If you are a casino fan who loves taking risks, roulette is the perfect game for you. This classic table game brings a sense of glamour and a ton of excitement at the same time. One of its most distinctive features is the multiple betting options it offers. For years, roulette tables attracted the attention of millions of people who desperately tried to overcome the game’s house edge. That is how the roulette betting systems were created.
Sports fans are well familiar with the term “parlay” – a type of sports wager that involves two or more bets. “Parlay” is not only a sports bet but 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 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 as it is believed to be safe and easy to learn. If you decide to adhere to the Parlay betting strategy, you have to increase the size of your bet after every win by adding your profits to your initial wager. Whenever a loss is registered, you have to revert the size of your stake to its original value and stick to it until a win occurs.
The difference between the Parlay strategy and other roulette techniques is that players use their winnings instead of their funds to place bets. Another popular name of the Parlay betting strategy is “Let It Ride”. Now, we will use an example to illustrate how the system is used 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 |
If we had stopped playing after the fourth spin, we would have generated a net profit of $150 from the $10 we invested in the beginning. However, we decided to stay for another spin during which our luck betrayed us. This resulted in losing all of our winnings.
Another important conclusion is that our net losses equal the size of our original stake – $10. That is why it is important to set a profit target because otherwise, you will end up losing everything and you will 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 System Setting Initial Bet Size
Roulette enthusiasts who intend to adopt the Parlay strategy have to set an initial bet size. To determine the fixed amount of your initial stake, you have to decide how much you can afford to spend on roulette during a given gambling session. Experts advise that the size of the base bet should be no more than 5% of the bankroll. You can also use the minimum table limit as a base bet to minimize the chances of bumping into the maximum table limit.
The Target Profit
As we already mentioned, it is crucial to set a target profit otherwise you are likely to lose your winnings. Once you reach your winning goal, you have to collect your profits and start the progression yet again. Remember that the Parlay betting system is not profitable in the long haul. So, if you rely on it for too long, the house edge will eventually grind your bankroll. For example, the Paroli betting strategy requires players to collect their winnings after three wins.
Modifications to the Parlay Betting System
Recreational roulette players might slightly modify the Parlay betting system to make it even safer. They can use some part of their profits to increase the size of their original wager. For example, if your original wager is $10 and you win $10 more, the size of your next bet can be $15 (your initial stake + half of your net winnings).
- American and European Wheel Sequences
- High Stakes Roulette
- European Roulette
- French Roulette
- American Roulette
- Roulette Strategies
- Roulette Rules
- Outside Bets
- Inside Bets
- Martingale Roulette System
- Fibonacci Roulette System
- Low Limit Roulette
- Roulette – From a Perpetual Motion Machine to a Casino Landmark
- Roulette Basics and Rules of Table Conduct
- Roulette's Bet Types
- The French Roulette Layout
- Independent Trials, Odds, and Casino Edge in Roulette
- En Prison and La Partage
- Taking Your Roulette Game to the Next Level with Call Bets
- The Many Faces of Roulette – Interesting Variations to Try
- Progressive Roulette Systems
- Reading Biased Wheels and Other Predictive Methods
- The Master of the Wheel Gonzalo Garcia Pelayo
- Improving Your Roulette Game
- Dispelling Roulette Myths
- How to Protect a Roulette Bankroll
- Software Providers of Online Roulette
- Roulette Games with Progressive Jackpots
- Live Dealer Roulette
- 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