The Paroli System in Roulette
The Paroli roulette strategy is a positive progression system that is a popular option among roulette players. Our guide takes a deep dive into the mechanics of the popular roulette Paroli system and how it compares statistically with other favoured strategies. In addition, we explore the benefits and potential pitfalls of employing such a system.
What Is the Paroli Betting System?
It’s thought that the Paroli betting system has been around since the 1600s, and it continues to be a preferred strategy for many roulette players. Derived from the Latin word ‘par’, meaning ‘one that is equal’, the Paroli roulette system aims to provide a structured way of betting. To apply this system, players need to match their previous bet equally following every win.
How to Use the Paroli System
Let’s take a closer look at the basic principles of the Paroli roulette system. The objective of using the Paroli model is to net three consecutive wins in a row while doubling your wager following every win. To start the positive progression, a single unit is wagered on an even-money outcome such as high/low, red/black or odd/even in roulette.
If the bet loses, you continue to ‘flat bet’ one unit until the bet wins. At this point, you double the wager to two units. Should you lose this wager, your betting stake returns to one unit. However, if the bet wins, you double again to four units for the final wager of the series, win or lose.
Here’s an example of how a real game could unfold using the Paroli roulette strategy:
| Bet Progression | Bet Amount | Bet Outcome | Net Profit/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Bet | £10.00 | Loss | -£10.00 |
| 2nd Bet | £10.00 | Win | £0.00 |
| 3rd Bet | £20.00 | Win | £20.00 |
| 4th Bet | £40.00 | Win | £60.00 |
| 5th Bet | £10.00 | Win | £70.00 |
| 6th Bet | £10.00 | Loss | £60.00 |
| 7th Bet | £10.00 | Loss | £50.00 |
| 8th Bet | £10.00 | Loss | £40.00 |
| 9th Bet | £10.00 | Win | £50.00 |
| 10th Bet | £20.00 | Loss | £30.00 |
| 11th Bet | £10.00 | Loss | £20.00 |
| 12th Bet | £10.00 | Win | £30.00 |
The Effectiveness of the Paroli System
Unlike some betting strategies that encourage the bettor to double their wager following a loss but revert back to one unit after a win (Martingale or D’Alembert), the Paroli roulette system does not resort to chasing losses. Therefore, it is considered a positive progression strategy. In addition, you are less likely to exceed table limits and can exercise more control over your bankroll.
However, no individual betting strategy can guarantee wins as there is always the house edge to pit against, and every round of roulette is still a game of chance. However, it can be said that when using the Paroli system roulette players exercise a degree of caution by reverting back to one base unit following three successive wins and continuing to flat bet when faced with a loss.
Certain betting systems require the player to significantly raise their stakes when experiencing losses in a bid to recoup the previous stake that is lost – for example, the Martingale or Fibonacci strategy. In fact, the latter insists on an increase of 21x the base unit following a loss, which is significant.
There are pros and cons to all betting strategies. There is no foolproof system and none can guarantee wins. It’s about finding the right strategy that works for you depending on how you would like to play.
The Pros of the Paroli System
When it comes to systems, the Paroli strategy is good for avoiding rising stakes. As a positive progression system, it doesn’t chase losses, which is something that should always be avoided due to the risk of facing significant losses. Due to consistently using a flat bet on a loss and only doubling your stake on a maximum of three wins, it is easier to manage with your bankroll.
Another pro of the Paroli strategy is how it fits with table limits. Due to the three-win rule and not chasing losses, you are less likely to exceed the table limits, unlike a negative progression system such as Fibonacci or Martingale.
This strategy offers consistency with the approach and the Paroli roulette strategy is easy to learn and doesn’t require any complex calculations, making it simple to apply within a game.
The Cons of the Paroli System
The Paroli flat bets assume that there are going to be consecutive wins, however, there is every chance you could endure long periods of repetitive loss, which, like with any strategy, adds a flaw to this system.
Like many strategies, the Paroli system can’t beat the house edge. It doesn’t matter what betting strategy you employ – there will always be the house edge to play against.