Shotwell betting system: How to spread your roulette bets wisely

The Shotwell betting system is a smart and simple way to play roulette, perfect if you enjoy picking numbers instead of using different roulette bets or just guessing. Made for casual and new players, this method combines a strategic group bet with individual number selections, providing structure and excitement to each spin.

Key takeaways

• This method combines one six-line bet and four straight-up bets, giving you coverage of 10 numbers per round.
• Unlike Martingale strategy or Fibonacci systems, you don’t increase or decrease your bet based on wins or losses. You simply repeat the same pattern, which makes bankroll management easier.
• Each round usually costs five units, so it’s smart to play within a budget and choose chip values that match your comfort level.

It doesn’t guarantee big wins, but it helps you stay in the game longer and makes each spin more fun. Read on to learn how the system works, how to place your bets, and what to watch for to make the most of your gameplay.

What is the Shotwell betting system?

The Shotwell system first emerged in 1978 in a gambling magazine. This method is created to help players smartly spread their bets on the roulette wheel.

It was built with the American wheel in mind. However, even though it was first used in the U.S., you can now apply it to European roulette as well (which has only one 0 and 37 numbers). Some even say it works better in games with fewer spots, since the house has a smaller edge.

Built to beat tiny flaws in actual wheels

Back then, land-based casino wheels were not always perfect, where some numbers showed up more than the rest due to minor flaws. That’s why the Shotwell method was made to spread bets around the wheel, so you had a better shot at hitting one of those ‘biased’ numbers.

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Shotwell betting system explained: How does it work?

Each round of the Shotwell system uses five chips in total. First, you place one chip on a six-line bet, covering six numbers at once (two full rows of three numbers each). For instance, if you bet on 10 through 15, you cover 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 in one chip.

Next, you use four more chips to bet on four straight-up numbers. These are bets placed on single numbers such as 16, 17, 18, and 28. They pay more (35:1) when they hit. These straight-up picks are not placed close to the six-line group on the table, but instead, they’re spaced out across the board. This way, you have more parts of the wheel covered.

So with just five chips, you are betting on ten numbers each round, six from the six-line and four from the straight-ups.

Shotwell betting system odds

If you’re playing American roulette, the wheel has 38 numbers (two zero slots) in total. By covering 10 numbers with the Shotwell system, you are betting on about 26.3% of the wheel. That means on each spin, you have about a 1 in 4 chance to win something.

The odds are slightly better if you’re on a European roulette table. That version of the game only has 37 numbers, with a single zero slot on the wheel. With your 10-number spread, you’re covering about 27% of the wheel.

In both cases, you’re not betting on most of the board; about 73% of the wheel is still uncovered. However, that’s the tradeoff: you’re betting small, not trying to chase every number. You’re hoping your spread hits often enough, and once in a while, one of your straight-up bets lands and pays big.

How to place the bets with the Shotwell roulette system

Placing bets with the Shotwell system may sound hard at first, but it’s quite easy once you get the hang of it. You just need to know where to place your chips and choose which numbers to bet.

In the step-by-step guide below, we will show you how it works using Auto Roulette by Games Global in demo mode.

• Choose your base bet

Start by choosing how much you want to bet. For this example, we will place US$5 on a six-line bet and US$1 each on four straight-up bets. That’s a total of US$9 per spin.

• Pick a six-line bet

A six-line bet means you choose two rows of three numbers that sit side by side.

Here, we pick the six-line bet of 31-36. This means one chip will cover these six numbers: 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36.

• Pick four straight-up bets

Now choose four single numbers that are spread out across the wheel. We picked these four numbers: 6, 10, 21, and 25.

Make sure to place one chip on each of them.

• Spin and wait for the result

Once your bets are in and the time is up, the game automatically spins the wheel.

Check if the ball lands on one of your ten picks:

When it lands on one of the six-line numbers, you win 5:1. If it lands on a straight-up number, you win 35:1.

• Keep or change your picks

You can keep the same bets or switch to new ones after each spin. You can go on for a few more spins and see how it works for you.

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Pros and cons of the Shotwell betting system

Like other roulette betting systems, the Shotwell system has good and weak sides. It can be exciting and give you more control, but it still comes with risks and limits you need to know.

