The Martingale betting system is a strategy that originated in the 18th century, often used in games with a 50/50 win chance. The idea is to double your bet after every loss, so when you eventually win, you recover all previous losses plus win an amount equal to your original bet. However, this system has several flaws, such as the potential for rapid loss of funds, betting limits, and the requirement for an unlimited bankroll to guarantee success. It's a risky strategy that can lead to significant financial loss.