The Labouchere system is a structured betting strategy used on even-money roulette bets like red/black or odd/even. Many players are drawn to the system for its structured, goal-based approach, which offers a sense of control compared to the more aggressive strategies like the Martingale.

Players begin by writing a sequence of small numbers (e.g., 1-2-3) and always wager the sum of the first and last. After a win, those numbers are crossed out; after a loss, the amount lost is added to the end of the sequence.

Unlike Martingale, which doubles bets after every loss, Labouchere stretches losses over a longer sequence, offering a more gradual risk curve.

Core Principles of the Labouchere System

The Labouchere system relies on a written sequence of numbers, typically 4–8 digits, representing betting units. You add the first and last numbers in the sequence to calculate your next wager.

If you win, you cross off those two numbers. If you lose, you add the lost amount to the end of the sequence. The sequence ends when all numbers are crossed off.

The idea isn’t to win every hand, but to gradually eliminate the full sequence, turning small gains into a complete unit profit cycle.

Here’s how it works step-by-step:

• Start with a simple sequence like 1-2-3 (total target = 6 units).
• First bet: 1 + 3 = 4 units.
• If you win: cross off 1 and 3 → sequence becomes 2.
• If you lose: add 4 to the end → sequence becomes 1-2-3-4.
• Continue betting the new first + last.

Sequence Reset Examples:

✔️ Win-Win-Win: Sequence clears entirely, and the session ends in profit.

❌ Loss-Loss-Win: Sequence lengthens before it shortens, and the risk stretches.

❌❌❌❌: Prolonged losses keep adding high numbers, inflating stake sizes fast.

Unlike Martingale, Labouchere doesn’t double every loss, but the sequence can still escalate. Always pre-set a max number of steps and a bankroll cap to avoid runaway exposure.

Historical & Mathematical Background

The Labouchere system was popularized in the 19th century by British politician and roulette enthusiast Henry Labouchere. He believed in the “equilibrium of chance”—the idea that wins and losses naturally balance out over time. While elegant in theory, the system doesn’t change long-term odds.

Formula Snapshot:
Expected Value (EV) = House Edge × Total Wagered
Even if you win small, the built-in edge (−2.70% on single-zero roulette) ensures losses eventually outweigh gains, especially during long losing streaks.

Table Requirements and Optimal Wheel Selection in the US

The Labouchere system works best on even money bets like red/black, odd/even, or high/low, where the payout is 1:1 and outcomes are close to 50/50.

US players should seek single-zero (European or French) roulette wheels to reduce the house edge, as they carry a 2.70% edge compared to 5.26% on double-zero American wheels.

In regulated US markets, top live dealer studios (like those powered by Evolution) often support table limits ranging from $1 to $5,000, which allows room for building and completing Labouchere sequences.

Look for games offering the La Partage rule (typically on French wheels), where you get half your stake back on losing even-money bets if zero hits.

This softens the blow of losses and helps you recover sequences more efficiently, especially during tight bankroll sessions.

Step-by-Step Walk-Through With Annotated Bet Tracker

Let’s review a step-by-step list of the Labouchere Roulette system and details on how to find a reputable online casino site, join, and deposit funds to play roulette games.

Below is the bet sequence you can use to start the Labouchere Roulette system.

Starting sequence: 2 – 2 – 2
Target win: $6 (sum of sequence)

Spin 1: Bet $4 (2 + 2) → ❌ Loss
New sequence: 2 – 2 – 2 – 4

Spin 2: Bet $6 (2 + 4) → ❌ Loss
New sequence: 2 – 2 – 2 – 4 – 6

Spin 3: Bet $8 (2 + 6) → ❌ Loss
New sequence: 2 – 2 – 2 – 4 – 6 – 8

Spin 4: Bet $10 (2 + 8) → ✅ Win
Remove 2 and 8 → New sequence: 2 – 2 – 2 – 4 – 6

Spin 5: Bet $8 (2 + 6) → ✅ Win
Remove 2 and 6 → New sequence: 2 – 2 – 2 – 4

Spin 6: Bet $6 (2 + 4) → ✅ Win
Remove 2 and 4 → New sequence: 2 – 2 – 2
✔️ Back to original sequence, $6 profit total.

Use the steps above after you follow the instructions below to join a new casino and play online roulette with the strategy.

Step 1: Find a Licensed Casino

Start by selecting a platform legally licensed in your state, such as New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, or Connecticut. Look for the license number in the site’s footer.

