The Shotwell roulette system has only been around since the 1970s, but it has a fun structure if you like covering your wagers.

The system originated in the US casinos and was designed to work on an American Roulette table. However, there's nothing to stop you using the Shotwell on a European Roulette table, too.

The Shotwell plan uses two sets of bets: one on the six-line and four straight-up numbers.

But does it work? Let's explore a little further.

Remember, you can try all these systems for free on roulette games at Betway Casino.

Using the Shotwell roulette system

The Shotwell betting system first emerged in the late '70s and was designed for players who loved the six-line bet.

The six-line consists of a bet across six numbers at once (for example, 7-8-9-10-11-12). You pick a six-line group of numbers, then four separate straight up numbers spread evenly across the table.

Example:

Six-Line: 1-2-3-4-5-6
Straight Up: 10-21-30-35
Total numbers: 10

The problem with the Shotwell was that it was designed with land-based wheels in mind.

The originators of the plan figured that many casino wheels had a bias and therefore "spreading" your bets would help to eliminate any bias.

Online roulette works completely differently. Software is audited for fairness, and every spin is completely independent from the last.

Where the Shotwell works well is that you are covering a few more options on every spin. In fact, you are betting on 10 numbers per spin, or 27% of the total numbers available in a game of European Roulette.

The Shotwell doesn't quite have the coverage of the Five Quads system or even the safety blanket of the 'Cover the Field' system, but it is fun to test out.  

At the table: How the Shotwell works

For this example, we will use a standard European Roulette table, as you will find on Betway Casino.

Stakes are set at £1 per bet. The six-line pays 5/1, and a straight up number 35/1. We are betting £5 per spin.

Our bets:
Six-Line (£1): 1-2-3-4-5-6
Straight Up (£1 per number): 10-21-30-35
Total numbers: 10
Total bet: £5

From our table, you can see that over 10 spins we only needed four wins to earn a profit. In fact, a successful six-line bet resulted in a £1 profit, and we only needed one straight up number to come in to put us in the black.  

Advantages and disadvantages of the Shotwell plan

Like all roulette systems, the Shotwell offers no guarantee of long-term returns. But it isn't without its merits.

Let's look at the positives. By covering 10 numbers you are covering nearly three tenths of the field on each spin (and slightly more in American Roulette). A straight up win of 35/1 will also help to wipe out any losses you rack up.

But although you are covering 10 numbers a turn, you are also not covering 27. Hit a long downswing and you could be counting the costs.

In addition, roulette numbers don't appear in spread out patterns. You could easily hit number 2 ten times in a row or hit different numbers on 20 consecutive spins.

The staking plan also suffers from the problem that afflicts all roulette systems: the house edge. Statistically, you are always against the house when you play roulette.

The edge in European Roulette is 2.7%, so for every £100 you wager, the casino keeps £2.70.

Still, if you don't want the relative safety of outside bets like red and black, which can help to improve your long-term returns, the Shotwell system is fun to try.

Give the Shotwell plan a try today at Betway Casino

Systems that cover the field are good for players who want to spread their bets. But the Shotwell system doesn't quite cover enough numbers on each turn.

A better option, therefore, is to try a system that includes both safer outside bets like Odd/Even together with a single straight up number.

Test the Shotwell roulette system today for free and see how it compares to other staking plans.