If you’re a regular roulette player, then you will know that this game is purely random and based on luck. Perhaps, like myself, you have learned the hard way that there is no magic mathematical system that will guarantee you success at the wheel

Beware any ‘system’ that claims to be risk free or to eliminate the house advantage. It will not work. The house advantage is unalterable. Denial of this will lead to loss after loss, and along with your cash, your enjoyment of the game will also rapidly disappear.

There are, however, a number of common sense considerations, which when exploited and taken advantage of, increase your odds of winning.

Below is a short, concise list of ways to take advantage of the game ensure that you maximise your potential for winning and maintain your enjoyment of the game.

1) Play European Roulette

This has a house edge of 2.7% as opposed to the American version of 5.26%. Understanding and taking advantage of this fact is the easiest way to lower the risk and increase your odds.

2) Avoid the Five Numbers Bet

This involves placing chips on the intersection of 0 and 1. You win 6 to 1 if 0, 00, 1, 2, or 3 get hit. This bet is considered to be the worst roulette bet of all, with a low chance of wining and a high house advantage. If you want to better your chances, then don’t bet on the five numbers.

3) En Prison and La Partage

(Applied to even money bets only and allowed by only some casinos)

La Partage Rule: If zero is spun then the player will lose only half of their original bet.

En Prison Rule: If zero gets hit, some casinos allow half the bet to be taken back by the player, or your even chance bet is given a second chance; the bet is placed ‘in prison’ until the next spin. The whole bet is lost if zero is spun again.

These two strategies will lower the house edge of the casino, eg a bet on red has a house edge of 1.35% (single zero roulette) or 2.63% (double zero roulette).

4) Money Management

In a nutshell you want to maximize your winnings and minimize your losses. Before going to the table decide how much you can afford to lose. When at the table ensure you pocket a percentage of your winnings. That way, even if you hit a losing streak and lose your set bankroll, you won’t be in a ‘lose everything’ scenario.

5) Extended Rules

Look for casinos with extended rules. Some casinos have special rules that are beneficial to players, eg casinos located in Atlantic City have a special rule called ‘surrender’.

With this kind of rule the chances of a successful winning increase. The surrender rule is applicable only to outside bets that pay even money. This means that this rule will only work on red/black, even/odd, and high/low bets. So if the ball rests on the 0 pocket or the 00, you lose half of your bet.

The good thing about this roulette strategy is the damage limitation; instead of losing your entire bet, you lose only half. In addition, with this sort of rule in place, the house edge decreases to about 2.63%.

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