Winning money at blackjack isn’t all about basic strategy and counting cards. Consistently winning big money depends a lot on the betting system you use. Anyone who has played blackjack at a real casino knows that one moment you can be on top of the world in chips but the next you can be digging in your wallet for more funds.

The chip stacks in a normal game of blackjack typically fluctuate erratically and therefor finding the best betting system when gambling is crucial. This article discusses three popular gambling betting systems used throughout history (and current) and which ones are the best to use when playing blackjack. The three betting systems are the Labouchere, Paroli and Parlay systems.

1.) Labouchere Betting System

Description: The Labouchere system is a negative progression betting system. It is also referred to as “Cancellation”, “Crossout”, “Labby” and “Split Martingale”. Using the Labouchere betting system, you will always make a profit after finishing the entire betting cycle. To complete the system you must win all bets.

How It Works: You must first write down a series of numbers, such as “1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8”, however the series could be any numbers and any length. It could be “1 1 1 4 3 7″ or 3 1 5 6 1 1 8 4 2 1”. The length and values of the numbers depend on the game you are playing and the rules.

Each number in the series represents a value in units or chips. You start by adding up the first and last number in the series. The sum is the unit of chips you will bet. If you win, you cross out the first and last number, and add the next first and last number in the series (the ones not crossed out) and use this sum for your second bet. If you lose at any time before completing the system, you start from the beginning. If you win all bets and complete the system, then you start again from the beginning (the original sum from the first and last number).

You must carefully develop this system before playing and strictly adhere to following it once playing to win money. Be sure to account for your bankroll.

2.) Paroli Betting System

Description: The Paroli system is a positive progression betting system. This system does not require a large bankroll and is considered more stable than other betting systems when playing blackjack.

How It Works: You start your bet with one unit. If you win the first bet, then your second bet is the first bet plus your winnings. If you win the second bet, then your third bet is the second bet plus the winnings from that. At any time that you lose, you start the next bet at one unit.

For example, if you start with $100.00 and win $100.00, then your second bet would be $200.00. If you win the second bet, then your third bet would be $400.00… etc. You include all winnings in your next bet, including extra winnings from doubling down, splitting or blackjack.

An important part of this system is having a stop point, which you must determine before you start gambling. The stopping point may be a unit or dollar amount. After you lose a bet or reach your stopping point, you must bet one unit on the next bet.

3.) Parlay Betting System

Description: The Parlay system is another positive progression betting system and can successfully be used in the game of blackjack. It’s derived from the system that banks use to compound interest and is also referred to as the “Let It Ride” betting system.

This betting system involves less risk than similar systems and does not require a large bankroll to use.

How It Works: This system is similar to the Paroli betting system. The only difference with this system is that you literally “let it ride” with your bets. With each successive bet, you place your winnings on top of the original bet. There is no stopping point. Since you are betting in a pyramid fashion, you can turn a small bet into exponentially large winnings. Unfortunately with this system, when you lose you lose everything.

The Labouchere, Paroli and Parlay systems are the best betting systems for playing blackjack. There are other betting systems out there but they are better used with different gambling games such as craps and roulette. Which system you choose will depend on your own personal style and bankroll. These betting systems are great for all blackjack games including those at real and online casinos.