Labouchere vs Flat Betting
Which roulette betting strategy is right for you? Compare these two popular systems side-by-side.
Labouchere Strategy
Create a sequence of numbers and bet the sum of first and last. Cross out on win, add on loss.
Flat Betting Strategy
Bet the same amount on every spin regardless of wins or losses.
10,000 Simulated Sessions Each: Labouchere vs Flat Betting
We ran both systems through 10,000 simulated sessions on a European wheel under identical conditions: $1,000 bankroll, stopping at $1,500 (win), $500 (loss), or 500 spins.
| Measured over 10,000 sessions | Labouchere | Flat Betting |
|---|---|---|
| Sessions ended in profit | 46.2% | 25.7% |
| Average session result | −$84 | −$132 |
| Average spins per session | 47 | 490 |
| Average worst drawdown | −$408 | −$244 |
| Best single session | $525 | $500 |
| Worst single session | −$960 | −$500 |
| Hit the table limit | 0.5% | — |
In this run, Labouchere came out ahead on both measures — more sessions in profit and a smaller average loss. The house edge still won overall: both averaged a losing session.
How Labouchere sessions ended
How Flat Betting sessions ended
Methodology: fixed-seed runs from our open simulation engine, using the same settings as the strategy guides and interactive simulators — the numbers here match each system's guide page and can be reproduced there. Both systems lose on average because no betting progression changes the house edge; the comparison shows how differently they get there.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Labouchere | Flat Betting |
|---|---|---|
| Style | aggressive | conservative |
| Complexity | complex | simple |
| Progression Type | negative | flat |
| Best For | Experienced players | Beginners |
Labouchere
Pros
- ✓Flexible and customizable
- ✓Clear profit target
- ✓Can be adjusted mid-session
Cons
- ✗Complex to track
- ✗Sequence can grow quickly
- ✗Bets escalate during losing streaks
Flat Betting
Pros
- ✓Simplest strategy possible
- ✓Predictable outcomes
- ✓No bet escalation
Cons
- ✗No recovery mechanism
- ✗Slow grind toward expected loss
- ✗Less exciting gameplay
Quick Summary
Quick Simulation: Labouchere on Red
Starting balance: $1,000 | Base bet: $10 | European roulette odds
Quick Simulation: Flat Betting on Red
Starting balance: $1,000 | Base bet: $10 | European roulette odds