Step 2: Register & Verify

Click “Join” or “Sign Up.” Enter details like name, email, address, phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN. Confirm your identity via email or SMS. You may also be asked to upload a copy of your government ID and a proof of address for additional verification.

Step 3: Select a Welcome Bonus

Navigate to the promotions section. Choose a roulette-eligible bonus if possible. Read the full terms to confirm table games are included and check maximum bet limits.

Step 4: Make a Deposit

Use an approved US method, such as a debit card, PayPal, ACH/bank transfer, Play+, or Venmo. Avoid prepaid cards unless you are eligible for bonuses.

Step 5: Activate and Use the Bonus

Once you deposit, the bonus will usually apply automatically or require opt-in. If it’s a no-wagering bonus, any winnings from it will be instantly withdrawable.

Take note of any wagering requirements connected to roulette to ensure you can play the game type and complete the terms and conditions.

Bankroll Planning & Stop-Loss Rules

The Labouchere system may seem more flexible than Martingale, but it still carries risk. A conservative bankroll of at least 40–50 betting units is recommended to absorb losing streaks and preserve sequence integrity.

For example, if your base unit is $2, you should start with at least $80–$100 to comfortably run the system without hitting table limits or bankroll exhaustion too quickly.

Set non-negotiable stop-loss and stop-win thresholds before play begins. A good rule of thumb:

• Stop loss at 25% of your total bankroll
• Stop win at 10% of your bankroll

This helps reduce emotional tilt and enforces session discipline, regardless of outcome.

Variations & Tweaks Used by Seasoned US Players

Review a few tweaks and variations to the Labouchere roulette system below. Consider how you can apply these techniques to gameplay as you learn how to apply the strategy.

Reverse Labouchere (Positive Progression)

Reverse Labouchere rewards winning streaks by adding to your sequence instead of removing numbers.
Pros: Capitalizes on hot streaks.
Cons: Risk of rapid overexposure if variance turns.
Best for: Confident players at high-limit tables with strong bankroll control.

Half Unit Labouchere

Use half your normal unit size to slow sequence growth.
Pros: Less volatile, more time at the table.
Cons: Smaller potential gains.
Best for: Mobile or casual players on $0.10–$1 stakes.

Tiered Resets

After reaching a peak bet or win streak, reset the line to half the highest stake reached.
Pros: Locks in partial gains and limits spirals.
Cons: Can interrupt recovery after a dip.
Best for: Balanced strategy across mid-stakes desktop or mobile sessions.

Each tweak modifies risk exposure. Players with limited bankrolls may prefer Half Unit or Tiered Reset versions, while high rollers may test Reverse Labouchere for streak leverage.

How Does Labouchere Compare With Other Systems?

Let’s compare the Labouchere strategy to other popular roulette betting systems, focusing on how each handles risk, progression, and win recovery.

• Labouchere vs Martingale
  Labouchere spreads losses over a sequence; Martingale doubles stakes after each loss. Labouchere offers slower growth but higher complexity.
• Labouchere vs Fibonacci
  Both use sequences, but Fibonacci is fixed and simpler (1,1,2,3…). Labouchere is flexible and customizable but harder to track.
• Labouchere vs D’Alembert
  D’Alembert adjusts the stake by 1 unit per round. Labouchere can jump more dramatically, making D’Alembert lower risk but slower to recover.
• Labouchere vs Oscar’s Grind
  Oscar’s Grind adds after wins only, aiming for steady profit. Labouchere aims to clear an entire line. Oscar’s is slower but calmer.

Comparison Table

System	Progression Type	Risk	Complexity	Growth Rate	Table Cap Risk
Labouchere	Custom Sequence	Medium	High	Moderate	Medium
Martingale	Negative	High	Low	Fast	High
Fibonacci	Negative	Medium	Medium	Moderate	Medium
D’Alembert	Negative	Low	Low	Slow	Low
Oscar’s Grind	Positive	Low-Med	Medium	Slow	Low

Ideal US-facing casinos & Live Studios to practice the System

Evolution (NJ, PA, MI) offers Lightning Roulette, Speed, and Auto games at various US casinos. Minimum bets start at $0.50; the maximum bet is up to $5,000. Loyalty cashback varies by operator. One-click re-bet aids fast Labouchere sequences.

Playtech (MI)—Premium roulette formats are featured in states like Michigan. Stakes typically range from $1 to $2,000. Partnered loyalty programs often include small table game cashback offers (0.5–1%).

Pragmatic Play (PA, WV) – Delivers European and American wheels with fast gaming rounds. Stakes range from $0.20 to $2,500. Mobile tables are smooth and portrait-optimized via HTML5.

