What’s up, Otaku Bettors!
The Labouchere Betting System is a betting system where you create a sequence based on your own target profit and use it to guide each bet.
Set any target profit you want — like the Montecarlo Betting System, it’s theoretically unbeatable as a system. Finish the sequence and you walk away with exactly what you set out to win.
So today I’m going to break down everything about the Labouchere Betting System — how it works, the pros, the cons — in a way that even Smooth Brain Gamblers can follow!
How the Labouchere Betting System Works
Using the Labouchere Betting System in roulette is super easy!
The Labouchere Betting System is a strategy built around hitting your own custom target profit — complete one full set and you’ve got it.
First, grab a pen and some paper.
I’ll use a $10 target profit as the example here.
- SetupSplitting the Target Profit
Start by splitting your $10 target profit into numbers.
Fewer numbers in the split means easier to complete, but bigger losses when you miss — so spreading the numbers out in a balanced way is key.
Here I’ve split $10 into: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4. - BetBet the Sum of the Two Outermost Numbers
Your bet amount is the sum of the two outermost numbers in the sequence.
So the first bet is 1 + 4 = $5. - On a LossAdd the Previous Bet to the Right End
On a loss, add the amount you just bet to the right end of the sequence.
The sequence becomes 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5. Next bet: 1 + 5 = $6. - On a WinCross Off the Two Outermost Numbers
On a win, cross off the two outermost numbers.
The sequence becomes 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5. Next bet: 2 + 4 = $6.
Following this process, the game plays out like this ↓
| Sequence | Bet Amount | Win/Loss | Payout | Balance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 | $5 | Loss | 0 | -$5 |
| Round 2 | 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 | $6 | Win | $12 | $1 |
| Round 3 | 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 | $6 | Loss | 0 | -$5 |
| Round 4 | 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 | $8 | Loss | 0 | -$13 |
| Round 5 | 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 · 8 | $10 | Win | $20 | -$3 |
| Round 6 | 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 · 8 | $9 | Win | $18 | $6 |
| Round 7 | 3 · 4 · 6 | $4 | Win | $8 | $10 |
Once all the numbers in the sequence are crossed off, you’ve hit your target profit — that’s the whole idea.
Where to Use the Labouchere Betting System
The Labouchere Betting System works on even-money (2x payout) areas in roulette.
Place your chips on Red/Black, Even/Odd, or 1-18/19-36.
Pros
The main advantage of using the Labouchere Betting System in roulette is that you get to set your own target amount.
You Set Your Own Target
A strategy where you target exactly what you want to win — that’s a fun way to play.
Cons
The main downsides of using the Labouchere Betting System in roulette are that sessions can run long and that tracking the sequence is a chore.
Sessions Can Run Long
Depending on the run of results, the Labouchere Betting System can stretch on for a while…
On top of that, individual bets can get very large, so when setting your target and splitting the numbers, don’t be greedy — it’ll catch up with you.
The Tracking Is a Chore
Writing and crossing off numbers is tedious — but as the target gets closer, you’d be surprised how much momentum you build.
Crossing off numbers actually becomes satisfying — and compared to similar sequence-based strategies, the grind feels lighter.
Auto-Calculator
I built a calculator that automatically works out your next bet amount
— just enter your loss tolerance (stop-loss limit) and unit size, then hit start!
Labouchere Edge
— Labouchere Betting System Auto-Calculator
All you do is tap win or loss!
The tool handles everything else — seriously effortless.
A Little History
The Labouchere Betting System has been around since the 19th century — apparently invented by roulette enthusiast Henry Labouchere (1831–1912). He gets introduced as a mathematician all over the internet, but here’s the thing: the guy was actually a British journalist and politician — not a mathematician.
And there’s also a school of thought that says he didn’t even invent the method himself.
So who exactly is this guy? Just some middle-aged roulette fan who got credit for someone else’s work?
FAQ
- Can beginners use the Labouchere Betting System?
- Yes! Just keep in mind there’s some notation involved — pen and paper ready, take it at your own pace.
- What’s a good target profit to set?
- Start small — something like $5–$10 to begin. Being too ambitious means bet amounts can balloon mid-session.
- What happens if I keep losing?
- A losing run lengthens the sequence and pushes each bet amount higher — same problem as any system bet. You need a stop-loss line set before you start.
- Which areas of the roulette table should I bet on?
- Even-money areas only — Red/Black, Even/Odd, or 1-18/19-36.
- What if I quit before finishing?
- If you stop with numbers still on the sequence, you won’t reach your target. The idea is to push through until every number is crossed off.
Quick Recap
Got the hang of the Labouchere Betting System?
Let me run through the key points one more time.
The Labouchere Betting System is a system bet where you build a sequence toward your chosen profit target and bet the sum of the two outermost numbers each round.
Win and you cross off both ends; lose and you add the bet amount to the right — the system is designed so that clearing every number delivers exactly your target profit. Great for methodical players who enjoy a steady grind.
Key Takeaways
- Split your target profit into a number sequence and bet the sum of the two outermost numbers.
- Clear the sequence completely and you’ve hit your target profit.
- A losing run causes bet amounts to spike fast — bankroll management is essential.
- Setting your own profit target is a major draw.
- Better suited for patient, long-form play than quick sessions.
The Labouchere Betting System is a compelling system bet for targeting a specific profit — but get greedy and it will cost you.
Smart number splits and solid bankroll management are the keys to making it work.
Want to Level Up? Check These Out!
- Reverse Labouchere Betting System
- When the sequence is fully cancelled out, you’ve hit your maximum loss limit — the system tells you when to stop before you go bust!
- Montecarlo Betting System
- When the sequence is fully cleared — or down to the last number — the profit is yours!
- Winners Betting System
- Clear the sequence completely and you recover all previous losses and come out in profit!