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Flat Staking

A staking strategy where the same amount is wagered on every bet, regardless of the odds or perceived edge. For example, always betting 2% of your initial bankroll. Flat staking is simple, limits risk, and is suitable for bettors who are not confident in precisely estimating probabilities.

Related Strategies Terms

Yield
Another term for ROI in betting, representing the average percentage return per bet. Calculated as (Total Profit / Total Staked) x 100. A 5% yield means you return an average of $0.05 for every $1.00 wagered. Yield is the standard measure used to evaluate and compare tipster performance.
Risk of Ruin (RoR)
The probability that a bettor will lose their entire bankroll given their edge, bet size, and number of bets. Even profitable bettors face risk of ruin if they stake too large a percentage of their bankroll. Reducing unit size dramatically lowers risk of ruin. A common target is keeping RoR below 1%.
Staking Plan
A predefined system that determines how much to bet on each wager based on specific criteria. Common staking plans include flat staking, percentage of bankroll, Kelly Criterion, and level stakes. A disciplined staking plan is essential for long-term profitability and protecting your bankroll from large drawdowns.
Matched Betting
A strategy that uses bookmaker promotions, free bets, and bonuses to guarantee a profit by backing at a bookmaker and laying at an exchange. Matched betting is technically risk-free when executed correctly and is a common starting point for new bettors to build a bankroll.
Regression to the Mean
A statistical phenomenon where extreme results tend to move closer to the average over time. In betting, a team on a long winning streak is likely to see their performance normalize. Understanding regression helps bettors avoid overreacting to short-term results and identify value where the market has overcorrected.
Value Betting
A strategy where the bettor identifies and bets on outcomes where the bookmaker's odds are higher than the true probability warrants. A value bet exists whenever the offered odds exceed the fair odds. Over time, consistently placing value bets leads to profit regardless of individual results. This is the core principle behind professional sports betting.
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