At roulette each spin is a new spin and the outcome is never determined by prior spins. After eight successive blacks, a black is as likely to come up as a red. You may argue that the reds and blacks will eventually even out over a long run, and you would be right. Indeed, we are both right.

If you are influenced by previous results, then learn to bet with the outcome and not against it. You will eventually realize that it makes no difference. If anything, the 'law of unequal distribution' will be on your side.

It is a known fact that many players wait for, say, four blacks in a row to appear and then start betting on red doubling up the bet up to four times (or more) if they lose. They do this believing that they have gained a sequential probability advantage - the four successive blacks with no bet. Indeed if you use this strategy, you will win most of the time and you will probably conclude that you have an advantage.

You would be wrong!

The Martingale system is in fact based on the probability of losing infinite times in a row.

Although infallible in theory, the Martingale system requires a large bankroll, has a very low return and is a very risky one because of the maximum bet limits imposed by the casinos. If you run out of money or reach the house limit, you can lose a lot with no chance to recover it.

For an efficient betting strategy aim to win more money in fewer winning spins.