3 Bankroll Management Systems to Avoid

Martingale progression

The easiest system to understand and it is very commonly used by gamblers and novice bettors. Basically it is a system that can not lose in theory, presuming you had unlimited money amount and unlimited limits. In reality, it is the easiest system to lead a bettor to bankruptcy.

The point of martingale is to win the bet at any cost.
Let’s start with 50$. And let’s use basic coefficient of @2.

If you win the first bet, it’s all good. If you lose, you bet double the amount – 100$. If you win, your total profit is +50$, as you would have if your first bet had won.

In many small samples, that may seem cool and easy. The reality is much different, however.

Let’s say you lose 9 bets in a row. That happens and believe me, happens a lot more than some amateur players might think.

50…100…200…400…800…1600…3200…6400…12800…25k+

As you see, if you lose nine bets in a row, you have to bet more than 25000$, just to “cover” your loses and win your initial 50$.

Now that you know what Martingale is, your main objective is NEVER use it. It is good to know the theory, but you should also know that most bettors lose all their money using such “systems”. It does not work and it never will.

Fibonacci Betting System

Fibonacci sequence begins 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55 and it goes like this, adding two previous numbers to get the following one.

Taking the same example from the previous paragraph, it would look like this:

50…50…100…150…250…400…650….1050…1700…2750$

It is VERY similar to martingale, as your main objective is not to lose.
Like the Fibonacci sequence itself, the Fibonacci betting strategy should be appreciated as a theory only. It can be “more safe” than Martingale, as progression is two-three steps slower, but in the long run, it will inevitably lead to the same sad result. Once again, like any other progressive betting system, it would only work when provided with an unlimited bankroll and unlimited limits.

In betting reality streaks happen, they are inevitable and swings can be much bigger than one could imagine without having enough practice or reading enough theory at least.

Labouchere betting system/ Row of numbers

The Labouchere system was developed by roulette player Henry Labouchere (1831–1912). Although traditionally used for roulette, Labouchere is easily adapted to sports betting.

Decide how much exactly you want to win. Let’s say $1000.
Split this money into separate bets, let’s make 10 equal bets of 100$.

100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100

Place one bet that would win precisely the sum of the first and last numbers. In our case 200$ @2
If you win, you delete the first and the last number and continue. If, however, you lose, you add the stake made – in our case it’s +200$
100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 and 200, then continue by placing a bet that would win the sum of the first and last numbers. Win – you delete one number from both sides, lose – add the stake made.
Repeat these steps until you reach your initial goal or you run out of money.

But to make it clear one last time – all progressive systems are pure evil. They might be very fun, as you can succeed many times to achieve your initial goal. But remember, one bad run and you can bust your whole bankroll. Just like that. If you want to consider yourself a serious bettor, these systems are not only “not recommended” – you should stay away as far, as possible.