Progressive Betting Systems

Ever since humanity began to gamble, options have been applied to positively influence the chances to win. Progressive betting systems are amongst the oldest strategies. One of the benefits is that they can be used for a variety of casino games. Moreover, they allow players to incorporate their bankroll management. This alone is extremely helpful.

What are Progressive Betting Systems

Before we answer the question “does progressive betting work?” we first need to understand what progressive betting systems are all about. There are two categories: Positive and negative progression.

Positive progressive betting strategies act after a win.

Negative progressive systems do the opposite.

In both cases your next bet is determined by the previous outcome of the game. Examples for positive progressive betting are Parlay and Paroli. The most famous strategy, the Martingale, however, is an example of a negative progressive betting system. As is D’Alembert.

Examples of progressive betting systems:

  • Martingale
  • Parlay
  • Paroli
  • D’Alembert
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Progressive Betting Explained

Since the Martingale strategy is regarded as the oldest form of betting systems, I would like to explain the idea of progressive betting using it as an example. All other progressive betting systems are a variation of this tactic. It is amazingly simple. Whenever your previous bet wins, you double your bet for the next round. Should you lose, you keep on placing your initial bet.

All progressive betting systems are based on the premise that the outcome is a 50:50 chance. Hence, these strategies can be used for all games of chance, which (almost) fulfil this requirement. A blackjack progressive betting strategy can, therefore, also be applied as a roulette progressive betting system and vice versa.

Does Progressive Betting Work?

Should you already be familiar with games such as roulette and blackjack, you will have noticed that even bets on red or black / dealer or player do not provide a true 50:50 chance. Due to the zero on the roulette wheel and the option of a draw for blackjack, the odds are slightly more in favor of the casino.

Progressive betting strategies, moreover, take endless rounds into account when it comes to their aim to even out and surpass any losses through winnings. Players, on the other hand, usually have neither an infinite budget nor time to keep on playing forever.

This means that it will not be possible, from a mathematical point of view, to guarantee winnings when using these systems. But they do hold a fantastic opportunity to manage your budget the best way possible. Since increasing or decreasing your stake by pre-set rules, keeping track of your spending is much easier.

Another advantage of these betting strategies is that you can adjust them to your own needs. If doubling your bet with each win sounds to high a stake, why not simply increase them by half? Since the statistical premises are not fulfilled anyway, you do not have to worry about breaking the system. Use the budget you are comfortable with and change the rules according to your preferences. Whatever it is that helps you to budget your gambling is a good thing.

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