We've all heard about it – a betting pattern that guarantees a profit. There are, however, problems with the concept. First of all, if all of those betting systems actually worked, would casinos still be business? No need to answer that one.

The truth is that while these systems may work on paper, they find it hard to pass the test of reality. It's usually a theorist that stands behind them – like a software guy behind a great idea. While the idea may be indeed great, the software guy needs a marketing guy to make it really work, and that's where most ideas fail – they can't survive in a hostile and competitive environment.

So what about betting systems? The problem with them usually comes from the way casinos protect themselves. First of all, table limits were created to stop you from recouping your losses with all of those progressive betting systems. Second of all, you are constantly being watched by casino security to make sure that you aren't doing anything that would really give you an edge in the game.

So while it is indeed hard to put these betting systems to work, they do have their advantages. First of all, if you plan correctly, you can minimize the risk of hitting the table limits. This will require some trial and error, but it can be done. Second, even with their flaws, they still yield a better chance of winning than just playing by instinct. While betting systems may seem complex at times, they are actually mostly simple affairs that require a little practice to perfect.