Guide to the Labouchere Betting System

What is the Labouchere Betting System?

The Labouchere betting system is a negative progression betting strategy designed primarily for even-money bets, like red/black in roulette or the Player bet in baccarat. Instead of doubling bets like in Martingale, Labouchere betting works by writing out a number sequence and using that sequence to determine your bets.

Each bet equals the sum of the first and last numbers in your sequence. Win a bet? Cross off those numbers. Lose? Add the amount of your lost bet to the end of the sequence. The goal is to cancel out all the numbers in your original sequence, hence the nickname, the “cancellation system.”

How the Labouchere System Works

Let’s walk through a simple Labouchere example.

Start by writing a sequence of small numbers. Let’s say:

1 – 2 – 3

First Bet:

• Bet = 1 + 3 = 4
• If you win, cross out the 1 and 3.
• Your remaining sequence is: 2

Second Bet:

• Bet = 2
• Win again? Congrats! You’ve canceled all numbers and completed the sequence with a $6 profit.

But if you lose…

• You add your lost bet (4) to the end of the sequence.
• Now it looks like: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4
• Next bet = 1 + 4 = 5

The system continues until you’ve canceled all the numbers. Ideally, you win more often than you lose to close out the sequence in profit. But a long losing streak can cause the numbers and bet sizes to balloon quickly.

Pros and Cons of the Labouchere System

Much like any combination of math and gambling, the Labouchere system comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a look at the most important pros/cons:

Pros:

• Structured system: Each bet has clear logic behind it.
• More flexible than Martingale: Doesn’t rely on doubling every time.
• You set the risk: Your starting sequence determines the potential gain and exposure.

Cons:

• Still needs a healthy bankroll: Long losing streaks can stack big bets fast.
• Can feel complicated mid-sequence: Tracking wins and losses takes discipline.
• Not immune to table limits: Large bets may hit caps before you complete the sequence.

When to Use the Labouchere System

Labouchere betting works best for even-money casino bets like:

• Roulette (red/black, even/odd)
• Baccarat (Player or Banker)
• Blackjack (if played in a simplified even-odds format)

It’s not ideal for bets with high variance or larger odds, such as parlays or prop bets. Also, sports betting lines rarely offer the kind of clean 1:1 odds the Labouchere system is built for.

As with all negative progression systems, it’s important to:

• Stick to your sequence
• Know your stop-loss limits
• Avoid chasing losses if things spiral

Tip: Start with a short, low-risk sequence like 1 – 2 – 3 or 1 – 1 – 2 – 2 if you’re new to the system.

Labouchere Streak Simulation

Want to see how quickly the sequence can grow? Imagine this:

At this point, you’ve already bet and lost $15, and your next bet will be 1 + 6 = 7.

This snowballing effect is why bankroll and bet tracking are important with Labouchere.

Is Labouchere Good for Sports Betting?

Not really. It will only work with even-money odds. Applying Labouchere logic to a series of mismatched +135, -110, or -175 odds won’t work the way it does in roulette or baccarat.

Labouchere might feel tempting in live betting or props, but you’d be bending it too far out of shape for it to hold any structure.

Should You Use the Labouchere System?

The Labouchere system can be fun and mentally engaging, especially if you enjoy systems with a process. But it still relies on outcomes you can’t control, and like all negative progression strategies, it comes with risk.

Here’s when it might be worth trying:

• You play even-odds games regularly
• You enjoy methodical bankroll management
• You set stop-loss and session limits

Avoid it if:

• You’re uncomfortable with increasing bet sizes
• You want quick action or minimal mental tracking

Know When to Walk Away

Whether you complete a sequence in profit or things get dicey mid-run, it’s smart to set your own session limits. Don’t be afraid to cut a sequence short if it’s growing unmanageable, or restart with a fresh string of numbers.

As always, never bet more than you’re willing to lose, and only use systems like Labouchere for responsible gambling> No betting system offers guaranteed profits.

Want to try it out? Check out our list of top online casinos with fair roulette, baccarat, and blackjack tables to give the Labouchere system a spin.