Bankroll Management Guide

What is Bankroll Management?

Bankroll management is the practice of setting aside a specific amount of money for gambling and managing it in a way that minimizes the risk of losing it all. It's the foundation of responsible gambling and the key to long-term success in any casino game.

Setting Your Gambling Budget

The Golden Rule

Never gamble with money you can't afford to lose. Your gambling bankroll should be completely separate from money needed for:

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Food and essential expenses
• Insurance and healthcare
• Savings and emergency funds
• Debt payments

Determining Your Bankroll Size

A good rule of thumb is to allocate no more than 5-10% of your disposable income to gambling. For example:

• Monthly disposable income: $1,000
• Maximum gambling budget: $50-$100
• This amount should be money you're comfortable losing completely

The 1% Rule

One of the most important bankroll management principles is the 1% rule:

Never bet more than 1% of your total bankroll on a single bet.

Example

• Total bankroll: $1,000
• Maximum single bet: $10 (1% of $1,000)
• This allows for 100 maximum bets before depleting your bankroll

Bankroll Management by Game Type

Slots

• Bankroll requirement: 200-300 times your average bet
• Bet size: 0.3-0.5% of total bankroll
• Session limit: 20-30% of total bankroll

Blackjack

• Bankroll requirement: 100-200 times your average bet
• Bet size: 0.5-1% of total bankroll
• Session limit: 25-35% of total bankroll

Roulette

• Bankroll requirement: 150-250 times your average bet
• Bet size: 0.4-0.7% of total bankroll
• Session limit: 20-30% of total bankroll

Poker

• Cash games: 20-40 buy-ins
• Tournaments: 100-200 buy-ins
• Sit & Go: 50-100 buy-ins

Session Management

Set Session Limits

Divide your bankroll into smaller session amounts:

• Conservative: 10-15% of total bankroll per session
• Moderate: 20-25% of total bankroll per session
• Aggressive: 30-35% of total bankroll per session

Stop-Loss Limits

Set a maximum loss amount for each session:

• When you reach your stop-loss, stop playing immediately
• Common stop-loss amounts: 50-70% of session bankroll
• Never chase losses by increasing bet sizes

Win Goals

Set realistic win targets:

• Conservative win goal: 25-50% of session bankroll
• Moderate win goal: 50-100% of session bankroll
• When you reach your win goal, consider stopping or reducing bet sizes

Crypto Bankroll Management

Volatility Considerations

Cryptocurrency values can be highly volatile:

• Set your bankroll in fiat currency terms
• Adjust bet sizes based on current crypto value
• Consider using stablecoins for consistent value
• Monitor exchange rates regularly

Transaction Fees

Factor in blockchain transaction fees:

• Bitcoin: Can be $1-$50+ during high network congestion
• Ethereum: Can be $5-$100+ depending on network activity
• Alternative coins: Usually lower fees ($0.01-$1)
• Choose cryptocurrencies with lower fees for smaller bankrolls

Advanced Bankroll Strategies

The Kelly Criterion

A mathematical formula for optimal bet sizing:

f = (bp - q) / b

• f = fraction of bankroll to bet
• b = decimal odds received
• p = probability of winning
• q = probability of losing (1 - p)

Proportional Betting

Adjust bet sizes based on your edge:

• Larger bets when you have a significant advantage
• Smaller bets when the edge is minimal
• No betting when you have no edge

Common Bankroll Management Mistakes

Chasing Losses

• Increasing bet sizes after losses
• Playing with money you can't afford to lose
• Borrowing money to continue gambling

Poor Record Keeping

• Not tracking wins and losses
• Ignoring the true cost of gambling
• Failing to analyze performance

Emotional Betting

• Betting based on feelings rather than strategy
• Increasing bets when frustrated
• Making impulsive decisions

Bankroll Tracking

What to Track

• Starting bankroll amount
• Date and time of each session
• Game played and stakes
• Session profit/loss
• Total bankroll after each session
• Notes about gameplay and decisions

Tracking Tools

• Simple spreadsheet
• Gambling tracking apps
• Casino account histories
• Blockchain transaction records

Bankroll Replenishment

When to Add Money

• Only add money from your predetermined gambling budget
• Never add money during a losing session
• Wait at least 24-48 hours before adding funds
• Consider if you're gambling for the right reasons

When to Stop

Consider stopping gambling if:

• You've lost your entire predetermined bankroll
• You're borrowing money to gamble
• Gambling is affecting your daily life
• You're chasing losses consistently
• You're no longer enjoying the experience

Psychological Aspects

Discipline

Successful bankroll management requires:

• Sticking to predetermined limits
• Accepting losses as part of gambling
• Making rational decisions under pressure
• Separating emotions from strategy

Mindset

Maintain a healthy gambling mindset:

• View gambling as entertainment, not investment
• Accept that the house always has an edge
• Focus on the fun rather than profit
• Take regular breaks from gambling

Conclusion

Proper bankroll management is the cornerstone of responsible gambling. It protects you from catastrophic losses, helps you play within your means, and ensures that gambling remains an enjoyable form of entertainment rather than a financial burden. Remember: the goal isn't to win at all costs, but to have fun while managing your risk appropriately.