Debunking Myths: Why Betting Systems Fail

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A roulette wheel with the ball in the black 13 slot.
BetMGM Jun 15, 2023, 2:27 AM

Almost all gamblers have developed and implemented a betting system that works for them. For years, gambling systems have been popular with players of both land-based and online casino games. Players use these systems to guide their wagers to increase profits and minimize losses.

What Are Betting Systems?

For as long as casino games have existed, people have always tried to find ways to beat the house; it makes sense that betting systems have existed in all parts of the world. These are methods of using your bankroll strategically or systematically in an attempt to produce a profit. By using these systems, you are required to either increase or decrease your bets, either when you win or lose a bet.

Facts About Betting Systems

  • Most systems are simple to follow.
  • There are two types of systems that you can follow: positive progressive betting systems and negative progressive betting systems.
  • Betting systems do not work in the long term, but they can help you win money in the short term.
  • Betting systems aren’t foolproof ways to win money.
  • Your bankroll size and how much you are willing to sacrifice to win money play a huge factor.

Positive and Negative Progressive Betting Systems

The basis of positive and negative progressive systems relies on the principle of adjusting the size of your bet. This will be based on whether you’ve won your previous bet or lost it. It all boils down to how you choose to adjust your bets depending on the system being employed. Take a look at how the two systems work.

Positive Progressive Betting Systems

If a progressive betting system is positive, it will:

  • Increase stakes when you win your previous bet.
  • Decrease stakes when you experience a loss.

Negative Progressive Betting Systems

If a progressive betting system is negative, it will:

  • Increase stakes when you have a loss.
  • Decrease stakes when you land a win.

Are Betting Systems Effective?

Many mathematicians have denounced betting systems because their basic criteria for success require the player to have an infinite bankroll. Each spin, deal of the cards or roll of the dice is independent of the last; there’s no guarantee that a couple of losses will be followed by a win. Since many gamblers play on a very limited budget, a run of losses and not-so-smart wagers are enough to bust people over a short period of time. 

Betting systems fail to beat casino games with a house advantage. For example, each spin in roulette and every toss in craps is independent of all past events. You may be able to fool yourself into thinking a betting system works in the short run; however, as you play longer, the ratio of money lost to money bet will get closer to the expectation for that game. It is still good to know how systems like the Andrucci Betting System work so that you understand the game better.

Gambler’s Fallacy

The gambler’s fallacy involves the myth that an event has not happened recently. Therefore, it becomes overdue and more likely to happen. Many gamblers who enjoy casino games, including casino table games, have used gambling systems that attempt to exploit the gambler’s fallacy by betting the opposite way of recent outcomes. 

Is There a System That Works?

It is tough to beat the house at its own game while playing at a casino. If you think a betting system will help bend the odds in your favor, you’ll have to think about this realistically. This is because casinos use random number generators (RNGs.) So, a roulette wheel’s ball will not remember the number where it previously landed, a craps dice will not remember what score it generated during the previous throw; of course, slots reels have no memory. Therefore, you should not step inside a casino thinking that you will be able to beat the house by using a betting strategy.

The Difference Between a Strategy and a System

In gambling, the terms strategy and system are used interchangeably. Take a look at the differences between the two.

Strategy

A strategy is a plan of action that is designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.

System

This is a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done. It is an organized scheme or method. 

Should You Pay for Systems and Strategies?

There are several websites that try to sell gambling systems and strategies. Many of them are simply cons that try to trap gamblers into believing that these applied methods will work for them. 

To sum it up, no clear systems can allow you to beat casino games. Of course, this is not without cheating. Some strategies can improve your chance of winning, but nothing is guaranteed.

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Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.