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Flat Staking

A staking strategy where the same amount is wagered on every bet, regardless of the odds or perceived edge. For example, always betting 2% of your initial bankroll. Flat staking is simple, limits risk, and is suitable for bettors who are not confident in precisely estimating probabilities.

Related Strategies Terms

Risk of Ruin (RoR)
The probability that a bettor will lose their entire bankroll given their edge, bet size, and number of bets. Even profitable bettors face risk of ruin if they stake too large a percentage of their bankroll. Reducing unit size dramatically lowers risk of ruin. A common target is keeping RoR below 1%.
Return on Investment (ROI)
A percentage that measures the profitability of your betting relative to the total amount wagered. Formula: ROI = (Total Profit / Total Staked) x 100. For example, if you bet $10,000 total and made $500 profit, your ROI is 5%. A positive ROI indicates long-term profitability. Professional bettors typically achieve 2-10% ROI.
Dutching
A strategy where you back multiple selections in the same market with different bookmakers, distributing stakes to ensure the same profit regardless of which selection wins. Unlike arbitrage, Dutching does not guarantee a profit on every outcome but can distribute risk while targeting specific outcomes you consider underpriced.
Value Betting
A strategy where the bettor identifies and bets on outcomes where the bookmaker's odds are higher than the true probability warrants. A value bet exists whenever the offered odds exceed the fair odds. Over time, consistently placing value bets leads to profit regardless of individual results. This is the core principle behind professional sports betting.
Kelly Criterion (Kelly)
A mathematical formula used to determine the optimal stake size for a bet based on your edge and the odds offered. Formula: Kelly Stake = (bp - q) / b, where b = decimal odds - 1, p = probability of winning, q = probability of losing (1 - p). Many bettors use a fraction of Kelly (e.g., quarter Kelly) to reduce variance.
Unit Size (Unit)
A standardized bet amount used to measure and compare betting performance. One unit typically represents 1-2% of your total bankroll. Using units allows bettors to track performance consistently regardless of the absolute amounts wagered. For example, being up 50 units conveys a clear picture of profitability.
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