The Labouchere System: Worth a Shot or a Waste of Time?

Let’s be honest: the Labouchere system sounds promising, but it won’t guarantee you’ll win. Sure, it gives you a way to organize your bets, but it doesn’t change the fact that the casino always has the upper hand.

A Complex Strategy with a False Sense of Security

Of all the betting systems I’ve tried, the Labouchere system is by far one of the most complicated. But that’s not necessarily a good thing. Yes, it provides structure, but don’t be fooled—it doesn’t magically tilt the odds in your favor.

If you’re like me, always on the hunt for a way to outsmart the casino, you might be tempted to try it out. But before you do, here’s a breakdown of how it works, and the key things you should keep in mind.

How the Labouchere System Works

The Labouchere system is mainly used in games like roulette, especially French roulette, where the “La Partage” rule slightly reduces the house edge. Notice I said "slightly"—it doesn’t eliminate it.

The video I included below gives you a quick overview of how the system works 👇

If for some strange reason you are interested in the actual mathematics behind this system then I have also included 👉 An Investigation into Laboucheres Betting System to Improve Odds

My Honest Opinion

The idea of crossing off numbers when you win sounds nice, but the danger comes when you hit a losing streak. Your bets start getting bigger, and before you know it, you’re down more than you planned. It feels like you’re making progress, but you can lose money fast.

Also, sticking to the system isn’t easy. Losing several times in a row can mess with your head, and it’s hard to stay calm when your bets are growing. If you tend to get emotional when losing, this system could be a bad idea for you.

Variations

There are some variations, like the Reverse Labouchere, where you add to the sequence when you win and subtract when you lose. Honestly, I think it’s just as flawed, if not more confusing.

You can also use Labouchere in other games besides roulette, like blackjack or even sports betting. But unless you really like doing math while you play, I wouldn’t bother.

Labouchere vs. Martingale

The Labouchere is often compared to the Martingale system, but there’s a key difference: Martingale doubles your bet after every loss, which can get dangerous fast. The Labouchere increases your bets more slowly, but that doesn’t make it a safe bet either.

Should You Try It?

In my opinion, the Labouchere system is worth trying if you’re just looking for a different way to approach your bets. It’s kind of fun to see if you can clear your sequence. But don’t go in thinking it’s some secret formula to win big—it’s not.

The future of gambling might move away from systems like this, especially with AI and data-driven strategies becoming more popular. Online casinos now offer features like real-time stats that can be more useful than relying on a system like Labouchere.

At the end of the day, the Labouchere system is just another method. It’s not magic. If you decide to try it, remember to play responsibly, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.

Citations

Billings, Jake & Del Barco, Sebastian R.. (2017). An Investigation into Laboucheres Betting System to Improve Odds of Favorable Outcomes to Generate a Positive Externality Empirically. Journal of Mathematics and Statistics. 13. 10.3844/jmssp.2017.186.196.