The biggest enemy of a progressive betting strategy (like the Martingale) is not the “Zero”—it is the Maximum Table Limit. Many players operate under the false assumption that if they just keep doubling their bet, they will eventually win their money back.
In reality, casinos impose strict betting caps (e.g., $10 – $2,000) specifically to break these progression chains. Our Roulette Table Limits Planner calculates exactly how deep your strategy can go before you hit a “mathematical wall,” helping you determine if your bankroll and the table rules are compatible.
Table Limits Planner
Bankroll GuardHow to Use the Calculator
This tool identifies your “Limiting Factor”—whether you will run out of money first, or if the casino will stop you from betting. Here is how to configure it:
- Set Table Limits: Input the Minimum and Maximum bet amounts allowed at your specific table.
- Tip: Use the presets for standard Vegas limits ($25-$5,000) or Low Stakes tables.
- Enter Your Financials: Input your total Bankroll and your desired Initial Bet size.
- Select Strategy:
- Martingale: The calculator checks how many times you can double.
- Fibonacci: The calculator checks how far up the sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5…) you can go.
- Analyze the Chain: Look at the “Safe Steps Available.” The tool generates a step-by-step list showing exactly which bet will be rejected by the dealer or which bet will bankrupt you.
Real-World Examples: The “Table Limit Trap”
Understanding where the “ceiling” is can save you thousands of dollars. Here are two scenarios showing why limits matter.
Example 1: The Standard Martingale Fail
You sit at a table with a $10 Minimum and a $500 Maximum. You plan to use the Martingale strategy starting with $10.
- The Chain: 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320…
- The Trap: The next required bet is $640.
- Result: Even though you have the money, the casino refuses the bet because the table max is $500. You are forced to take a $310 loss. You only had 6 safe steps.
Example 2: The Bankroll Bottleneck
You find a “High Roller” table with a massive $10,000 Limit. You bring a $1,000 Bankroll and start betting $25.
- The Chain: 25, 50, 100, 200, 400…
- The Trap: The next bet is $800.
- Result: The table allows the bet, but you only have $225 left in your pocket (since you already lost $775 on previous steps). In this case, your Bankroll is the limiting factor, not the table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do casinos have table limits?
Casinos enforce maximum bet limits primarily to protect themselves from the Martingale system. Without limits, a player with a large bankroll could keep doubling their bet indefinitely until they eventually won $1 profit, rendering the house edge irrelevant on even-money bets.
What is a “Safe Step”?
A “Safe Step” is a round of betting where you have enough money to place the wager AND the wager is below the table maximum. If your calculator shows “7 Safe Steps,” it means you can survive 7 consecutive losses. On the 8th loss, your system breaks.
Which strategy gives me the most steps?
Less aggressive progressions allow for more steps. The Fibonacci system (1, 1, 2, 3, 5…) grows much slower than the Martingale (1, 2, 4, 8, 16…), allowing you to survive longer losing streaks before hitting the table limit.