What is the Labouchere System? How to Use Labouchere?

To make betting more strategic and organized, many players rely on betting systems and strategies. These systems offer a set of rules to determine how much to wager based on the outcomes of previous bets.

One such method is the Labouchere system, and in this guide, we'll explain what it is and how to apply it when playing at D1CE!

Understanding the Labouchere Betting System

The Labouchere system, also known as the cancellation or split Martingale system, was created by Henry Labouchere, a British politician and journalist with a passion for gambling. He developed this method to improve his chances of making a profit while playing roulette.

This strategy is considered more complex than others and may take time to master. It’s a form of negative progression betting, meaning you increase your stake after a loss. However, unlike other systems in this category, Labouchere doesn't rely on one large bet to recover all losses. Instead, it spreads the risk across multiple smaller bets, reducing the chance of major losses and maximizing profits during winning streaks.

Using the Labouchere System for Casino and Sports Betting

The goal of the Labouchere system is to minimize the house edge in online casino games like roulette and help you stay focused on a profit target. While it doesn’t change the game’s actual outcome, it gives a structured way to chase profits.

Start by setting a profit goal and creating a number sequence that adds up to that amount. Then, add the first and last numbers from the sequence to determine your stake. If the bet wins, cross out those numbers. If it loses, add the amount you just wagered to the end of the sequence.

Although initially created for roulette, the system works with any even-money table game and can be used with both cryptocurrency and fiat currencies like Japanese Yen, Canadian Dollars, or Indian Rupees. It’s also applicable to sports betting—specifically for bets with 50/50 outcomes like point spreads, over/under totals, and certain moneyline markets. It can be used in both pre-match and live betting, provided you pay attention to the odds.

Example of a Labouchere Betting Sequence

Let’s say your profit goal is $20, and your initial number sequence is:

3, 6, 5, 4, 2

Your first bet would be the sum of the first and last numbers: $5.

• If you lose, add that $5 to the end of the sequence.

• If you win, remove both the first and last numbers.

Example session betting on black in roulette:

Sequence & Bet	Result	Profit/Loss
3, 6, 5, 4, 2 = $5	Loss	-$5
3, 6, 5, 4, 2, 5 = $8	Win	$3
6, 5, 4, 2 = $8	Win	$11
5, 4 = $9	Loss	$2
5, 4, 9 = $14	Win	$16
4 = $4	Loss	$12
4, 4 = $8	Win	$20

The sequence can get longer during a losing streak, but the math remains simple—just add two numbers.

Which Games at D1CE Work with the Labouchere System?

While originally designed for roulette, the Labouchere system is effective in many games with even-money bets and close to 50/50 odds. It doesn’t work well for games with high variance like scratch cards or slots.

Here are some games where it works well at D1CE:

• Roulette – Use it on even-money bets like red/black, odd/even, or high/low. Avoid high-payout inside bets.

• Blackjack – Basic blackjack strategy and 1:1 payouts make it ideal. Bonus wins with a blackjack can increase your returns.

• Baccarat – Bet on the banker or player for 1:1 payouts. Banker bets have slightly better odds (minus a 5% commission).

• Dice – D1CE's dice games allow you to set the risk level. Stick with even-money bets for compatibility with the Labouchere method.

Does the Labouchere System Work?

Pros:

• Set your own profit goals.

• Works for many casino and sports bets.

• Becomes easy to follow with practice.

• Encourages stopping after hitting your goal.

• Simplifies bet sizing decisions.

Cons:

• Increasing bets after a loss can be risky during losing streaks.

• Can be confusing for beginners.

• Requires a sizable bankroll or bonuses to handle prolonged losses.

• Large stakes may exceed table limits.

• Doesn’t reduce the house edge or change your odds.

Labouchere Strategy Tips at D1CE

• Set realistic profit goals and number sequences – Larger targets require bigger or more frequent bets.

• Stick to high-RTP games – Games like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette offer better long-term returns.

• Know when to walk away – If you aren’t reaching your target, it’s better to quit before losses pile up.

• Explore other systems – Try alternatives like the 1-3-2-6, Martingale, D’Alembert, Oscar’s Grind, Unit Betting, or Paroli systems to find one that suits you.

What is the Reverse Labouchere System?

The reverse Labouchere flips the system into a positive progression strategy. Instead of removing numbers after a win, you add your stake to the end of the sequence. When you lose, you remove the first and last numbers. This version lets you increase your stakes during winning streaks and scale up toward your target.