The Fibonacci betting system is considered one of the most aggressive betting systems, as it requires players to increase their stakes at a rapid pace. Less-experienced casino enthusiasts may have some problems following the Fibonacci betting method, as it is slightly more complex than some of the betting systems we have covered so far, owing to the calculations involved.
The system is based on, and takes its name from, the famous sequence of numbers that gained popularity in Europe after the Italian mathematician Leonardo Pisano Bigollo, better known as Fibonacci, published his book Liber Abaci. Similar to the Martingale betting method, the Fibonacci system is based on a negative betting progression and requires players to increase the size of their bets after each loss and decrease it after a winning wager.
Roulette is not the only casino game in which the Fibonacci betting method can be applied; gambling enthusiasts can also use it when betting on craps – specifically on pass and don’t pass bets. It is likewise possible to put the betting system through its paces when playing baccarat, blackjack, or even when wagering on sports.
How Does the Fibonacci System Work
The numerical sequence of Fibonacci starts with 1, and each subsequent number equals the sum of the two numbers that precede it. It is important to note that the original Fibonacci sequence starts with zero, but this value is ignored when the system is used for gambling purposes.
From this it follows that the first fifteen numbers in the sequence run as follows – 1-1-2-3-5-8-13-21-34-55-89-144-233-377-610. This sequence is often referred to as “Nature’s numbering system” because it appears virtually everywhere in nature, from the arrangement of leaves and petals to the bracts of a pine cone.
But how is the sequence applied to the game of roulette? Each of the numbers listed above represents the size of the stakes gambling aficionados need to stick to as they play. It is worth mentioning that the Fibonacci system should be applied to even-money bets in roulette, such as Red/Black, Odd/Even and High/Low, which is not necessarily the case with other roulette betting methods.
Although the Fibonacci betting method can also be implemented when making inside bets, this is not advisable, as your betting session is more likely to go sideways.
As you might already know, the chances of winning when you place any outside bet that pays even money are 47.35% in double-zero roulette variants and 48.64% if the chosen variant has a single-zero pocket.
The reason casino aficionados should avoid applying the Fibonacci betting system to inside bets, especially a straight-up bet, is that they are inherently riskier. Because the chances of winning with such bets are much smaller, players will need to move through the betting sequence more quickly, which implies risking a much more substantial portion of their funds.
If they are keen to give the betting method a shot, the first thing players need to do is decide on the size of their base betting unit, depending on how big their bankrolls are. Typically, the size of the betting unit is recommended to range between 2% and 5% of the overall bankroll. That said, risk-averse roulette lovers can opt for a base bet unit that does not exceed 1% of the funds intended for their betting session.
The first bet in your betting cycle should be equal to one unit. This means that if you have a bankroll of £500, your first bet should amount to no more than £10, or 2% of the overall sum. If your first two £10 bets lose, you move to the next number in the sequence – 2 – so your next wager will be £20, or two betting units.
It is important to note that you must advance through the betting sequence each time your wager loses. If you lose again, the amount you will need to stake will be £30, and so on.
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If a win occurs, players are expected to go back by two numbers in the sequence. So, if you win after staking eight betting units, your next wager will amount to three betting units. If you win with a wager of 21 units, you go back to number 8 in the sequence, and so on.
You proceed in this way after each winning bet until you eventually turn a profit for the betting cycle, at which point you return to the very beginning of the sequence and wager one unit. Conversely, if the very first bet is a winning one, you simply start the sequence from the beginning.
Roulette lovers should be mindful that they will turn a profit only if the first stake they place is a winning one. If casino enthusiasts also make accurate predictions about the second and third winning numbers, they will reach break-even. Should your next wagers lose, you will notice how the staked amount increases rapidly as you are required to move further through the number sequence.
As you can see, the rules you need to follow when implementing the Fibonacci betting system are not that intricate, but remembering the succession of numbers that make up the sequence can be intimidating at first.
Another reason many roulette lovers prefer not to employ the Fibonacci betting system is that they struggle to pay close attention to the wins and losses they see throughout each cycle of the method. As mentioned above, this is something casino enthusiasts need to monitor closely; otherwise, they will be unable to determine exactly when the betting sequence should be taken back to square one.
