Martingale Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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martingale
[ˈmɑːr.tɪ.ɡeɪl ]
Definition
gambling strategy
A martingale is a betting strategy that originated in 18th century France. The idea is to double your bet after each loss to recover all previous losses and gain a profit equal to the original stake. This system is particularly famous in games like roulette, where players can make a series of bets on expected outcomes. However, it relies heavily on the gambler having an infinite bankroll and does not account for table limits or the unpredictability of betting outcomes.
Synonyms
betting system, gambling strategy.
Examples of usage
- He used a martingale betting strategy at the casino.
- Many gamblers believe in the effectiveness of a martingale.
- She's read extensively about the martingale system for roulette.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Math and Probability
- The martingale betting strategy hinges on the concept of probability, assuming future events (wins) will balance out previous events (losses).
- Mathematically, a martingale process is a model of a fair game where future predictions are based only on current knowledge, not past events.
Pop Culture
- Martingale strategies have been featured in various movies and TV shows, often portrayed as risky gambling tactics, showcasing the thrill and danger of betting.
- Books on gambling strategies frequently reference martingale as both a popular and controversial method among gamers and gamblers.
Risk Management
- Using a martingale strategy can lead to significant financial risk; players might end up betting large sums if they encounter a long losing streak.
- In finance, martingale concepts apply to predicting stock prices, influencing investment strategies under the assumption that prices can eventually rebound.
Historical Context
- The martingale system gained popularity in casinos during the 18th century, particularly in France with the rise of gambling establishments.
- Over the years, many variations of the martingale strategy have evolved, adapting to less traditional forms of betting like sports and online casinos.
Origin of 'martingale'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'martingale' comes from the name of a device used on horse tack to prevent the horse's head from rising too high.
- It was later adopted in gambling terminology because of the strategy involving horse races, which were popular in the early 19th century.
The term 'martingale' comes from the French word 'martingale', which refers to a type of gambling strategy that gained popularity in the 18th century, particularly in connection with the game of roulette. The origins of the word can be traced back even further to earlier forms of betting strategies seen in various betting games. The idea of doubling a bet to recover losses was not unique to any one game but became widely recognized as a risky yet enticing method among gamblers. In addition to its gambling connotation, the term 'martingale' later found its way into other fields, including mathematics and probability theory, as it describes a sequence of random variables that maintains a certain expected value over time. This mathematical definition diverges from the gambling usage but underscores the adaptability of the concept across different disciplines.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #30,296 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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- 30293 vituperation
- 30294 dyslexic
- 30295 foremast
- 30296 martingale
- 30297 adroitness
- 30298 mulling
- 30299 itched
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