Systems library

Fibonacci Roulette System – Gentler Than Martingale?

A slower progression than Martingale, but still driven by streaks.

This guide explains how the system works step by step, why players like it, how it really behaves under streaks, and how it fits into the bigger picture of roulette math.

Use it alongside the Probability Calculator, EV Calculator and Losing Streak Calculator to see the numbers behind the ideas before risking real money.

1. What the Fibonacci system is trying to do

The Fibonacci roulette system uses the famous number sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, ... to size your bets on even‑money outcomes. After a loss you move one step forward in the sequence; after a win you move two steps back. The idea is to recover previous losses more slowly than Martingale, with less explosive stake growth.

In practice, Fibonacci does feel gentler than straight doubling, but it still leans heavily on the assumption that losing streaks will be “normal length”. When streaks are longer or more clustered than expected, stake sizes and total exposure can still reach uncomfortable levels. The volatility & bankroll guide shows exactly how that happens.

2. Fibonacci sequence & basic rules

The Fibonacci sequence starts at 1 and grows by adding the two previous numbers:

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, ...

In the roulette system, each number corresponds to a multiple of your base unit:

1

Choose a base unit (for example, $5). Each “1” in the sequence is 1×$5, “2” is 2×$5, etc.
2

Start at the first “1” and bet 1 unit on an even‑money outcome.
3

If you lose, move one step forward in the sequence (1 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 5...). Bet that many units next.
4

If you win, move two steps back in the sequence. If that would move you before the first 1, reset to the beginning.
5

Continue this process until you hit a personal stop‑loss/stop‑win or end the session.

3. Example Fibonacci session

With a $5 base unit, here’s a sample sequence on an even‑money bet:

Spin	Sequence position	Stake (units)	Stake ($)	Result	Cumulative P/L
1	1	1	$5	Lose	−$5
2	2	1	$5	Lose	−$10
3	3	2	$10	Lose	−$20
4	4	3	$15	Win	−$5
5	2	1	$5	Win	0

In this “friendly” example, two wins at the right time pull you back to break‑even. It shows why Fibonacci can feel less brutal than Martingale: stake sizes grew slowly, then you backed down the sequence after wins.

But if losses continued – pushing you to 5, 8, 13, 21 units, and so on – your stake size and total exposure would still increase significantly. The volatility & bankroll page explains how often long loss clusters occur and what that means for realistically sized bankrolls.

4. Volatility, bankroll & where Fibonacci sits

Volatility‑wise, Fibonacci sits between flat betting and Martingale:

Vs flat betting

Larger swings as stake sizes increase after losses, but not runaway growth.
Vs Martingale

Much slower stake growth, but still vulnerable if losing streaks go deeper than expected.

The system doesn’t change expected value; it changes how your stake size responds to sequences of outcomes. That means:

Small units

Give more room to move up the sequence before stakes are uncomfortable.
Bankroll depth

Controls how many steps into the sequence you can afford to go.

Use the Losing Streak Calculator to see how often you might hit the higher Fibonacci numbers, then compare that to your bankroll and comfort level as discussed in the volatility & bankroll guide.

5. Pros, cons & realistic verdict

Aspect	Pros	Cons
Complexity	Simple rules; the sequence is easy to memorize.	Tracking sequence position can be error‑prone when distracted.
Volatility	Less explosive than Martingale; stakes ramp more slowly.	Still amplifies variance compared with flat betting.
Psychology	Feels like a structured “recovery plan”.	Can encourage chasing losses deeper into the sequence.
Math reality	Useful for learning about sequences and variance.	House edge remains negative; no magic advantage is created.

Fibonacci is best treated as a teaching tool and a way to structure small‑stakes entertainment, not as a serious strategy for profit. For myth‑busting around “eventually the sequence guarantees a win”, see roulette system myths and keep the EV Calculator nearby.