How to use the Martingale System for betting

The Martingale System is one of the most well known betting systems in the betting world. The Martingale System was already being used by the 1800s so it’s safe to say that it’s a tried and tested method.

The Martingale System is especially suited to simpler types of betting, for example roulette. But more recently the system has successfully been applied to other types of betting such as sports betting.

For many players The Martingale System is one of the most profitable betting strategies, and in many respects some even consider it to be unbeatable. But how lucrative is The Martingale system really?

By reading this betting guide you’ll be able to learn about what The Martingale System really is and how it actually works. Hopefully we’ll be able to dispel a few myths about this popular betting strategy in the process.

The Martingale System is an extremely simple betting strategy that’s based on the idea that you double your stake when you lose in order to win back your original bet. If you lose the first bet then you would double the stake for the second bet. Even if you lose the second bet, for your next bet would double the stake again. Essentially you would keep on doubling the stake until you go on to win a bet.

The Martingale System represents an example of a high risk betting strategy

The Martingale system is often attractive to many beginners to betting, primarily because of its sheer simplicity.

In theory, The Martingale System could become useful and profitable, but only under two conditions. Firstly, if you had unlimited funds in the event of losing multiple bets, and secondly if betting sites and online casinos allowed uncapped deposits.

It must be said though that The Martingale System represents an example of a high risk betting strategy. The longer you’re losing bets (which is going to happen regardless of how experienced or skilled you are in betting) then the higher the likelihood you will blow out your bankroll with this type of system.

The combination of a tendency to be overconfident in raising the stakes with this type of betting strategy as well as the under appreciation of the risk entailed with a losing a streak leads many beginners to place too much confidence in The Martingale System.

As we’ve already discussed, The Martingale System is built on the idea that you double your stake every time you have a losing bet until you win a bet, thus winning back your total stake.

You need to start by deciding what your starting stake will be, for example 1% of your total bankroll. If you have a bankroll of a £1000 then your starting bet would be £10.

If you win your first bet you would then carry on by laying down the same stake, £10. If you lose your first bet you would double the stake to £20 for your second bet.

Bear in mind that it’s important to bet on odds of at least evens (1/1 - 2.00) in order to have a good chance of winning back any lost stakes.

In the event that you would lose the second bet you would then go on to double the third stake to £40 in the hope that you win it, thus winning back your previous stakes. 

An example of The Martingale System in practice:

To keep it simple, we’ll show you how The Martingale System works if you have an original bet of £5, playing at odds of 1/1 (2.00). The status of the “outcome” column represents any total gains or losses in relation to your original bet.

In this example you can see how your overall bets will end you up in the black by £20. But with this example it’s easy to see how quickly your losses build up, although the higher the stakes the easier it is to win larger sums.

If you’re set on trying out The Martingale System for yourself you should be well aware of the risks that are associated with this particular betting strategy. Firstly, you need to have a good look at your bankroll. Secondly, you need to have a decently sized bankroll in the event of a potential run of losses. Bear in mind that even with a large amount to bet with at your disposal, just a few losses in a row can wipe out your bankroll.

Always be aware of the potential risks associated with this type of betting strategy

One example is that if you have ten losing bets in a row at odds of 1/1 (2.00). Although these odds represent a 50% chance of a winning bet, it’s not at all impossible to conceive of losing each one which would leave your bankroll in a sorry state.

In some cases if you have a poor run of bets and end up losing increasingly larger amounts, the betting site can make a decision not to take any further bets. In that case, you won’t just lose your original stake, but will be denied the chance to win it back.

To be frank, those who are interested in a longer term betting strategy should consider not using The Martingale System. Simply because, the more bets you play, the higher risk you have of wiping out your bankroll if you have a number of losing bets.

If you’re intent on trying out or using The Martingale System, we recommend you keep your original stake to a minimum, whilst being aware of the potential risks associated with this type of betting system. It’s important to know when to stop, whether you’re winning or losing.