What is Flat betting?
Flat betting is a bankroll management strategy where players wager the same fixed amount on every bet regardless of odds, confidence level, or previous results.
The bet size remains constant whether you won or lost your last ten wagers.
The term is often used in discussions about staking methods and should not be confused with Flat racing, which is a type of horse racing.
Flat betting appears across many sports, including horse racing, football, tennis, and greyhound racing. The stake stays the same for each line, with returns calculated individually.
How Flat betting works
Flat betting involves wagering the same amount or percentage of your bankroll on every bet, regardless of previous wins or losses, confidence level, or odds.
Example 1: Fixed dollar amount
A player decides to bet $50 on every game.
- Monday: Lakers -110 (1.91) — Bet $50, win $45.45
- Tuesday: Patriots +140 (2.40) — Bet $50, lose $50
- Wednesday: Yankees -130 (1.77) — Bet $50, win $38.46
- Thursday: Chelsea +180 (2.80) — Bet $50, lose $50
Every bet uses the same $50 stake. The odds don't matter. Player confidence level doesn't matter. Previous results don't matter as well. Just $50 every time.
Example 2: Percentage-based approach
A player has a $5,000 bankroll and decides on 2% per bet.
- 2% of $5,000 = $100 per bet
- After 50 bets, the player has wagered exactly $5,000 total
- If the player’s bankroll grows to $6,000, they adjust to $120 per bet (2% of new total)
- If it drops to $4,000, they adjust to $80 per bet
The percentage stays constant, but the dollar amount adjusts as the bankroll changes. Most bettors recalculate their unit size when the bankroll increases or decreases by 20-25%.
Flat betting compared to other staking strategies
While flat betting keeps stakes consistent, there are several other popular approaches that handle bet sizing differently.
- Progressive systems (e.g., Martingale): Increase the stake after a loss in an attempt to recover previous losses. These systems can produce large short-term gains but carry high risk, as a prolonged losing streak can quickly deplete the bankroll.
- Kelly Criterion: Adjusts bet size based on perceived edge and bankroll to maximize long-term growth. Although mathematically optimal, it requires accurate probability estimates and can result in volatile swings if the edge is miscalculated.
Strategy | Risk Level | Complexity | Bankroll Impact | Who should consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Flat betting | Low | Simple | Steady, predictable | Beginners, long-term stability |
Progressive systems | High | Moderate | Can spike losses | Short-term recovery attempts |
Kelly Criterion | Moderate-High | Complex | Optimizes growth | Experienced bettors with accurate probabilities |
Why many experienced bettors prefer Flat betting
- Consistent bankroll management: Flat betting keeps stakes uniform, helping bettors monitor bankroll usage and avoid overspending on single wagers.
- Simplifies decision-making: By using the same stake for every bet, bettors can focus on selecting quality wagers without worrying about adjusting bet sizes.
- Predictable risk exposure: With no stake escalation after wins or losses, potential losses remain controlled, reducing the likelihood of large swings.
- Easier performance tracking: Uniform bets make it straightforward to calculate ROI, win/loss ratios, and overall profitability over time.
- Compatibility with various odds types: Works effectively with American, decimal, or fractional odds without additional calculations or adjustments.
- Supports a disciplined approach: Flat betting enforces discipline by separating emotional reactions from staking decisions, as losing or winning streaks do not affect bet size.
Flat betting tips and strategies
- Track performance regularly: Log all bets and results to identify trends, adjust strategies, and monitor ROI accurately.
- Use odds comparisons: Compare prices across sportsbooks to ensure you are getting the best value for your wager without changing stake size.
- Adjust only for major bankroll changes: If using a percentage approach, recalculate unit size after a 20–25% change in total bankroll to keep stakes proportional.
- Avoid emotional adjustments: Stick to the predetermined stake regardless of winning or losing streaks to maintain consistency.
- Focus on quality bets: Since stakes remain constant, prioritize bets with strong expected value rather than chasing high-risk opportunities.
- Consider diversification: Spread bets across multiple sports, markets, or events to reduce volatility and maintain steady exposure.
Conclusion
Flat betting offers a straightforward way to manage stakes by keeping each wager consistent, regardless of recent results. It provides predictable risk exposure and makes long-term performance easier to track. While it does not guarantee profits, it gives bettors a structured approach that can support clearer decision-making. Understanding how it works helps bettors evaluate whether it fits their overall strategy and goals.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can Flat betting be applied to different types of bets?
Yes. Flat betting can be used on moneylines, spreads, totals, props, futures, parlays, and other markets. Some bettors choose smaller unit sizes for higher variance markets, but the core principle of using consistent stakes remains the same.
Does Flat betting work for live in-play betting?
Flat betting can be used in live markets because it maintains consistent stakes during rapid odds changes. Bettors should note that live markets often have wider margins compared to pregame odds, which can influence long-term results.
Can Flat betting be used together with progressive staking systems?
No. Progressive systems such as Martingale or Fibonacci require stake increases after losses, which conflicts with the core idea of flat betting. Each approach functions separately because they follow different staking principles.
Is Flat betting suitable for both favorites and underdogs?
Flat betting can be used across all price ranges. Different odds levels create different levels of variance, and bettors often choose odds ranges that match their preferred risk profile rather than adjusting stakes.
How do bettors decide on a Flat betting unit size?
Many choose a fixed dollar amount or a small percentage of their bankroll, such as one or two percent. This helps maintain consistent exposure while allowing for easier tracking of results over time.