Many strategies chase losses—Paroli does the opposite. It’s one of the few systems built to protect your bankroll while still giving you a shot at solid wins.
Paroli focuses on building momentum from winning streaks. It’s popular among players who prefer a structured approach but want to limit their risk exposure. In this guide, we break down how Paroli works, where it fits best, and whether it suits your play style.
What is the Paroli Betting System?
Paroli is a positive progression system where you double your bet after a win—rather than a loss. The idea is to ride hot streaks while locking in profits and limiting exposure during losing runs.
| Metric | Our Rating | Pro Community Says |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | 🟡 Medium | Less risky than Martingale—profits come from streaks |
| Skill vs Luck | 🎯 30% / 🎲 70% | Discipline helps; outcomes still depend on variance |
| Bankroll Needed | 💰💰 | Modest bankroll can go far with this system |
| Complexity | ⭐ Easy | Simple to follow with clear progression rules |
| Best Used In | ⏱️ Short Sessions | Ideal for quick wins during hot streaks |
The Origins of the Paroli System
Paroli (also known as the Reverse Martingale) has been around for centuries, originally developed for use in Basset and other 17th-century Italian card games. It was designed as a safer counter to loss-chasing strategies. Over time, it gained popularity in roulette and baccarat for its low-risk profile and ease of use.
How the Paroli Strategy Works
- Start with a base bet (e.g. $5).
- If you lose: repeat the base bet.
- If you win: double your bet on the next round.
- After three consecutive wins: lock in profit and reset to base bet.
- Reset to the base bet after any loss.
The principle is simple: capitalise on short winning streaks while limiting risk during losing runs.
Which Games Can You Use Paroli In?
The Paroli system works best in games where you can make even-money bets with consistent odds—because that’s where short winning streaks are most likely to happen. This strategy isn’t about chasing losses; it’s about building on momentum. That only works if the game gives you a near 50/50 shot each time.
Paroli Game Compatibility
| Game | Viability | Why It Might Work (or Not) |
|---|---|---|
| Roulette | ✅ Excellent | Even-money bets and fast rounds make it ideal for short streaks |
| Baccarat | ✅ Great | Player/Banker bets have consistent odds; simple outcomes |
| Blackjack | ✅ Good | Can work if applied only to flat hands; avoid doubles and splits |
| Craps | ⚠ Situational | Could work on Pass/Don’t Pass, but pace and layout may limit usefulness |
| Sic Bo | ❌ Poor | High volatility and varied payouts make streaks unreliable |
| Andar Bahar | ⚠ Situational | Fast-paced and simple, but outcomes may be less streak-friendly |
| Pokies/Slots | ❌ Poor | Too volatile; wins are inconsistent and not streak-based |
Best For:
- Roulette (even-money bets)
- Baccarat (Player or Banker bets)
- Blackjack (basic flat-play hands)
Not Great For:
- High-volatility pokies
- Games with low max bets or capped progressions
How to Use the Paroli Betting Strategy in Roulette
Paroli is most commonly associated with online roulette, particularly even-money bets like red/black or odd/even. These bets offer close to 50/50 odds, which creates the right conditions for short streaks—the core of this roulette strategy. Here’s how it plays out in a typical session:
Even-money bets work best—stick to red/black or odd/even. Here’s an example:
| Spin | Bet | Result | Outcome | Next Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5 | Win | +$5 | $10 |
| 2 | $10 | Win | +$10 | $20 |
| 3 | $20 | Lose | -$20 | $5 |
After a loss, return to the base bet. After three wins, lock in your profit and reset.
How to Use the Paroli Betting Strategy in Blackjack
While less common, Paroli can work in blackjack if you apply it to standard win/loss outcomes only. That means avoiding complicated hands where things like doubling down or splitting change the bet size. Here’s how to use it effectively:
- Use it on simple win/loss hands without adjusting for splits or doubles.
- After each win, double your bet—up to 3 wins.
- Avoid hands where multiple decisions change the outcome.
- Works best in low-stakes, low-volatility games.
How to Use Paroli in Baccarat
Baccarat is an excellent fit for Paroli thanks to its binary outcomes and consistent odds:
- Stick to Player or Banker bets only.
- Avoid Tie bets—they have low win rates and disrupt the progression.
Example Progression:
- Bet 1: $5 on Banker → Win
- Bet 2: $10 on Banker → Win
- Bet 3: $20 on Banker → Win
- Reset to $5
Commission on Banker wins (usually 5%) slightly lowers the payout but doesn’t break the system. Many Paroli players prefer the Player bet to avoid commission.
Pros and Cons of the Paroli Betting System
Like any strategy, Paroli comes with trade-offs. It’s helpful to weigh up where it shines and where it can let you down before jumping in. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Chasing a streak beyond the planned progression.
- Applying Paroli to bets with inconsistent payouts.
- Letting emotions drive bet increases instead of rules.
Does The Paroli Betting System Actually Change Your Odds?
No. Paroli doesn’t influence the actual game odds—those remain the same on each spin or hand. What changes is how you scale your bets based on outcomes.
- House Edge Unchanged: The edge in roulette or baccarat stays the same regardless of bet size.
- Variance: Medium. You’re exposed to some volatility but capped at three rounds max.
- Control: You choose when to stop—making discipline a big part of success.
Strategy in Action
To see how Paroli holds up under real conditions, we put it to the test using a controlled bankroll. Here’s what happened when we ran a short roulette session using this strategy:
We tested the Paroli system with a $100 bankroll and $5 base bets in roulette.
Over 40 spins:
- We hit three separate 3-win streaks.
- Max bet reached: $20.
- Final bankroll: $123 (+$23).
The system held up well in short sessions. Losses were small, and streaks helped build steady profit.
How It Stacks Up
To help you decide whether Paroli is the right fit, it’s useful to compare it against a few other common betting systems. Each has its own rhythm, risk level, and ideal use case:
| Strategy | Risk | Complexity | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martingale | High | Easy | Recovers losses via doubling |
| Paroli | Medium | Easy | Builds on wins, not losses |
| Fibonacci | Medium | Moderate | Slower progression through losses |
Paroli is less aggressive than Martingale and easier to recover from. It’s better suited to players who prefer consistent play over big swings.
Is This Strategy Right for You?
- Beginner Player: Yes – it’s easy to follow and forgiving.
- Budget Player: Great – doesn’t demand a large bankroll.
- Math Lover: Moderate – low strategic depth, but great for pattern-watchers.
- Risk Taker: Maybe – lower risk, but may feel too slow-paced.
Explore Other Strategy Guides
Conclusion
The Paroli strategy offers a structured way to ride out winning streaks without exposing your bankroll to major losses. It won’t suit every player—but if you’re looking for a low-stress system that rewards discipline and short sessions, it’s well worth a try.
Paroli Betting System FAQ
What happens if I lose my first bet using Paroli?
Nothing changes—just repeat the base bet. Paroli only escalates after a win.
Can I use Paroli for pokies or slots?
No. Pokies are too volatile and don’t offer the win frequency Paroli relies on.
What’s the ideal session length for Paroli?
Short sessions work best—Paroli aims to hit quick streaks, then reset.
Should I increase my base bet over time?
No—Paroli works best when your base bet stays consistent. Only raise it if your bankroll grows significantly. Paroli gives you a structured way to capitalise on winning streaks without risking huge losses. It won’t suit every play style, but if you like short sessions, steady play, and clear rules—this is one of the safest progression systems to try.