The conservative "grind" system that aims for small, consistent profits through disciplined progression.
Oscar's Grind was popularized by Allan Wilson in his book "The Casino Gambler's Guide" (1965). Named after a craps player called "Oscar," this system focuses on achieving small, consistent profits through patient, conservative betting increases only after wins.
Session Goal: +$1 profit
Starting bankroll: $20, Base unit: $1
| Spin | Bet | Outcome | Win/Loss | Session Total | Next Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1 | Loss | -$1 | -$1 | $1 |
| 2 | $1 | Loss | -$1 | -$2 | $1 |
| 3 | $1 | Win | +$1 | -$1 | $2 |
| 4 | $2 | Loss | -$2 | -$3 | $2 |
| 5 | $2 | Win | +$2 | -$1 | $1* |
| 6 | $1* | Win | +$1 | $0 | Session End |
*Note: On spin 5, we would normally bet $3, but that would put us at +$2 if we won, exceeding our +$1 target. So we bet only $1 to achieve exactly +$1 if we win.
Oscar's Grind is about patience and small, achievable goals. Instead of trying to win big, you aim for just one unit of profit per session, then start fresh.
Key principle: Only increase bets after wins, never after losses. This limits the downside while allowing for gradual recovery.
This creates a very conservative progression that minimizes risk.
Only increases bets after wins, limiting risk
One unit profit goals are realistic
Clear rules prevent emotional decisions
Smoother bankroll swings than aggressive systems
Takes many sessions to accumulate significant profit
Extended losses without bet increases hurt
Requires careful tracking and discipline
Mathematical expectation remains negative
| Factor | Oscar's Grind | Martingale | D'Alembert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Low-Medium | Very High | Medium |
| Progression Speed | Very Slow | Exponential | Linear |
| Profit Potential | Very Small | Quick Recovery | Moderate |
| Complexity | Medium | Simple | Simple |
| Session Length | Can be very long | Usually short | Variable |
With extended losing streaks, sessions can last a very long time:
Scenario: 15 losses, then 15 wins
Session length: 30+ spins
Peak loss: -$15
Final result: +$1 (if lucky with timing)
Oscar's Grind has a high probability of completing successful sessions (achieving the +1 target), but the occasional failed session can wipe out many successful ones.
While this system feels safer than aggressive progressions, you're still grinding against the house edge. The small profits come at the cost of time and occasional larger losses.
Like all betting systems, Oscar's Grind doesn't change the fundamental house edge. You're still expected to lose 2.7% of all money wagered on European roulette.
Keep same bet after each loss, increase bet by one unit after wins (until target reached). Complete a cycle when you reach $20 profit, then reset to base bet. Conservative progression system.
Oscar's Grind is the most conservative progressive system, but it's still fundamentally flawed. While it limits risk compared to other progressive systems, the extremely slow progress and potential for long, unsuccessful sessions make it impractical for most players.
Experience the slow, methodical nature of Oscar's Grind in our simulator and see why patience is required.
🐌 Test Oscar's Grind Strategy