Bankroll management is the difference between surviving variance and getting wiped out by a short run of results.
Core concepts
- Bankroll: the total amount you are willing to allocate for betting (separate from rent, food, or essentials)
- Unit size: a small fixed percentage of bankroll (commonly 0.5% to 2%) used to control risk
- Variance: results fluctuate even with good decisions; short-term outcomes are noisy
Practical rules (starter framework)
- Define your bankroll and keep it separate.
- Choose a unit size you can follow consistently.
- Avoid chasing losses. The market does not "owe" a win.
- Track results and learn from decisions, not just outcomes.
Responsible betting is process-first. If you cannot follow unit sizing, reduce stakes until you can.