Get Guaranteed Online Casino Wins With The Kelly Criterion
Posted: June 28, 2025
Updated: June 28, 2025
With so many so-called winning systems availble for online casino players to choose from, we recommend the Kelly Criterion. It's a mathematical formula that doesn't encourage over-spending on your bets, but rather promotes responsible gambling practices, at the same time as promising better winning odds.
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking into a casino and walking out a winner, you’re not alone. After all, gambling is a thrilling mix of chance, excitement, and the hope of beating the odds. But most casino games, whether online or at land-based casinos are designed to favour the house. The idea of winning consistently might seem impossible, but there is one strategy that gives you a real edge when used wisely. It’s called the Kelly Criterion. In this Gamingzion article, you’ll discover how you can win with the Kelly Criterion.
Understanding The Kelly Criterion
The Kelly Criterion is a betting strategy developed by John Kelly Jr. in the 1950s. He worked at Bell Labs and wanted to find the best way to grow money over time while gambling or investing. The core idea is simple: you should only bet a fraction of your money, based on how likely you are to win and how much you stand to gain. If you know the probability of winning a bet, the Kelly Criterion gives you a formula to calculate how much of your bankroll to wager. This helps you win with the Kelly Criterion by avoiding both overbetting and underbetting. Overbetting increases your risk of going broke, while underbetting means you’re not using your advantage fully.
Mathematics Behind The Kelly Criterion
You don’t have to be a math expert to understand how the Kelly Criterion works. The formula is straightforward: Bet Size = (2p – 1) x your bankroll. Here, “p” is the probability of winning. So, if you think your chance of winning a bet is 60%, then you would bet 20% of your bankroll: (2 x 0.6 – 1 = 0.2). This fraction adjusts based on your confidence in the bet. If the chances are higher, you bet more. If they’re lower, you bet less. This allows you to win with the Kelly Criterion because you are constantly managing risk. Keep in mind, you’re not just throwing down random amounts of money. Instead, you’re betting smart, using a formula that has been tested in casinos and stock markets alike. Even professional blackjack players and sports bettors have used it to great effect.
Practical Applications In Casino Games
Let’s say you’re at a roulette table at any of the top online casino sites in the US. The Kelly Criterion helps you bet just the right amount based on your odds. For example, if you know that a certain bet on red has a slightly better chance due to wheel bias, you can use that probability to calculate your bet size.

The idea is to increase your bets when the odds are in your favour and lower them when they’re not. This gives you a way to win with the Kelly Criterion because you’re not treating every bet the same. It’s a flexible strategy that adjusts with your current bankroll. This same method applies to blackjack, where counting cards can give you a statistical edge. When the deck is favourable, the Kelly Criterion helps you decide how much more to wager.
Comparing Kelly Criterion To The Martingale Strategy
Many gamblers are drawn to the Martingale system because it seems like a sure thing. You double your bet after every loss, and eventually, you win back all your money plus a small profit. But in reality, this approach is very dangerous. It assumes you have unlimited money and no betting limits. That’s rarely true. Sooner or later, you’ll hit a losing streak that wipes you out or table limits that stop you betting more. In contrast, you win with the Kelly Criterion by betting only what you can afford to lose. It protects your bankroll while still letting you capitalize on your edge. Rather than chasing losses, it encourages discipline.
Risk Management – The Kelly Criterion vs. Martingale
Good gambling isn’t about luck. It’s about managing risk. That’s why the Kelly Criterion stands out. It looks at both the probability of winning and the potential payout, letting you calculate exactly how much to risk. This lets you win with the Kelly Criterion because it balances safety and opportunity. On the other hand, the Martingale strategy ignores probability and focuses only on recovering losses. It doesn’t adapt to different situations or outcomes. It’s rigid and, frankly, reckless. The Kelly Criterion, by contrast, adjusts to your financial situation in real time. If you’ve been winning, your bankroll grows, and so does your bet size. But if you’ve been losing, your bets shrink, helping you preserve your money. This dynamic adjustment is the key to long-term success.
Kelly Criterion vs. Labouchere System
The Labouchere System is a cancellation system that involves writing down a sequence of numbers and betting the sum of the first and last numbers in the list. When you win, you remove those numbers; when you lose, you add the lost bet to the end of the sequence. While this strategy adds a bit of structure to your betting, it can quickly spiral into high-risk territory if you go on a losing streak. The Kelly Criterion, on the other hand, calculates your bet size based on the probability of winning and aims to grow your bankroll without risking it all. You win with the Kelly Criterion by maintaining financial safety while maximizing your edge. It’s less emotional and more mathematical. As such, it’s better suited for long-term betting stability compared to the reactive and often dangerous Labouchere System.
D’Alembert System vs.The Kelly Criterion
The D’Alembert System is based on the idea of balancing wins and losses. After a loss, you increase your bet by one unit; after a win, you decrease it by one unit. It’s less aggressive than the Martingale but still fundamentally flawed. It assumes that wins and losses will even out over time, which isn’t guaranteed in the short term. However, the Kelly Criterion doesn’t rely on assumptions about streaks. Instead, it helps you win with the Kelly Criterion by using real probability and payout information to size your bets. This more scientific approach reduces the chance of a large loss and builds wealth steadily. Unlike D’Alembert, which can mislead you into betting more during bad streaks, Kelly adapts to your current bankroll and betting environment.
