When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn The Fibonacci system is a popular betting system that works with casino games or sports betting. Also called the Fibonacci sequence, this system sees you determine bets by adding specific numbers together. The idea is to win back previous losses and end with profits.
Can you count on the Fibonacci system to bring you profits at online casinos and sportsbooks? Find out by reading our Fibonacci betting system guide, which covers how this strategy works, examples, tips, and pros and cons. You’ll also see which games and sports bets this strategy applies too (*hint: it only works with certain games/wagers).
What is the Fibonacci System?
The Fibonacci sequence is a negative progressive betting system that guides how many units you risk on each bet. It requires adding the previous two numbers (representing betting units) in the sequence to determine your next wager. You add an additional number to the sequence following each loss, and subtract two numbers after every win.
This betting system works best with casino games that pay even money (1:1) and offer close to a 50% chance of winning. Baccarat, blackjack, craps, and roulette are all good candidates for the Fibonacci. Sports bets with -110 or -105 odds also work with this system.
The reason why you want low-risk bets is two-fold:
- Lower your risk during losing streaks, where you must make larger bets to recoup losses.
- Avoid hitting the maximum betting limit at land-based and offshore online casinos.
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How Does the Fibonacci System Work?
The Fibonacci system looks like this: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, and so on.
This sequence is the result of always adding the previous two numbers to determine the next number. You can see how the math works below:
- 0 + 1 = 1
- 1 + 1 = 2
- 1 + 2 = 3
- 2 + 3 = 5
- 3 + 5 = 8
- 5 + 8 = 13
- 8 + 13 = 21
- 13 + 21 = 34
- etc.
Of course, Fibonacci betting works differently than simply adding numbers up. The sequence moves in a see-saw manner as you win and lose bets, with numbers (representing units) being added or erased throughout a session. Here are short examples of this phenomenon:
Example #1
- Sequence is 0, 1, 1, 2.
- Your bet is 3 units (1+2).
- You lose, and the new sequence is 0, 1, 1, 2, 3
Example #2
- Sequence is 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5
- Your wager is 8 units (3+5).
- You win, and the new sequence is 0, 1, 1, 2.
The first example illustrates adding one number to the right after a loss. Meanwhile, the second example shows when you subtract two numbers from the left following a win.
No limit exists on how long you can use the Fibonacci sequence for betting. Some players will use it until they begin getting deeper into the sequence, then work their way back to the beginning. This route ensures that you walk away with at least some winnings from your session.
Fibonacci System Example
The small examples above hit on the basics of the Fibonacci. However, you may want a longer example to illustrate what happens during a normal gambling session. The following table shows results with a $5 minimum bet:
Bet / Sequence
Result
Profit/Loss
$5 (0, 1)
Win
$5
$5 (0, 1)
Win
$10
$5 (0, 1)
Loss
$5
$10 (0, 1, 1)
Loss
-$5
$15 (0, 1, 1, 2)
Loss
-$20
$25 (0, 1, 1, 2, 3)
Loss
-$45
$40 (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5)
Win
-$5
$15 (0, 1, 1, 2)
Win
$10
$5 (0, 1)
Loss
$5
$10 (0, 1, 1)
Win
$15
$5 (0, 1, 1)
Win
$20
$5 (0, 1)
Loss
$15
This series of bets includes six winning and six losing wagers. Despite breaking even on wins and losses, the Fibonacci still delivers $15 in profits. This example shows the power of Fibonacci betting system when things go right.
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Fibonacci System Pros and Cons
The Fibonacci may seem like a worthwhile betting system so far. But you’ll want to weigh the following pros and cons before jumping into it.
Pros 
- Lowers chance of losing big vs. some systems (eg, Martingale).
- Good strategy for helping you recoup losses.
- Sees you end most sessions with a profit.
- Increases the excitement of gambling versus flat betting.
- Works on multiple types of casino games.
Cons 
- Semi-complicated compared to the Martingale or D’Alembert.
- Doesn’t ultimately overcome the house edge.
- Can accelerate losses like with many other betting systems.
- No clearly defined ending point like with the Labouchere or Paroli.
- Requires a fairly large bankroll so that you can wither losing streaks.
Fibonacci System for Roulette
Roulette is the most popular casino game for the Fibonacci and other betting systems. It offers three even-money bets, which is more than many casino games. Available Fibonacci system roulette wagers include:
- High/low – Bet on high (19-36) or low (1-18) numbers.
- Odd/even – Wager on odd or even numbers.
- Red/black – Bet on red or black pockets.
You can clearly see all these bets on the outside of the board. Whether playing live or online roulette, you just place your chips on 1-18, 19-36, Even, Odd, the black space, or the red space. Any of these options will do because they all pay even money and offer close to a 50% probability of winning.
The next step is to wait for the wheel to determine your bet’s fate. If you win, you’ll erase two numbers from the sequence. Assuming the result is a loss, you add one number (the two combined previous digits) to the right.
Some Fibonacci bettors make the mistake of choosing a roulette game indiscriminately. However, each roulette variation has a different house advantage. As seen below, you want to pick French or European when possible:
- American roulette | 5.26% house edge; has 38 pockets, including a zero and double zero.
- European roulette | 2.70% house edge; features 37 pockets, including a zero.
- French roulette | 1.35% house advantage; same as European roulette, except it offers a 50% rebate when the ball lands on zero.
Fibonacci Betting Strategy with Blackjack
Not counting pushes, blackjack offers close to a 50% probability of winning each hand. Therefore, it is another good casino game for using the Fibonacci.
Unlike with roulette, you don’t need to look for special bets with blackjack. You simply place a wager on your hand winning or losing.
