Labouchere Football Betting System

Labouchere is a football betting system where the bettor increases their stake after a loss by using a written number sequence to recover previous losses and reach a specific profit target. The Labouchere method involves creating a sequence of positive numbers that add up to the desired profit, then placing bets based on the sum of the first and last numbers in that sequence. The Labouchere system was originally designed for roulette but has been successfully adapted to football betting markets with particularly in markets that offer relatively balanced outcomes.

The Labouchere system distributes loss recovery across multiple bets rather than placing all the pressure on a single win. Each time a bet wins, the bettor crosses off the outer numbers in the sequence. Each time a bet loses, the stake amount is added to the end of the list. This structure allows for a more gradual increase in stake size and offers structure and control over the profit target. For example, a bettor using the sequence 1, 2, 3 starts with a £4 stake (1 + 3). A win reduces the sequence to just 2. A loss extends it to 1, 2, 3, 4. The process continues until all numbers are crossed out.

Despite its methodical nature, Labouchere requires precise tracking and carries significant risk during extended losing streaks, as the growing sequence leads to increasingly large stakes. Unlike simpler systems such as Martingale, Labouchere gives bettors the ability to set their own goals and adjust the size of the sequence based on their bankroll. Labouchere appeals to those who prefer a structured approach with gradual recovery, though it still demands careful bankroll management and discipline to avoid collapse during a bad run.

What is the Labouchere system?

The Labouchere system is a negative progression betting strategy, meaning the bettor increases their stake after a loss rather than after a win. The Labouchere method involves setting a target profit, writing a number sequence that adds up to that target, and adjusting the stake based on the outcome of each bet.

Originally created for roulette, Labouchere has since been adapted for football betting, particularly in markets that offer relatively balanced outcomes (such as Both Teams to Score, Match Result draws, or Over/Under 2.5 Goals) where each side of the bet has a comparable likelihood of occurring.

To use the Labouchere system, the bettor creates a sequence of numbers (such as 1, 2, 3) that totals the desired profit. The stake for each bet is the sum of the first and last numbers in the list. A winning bet leads to both of those numbers being crossed off. A losing bet adds the stake to the end of the sequence. This process continues until all numbers are removed, indicating the target profit (£6 pounds in this case) has been achieved.

Unlike the Martingale system, which doubles the stake after every loss, Labouchere distributes the recovery of losses across multiple bets. It offers a more flexible structure but still involves substantial risk if a losing streak extends, as stakes gradually increase. For football bettors who want more control over their risk and profit targets, Labouchere provides a methodical and goal-oriented approach.

How does the Labouchere system work?

The Labouchere system works by adjusting the stake amount according to a written number sequence designed to reach a specific profit target. The bettor starts with a sequence of numbers that add up to the amount they want to win and places bets based on the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence. The stake changes depending on whether the previous bet was a win or a loss, and the sequence is gradually shortened or extended based on those results. The Labouchere system ends once all numbers in the list have been crossed out, meaning the profit target has been achieved.

To use the Labouchere system, the bettor begins by writing down a sequence of numbers that add up to the total amount they want to win. For example, the sequence 1, 2, 3 adds up to 6, so the target profit is £6. The first stake is calculated by adding the first and last numbers in the sequence – in this case, 1 + 3 = £4. The bettor removes those two numbers from the list if the bet wins. The next stake is based on the new first and last numbers. The stake amount (£4) is added to the end of the sequence if the bet loses, making it 1, 2, 3, 4. The bettor then continues the same process: always adding the first and last numbers to determine the stake. This cycle repeats until all numbers have been crossed out, at which point the bettor has reached the original profit goal.

How do you bet using the Labouchere system?

The Labouchere system is a structured method that involves following a written number sequence to recover losses and reach a fixed profit. To use the Labouchere method effectively in football betting, you must follow three steps that involve writing a sequence of numbers, calculating stakes based on that sequence, and adjusting the sequence after each result depending on whether bets win or lose. The goal of Labouchere is to complete the sequence by crossing out all numbers, which signals that the profit target has been reached.

