Bankroll management basics
Beginner · 6 min read · by Denis Satoshi
Updated:
The only sustainable edge a player controls is discipline. Learn unit sizing, stop-losses, and why chasing losses destroys bankrolls.
You cannot change a game's house edge, but you can control how long your money lasts and how you respond to swings. That is bankroll management.
The core rule is unit sizing: bet a small, fixed percentage of your bankroll per spin or round — typically 1-3%. This keeps variance survivable. Set a stop-loss (a maximum you will lose in a session) and a win goal, and walk away when you hit either.
Never chase losses by increasing bets to 'win it back' — progression systems like Martingale only accelerate ruin against a fixed edge. Treat your bankroll as an entertainment budget, not an investment.
The core rule is unit sizing: bet a small, fixed percentage of your bankroll per spin or round — typically 1-3%. This keeps variance survivable. Set a stop-loss (a maximum you will lose in a session) and a win goal, and walk away when you hit either.
Never chase losses by increasing bets to 'win it back' — progression systems like Martingale only accelerate ruin against a fixed edge. Treat your bankroll as an entertainment budget, not an investment.