Fortunately, if you prefer playing roulette over the Internet, you will not face this problem, as you will have enough time to write everything down. Indeed, many roulette fans use a spreadsheet because it greatly facilitates the use of the Fibonacci betting method and makes it almost impossible to make a mistake with the calculations.
The idea behind the Fibonacci betting system is that it might help players turn a profit even if they experience several losses in a row. By using the method, players can balance out their losses with fewer winning bets, which explains why it is so intriguing.
However, it is a good idea to set a loss limit for yourself, just in case, as a lengthy losing streak might completely deplete your bankroll, causing you to leave the roulette table empty-handed. For instance, you might decide to stop at number 21 in the sequence. It is not recommended to continue increasing the stakes after the sixth or seventh number in the sequence, to ensure that the risk you take does not escalate too much.
| The Fibonacci System | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spin | Sequence | Bet (units) | Outcome | Total Profit |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | LOSS | -1 |
| 2 | 1-1 | 1 | LOSS | -2 |
| 3 | 1-1-2 | 2 | LOSS | -4 |
| 3 | 1-1-2-3 | 3 | LOSS | -7 |
| 4 | 1-1-2-3-5 | 5 | LOSS | -12 |
| 5 | 1-1-2-3-5-8 | 8 | WIN | -4 |
| 6 | 1-1-2-3 | 3 | LOSS | -7 |
| 7 | 1-1-2-3-5 | 5 | LOSS | -12 |
| 8 | 1-1-2-3-5-8 | 8 | WIN | -4 |
| 9 | 1-1-2-3 | 3 | WIN | -1 |
| 10 | 1-1-2 | 2 | LOSS | -3 |
| 11 | 1-1-2-3 | 3 | LOSS | -6 |
| 12 | 1-1-2-3-5 | 5 | WIN | -1 |
| 13 | 1-1-2 | 2 | WIN | 1 |
The Reverse Fibonacci
Like most betting systems that are based on negative betting progressions, the Fibonacci system also has a positive-progression counterpart, known as the Reverse Fibonacci. Players who decide to adopt this variation are expected to follow the same sequence of numbers.
Thus, if you win a bet, you move to the next number in the sequence and increase the size of your next wager. Should you lose, you are expected to go two numbers back in the sequence, which in practice means reducing your next wager. Many experienced roulette players criticise the Reverse Fibonacci system for one major fault: to turn a profit with this variation, players need significantly more winning bets than losing ones. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee this will happen during a single betting cycle.
As with the original version of the method, players are advised to apply the Reverse Fibonacci betting system to outside roulette wagers that pay 1:1.
If we assume that your base bet unit is £10 and you think the white ball will land in a red pocket, a correct prediction will mean that your next wager should be £20. Another winning wager will require you to stake £30, and so on.
Yet, if you have staked eight betting units and lose, you need to move two numbers back in the Fibonacci sequence. Therefore, the amount you will be required to put on the line will be three betting units, or in our case £30. If you fail to predict the next winning number, the stake should drop to £10. If another loss occurs at this point, the number sequence is completed, and, if you wish, you must start all over again.
Because the Reverse Fibonacci betting method dictates augmenting the stake after a win, players aim to accumulate more funds so that they can compensate for their losses and make a profit.
As with other roulette betting methods, gambling aficionados should know exactly when to stop following the sequence and when to start it over.
As we have already explained, under the Reverse Fibonacci betting method players must stake an amount determined by the previous two numbers in the sequence whenever they score a win. The Reverse Martingale is much more aggressive, as roulette mavens are required to place stakes that are twice as big as the amounts they previously wagered.
Furthermore, while using the Reverse Fibonacci betting system, casino enthusiasts are advised not to move forward in the sequence if they have already recorded five consecutive wins. Although scoring six wins in a row is not impossible, the likelihood of this scenario is exceptionally slim.
