How To Manage Your Sports Betting Bankroll

While the flashing lights of the casino floor attract millions, sports betting has exploded into a massive global industry.


You can be the greatest sports analyst in the world, capable of predicting upsets perfectly, and still go completely broke.

Why Professional Bettors Use Units

Using units removes the emotion from the money, turning your bets into cold, calculated mathematical decisions.


If your total betting bankroll for the NFL season is $1,000, then one unit (1%) is exactly $10.

A conservative bettor will risk 1% of their bankroll per game, while an aggressive bettor might risk 3%, but almost never moreNever increase your unit size simply because you are on a winning streak; this is a classic psychological trap called 'overconfidence'Conversely, never increase your unit size to 'chase' losses after a bad day; this is the fastest way to bankrupt your account
The Importance of ROI and The Juice

Tracking your bets reveals your true Return on Investment (ROI) and highlights exactly which sports or bet types are draining your funds.


Furthermore, bankroll management requires a deep understanding of the 'vig' or the 'juice' charged by the sportsbook.

Betting StrategyThe ActionThe Mathematical RealityFlat BettingBetting exactly 1 unit on every gameHighly recommended; protects against varianceMartingaleDoubling your bet after every lossFinancial suicide; guarantees eventual bankruptcy

Sports betting should be viewed as a slow, methodical grind, not a get-rich-quick scheme.