much. They rely on steady betting rather than doubling up, so you can stretch your playtime while keeping things under control.

Can I use roulette strategies at South African online casinos?

Absolutely. Every strategy I’ve tested works the same whether you’re playing at a local South African online casino or an international one. Just make sure the game is fair, and ideally go for European roulette with a single zero—it gives you better odds than the American version with two zeros.