Blackjack: Martingale Betting System in Blackjack

Blackjack is an interesting card game that has been around since the 17th century. It has evolved through the years, but one question UK players have always asked is how they can increase their chances of winning.

Interestingly, blackjack is one of those few casino rng or live games that combines elements of luck and playing skill. As such, players believe that strategies like the martingale betting system can improve their chances of winning. 

But does the martingale betting system really work? Join us in this article about responsible blackjack gaming as we demystify what the martingale betting strategy is all about.

Brief History of the Martingale Strategy

Martingale betting system is a classic betting strategy that dates back to 18th century France. Developed by some math geeks, the martingale betting strategy became widely popular when John H. Martindale, a casino owner encouraged his customers to double their bets after a loss.

Martingale's betting strategy caught more fire in 1891 when gambler Charles De Ville Wells, popular as “The man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo,” won over one million francs at Monte Carlo playing roulette, which is about £12 million today’s money. It is believed that Charles used a martingale betting system to amass his wins. 

After Charles wins, Martindale casinos closed in a short time when he started sharing the secret of his gambling success. As a result, the system became a subject of mathematical study in the 19th century when French mathematician Paul Levy and others analyzed it.

How Does the Martingale Strategy Work in Blackjack?

The martingale strategy is a type of betting system. It is a negative progression betting system that requires players to double their bet after every loss. The idea behind this betting system is that eventually, the player will win and recoup all their loss. 

So, when playing blackjack, a player is required to start with small bets, often the table’s minimum bet. If the player wins the bet, they should continue with the same bet size. But if the player loses the hand, they should double their bet in the next hand. If the player wins the hand after doubling their bet, they should return to their original bet size. 

The table below elaborates more on how a standard martingale betting system might unfold at a blackjack table if a player has a bankroll of £100. 

Factors to consider when using Martingale Betting System in blackjack

The classic blackjack game has a return to player (RTP) of about 99.41%. In a research, Xinyi Cai defines house edge “as profit that the Casino is expected to make on each iteration of a game expressed in percentage which is usually around 2% on a standard Blackjack house edge. This resulted from the difference of the bet and the probability of winning the game.”

However, when you want to use a betting system like the martingale to maximize your profit, there are certain things to take into consideration. 

Table limits

The table limit of the blackjack you want to play directly impacts the effectiveness of the martingale betting system. If the table has a high minimum limit and a low maximum bet limit, you may end up failing to recover your losses. The core idea behind the martingale betting system is to choose a low-stakes live blackjack with a wide betting range. 

Blackjack payout

Another factor to consider is a low volatility blackjack table. Most blackjack have a 6 to 5 payout rate, while some have a 3 to 2 payout rate. You must choose a blackjack table with a high payout rate. For example, a blackjack table with a 6 to 5 payout rate gives you a lower advantage compared to a table with a 3 to 2 payout rate, making it easy to recoup your money. 

Dealer’s soft 17 rule

If the blackjack table you choose to play at has a soft 17 rule, where the dealer must stand on a hand that totals 17, you may be at a disadvantage. The soft 17 rule increases the dealer’s chances of winning, meaning you may lose more, which reduces the effectiveness of the martingale betting system. 

Double down and split rules

Also, how you use the double down and split rule in blackjack can impact the effectiveness of the martingale betting system. The double down and split rule in blackjack can improve your chances of winning or increase your risk of losing depending on how you use it. As such, these rules directly impact your RTP and overall success. 

Dealer blackjack

The possibility of the dealer getting blackjack in the game also adds an extra layer of risk to the betting system. If not managed properly, you could end up running out of money sooner than you think. 

Number of decks in play

Also, the number of decks used in the blackjack you're playing matters as it impacts the house edge of the game. More decks increase the house edge and lower your chances of winning, while fewer decks reduce the house edge and increase your chances of winning.

Advantages and Drawbacks of the Martingale Betting System in blackjack

Like every other betting strategy, there are two sides to the martingale betting system – good and bad. As such, before applying the martingale betting system on blackjack games, it’s best to understand the advantages and drawbacks. Below we have put together a list of its pros and cons to see if the strategy is a right fit for you. 

Pros

• Martingale systems allow you to recover previously lost bets by winning one bet
• The strategy helps you accumulate small, consistent profit
• Aggressive, yet straightforward
• Effective in short gaming sessions 

Cons

• Requires a large bankroll
• Continuously doubling bets to chase losses can be mentally draining
• The strategy is dependent on finding a table with a wide betting limit

Play Blackjack Responsibly with Martingale Betting System

The martingale betting system is a strategy built on the belief that eventual wins will offset past losses, resulting in a net gain. However, as you can see from this article, there are inherent risks associated with this approach. While the martingale betting system may appear logical, relying on consecutive wins to recover losses can lead to significant financial setbacks due to its exponential betting progression. 

As such, despite its widespread use at top-performing casinos, it is important for players to use the martingale betting system with caution and understand its limitations. While it may deliver short-term benefits, its long-term sustainability is questionable due to the possibility of consecutive losses depleting players’ bankrolls. So, when next you want to play blackjack, explore the martingale betting system, but with caution even though it works to ensure you do not spend past the bankroll.