Below are the pros and cons of this system to help you weigh whether it’s worth a try for your game:

Pros of the Shotwell system

Easy to learn and follow

This system is not hard to learn. Once you know where the bets go, it’s just a matter of doing the same steps each spin. No need to count your wins or losses each time, just set your bets and go.

Covers 10 numbers with small bets

With Shotwell, you bet on 10 spots on the wheel each time. That’s a big chunk of the board. You do this by placing one six-line bet and four single bets. You don’t need big chips to use it. Small bets work fine.

Adds structure to your roulette playing

Some players just pick numbers at random. Shotwell gives you a clear plan to follow. This makes your game feel smarter and calmer. You’ll know what to do each time and won’t need to guess.

Small wins can stack up if you hit the right numbers

If you hit the six-line bet, you still get a nice win. If one of your single bets hits, the payout can be big. You might not win each spin, but if you land one or two wins in a short time, the cash can add up fast.

Cons of the Shotwell system

It doesn’t use a ‘progression’

This system is a flat stake, which means your bet size stays the same. You don’t raise or drop your bets based on wins or losses. While this keeps things easy, it also means you may not win back what you lost if things go bad.

Doesn’t beat the house edge

No matter how you bet, the casino still has the edge. In European roulette, the edge is 2.7%. In American roulette, it’s 5.26%. The Shotwell system doesn’t get rid of that. You’re still playing a game where the odds are in the house’s favour.

Doesn’t guarantee wins over time

You may win a few spins, but that doesn’t mean you will win in the long run. This is not a magic plan. The game is still based on chance.

You can still lose your bankroll on a bad streak

Even though you cover 10 spots, 28 or more are still left open. If you hit a cold run, you can lose a lot fast. Since you don’t change your bets, you may not make the money back quickly. It’s best to have a set budget and stop if you hit your limit.

Tips for using the Shotwell system wisely

While using the Shotwell method doesn’t guarantee wins, a few smart steps can help you play safe. To maximise the use of this system and avoid big risks, here are the best tips to help you play wisely and stay in the game longer:

Stick to small bets while learning

When you first try the method, use small chips. This way, you won’t lose much if luck is not on your side. It helps you play more spins and learn how the method works. Once you feel sure, you may raise your bet, but do so with care.

Walk away with your winnings after a good run

If you win a good chunk, don’t give it all back to the wheel. It’s best to stop when you’re up. Set a goal in your mind and stick to that. Wins don’t last long, so it’s smart to walk when you’re ahead.

Try it in free mode first, then move to real games

At Gamdom, you can test the Shotwell method without risk using demo mode. This lets you try the system, learn the steps, and see if it fits your style. Once ready, you can move to real bets. Just make sure to play safe and smart.

Track your spins and results to see how it works for you

It’s wise to jot down your spins and wins. This helps you spot if the plan is worth your time. You may see trends, learn what works, and fix what doesn’t. A small notepad or sheet can do the trick.

Spread your bets, spin the wheel, and boost your shot of winning at Gamdom!

The Shotwell betting system is a smart and easy way to play roulette with more planning and less guesswork. You just place one six-line bet and four straight-up bets to spread your picks across the wheel, covering 10 numbers for each spin. While it doesn’t promise big wins, it keeps your bets clear and easy to track, making the game fun and less random.

If you want to give it a shot, Gamdom is a great place to start, offering various fun roulette games. You can test the method in demo mode to see how it works, then switch to real games when you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does Shotwell betting work?

The Shotwell system lets you spread your bets on ten spots. You place one bet on six numbers in a row, then place four more on single numbers. This gives your bet a nice, wide reach on the wheel.

Can I use the Shotwell system in online roulette?

Yes, you can use this system online. It works best on live or real-wheel games, but you can also try it on RNG online roulette games for fun.

Is the Shotwell system good for beginners?

Yes, it’s good for new players. The Shotwell system is easy to learn and doesn't need math or big changes in bets. You just pick your ten spots and stick to them, or switch after a few spins.

Can I win real money using the Shotwell system?

Yes, you can win cash if your bets land in the winning spots. However, like all roulette games, wins are not guaranteed. So, it’s ideal to play for fun and not to chase big wins.

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