How to Use the Paroli System When Playing Roulette
The Paroli System is a positive progression strategy that seeks to capitalize upon winning streaks at the roulette wheel.
This guide breaks down the Paroli System and explains how it applies to roulette. We will discuss the pros and cons of this strategy, so keep reading to learn more.
What is the Paroli System?
The Paroli System is a roulette strategy for betting that takes its name from the Latin word “par,” which translates to “one that is equal.” In roulette, this system applies to even money bets, such as red/black.
The basic idea is that, as you play real money roulette, you increase your bet size after a win but not after a loss. The goal is to secure three consecutive wins.
How does the Paroli System work?
You start by betting a single unit. A unit is a percentage of your playing budget, such as 2% or 3%.
If you win, double the size of your bet to 2 units. If you win again, double your bet amount to 4 units for your next wager.
When you win three in a row, go back to the beginning and wager 1 unit again. If you lose, simply place the same bet again until you eventually win.
The Paroli roulette betting system is sometimes referred to as the Parlay System. It is similar to a three-leg parlay when betting on sports, as the money you win from each leg rolls over to the next leg.
Best way to learn this system is giving it a try on our free online roulette games page.
Example
Let’s say you have a $500 bankroll, and you assign 2% of it as your base unit. Your first wager would then be a $10 bet.
This chart shows a hypothetical session if you follow the Paroli betting system in roulette.
| Bet Size | Result | Profit / Loss |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | Loss | -$10 |
| $10 | Loss | -$20 |
| $10 | Win | -$10 |
| $20 | Win | $10 |
| $40 | Win | $30 |
| $10 | Loss | $20 |
| $10 | Win | $30 |
| $20 | Loss | $10 |
| $10 | Win | $20 |
| $20 | Win | $40 |
| $40 | Win | $80 |
| $10 | Loss | $70 |
| $10 | Loss | $60 |
| $10 | Loss | $50 |
In this example, the player wins seven out of 14 bets but ends up with a profit. It shows that the Paroli System works best when you achieve streaks of three consecutive wins.
However, your chances of winning three times in a row are 1 in 8, so the Paroli roulette system is not always effective.
You will rack up a 7-unit profit if you win three consecutive spins when following this strategy. However, the losses that you incur while awaiting a winning streak can easily exceed that 7-unit profit, so this is by no means a foolproof method.
How the Paroli System applies to roulette
The Paroli System applies only to roulette bets that pay 1:1. Your options are red/black, high/low, and odd/even.
Most players choose just one of those options and bet it on each spin. For example, just bet on black each time, increasing or decreasing your bet size according to the Paroli System.
Because every type of roulette, from live and in-person to online and live dealer roulette, offers these bets, you can execute the Paroli whenever you play. You can even practice it for free on our free roulette page.
Why you might like the Paroli System
- It aims to capitalize on winning streaks, which will appeal to certain casino game players.
- The Paroli System is less aggressive than alternative approaches, such as the Reverse Martingale.
- It does not require a particularly large bankroll, as you never increase your bet size after a loss, and you always return to betting a single unit if you win three in a row.
- That also means that table limits will not be an issue for roulette players following the Paroli System.
- It is a simple strategy, easier to keep track of than approaches like the Fibonacci or the Labouchere.
- Following a betting system can add structure and control to your roulette session.
Why the Paroli System might not suit you
- It does not chase losses, so an approach like the Martingale or the D’Alembert would be more suitable if that appeals to you.
- The Paroli does not capitalize on winning streaks of more than three, as you always reset after your third straight win.
- The system is most effective when you string three consecutive wins together, but there is just a 1 in 8 chance of that happening on even money bets like red/black.
- No betting system can cancel the inherent house edge when you’re playing roulette.
Other betting systems for roulette
The Paroli is a great system for some people, but it depends on your personality. If you want some different options, you can consider one of these other betting systems for roulette:
Paroli Roulette Strategy FAQ
No, the Paroli System will not improve your chances in a game of chance like roulette. It can only give you greater control over your budget and help you maximize streaks of three consecutive wins.
It is absolutely legal to use the Paroli System at an online casino or land-based casino. It is not a particularly aggressive strategy, so you will not need to worry about table limits, and you will not need a particularly large bankroll, either.
The Paroli System would be ineffective if you were betting on individual numbers. Like all progression strategies, it works best when applied to even money bets such as odd/even or red/black.
The Paroli System is named after the Latin word “par,” which essentially means equal. It is used on even money bets, which makes it an attractive system for roulette players who place side bets such as high/low or odd/even.
The Paroli System does not guarantee success, but it may appeal to players who like to capitalize on winning streaks. It is a lot less aggressive than the Reverse Martingale, so you will not be wiped out by a single loss, and the Paroli does not require a particularly large bankroll.