Kelly Criterion vs. 1-3-2-6 System
The 1-3-2-6 System is a positive progression strategy that increases your bets in a winning streak. You start by betting one unit. If you win, you bet three units, then two, then six. After the sequence, you return to one unit. This system limits potential losses while trying to capitalize on winning streaks.
While it offers a fun and structured way to play, it’s not based on any mathematical advantage. You’re still hoping for Lady Luck to carry you through the sequence. In contrast, you win with the Kelly Criterion because you’re calculating each bet based on the actual probability of winning. In other words, it’s not about catching streaks; it’s about using your edge efficiently. That makes Kelly more reliable and less dependent on short-term outcomes compared to the 1-3-2-6 approach.
The Fibonacci System vs.The Kelly Criterion
The Fibonacci System follows a betting sequence based on the Fibonacci numbers (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.). You increase your bet by following the sequence after a loss and step back two numbers after a win. It’s another variation of a negative progression system that assumes you’ll recover your losses eventually. But like the Martingale and Labouchere, it can quickly lead to very high bets if you lose several times in a row. The Kelly Criterion avoids this pitfall entirely by basing your bet size on your actual advantage. You win with the Kelly Criterion because it protects your bankroll from exponential growth in bet sizes. While we’ll be the first to admit that the Fibonacci adds drama and complexity, it doesn’t provide long-term safety and consistent profits.
Real-World Application – Coin Toss Experiment
Imagine you’re playing a game where a coin lands on heads 60% of the time. You can bet on each coin toss. If you bet too much, a few bad tosses will wipe you out and if you bet too little, you won’t make much money. Researchers tested this with real people, and many failed to make the most of the advantage. But those who used the Kelly Criterion consistently performed better.
You can win with the Kelly Criterion by betting a fixed percentage of your bankroll based on the odds. In the experiment, that meant betting 20% each time. It wasn’t about guessing right every time, but more about using the edge smartly and consistently. This shows how the Kelly method can turn small advantages into big gains when used over time.
The Kelly Criterion In Financial Markets
Keep in mind that the Kelly Criterion isn’t just for casinos. It’s used in stock trading, sports betting, and even cryptocurrency investing. In fact, anywhere you face uncertainty but have a statistical edge, you can apply the Kelly method. By betting a calculated percentage of your funds, you protect yourself from large losses while maximizing gains. Investors who win with the Kelly Criterion treat it as a tool to grow wealth steadily. They don’t chase every opportunity, but they make the most of favourable ones. It’s a method that emphasizes patience, discipline, and long-term thinking. If you’re someone who enjoys gambling but also values your money, using the Kelly Criterion in financial decisions could change the way you approach both risk and reward.
Limitations And Considerations
Like any strategy, the Kelly Criterion isn’t perfect. It assumes that you know the probability of winning, which is easy in some games but harder in real life. You’ll also need to be comfortable with the ups and downs of betting a percentage of your bankroll. If your bankroll is large, even a small percentage could be a big number. Some people choose to use half-Kelly betting to reduce volatility and it’s a smart move if you’re risk-averse. Even though you win with the Kelly Criterion in the long run, the journey can have rough patches. It’s important to stay disciplined and not let emotions take over. Whether you’re at Bet365 Casino or exploring investment opportunities, always stick to the numbers.
Ethical Considerations In Gambling Strategies
Responsible gambling is about more than just winning. It’s about knowing your limits and understanding the risks. Remember that strategies like the Martingale can lure you into dangerous financial territory, creating a false sense of security. But when you win with the Kelly Criterion, you’re using a strategy that promotes careful planning and calculated risk.
In fact, this method discourages reckless behavior and helps you make smarter choices. Whether you’re playing for fun or profit, the goal should always be to stay in control. As such, the Kelly Criterion can be a part of that responsible approach. However, it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a tool for people who want to enjoy gambling without risking their financial future. Here at Gamingzion, we believe that if you follow it properly, you’ll never have to worry about chasing losses or betting more than you can afford.
Is The Kelly Criterion Right For You?
You now know that not all betting strategies are created equal. Yes, the Martingale might promise easy wins, but it comes with serious risks. The Kelly Criterion, on the other hand, is a proven method that helps you bet smart, manage your bankroll, and take advantage of favourable odds. You can win with the Kelly Criterion if you use it consistently and responsibly. It’s a strategy backed by mathematics, not old casino myths. From games like blackjack and roulette to trading stocks or betting on sports, this approach gives you the best chance at long-term success.
Next time you’re browsing online casino news in the US or exploring new online casino sites, remember the Kelly Criterion. Whether you’re at Bet365 Casino or any other gaming platform, it’s the smartest bet you can make. We suggest that you stick with it, stay disciplined, and enjoy the journey of playing smarter and winning more often.
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