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Roulette strategies like the Paroli system are fascinating. While they won’t change the math behind the game, they offer insights into how our brain views risk and reward.
The Paroli betting system, often called the reverse Martingale, doubles each bet by the amount of the previous bet, satisfying the brain’s search for order when playing at real money online casinos or in person.
The original Martingale system was invented by a casino owner, though its namesake, John Henry Martindale, is unlikely to have conceived the idea. Much like Columbus “discovered” America, both the Martingale and Paroli systems likely predate the pyramids.
In the Martingale strategy, we double our bet after every loss, knowing that we will eventually win. However, “eventually” can be a long time.
What is the Paroli System?
The Martingale strategy is a negative progression, where you bet more after a loss. The Paroli, on the other hand, is a positive progression strategy.
When using the Paroli, we simply double our bet when we win. Since we know we must eventually lose, most Paroli players aim for three consecutive wins before resetting their bet to the original amount.
- For example, if you lose your first $10 bet, you place another $10. If you win, you bet $20.
- If you lose, you go back to $10. If you win again, you bet $40.
- After three consecutive wins, you return to your original $10 bet and keep the winnings.
The term “Paroli” likely comes from the Latin word “par,” meaning equal, as this system increases the bet by an amount equal to the prior wager.
What are the Best Games to Use the Paroli System?
The Paroli betting system works best on even-money bets with a low house edge. It’s ineffective on bets with higher odds, such as a 35-to-1 roulette bet, where winning three times in a row is extremely unlikely.
Baccarat Paroli System
Baccarat is ideal for the Paroli system. It offers two even-money bets: the banker and the player. The banker pays a 5% commission when it wins, but the player bet pays even money.
The house edge is low, with 1.06% on the banker and 1.24% on the player, giving you a good chance of winning three in a row.
Paroli System Roulette
The Paroli roulette system involves betting on the outside of the roulette wheel (red/black, odd/even, etc.) and increasing your bet after each win, aiming to capitalize on short winning streaks.
Inside bets, like single-number bets, are less practical due to their lower probability of hitting three consecutive wins. The European wheel with one zero offers a house edge of 2.7%, while the American wheel with two zeros has a 5.26% edge.
This system isn’t the only method people use when trying to get one over on casinos. Since the dawn of roulette, gamblers have looked to get the upper hand with a roulette strategy.
Blackjack Paroli System
Using the Paroli system in blackjack can be complicated because of the need to double or split hands in blackjack strategy, which interferes with the progression in Paroli.
However, in games with a house edge of less than 1%, the Paroli system may help manage your bankroll if you’re willing to adjust for blackjack’s unique rules.
Sports Betting with the Paroli
The Paroli system can also be used in sports betting, particularly on even-money bets like point spreads or over/under bets. It helps avoid the common pitfall of chasing losses, offering a structured way to manage your bets.
Pros and Cons of the Paroli System
As with any betting strategy, the Paroli system has both benefits and drawbacks.
Pros 
- Increases wagers during a winning streak and flat bets during losing streaks.
- Simple to use, unlike more complex strategies.
- Requires a smaller bankroll compared to negative progression strategies.
Cons 
- It’s difficult to win three consecutive bets.
- The Paroli system does not alter the house advantage, so while you may lose more slowly, you are still likely to lose over time.
Another downside is that it plays into a common gambling belief, the Monte Carlo fallacy.
This means believing that a random event is more or less likely based on past occurrences—misleads many. This fallacy is named after a 1913 incident when a roulette ball in Monte Carlo landed on black 26 times in a row.
To recover a $1 bet using the Martingale in this scenario, you would need over $67 million.
Who Should Use the Paroli System?
The betting system isn’t for everyone and suits specific gamblers more than others.
- The Paroli betting system is designed for even-money bettors and works well in games like baccarat and roulette.
- It’s a moderately risk-averse strategy.
- Ideal for players who prefer to minimize risk during losing streaks and capitalize on winning streaks.
- If you enjoy simple betting strategies without the need for large bankrolls or complicated calculations, the Paroli system may be a good fit.
However, if you are more interested in aggressive gambling with big returns, this system may not suit your style. It’s all about figuring out what’s right for you.
Paroli Betting System: Verdict
The Paroli system is a straightforward betting strategy and a good starting point for those exploring more complex systems. You can modify the reset point to two, four, or any number of consecutive wins which suit your style.
In games like blackjack, the Paroli may need adjustments to handle doubling down or splitting. However, once you’ve decided on your rules, consistency is key.
In general, the Paroli roulette system is the most popular and simplest to follow.
Remember, the Paroli system is a money management tool designed to make betting less risky. It doesn’t counteract the house edge, and it won’t change the fact that, in the long run, the house always wins.
