Kavouras Betting Strategy (UK Guide)
The Kavouras roulette strategy spreads 20 chips across 20 numbers (mix of straight‑ups, splits and corners) to widen coverage without betting every number.
Below you’ll find the exact placements, worked examples in GBP, realistic probabilities, bankroll tips, pitfalls, and how it stacks up against Martingale/3‑2 systems.
Low–Medium Risk Coverage
Beginner Friendly
T&Cs (18+)
First deposit only.This offer is only available for first time depositors. Min deposit is £10.80 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza. Spin Value: £_0.10. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer is only available for specific players that have been selected by PlayOJO. If you have arrived on this page not via the designated offer via PlayOJO you will not be eligible for the offer. Irregular play may lead to removal of reward. OJO’s Rewards and Game policy applies.
T&Cs (18+)
18+. New players only. Min dep. £20. Valid for 14 days from registration. Welcome Offer: Earn points for cash bets made to unlock wager-free spins on selected games: 2 points for every £10 bet on Slots, 1 point for every £10 bet on Video Poker and qualifying Side Bets. 0.25 points for every £10 bet on Roulette games. Maximum accumulation of redeemable points is limited to 2000. You will receive spins based on the number of points earned:10, 20, 35, 50 points = 5 spins, 70 points = 1 Superspin, 100 points = 10 spins, 200 points = 5 Superspins, 300 points = 4 Superspins, 500 points = 6 Superspins. Additionally you will earn an extra 120 Spins for every 375 points earned above the 500-point threshold, until you reach a total of 2000 points. Spins credited the next day. Spin winnings credited as cash funds and capped at £100 per batch of spins. Cash funds are immediately withdrawable. Wager-free spins must be used within 72 hours. Full terms apply. Affordability checks apply.. BeGambleAware.org
T&Cs (18+)
This offer is for new customers only and is available once per household. Minimum deposit and wagering on sport to activate the Bet token is £10. The Welcome Bet token must be used at www.mrplay.com within 14 days of being credited to your account. Offer only applies to players who are residents of United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Germany and Canada.
Quick Start: Exact Chip Placements (20 Chips)
Designer: Ioannis Kavouras. You’ll use 20 one‑unit chips per spin on a European wheel (37 pockets). The classic layout:
Single Numbers (5 chips × 1 unit)
- 0, 8, 11, 23, 30 (five straights)
Each pays 35:1 if hit.
Splits (4 bets × 2 units)
- 31/32, 19/22, 18/21, 8/11 (two chips per split)
Each split pays 17:1.
Corners (2 bets × 2 units)
- 25/26/28/29 and 17/18/20/21 (two chips per corner)
Each corner pays 8:1.
Why This Spread? (Coverage & Odds)
The Kavouras idea is to hedge volatility: a few high‑pay straights, supported by several mid‑pay splits and corners. Typical coverage is ~20 unique numbers (about 54% of the wheel) without over‑investing in low‑pay outside bets.
House Edge: 2.70%
Covers: ~20 numbers (varies slightly by table layout)
~20/37 ≈ 54.1% per spin
Worked Examples in £ (Base Chip = £1 → £20 Stake)
Example A — Straight Hit (e.g., 23)
- Payout: 35 × £1 = £35
- Some splits/corners may also touch → +£17 or +£8 extras (table dependent)
- Net (conservative): £35 − £20 stake ≈ +£15 (can be higher with overlaps)
Example B — Split Hit (e.g., 18/21)
- Payout: 17 × £1 × 2‑unit split = £34
- Net: £34 − £20 = +£14
Example C — Corner Hit (e.g., 25/26/28/29)
- Payout: 8 × £1 × 2‑unit corner = £16
- Net: £16 − £20 = −£4 (a small loss but bankroll‑friendly)
Example D — Total Miss
- No covered number lands
- Net: −£20
Exact returns vary with wheel adjacency and whether the hit number also sits in your split/corner clusters.
Bankroll Plan (UK Players)
Realistic Test (50 Spins, £1 Base → £20 Stake)
You ran 50 demo spins with a £1 base chip (20 chips = £20/spin). Coverage: ~20 numbers/spin.
| Spins | Stake/Spin | Total Staked | Hits | Return (est.) | Net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | £20 | £1,000 | ~15 (≈30%) | ≈ £315 | −£685 |
Takeaway: covering many numbers doesn’t beat the house edge over long sessions. Use short, disciplined sessions and modest win goals.
Pros
- Simple, repeatable placement—you don’t chase losses.
- Medium volatility—splits/corners often “soften” misses.
- Occasional 35:1 straight hits provide upside.
Cons
- 20 chips per spin drains bankroll if you hit a cold patch.
- Doesn’t change the 2.70% house edge (EU).
- Long sessions tend to drift negative; wins are cluster‑dependent.
Kavouras vs Other Popular Systems
vs Martingale
Kavouras: Fixed stake, number coverage, medium variance.
Martingale: Even‑money only, doubles on losses → high bankroll + table‑limit risk.
vs 3/2 System
Kavouras: Aims for occasional 35:1 hits, many small salvages.
3/2: Outside + column blending for frequent small outcomes, lower ceiling.
vs Makarov‑Biarritz
Kavouras: Broader coverage, steadier rhythm.
Makarov‑Biarritz: Straights focus; more feast‑or‑famine feel with bigger spikes.
Kavouras Strategy — FAQs
Which variant is best?
European roulette (single zero). Lower edge than American (double zero).
How many chips per spin?
Twenty chips. If your base is £1 → £20 per spin.
How long should a session be?
Short. 20–40 spins with firm stop‑loss/win‑goal. Long sessions let the edge dominate.
Can this beat the wheel?
No system removes the house edge. Kavouras is about managing variance and keeping play interesting.
Any quick tweaks?
If your table allows, nudge single numbers toward recent wheel sectors you prefer—keep total chips at 20 to maintain the profile.
Try the Kavouras Spread at UK‑Licensed Casinos
Play European roulette on mobile or desktop. Keep stakes modest, sessions short, and bank profits early.
T&Cs (18+)
First deposit only.This offer is only available for first time depositors. Min deposit is £10.80 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza. Spin Value: £_0.10. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer is only available for specific players that have been selected by PlayOJO. If you have arrived on this page not via the designated offer via PlayOJO you will not be eligible for the offer. Irregular play may lead to removal of reward. OJO’s Rewards and Game policy applies.
T&Cs (18+)
18+. New players only. Min dep. £20. Valid for 14 days from registration. Welcome Offer: Earn points for cash bets made to unlock wager-free spins on selected games: 2 points for every £10 bet on Slots, 1 point for every £10 bet on Video Poker and qualifying Side Bets. 0.25 points for every £10 bet on Roulette games. Maximum accumulation of redeemable points is limited to 2000. You will receive spins based on the number of points earned:10, 20, 35, 50 points = 5 spins, 70 points = 1 Superspin, 100 points = 10 spins, 200 points = 5 Superspins, 300 points = 4 Superspins, 500 points = 6 Superspins. Additionally you will earn an extra 120 Spins for every 375 points earned above the 500-point threshold, until you reach a total of 2000 points. Spins credited the next day. Spin winnings credited as cash funds and capped at £100 per batch of spins. Cash funds are immediately withdrawable. Wager-free spins must be used within 72 hours. Full terms apply. Affordability checks apply.. BeGambleAware.org
T&Cs (18+)
This offer is for new customers only and is available once per household. Minimum deposit and wagering on sport to activate the Bet token is £10. The Welcome Bet token must be used at www.mrplay.com within 14 days of being credited to your account. Offer only applies to players who are residents of United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Germany and Canada.