What is bankroll management?

Bankroll management is the conscious handling of the money you dedicate to gambling, sports betting, or even poker. Its goal is to help you stay competitive in the long run and avoid losing your entire bankroll.

Why is bankroll management important?

Even the best players or bettors lose from time to time. Without a proper money management strategy, a few bad decisions or a streak of bad luck can wipe you out completely. Smart bankroll management helps you control risk and stay calm under pressure.

How to define your bankroll

Your bankroll is the amount of money you can fully afford to lose without putting your daily life at risk. It's not your savings or a portion of your salary, but a separately managed fund.

Determining your stakes

A general rule is to risk no more than 1–5% of your bankroll on a single bet or game. This conservative approach reduces the chance of going broke quickly.

When to increase or decrease your stakes

If your bankroll grows, you can gradually increase your stakes. If you're losing, you should reduce them. This is called dynamic stake adjustment and helps you stay balanced.

Don’t confuse your bankroll with your winnings

Your winnings aren't automatically part of your bankroll. It's wise to manage them separately and occasionally cash out a portion of your profit to avoid unnecessary risks.

The role of psychological factors

Poor decisions are often driven by emotions. A well-built bankroll strategy helps you avoid impulsive choices and stick to rational, pre-defined rules.

Bankroll management isn't just for professionals. It's essential for any player or bettor who wants to be successful and stable in the long term. Plan ahead, set rules, and always stick to them.