Visit our Live Casino Games page for state-by-state breakdowns, cashback offers, and house rules–and explore our Live Roulette guide to compare top games and find your ideal table.

Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls

A common mistake is believing wins will inevitably cancel out losses. In reality, roulette outcomes are independent; past results don’t influence future spins.

Systems like Labouchere don’t beat the house edge; they only shift risk and variance. Players often fall into traps like increasing their base unit after short success or pushing past their limits during a losing streak.

Emotional tilt can lead to chasing losses or abandoning stop-loss rules. No progression system changes the game’s math discipline, limits, or long-term mindset, which are critical to avoiding costly mistakes.

Tips & Tricks for Getting Started with Labouchere 

• Start with a Simple Sequence: Use a basic list like 1-2-3. Add the first and last numbers to get your bet amount.
• Stick to Even Money Bets: Red/black, odd/even, or high/low offer the best odds for this system.
• Keep Base Units Low: Bet no more than 1% of your total bankroll per spin.
• Don’t Chase Losses: Avoid rewriting the sequence or raising stakes mid-session.
• Set Clear Limits: Manage variance by using strict stop-loss and stop-win targets.
• Use La Partage Tables If Available: This rule cuts losses on zero spins by half.
• Practice First: Try the system on our free-to-play roulette games before risking money.
• Track Bets in a Log: Record each spin to avoid confusion in long sessions.
• Claim Bonuses Carefully: Once confident, claim a roulette bonus from our operator that allows even money bets—always check the terms.

Other Applications of Labouchere 

Labouchere isn’t limited to roulette—it’s occasionally used in Blackjack, though less commonly.

The core sequence logic remains the same: add losses to the list, remove numbers after wins, and aim to balance out sessions gradually.

However, applying the system requires extra care due to Blackjack’s varied outcomes and betting restrictions.

Explore how it works in detail on our Labouchere Blackjack page—and if you’re reading that version, you can return here to understand how it originated in roulette.

Responsible Gaming

Responsible gambling means staying in control of your play. Set a clear budget and never deposit more than you can afford to lose. Understand the odds—no strategy removes the house edge.

Always play with discipline: use deposit, loss, and time limits before starting a session. Walk away if you hit a stop-loss or stop-win point. 

If gambling ever stops feeling fun, seek support. U.S.-based help is available through 1-800-GAMBLER, NCPG, or your state’s gaming authority.

We strongly encourage players to review it before engaging in real-money play.

Main Takeaways

With Labouchere, players write a sequence of small numbers and bet the sum of the first and last; wins shrink the sequence, losses extend it.

While more controlled than some systems, long losing streaks can quickly inflate bets, making bankroll management essential.

It’s best used on single-zero (European/French) wheels with low house edge, and ideally with “La Partage” rules.

Modifications like Reverse Labouchere or Tiered Resets offer flexibility for different play styles.

Labouchere doesn’t change roulette’s odds but can offer structure and pacing for disciplined players.

Summary

• Use even-money bets on single-zero wheels
• Stick to 40–50 unit bankrolls
• Set strict stop-loss/win limits
• Practice with free demos first
• Avoid chasing losses or upping units mid-session
• Explore variants like Half Unit or Tiered Reset
• Labouchere ≠ long-term edge—discipline is key

FAQs

What is the basic staking rule in the Labouchere system?
Add the first and last numbers of your betting line to determine your next wager.

How many betting units should I start with for a low-risk session?
At least 40–50 units to absorb short-term variance and streaks.

Does the system work better on red/black or odd/even wagers?
Yes. It’s designed for even-money outside bets with nearly 50/50 outcomes.

How is Reverse Labouchere different from the standard progression?
In Reverse, you add numbers to the sequence after a win and remove them after a loss.

What happens if I hit the table’s maximum stake before a win occurs?
You can’t continue the progression; losses lock in and can’t be recovered.

Can I combine Labouchere with “La Partage” tables to cut losses?
Yes. La Partage returns half the stake on zero, softening the loss rate.

Is the system suitable for Lightning or Quantum roulette with multipliers?
No. The unpredictable payouts disrupt the line structure and progression logic.

Will using this system breach bonus wagering or max bet terms?
Possibly. Always check the terms—progressions can trigger bonus violations.

How do I know when to reset the progression or walk away?
When the sequence completes, you hit stop-loss, or the next bet exceeds your limit.

Does long-term play with Labouchere change the house edge?
No. The edge remains unchanged; the system only manages bet flow, not outcomes.