| Updated: September 26, 2025If you are a casino fan who loves taking risks, roulette is the perfect game for you. This classic table game combines a touch of glamour with plenty of excitement. One of its most distinctive features is the wide range of betting options it offers. For years, roulette tables have attracted the attention of millions of players who have eagerly tried to overcome the game’s house edge. That’s why roulette betting systems were created.
Sports fans are well acquainted with the term “parlay” – a type of sports wager that involves two or more bets. The Parlay isn’t just a sports bet; it’s also a popular roulette strategy. The origin of the Parlay betting system can be traced back to the 16th century. The strategy can be applied to many of the casino’s most popular games, including roulette, blackjack, craps, and baccarat.
How the Parlay Roulette System Works?
The Parlay betting system belongs to the positive progression category of betting strategies. Many roulette fans rely on it because it is considered safe and easy to learn. If you decide to follow the Parlay betting strategy, you must increase the size of your bet after every win by adding your profits to your initial wager. Whenever you lose, you have to revert your stake to its original size and keep it there until you win again.
The difference between the Parlay strategy and other roulette techniques is that players use their winnings instead of their own funds to place bets. Another popular name for the Parlay betting strategy is “Let It Ride.” Below is an example that illustrates how the system works in practice:
| Bet Number | Bet Size | Outcome | Net Profits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | Win | 10 |
| 2 | 20 | Win | 30 |
| 3 | 40 | Win | 70 |
| 4 | 80 | Win | 150 |
| 5 | 160 | Loss | -10 |
Had we stopped playing after the fourth spin, we would have locked in a net profit of $150 on the $10 we invested at the start. However, we chose to stay for another spin, our luck turned, and we lost all our winnings.
Another key takeaway is that our net loss equals the size of our original stake – $10. That is why it is essential to set a profit target; otherwise, you may lose everything and have to start the progression all over again.
To sum up, players who want to use the Parlay strategy have to:
- Determine a base unit
- Set a winning goal
- Add winnings to the size of the original bet after a win
- Wager the base stake following a loss
Setting Initial Bet Size
The Target Profit Modifications to the Parlay Betting SystemSetting Initial Bet Size
Roulette enthusiasts looking to adopt the Parlay strategy must set an initial bet size. To determine the exact amount, first decide how much you can afford to spend on roulette during a single session. Experts advise that the base bet should be no more than 5% of your bankroll. Alternatively, you can use the minimum table limit as the base bet to minimize the chances of hitting the maximum table limit.
The Target Profit
As already noted, it is crucial to set a target profit; otherwise, you are likely to give back your winnings. Once you reach your goal, you should collect your profit and start the progression again. Keep in mind that the Parlay betting system is not profitable over the long run, so if you rely on it too long, the house edge will eventually erode your bankroll. For example, the Paroli betting strategy instructs players to collect their winnings after three consecutive wins.
Modifications to the Parlay Betting System
Recreational roulette players may tweak the Parlay betting system to make it even safer. One option is to use only a portion of your profits to increase the size of the original wager. For instance, if your initial bet is $10 and you win an additional $10, your next wager could be $15 (your initial stake plus half of your net winnings).
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- Outside Bets
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- Dispelling Roulette Myths
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- Software Providers of Online Roulette
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- Roulette Goes Mobile
- Roulette in Literature, Film, and Television
Pros and Cons
The Parlay betting strategy is relatively simple
The Parlay betting system works only in the short term
Even players on a tight budget can use it
It relies on winning streaks that may not occur
Reaching the maximum table limits is unlikely to happen
Roulette fans have to be disciplined enough to use the Parlay system
Players use their winnings to increase their bets
The Parlay betting system takes into account both inside and outside bets