The basics of the Martingale betting system is as follows: double your bet until your losing bets finally reach a winning outcome. This system provides bettors with a very simple betting strategy. So simple, in fact, that many bettors actually use it without realization.
It seems counterintuitive to double up on your losses, but as you will see in a minute, the match works out if you stick with it. That being said, always know your limit as the bet size grows exponentially so don’t bet more than you can afford to lose. If you have an unlimited budget you will come out on top, but as bettors, we don’t have unlimited budget and always need to bet responsibly.
Note that, throughout time, the spelling of Martindale’s name has changed from “Martindale” to “Martingale.” Regardless of the name attached to it, the system itself stays the same.
How the Martingale system works in sports betting
So if you want to follow this system, the first step is to determine a starting amount as your reference. Choosing a wager of $10 or $20 is a good way to begin as it shouldn’t break the bank (if it does, come back when you can afford to lose a couple of hundred).
If your first $10 bet wins, you will set aside that profit and place another $10 wager. If your first $10 bet loses, you will wager $20 the next time around.
Below is an example starting at $100 where the bet grows for each round and the win happens at the 7 round. You would carry a negative balance until the last round where the win brings the total up to 100 after winning back the losses:
| Odds | Bet | Result | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | $100 | Loss | -$100 |
| 2.0 | $200 | Loss | -$300 |
| 2.0 | $400 | Loss | -$700 |
| 2.0 | $800 | Loss | -$1,500 |
| 2.0 | $1,600 | Loss | -$3,100 |
| 2.0 | $3,200 | Win | +$100 |
As you can see, you will continue the process of increasing your bet until you win a bet. Then, you will start the whole process over again with the initial wager. The key takeaway is that by winning one large bet, you will always make up for your losses along the way.
There are several different variations with the Grand Martingale betting system. All of them focus on doubling up your wager each time. It is a proven system used by some of the top sports bettors, but beginners can use this strategy to their benefit, too. As mentioned, just make sure you manage your bankroll and set your limits.
How effective is the Martingale system?
Before any sports bettor chooses to use the Grand Martingale betting system, they always want to know if it is effective or ineffective. The fact that this betting system has been used for centuries should tell you all you need to know about its effectiveness.
The Grand Martingale strategy can be a great betting system for beginners and experts alike. But this is only if it is done correctly. If you plan to use the Grand Martingale betting system, you must go about it wisely.
There are some variations of this betting system out there, but you shouldn’t attempt to change it up on your own. The original system guarantees you win some money at some point.
This system does require you to have a relatively sizeable bankroll established. This is especially if you suffer a long losing streak right away. That is one of the most significant drawbacks, but you will eventually get your money back if you stick with it.
The most critical component of this strategy is patience. If you plan to use the Grand Martingale betting system, you will need to be imperturbable to annoying tests of time.
In conclusion
Bettors are always looking to gain an edge over the sportsbooks but gaining the upper hand requires a bettor to have an ace up their sleeve. The Grand Martingale Betting System is one such secret advantage.
Some of the top sports bettors in the industry use the Grand Martingale Betting System, named for its originator, John Martindale. It’s ingenious, but not novel: this meeting system has actually been around for centuries.
