What Is The 1-3-2-6 Betting System?

Throughout both sports betting and casino games, the 1-3-2-6 betting system is incredibly popular, due to its standardised sequencing and the ability to create value in different types of bets. Whilst most bettors play for fun, there are a handful of betting strategies, such as the 1-3-2-6 betting system, that aim to minimise losses and gradually build a profit.

At OddsMonkey, we will go through how this betting system works, what it is, and how it can be used across different sports.

The 1-3-2-6 Betting System Explained

Being incredibly similar to the 1-3-2-4 betting system, this strategy utilises bet units and close odds to target a slow and steady profit. Similar to other progressive betting systems, such as Fibonacci and Paroli, this system relies on creating units and following sequences.

Let’s have a look at the steps you need to take to make this strategy work. It is essential to follow these steps closely if you are interested in using this system.

1.Set The Unit Bet Size

Ensure that you select a unit size that is suitable for your budget. We highly recommend that you limit your stake to no more than 3% of your bankroll, with 1% being a safe option. For example, with a bankroll of £500, let’s use £5 as the unit size.

2. Follow The Sequence

The sequence throughout the 1-3-2-6 betting system follows a strategy of 4 bets, and each of these bets has a different number of betting units.

• Bet 1 – 1 Unit
• Bet 2 – 3 Units
• Bet 3 – 2 Units
• Bet 4 – 6 Units

3.Completion of the 1-3-2-6 Betting Sequence

As there are only 4 bets in this strategy, the betting sequence must start again if the player makes it through all 4 bets, or if they lose at any point throughout the sequence. Just like many other betting systems, once a bet has been lost, the user must start again from the beginning of the process.

How The 1-3-2-6 Betting System Works 

This betting system takes place with units, meaning you can decide how much you are willing to stake throughout each unit. With a total of 12 units throughout the process, we recommend keeping the unit size lower in value to ensure responsible gameplay.

Designed for bets which have even odds or as close to even as possible, the 1-3-2-6 betting system is specifically designed for casino games, such as:

With most of the emphasis placed on casino games, this betting system is also applicable to various sports. For sport betting enthusiasts, you can check out our rugby betting guide and boxing betting guide, which are available on the site.

Example of the 1-3-2-6 Betting System

With a £5 unit stake, we will examine the bets that would result from using this strategy.

1. Bet £5 – £10 Return = £5 Profit
2. Bet £15 – £30 Return = £15 Profit
3. Bet £10 – £20 Return = £10 Profit
4. Bet £30 – £60 Return = £30 Profit

Whilst losing is inevitable, if all your bets are successful whilst using this strategy with these bets, you will see a total profit of £60.

Similarly, let’s have a look at what would happen if you unfortunately hit a losing streak, as the system is designed to restart if it fails.

1. Bet £5 – Lose £5
2. Bet £5 – Lose £5
3. Bet £5 – Lose £5
4. Bet £5 – Lose £5

Instead of making a profit of £60, the losing streak would leave you with a loss of £20. Whilst it might not be a huge hit for a bankroll of £500, the higher you stake, the higher the potential loss can be.

The 1-3-2-6 betting strategy is known to be quite conservative, with the aim of the strategy being to make smaller profits. However, just as with any betting scenario, there is no guarantee that this system will make a profit, as betting ultimately relies on luck.

If we use the unit of £10, we can see how this could lay out here if we use this strategy throughout the casino or sports betting:

As we can see, in this example, the bettor has been fortunate with results, as 5 out of the 8 bets have been successful, with the profit sitting at £10. This betting technique aims to capitalise on correctly predicted results, but with the last betting unit being 6, it can either make or break your streak. If you were unfortunate enough to encounter 8 losses in a row, you would make a loss of £80.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the 1-3-2-6 Betting System?

The 1-3-2-6 betting system can generate a profit through smaller returns and positive progression, as the strategy uses returns to mitigate any losses. With many positives and negatives surrounding the system, let’s examine its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages: 

✅Simplicity – With no tricky mechanics or complex topics like matched betting, the 1-3-2-6 betting system is simple to understand.