The 3 key steps to bet using the Labouchere system in football betting are outlined below.

1. Choose your profit target and write a sequence. First, decide how much profit you want to make and write down a sequence of positive numbers that add up to that amount. A sequence like 2, 2, 3, 3 sets a £10 target. Keeping the numbers small helps control stake size in the early stages and reduces exposure during losing streaks. Once the sequence is set, apply it to football markets with near-even odds, such as Both Teams to Score or Match Result draws. These markets offer the balance required for the Labouchere system to work as intended.
2. Place your bet using the first and last numbers. Next, calculate the stake by adding the first and last numbers in the sequence. Using the 2, 2, 3, 3 example for a £10 target, the first stake equals 2 + 3 = £5. Under a Labouchere scheme, a winning bet removes both numbers from the list, while a losing bet requires the same stake amount to be added to the end of the sequence, forming a longer chain. Each new stake follows the same rule, always combining the updated first and last numbers to set the bet amount.
3. Repeat the process until all numbers are crossed out. Continue placing bets following the same formula. Remove two numbers after each win and extend the sequence by one number after each loss. The sequence shortens when results go in your favour and grows during losing streaks. The Labouchere cycle ends once every number is crossed out, meaning the original profit target has been fully reached.

What are the pros and cons of the Labouchere system?

While the Labouchere system offers more control than aggressive methods like Martingale, which doubles the stake after every loss, it introduces its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The two main advantages of Labouchere are its flexible, goal-based structure and the potential to reach the profit target even when losses outnumber wins. The two main disadvantages are the difficulty of tracking the sequence accurately and the sharp increase in stakes during extended losing streaks.

An overview of the 2 main pros of the Labouchere system follows below.

• Flexible and goal-oriented structure. Labouchere allows the bettor to define a profit target and split it into manageable parts, creating a custom sequence that fits their bankroll and risk tolerance. A bettor who wants to earn £10 might choose 2, 2, 3, 3 and use that to plan their bets across football markets with even odds. This structure makes Labouchere more adaptable than rigid systems like Martingale, which always require the stake to double after a loss. Bettors have full control over the size of their sequence and the amount staked in each round, making it possible to scale the system up or down depending on available funds.
• Possibility of winning with fewer wins than losses. The Labouchere method removes two numbers from the sequence after each win and adds only one after a loss. This means the bettor completes the sequence and reaches the profit goal even when losing more bets than they win. For example, a bettor using the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4 who loses five bets and wins only four would still finish the sequence successfully if the wins occur at key points. The built-in recovery potential of the Labouchere system appeals to those looking for a more forgiving alternative to football betting systems that demand near-perfect winning records.

A summary of the 2 main cons of the Labouchere system follows below.

• Difficult to track without writing everything down. Labouchere requires continuous management of a changing number sequence, which makes it hard to apply in fast-paced environments without notes or tools. Each result affects the sequence differently. A win shortens it, while a loss lengthens it by adding the stake amount. Bettors must recalculate their stake after every match and keep careful track of the remaining numbers. In football betting, where odds shift and selections change regularly, the level of maintenance required by the Labouchere system becomes tedious and prone to errors without a written or digital system in place.
• Sharp stake increases during losing streaks. Although Labouchere increases stakes more slowly than more aggressive systems like Martingale, it still leads to dangerous escalation after a series of losses. A bettor using the sequence 2, 3, 4 who loses three bets in a row would already be staking £9, then £13, then £17 on successive rounds. Even small starting numbers turn into large bets after just a few losses. The Labouchere system assumes the bettor has enough funds to continue until a win arrives, but in reality, banks often run out long before the sequence ends. Once the stake exceeds the bettor’s budget, the system collapses, leaving losses unrecovered.

