How to Manage Bankroll in Sports Betting: Complete Guide & Winning Strategies in 2025
- Don’t bet more than can be lost
- Keep funds separate from daily expenses
- Stick to budgets/staking methods
- Keep records and track bets
Richard Trenchard
Last updated 22 Oct 2025
Bankroll management is a fundamental concept that all sports bettors should understand. It’s about managing the funds you have and ensuring you remain responsible with money. Read our guide to learn everything you need to know and find out the best bankroll management strategies to use when you’re placing bets on your favourite sports.
Table of contents
- 1.What is Bankroll Management in Sports Betting?
- 2.Setting Up Your Sports Betting Bankroll
- 3.Staking Methods and Betting Units
- 4.Key Principles for Effective Bankroll Management
- 5.Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- 6.Advanced Tips for Long-Term Profit
What is Bankroll Management in Sports Betting?
Bankroll management refers to allocating a designated amount of money for betting activities and managing that amount carefully. Bettors typically bet a small percentage (e.g. 1–3%) of their total bankroll on individual wagers to minimise risk.
It’s essential to use bankroll management strategies to ensure bettors stay safe, don’t spend more than they can afford to lose, and help to improve decision-making, as emotional bets can be avoided when budgets are in mind.
Setting Up Your Sports Betting Bankroll
As noted above, it’s essential to set aside an amount of money that bettors can afford to lose. There are never any guarantees that a winning outcome will be returned when betting. By setting money aside that bettors know they can lose, they can bet more freely and keep realistic expectations.
When setting a budget, bettors should consider various factors:
- How much money can they afford to lose?
- How much do they want to spend?
- How much risk do they want to experience?
- What are their goals?
Understanding these can help to set up a bankroll.
Staking Methods and Betting Units
When betting using a bankroll, punters must follow specific approaches. Betting units should be used; these are a standardised measure of the size of a bet relative to their bankroll. As noted already, most stick between 1% and 3%.
However, while the percentage-based staking approach works for some, others find that a flat betting system works for them. For example, they place £1 bets regardless of the size of their bankroll.
The Kelly Criterion system is a formula-based method that calculates stake size based on the bettor’s perceived edge. It uses the probability of winning and odds to determine the percentage of the bankroll to bet, aiming to maximise long-term growth while managing risk. It is more difficult to use, as it requires accurate probability estimation.
Key Principles for Effective Bankroll Management
An effective bankroll management strategy should involve many of the following aspects:
- Don’t bet more than can be lost
- Keep funds separate from daily expenses
- Stick to budgets/staking methods
- Keep records and track bets
Bettors who follow these aspects can minimise risks from harmful gambling, including financial troubles.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many bettors make mistakes by not effectively managing their bankrolls. These include:
- Chasing losses incurred and ignoring limits/budgets
- Increasing the stake
- Engaging in emotional betting
These can each force bettors to spend more money than they can afford to lose or ruin their staking plans. By adhering to the bankroll management strategies outlined above, they can minimise the likelihood of unnecessary fund wastage.
Advanced Tips for Long-Term Profit
To maximise the bankroll, bettors should consider the following tips and tricks:
- Adjusting unit size as your bankroll changes
- Setting loss limits
- Use different betting markets and operators for additional value
- Use bankroll management tools and apps
No guarantees exist in securing long-term profit, but being effective with your bankroll can help maximise profit achieved.
FAQ
How big should my sports betting bankroll be?
Your sports betting bankroll can be as much as you want it to be, as long as it only involves money you can afford to lose.
What is the best staking method?
The best staking method is dependent on how you want to wager. Some like the percentage system as it gives them control, while others opt for a fixed bet as it can be easier to manage.
Is the Kelly Criterion safe for beginners?
It’s not ideal for beginners, as it can be complex and require specific skills. Tools exist, but it can be difficult and overwhelming.
How do pro bettors manage their bankrolls?
Pro bettors will use a variety of bankroll management strategies. They’ll use systems that suit their specific betting needs and preferences.
About the author
We're delighted to have Richard on board at Flashscore. Offering a wealth of experience, Rich used to be a national newspaper and sports journalist before focussing entirely on the igaming and sports betting spheres. That means he is able to combine super sharp editorial instinct and crisp content with a wealth of information, having worked with some of the biggest names in the business over the past decade. So, when you see Rich's name on an article, you know it's packed information you can trust. Whether it's information on a particular casino, betting terms explained, betting tips, the best betting sites around, or anything else, Rich has got your back.
