What is Bankroll Management?

Bankroll management is the practice of controlling your gambling funds to maximize entertainment value while minimizing the risk of significant losses. It's the foundation of responsible gambling.

Setting Your Bankroll

Rule #1: Only Gamble What You Can Afford to Lose

Your casino bankroll should be money set aside specifically for entertainment – never rent money, bill money, or savings.

Determining Your Bankroll Size

  • Calculate your monthly entertainment budget
  • Allocate a portion specifically for gambling
  • Never exceed this amount under any circumstances

Bet Sizing Strategies

The 1-5% Rule

Never bet more than 1-5% of your total bankroll on a single bet:

  • Conservative: 1% per bet
  • Moderate: 2-3% per bet
  • Aggressive: 4-5% per bet

Session Bankroll

Divide your total bankroll into session amounts:

  • $500 bankroll = 5 sessions of $100
  • When a session bankroll is gone, stop playing
  • Never dip into future session funds

Win and Loss Limits

Loss Limits

  • Set a maximum loss per session (e.g., 50% of session bankroll)
  • Set a daily loss limit
  • Set a weekly/monthly loss limit
  • Stop immediately when limits are reached

Win Goals

  • Set a win target (e.g., 50% profit)
  • When reached, consider pocketing profits
  • Continue playing only with original bankroll

Game-Specific Bankroll Tips

Slots

  • Choose bet sizes that give you 200+ spins per session
  • Lower volatility = smaller bankroll needed
  • Avoid max bets unless bankroll supports it

Blackjack

  • Need 50-100 betting units for proper play
  • Account for double downs and splits
  • Variance is lower but losing streaks happen

Roulette

  • Outside bets require smaller bankroll
  • Inside bets need larger bankroll for variance
  • European roulette (single zero) is more bankroll-friendly

Tools to Help

  • Use casino deposit limits
  • Set session time limits
  • Track all sessions in a spreadsheet
  • Use cooling-off periods after losses

Red Flags You're Mismanaging

  • Chasing losses with bigger bets
  • Borrowing money to gamble
  • Exceeding your limits "just this once"
  • Gambling with money meant for bills
  • Feeling anxious or stressed while playing

Conclusion

Good bankroll management is the difference between enjoyable gambling and problem gambling. Set strict limits, stick to them, and remember that casino games are entertainment, not income.