Is the Labouchere system suitable for football bets?

Yes, the Labouchere system is suitable for football bets, as long as it is applied to markets with near-even odds, meaning odds that offer a near 1:1 payout. The structure of Labouchere depends on consistent payouts, which allows the sequence to progress predictably based on wins and losses. The most suitable football markets for Labouchere include Over/Under 2.5 Goals and Match Result – Draws in balanced fixtures.

In matches where both teams are evenly matched, the likelihood of seeing more or fewer than 2.5 goals tends to be evenly split, which leads bookmakers to offer odds that reflect a nearly equal chance for either outcome. This makes the Over/Under 2.5 market one of the most balanced options in terms of probability. Similarly, in games where neither team is clearly favoured, the chance of a draw increases relative to mismatched fixtures, making it the closest of the three Match Result options to a near-even probability. These markets provide the consistency in expected returns that the Labouchere system relies on for gradual progression and loss recovery.

Is the Labouchere system a risky strategy?

Yes, the Labouchere system involves significant risk, especially during losing streaks that extend the sequence and inflate the required stake. The three main risks of using Labouchere in football betting are the uncontrolled growth of stake size, the need for precise record-keeping, and the high chance of failing to complete the sequence before funds run out.

More information on the 3 top risks of using the Labouchere system is below.

• Uncontrolled growth of stake size. Under a Labouchere scheme, each loss adds a new number to the sequence, which steadily increases the stake for the next bet. A few consecutive losses result in high-risk bets that require a large bankroll to continue.
• Need for precise tracking. The Labouchere system depends on accurate updates to the number sequence after every match. A single mistake in recording results or calculating a stake disrupts the structure and undermines the entire process.
• High probability of sequence failure. Once the stake surpasses the bettor’s available funds, the sequence remains incomplete and all prior losses are locked in. In football, where losing streaks do occur often, this is one of the most frequent risks of using the Labouchere method.

What is Reverse Labouchere?

Reverse Labouchere is the opposite of the standard Labouchere system. In the original version of Labouchere, the bettor starts with a number sequence that represents a target profit and removes the first and last numbers after each win, while adding a new number to the end after a loss. The aim is to gradually recover losses and complete the sequence to reach the profit goal. In the reverse version of Labouchere, the bettor adds the winning stake to the end of the sequence after each win and removes the outer numbers after a loss. This method aims to grow the profit during winning streaks rather than chase recovery after losses.

Reverse Labouchere involves lower risk during losing runs, since the sequence shrinks rather than expands after a failed bet. Reverse Labouchere rewards favourable momentum but collapses quickly when losses occur early, before the sequence has grown. While both versions require careful tracking and are best applied to even-odds football markets, Labouchere focuses on loss recovery and controlled progression, while Reverse Labouchere aims to maximise streak-based gains with less exposure during downturns.

What is the difference between Labouchere and Martingale?

The main difference between Labouchere and Martingale lies in how each system handles losses and manages stake progression. While Labouchere uses a written number sequence and adjusts the stake gradually based on previous results, Martingale doubles the stake after every loss and resets to the original amount after a win.

Labouchere is a more controlled and goal-oriented strategy, where the bettor recovers losses step by step and aims for a fixed profit by completing the sequence. In contrast, Martingale places all the recovery pressure on the next single bet, which results in rapid stake escalation. For example, a bettor using Martingale and starting with £10 would need to risk £320 by the sixth loss, just to win back a £10 profit. With Labouchere, the same losing streak leads to higher stakes too, but the increase happens more gradually and in proportion to the chosen sequence.

Another key difference between Labouchere and Martingale is how each system balances risk and simplicity. Labouchere offers more flexibility and allows the bettor to set a specific profit target, but it requires careful tracking and longer betting cycles. Martingale is easier to apply and remember, but it increases exposure much faster and carries a higher risk of hitting stake limits or exhausting the bankroll during a losing streak.