Introduction

Bankroll management is the foundation of successful sports betting. No matter how sharp your picks are, poor money management can lead to unnecessary losses and emotional decision-making. This guide walks beginners through how to protect and grow a betting bankroll.

What Is a Bankroll?

Your bankroll is the total amount of money you’ve set aside specifically for betting. It’s important to treat this separately from your personal finances — betting money should be risk capital you’re comfortable losing.

Why Bankroll Management Matters

Even professional bettors lose 40% or more of their bets. Managing your bankroll prevents you from going bust during inevitable downswings. It also removes emotion from your decisions and builds long-term discipline.

Setting a Unit Size

A common method is to bet a fixed percentage of your bankroll on each play — often 1% to 5%. This is called your “unit size.” For example:

• Bankroll: $1,000
• Unit (2%): $20 per bet

Never raise your unit size during a hot streak. And never chase losses by doubling down.

Flat Betting vs. Variable Betting

• Flat Betting: Betting the same unit amount on every wager — great for beginners.
• Variable Betting: Adjusting stakes based on confidence — riskier, but can improve ROI if done carefully.

Common Bankroll Mistakes

• Betting too large a portion of your bankroll
• Not tracking wins/losses over time
• Chasing losses after a bad day
• Confusing your betting bankroll with personal funds

Conclusion

Managing your bankroll isn’t exciting — but it’s what separates casual gamblers from long-term winners. Stick to your limits, be consistent with your unit size, and you’ll give yourself a much better shot at success.

Frequently Asked Questions

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