Blackjack does have tricky elements during hands, such as doubling down and splitting—both of which increase your original stake. You could try a complicated re-calibration of the Fibonacci sequence based on what happens in a hand. But we suggest merely doubling your bet after a loss or starting the sequence over after winning. Here’s an example:
- You bet 3 units (0, 1, 1, 2) to start the hand.
- You double down (6 units on the table).
- Your hand loses.
- The next bet will be 12 units.
- If you win this wager, you’ll start the Fibonacci over (0, 1).
Fibonacci Betting with Other Casino Games
Several other casino games are worthy choices regarding Fibonacci gambling. Each of the following options have at least one even-money bet:
- Baccarat – The banker and player bets offer even-money payouts. The banker wager carries a 1.06% house advantage, while the player side has a 1.24% edge.
- Craps – Pass line, don’t pass line, come, and don’t come all pay even money. Don’t pass line and don’t come both have the lowest house edges at 1.36%.
- Pai Gow poker – Winning hands pay 0.95:1, which is close enough to even money. With optimal strategy, you’ll win 29% of hands, the dealer wins 30% of hands, and the remaining 40% push. These probabilities work out to winning close to half the time when ignoring pushes.
- Video poker – Despite offering royal flush jackpots, some video poker games aren’t bad for the Fibonacci. For example, Jacks or Better sees you win over 45% of the hands with optimal strategy. You’ll have to play online video poker, though, because most casino machines have fixed bets (eg, nickel or quarter machines).
Using the Fibonacci System with Sports Betting
Sports betting and the Fibonacci system may not seem to have an immediate connection. However, the Fibonacci betting strategy does work with sports bets at -110 odds. Wagers with -105 odds are even better, but they aren’t as commonly available.
The best online sportsbooks take 10% juice from the losing side of a -110 bet. Assuming you win half your wagers, that’s roughly a 5% house edge overall (similar to American roulette). You win $100 for every $110 bet at these odds, which isn’t quite even money. But it’s close enough if you really want to use the Fibonacci betting system in football, basketball, baseball, and other sports.
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Tips for Using the the Fibonacci System
You can use the following tips to maximize your Fibonacci betting experience and, hopefully, win more in the process.
- Seek the lowest house edges – Some casino games have variations with different house edges. Roulette is a perfect example because French (1.35%) and European roulette (2.70%) are better than the American game (5.26%). Don’t rely on the Fibonacci system alone—find low house advantages too.
- Play low stakes – One Fibonacci limitation is that you could hit the table betting limit during a losing streak. At this point, you won’t be able to recoup all your losses. That said, start with the lowest stakes available. Online casinos let you play most table games for $1 per hand/round.
- Be realistic – The Fibonacci may be a solid gambling system, but it’s not fool-proof. You could have bad luck and hit the table limit or even lose your bankroll. Therefore, you need to understand the risks associated with this system before getting started.
- Get online casino bonuses – Many online casino bonuses include table games like blackjack and baccarat. You can use these promotions to pad your Fibonacci winnings. Most gaming sites will also reward your real-money play with VIP perks.
- Know when to take profits – This betting system works the vast majority of the time. However, it can also take a turn for the worse and cause you to lose serious money. You can prevent this scenario from happening by taking profits when you’re up.
Alternatives to the Fibonacci Sequence for Betting
The Fibonacci is far from the only available betting system. You might consider trying one of the following Fibonacci system alternatives if you’re really into gambling strategies.
Negative Progressive Systems (Increase Bets to Recoup Losses)
- D’Alembert System | A simple strategy that involves increasing bets by 1 unit after losing and decreasing wagers by 1 unit after winning. If your unit is $5 and you lose three straight times, for example, your next bet would be $20 (4 units). Assuming you won the $20 wager, your next bet would be $15.
- Labouchere System | This system begins with setting a win target (eg, 20 units). You then write out a sequence with betting units that add up to that amount (eg, 3-2-5-3-2-1-4-1 = 20). Next, add the first and last numbers (3+1) to determine your next bet. When winning, you cross off the numbers to narrow the sequence (2-5-3-2-1-4) and add up your next wager (2+4 = 6). After a loss, you add the losing bet to the end of the sequence (3-2-5-3-2-1-4-1-4). The goal is to cross everything off and reach your profit goal.
- Martingale | The Martingale requires you to double your bet after any loss. You continue doubling your wager until winning, at which point you go back to betting 1 unit.
Positive Progression Systems (Increase Wagers to Capitalize on Win Streaks)
1-3-2-6 System | As the name implies, you try winning four consecutive bets of 1 unit, 3 units, 2 units, and 6 units. You only move up the ladder after a win. Meanwhile, you’ll go back to 1 unit following any loss. You also return to 1 unit after completing the 1-3-2-6 sequence.
Oscar’s Grind | This betting system requires you to increase bets by 1 unit following each win. Meanwhile, you keep your wager the same after a loss. The sequence ends when you have 1 unit of profit, at which point you start over.
Paroli System | You increase your wager by 1 unit following any win. After three consecutive wins, you start over at 1 unit. Alternatively, you also return to the beginning following a loss.
History of the Fibonacci: 200 BC Until Now
The first known mention of Fibonacci numbers comes from India in 200 BC. Indian mathematician Pingala described a rudimentary Fibonacci concept relating to poetry.
Leonardo of Pisa (aka, Fibonacci) gets the most credit for refining this sequence to its current form. The Italian mathematician wrote about the Fibonacci in the book Liber Abaci (Book of Calculation. Like many betting systems, this mathematical concept eventually made its way to casinos.
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