noun
martingale
MAR-tin-gayl/mˈɑrtɪŋˌeɪl/
A betting strategy in which the stake is doubled after each loss.
Under a martingale, she doubles her bet after every loss.
Etymology
The betting term was borrowed from French martingale. It names a system intended to recover losses through larger subsequent wagers; the reason for the name’s earlier transfer is uncertain.
In context
He doubled the stake and played again, and again lost. With amazing calmness Craig kept right on doubling. "The martingale," I heard the man whisper behind me. "In other words, double or quit."
More examples
- He starts a martingale with a five-dollar bet.
- A martingale can turn a short losing streak into huge bets.
- The table's betting limit prevents her from continuing the martingale.
Forms
martingale · martingales