✅Control – As there are only four steps in the betting sequence, bettors are able to remain in control. By setting a bankroll limit, they can use this strategy safely without losing more than they can afford.

✅Mitigate Losses – Due to the betting unit resetting to 1 unit after every loss, this can mitigate losses instead of trying to recover any losses with larger stakes.

✅Suitable Stakes – With the strategy being compatible with all sorts of stakes, this allows users to choose how they want to use the system. We highly recommend using a slight percentage of your bankroll for 1 unit.

Disadvantages:

❌Rigid Odds and Selections – Due to the system relying on odds that are very close to even, this means players must find betting options that have close odds. With games like Blackjack and Roulette being available, many sports are not suitable for this system.

❌Requires Discipline – When using the 1-3-2-6 betting system, bettors must ensure that they follow it exactly; otherwise, there is no point in wagering with this system at all.

❌Restricted Profits – Unlike other betting scenarios, unless you make it to the final bet, there are not many ways to trigger large prizes, with the emphasis being placed on smaller returns.

Tips For Using the 1-3-2-6 Betting System

If you are interested in using the 1-3-2-6 betting system, then we have a couple of tips that you should keep in mind before you use the strategy.

• Start Slowly – When first starting out with this system, we recommend beginning with lower bet stakes, allowing you to get accustomed to how the system works and unfolds.
• Choose the Correct Stake for You – As this betting system can allow for any stake amount, we recommend that you work out how much you are willing to stake throughout the entire process. By doing this, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises and always stay in control of the risk involved.
• Know When to Stop – Whilst we are betting with even odds, do not expect the betting to work out 50/50, as that is not how betting works. By setting limits, you can ensure that gambling is manageable.
• Look for Offers – Similar to the tricks seen in matched betting and value betting, finding offers can be applied across various sports and markets, with free bets and odds boosts being available. These can only boost the value of your 1-3-2-6 betting, meaning there is no harm in using them where possible.

What Can I Bet On With The 1-3-2-6 Betting System?  

Technically, you can bet on anything with the 1-3-2-6; however, it only really applies to bets which have even odds. Whilst finding even odds throughout sports can be difficult, casino games are well-known for their even odds.

Blackjack – Avoid side bets, and Blackjack is perfect for even money bets.

Craps – Come and Don’t Come bets are perfect for this betting system, whilst players should avoid prop bets.

Roulette – Perfect for odds or even bets and red or black bets

Baccarat – Great for Banker or Player bets

Sports Betting – Whilst football and horse racing can be applied, the chances of finding even bets are quite slim, making this not the best choice.

1-3-2-6 Betting System Vs Other Systems 

The world of sports and casino betting is filled with various betting systems and strategies, yet none can guarantee results. By finding the system that works for you, you can use these as ways to standardise your betting. Here are some other popular betting systems throughout the market.

Paroli Betting System – This is known as a progressive betting system that requires you to increase and decrease your stake based on the outcome of your bets. This system dictates that you double your unit stake after each return, and revert to your original stake after a loss. If you manage to land three consecutive returns, you will then drop back to the original stake value.

Martingale Betting System – In contrast to the Paroli betting system, the Martingale Strategy means you double your stake after every loss, and go back to the original stake after a return. This is not a recommended strategy; however, it is something that is traditionally used by bettors and requires a greater starting bankroll.

D’Alembert Betting System – Known for being incredibly conservative, this system only sees you moving up and down the bet unit once after every bet. To limit losses and achieve smaller returns, this strategy requires patience.

1-3-2-6 Betting System in Sports and Casino Games

The 1-3-2-6 system might not be as conservative as the 1-3-2-4 system; however, with the aim of making smaller profits over multiple bets, this betting strategy requires discipline. Alongside our matched betting blog and other available features and guides, the 1-3-2-6 betting system is a valuable addition to your betting arsenal.

For those interested in sports betting, we offer a range of calculators that can make betting a little simpler. Users can try out our matched betting calculator and each-way calculator that are available on the site.