Roulette has fascinated players for centuries, with its spinning wheel and simple choice of where the ball might land. Yet, one question often arises — can it truly be beaten?
You might have read about “secret systems” that claim to secure constant wins, but do any of them hold up in practice?
This guide explains how roulette works, what betting systems actually do, and why no method can remove the house advantage. By the end, you’ll have a betting understanding of what’s realistic and how to help keep your play enjoyable and responsible.
An “always win” strategy suggests that a certain pattern of betting can guarantee profits. These systems often use mathematical progressions, claiming that by adjusting stake sizes, you can recover losses and finish ahead.
For example, some guides say you can bet on red or black, odd or even, or high or low (numbers 1–18 and 19–36) in a pattern that will eventually win back any previous losses.
While this sounds appealing, roulette outcomes are random. The game is built so that no matter how you structure your bets, the house maintains a small, consistent advantage, and winning cannot be guaranteed.
In the UK, the most common version is European roulette, which features 37 pockets numbered 0 to 36. The single green zero gives the casino its mathematical edge.
Players place chips on a layout known as the betting table. You can bet on individual numbers or groups of numbers. There are two main types of bets:
When the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and rolls the ball in the other, the pocket where the ball lands becomes the winning number. Each spin is independent — previous results have no effect on what happens next.
Roulette is a game of chance, meaning the outcome is entirely random. For European roulette, the probability of hitting a single number is 1 in 37, or around 2.7%.
Systems that promise consistent wins assume that losing streaks must eventually end, but probability doesn’t work that way. The chance of red or black appearing on the next spin remains the same regardless of what came before.
Casinos also apply table limits — minimum and maximum stakes that prevent players from endlessly increasing their bets to try and recover losses. Even if these limits didn’t exist, the house edge would still apply to every spin.
No staking pattern or formula can change this built-in advantage. The results are random, and that’s how the game is designed.
The house edge is the percentage the casino expects to keep over time due to the difference between the true odds of winning and the payouts offered.
In European roulette, there are 37 possible outcomes, yet a straight-up win pays 35 to 1 rather than 36 to 1. This difference gives the casino an advantage of about 2.7%.
In French roulette, which uses the same wheel, extra rules like La Partage or En Prison may apply to even-money bets (such as red/black or odd/even). When the ball lands on zero, you might get half your stake back, or have it carried over to the next spin, which reduces the edge to roughly 1.35% on those bets.
By contrast, American roulette adds an extra zero (0 and 00), raising the total to 38 numbers and the house edge to around 5.26%. Checking which version you’re playing can help you understand potential returns more clearly.
Many people try betting systems to make their play more structured. They can add a sense of order, but do not change how the game works.
The Martingale system suggests doubling your stake after each losing spin. For example, if you start with £1 on red and lose, you’d bet £2 next, then £4, £8, and so on, until a win returns all losses, plus £1 profit. However, as roulette is random, any wins can never be guaranteed.
Other systems include:
These methods are popular because they give a clear structure, but they do not change the probability of winning. A losing streak can quickly reach the table limit or exceed your chosen budget before a win occurs.
No system alters the house edge. The odds of any single number in European roulette remain 1 in 37 every spin. Betting systems only adjust how much you stake, not the likelihood of an outcome.
For some, systems provide a framework for pacing bets, but they cannot influence results. Roulette is governed by chance, and each spin is an independent event.
Roulette can be enjoyed responsibly when treated as a form of entertainment, not a source of profit. Because it’s based on chance, there is no way to predict or influence outcomes.
To help keep play manageable:
These steps can help keep the experience enjoyable and responsible.
The best way to manage your play depends on your comfort level and preferences. Some may prefer lower stakes for potentially longer sessions; others might play a few spins and stop once they’ve reached their spending limit.
Understanding the version you’re playing, the table limits, and the house edge can help you make informed decisions. Sticking within a set budget and viewing your stake as the cost of entertainment can help keep expectations realistic.
If you are interested in experiencing roulette for yourself, you can explore a range of games at Dream Jackpot. Our online casino is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, which means it meets strict standards for safety, security, and fair play.
Our library also includes live dealer roulette alongside classic tables, card games, and slots.
Tools are available to help you manage your experience if you want them, and all games are for adults aged 18 or over.
If you are ready to get started, log in or join Dream Jackpot to explore our casino games. Whatever you choose, play sensibly and responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.