NFL Martingale Betting System
| Updated: November 10, 2025
In the previous article, we introduced you to the Martingale betting system, but here we will go into greater detail. We will explain the specifics of applying it to NFL betting and show you exactly how to put this system to work.
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Origins
As we already mentioned, the Martingale system is a negative progression, but it is also one of the first of its kind. Although the system predates Las Vegas, its roots are linked to the United Kingdom. An English casino owner named John Martindale regularly encouraged the players at his casino to try this system, and that appears to be the source of its name. As you can see, the name Martindale was simply altered slightly.
The mathematical origins of the system lie in the optional stopping theorem. It states that, under specific conditions, the expected value of a martingale at a stopping time matches its initially expected value. Basically, this means that, in the long run, the system cannot bear fruit, but in certain specific cases it can be quite useful.
When to Use the Martingale System
This system is most commonly used by roulette enthusiasts. This popularity stems from the fact that a handful of gamblers have achieved unbelievable feats with the system. Specifically, Charles Wells managed to break the bank twelve times in just three days by using it. The casino he played at was none other than the famous Monte Carlo, Europe’s most prestigious gambling venue. He won 1,000,000 francs with a bankroll of only 4,000 francs. His exploit inspired the well-known Charles Coborn song, “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo.”
So how does this apply to NFL betting? The reason the system is so popular with roulette bettors is its potential profit on even-money bets. If you choose your wagers carefully and place only even-money bets on the NFL, you can use the same approach. The idea behind it revolves around the so-called gambler’s fallacy. It is essentially the assumption that something is more likely to occur when it has not occurred in a while. This can mean that if a team has not won recently, it is bound to win sometime soon; similarly, if you have not won in a while, you are bound to win shortly.
How to Use the Martingale Betting System
The Martingale system is very easy to use, which is perhaps why it is so popular among gamblers. All you need to do to prepare is set your bet size. Of course, that size must correspond to your bankroll. After you decide how much one unit represents, you can start betting with the system.
You start with a single unit, and if you keep winning, you continue wagering one unit. When you lose, you double your bet. If the losses continue, you keep doubling. Once you finally win, you will recoup your previous losses and earn a small profit. Then you return to wagering a single unit. This way, losing streaks are offset, and winning rounds still generate a profit.
So, how does this mesh with NFL betting? You simply apply the fundamentals of the system. Some bettors use it several times a day, but for NFL wagering you need a schedule that allows enough time for games to finish and results to be posted before your next stake is due. Therefore, if you lose the first bet, you will double the second, and so on. However, you cannot bet on just any game.
How to Pick the Right Bet
In theory, the Martingale system can work with any type of bet, regardless of the game or sport. Probability should eventually balance out your betting session. However, as you know, when it comes to sports betting and, more specifically, NFL betting, things are not quite so straightforward.
To use this system successfully, you must carefully select wagers with odds that balance each other and leave you with an even-money proposition. On their own, NFL bets do not usually come with even odds, but when you combine them the right way, they can get as close as possible, considering the realities of the gambling industry.
Pros and Cons
An advantage of this system is that it is quite simple and can be profitable in the short term. Even novice players can give it a shot and earn some money. Not losing at all is the perfect scenario, but in reality, turning a profit despite losses is the next best thing.
However, the system hinges on the assumption that no losing streak will outlast your bankroll, an assumption that is ultimately flawed. These streaks do occur, and they are merciless. That is why it is important to know when to stop, and for that, you need serious self-control. The clear downside is that this system is not profitable in the long run. If you lack self-control, you can wipe out your bankroll in a single betting session.
Reverse Martingale
It is as simple as it sounds. This variation of the Martingale betting system instructs you to double your bet after every win and go back to a single unit after a loss. This approach is even more deeply rooted in the so-called gambler’s fallacy, relying on hot and cold streaks. The idea is that if you are winning and experiencing a hot streak, you should take advantage of your good luck while it lasts. Conversely, if you hit a losing streak, you have run out of luck and should proceed cautiously.
Conclusion
The concept of luck is tricky and complex, but the fact remains that streaks occur more often and last longer than most people would dare to think. The Martingale system attempts to make the most of these occurrences, which are far from rare. The classic Martingale may seem more likely to leave you broke than the reverse version, but in reality, your chances of winning with either one are about the same.
So, despite its flaws, in the short term, the Martingale can be very useful and lucrative. It is a little harder to apply to NFL betting, but we have shown that there is a way. The fact that NFL games take time, and therefore every bet takes time as well, is actually good for this strategy because you cannot get caught up in the moment. It is much easier to remain in control of your bankroll and the size of your bets. Even so, remember to bet responsibly!