| The Reverse Fibonacci System | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spin | Sequence | Bet (units) | Outcome | Total Profit |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | WIN | 1 |
| 2 | 1-1 | 1 | WIN | 2 |
| 3 | 1-1-2 | 2 | WIN | 4 |
| 3 | 1-1-2-3 | 3 | LOSS | 1 |
| 4 | 1-1 | 1 | LOSS | 0 |
| 5 | 1 | 1 | WIN | 1 |
| 6 | 1-1 | 1 | WIN | 2 |
| 7 | 1-1-2 | 2 | WIN | 4 |
| 8 | 1-1-2-3 | 3 | WIN | 7 |
| 9 | 1-1-2-3-5 | 5 | WIN | 12 |
| 10 | 1-1-2-3-5-8 | 8 | WIN | 20 |
| 11 | 1-1-2-3-5-8-13 | 13 | WIN | 33 |
| 12 | 1-1-2-3-5-8-13-21 | 21 | WIN | 54 |
| 13 | 1-1-2-3-5-8-13-21-34 | 34 | LOSS | 20 |
Advantages of the Fibonacci Betting System
Though more complex, the Fibonacci system may be easier to follow if players memorise the first fifteen numbers in the sequence. Those who play roulette from the comfort of their homes can simply write the sequence on a piece of paper to save themselves the hassle of doing all the calculations in their heads. In addition, utilising the Fibonacci system can enable players to generate consistent profits over a short-term period, which is a major plus that should not be neglected.
Another strong point of this betting method is that it gives gambling enthusiasts a clear idea of how to adjust their stakes when they win or lose. Provided they do not abandon the method, roulette lovers are less likely to drain their bankrolls while attempting to recoup lost funds.
The Fibonacci betting system can work equally well for all roulette lovers, regardless of their bankroll, which is not true of some other betting methods. If risky play is not your scene, simply choose a smaller base bet unit; this will ensure that your stakes do not soar even when you experience several losses in a row.
One of the best things about this betting method is that even if gambling aficionados make more inaccurate predictions than accurate ones, they can still earn a profit.
One more benefit of the Fibonacci betting system is that, at least initially, it is not as aggressive as some other roulette betting methods. Instead of doubling the stake from the moment they adopt the method, gambling enthusiasts will go through a few spins during which their stakes remain low, only snowballing if they lose several times.
Disadvantages of the Fibonacci Betting System
Like all betting systems, the Fibonacci system has several disadvantages that players need to consider before implementing it at the roulette table and risking their money. First of all, some experienced players avoid the system because the betting progression tends to become steep and aggressive over time.
Although the numbers do not increase sharply at the beginning of the sequence, players should be mindful that they escalate quickly as they move forward, which happens when their wagers are losing ones.
If you experience a lengthy losing streak, you might see your bankroll dwindle – or worse, exhaust it completely – in which case you will not be able to chase the profit you are after or recoup your losses. Speaking of bankrolls, it is important to mention that the Fibonacci betting system is not particularly suitable for players with smaller bankrolls.
Furthermore, a lengthy losing streak might result in players reaching the table limit, in which case they will be unable to offset the losses they have sustained by increasing the size of their bets in accordance with the Fibonacci sequence.
If this happens, all your efforts will have been in vain and you will have simply thrown your money to the wind, as you will not have reached the point at which enough bet units have been staked to make up for your losses.
Another disadvantage of the system is that the maths tends to become more complicated with higher numbers during losing streaks. However, this issue can be easily solved by writing down the sequence on a piece of paper. Players should also remember that, like other systems, the Fibonacci system cannot reduce the house edge or affect the outcome of subsequent spins, which means that using the method will be of little use if you are looking for a way to beat the game.
It is a common misconception among players that implementing the Fibonacci betting system or any other betting method will help them lessen the casino edge. This could not be further from the truth, because players should not overlook the impact that the zero and double-zero pockets invariably have.
Does the Fibonacci Betting System Actually Work
Roulette players might be comfortable with the results delivered by the Fibonacci betting system if they are looking for smaller wins over the short term. Sometimes, it can bring players better rewards over an extended period of time, provided they manage to avoid long-drawn-out losing streaks.
With that in mind, the Fibonacci betting system is in no way superior to other betting methods that can be applied to roulette. Whether you increase or decrease the stake will not help you change the odds of winning in your favour, nor will it eliminate or lessen the advantage the casino invariably has.
As mentioned already, another flaw of the Fibonacci betting method is that players’ stakes can escalate at an exceptionally fast pace, which can either leave them without any funds or force them to hit the table limit.
Although applying the Fibonacci betting system will not guarantee constant wins, we do not wish to throw cold water on players who are enthusiastic about giving it a shot. Roulette mavens should not completely ignore the method because it can help them structure their betting session, a benefit they may appreciate if they are inclined to make rushed decisions.
Just bear in mind that using the betting system can sometimes be destructive, which is why you need to proceed with caution.