The Two Main Staking Methods
When we talk about stake control, we refer to deciding how much money we bet on each pick. There are many systems, but two are the most used by serious bettors:
- Flat betting: always betting the same fixed amount (for example, €10 per bet).
- Fixed percentage: always betting the same percentage of your current bankroll (for example, 2%).
Flat Betting: Simple and Effective
Flat betting consists of choosing a fixed unit and betting it on all bets, regardless of the odds or how confident you are in the pick.
Advantages:
- Maximum simplicity: calculating the stake takes a second
- Emotion-resistant: you never "convince" yourself to bet more on a special pick
- Easy to audit and compare results
Disadvantages:
- Does not adapt to bankroll growth: if your bankroll doubles, your unit remains the same in absolute terms
- Can become very small relative to the bankroll if it grows a lot
When to Use Flat Betting
It is the ideal method to start with and for bettors who want to prioritize consistency. It is also the industry standard for comparing picks (all picks are worth "1 unit").
Fixed Percentage: Adaptive to the Bankroll
With this method, you always bet the same percentage of your current bankroll. If you have €1,000 and bet 2%, the bet is €20. If the bankroll rises to €1,200, the next bet will be €24.
Advantages:
- Automatically adapts to bankroll growth
- During losing streaks, units also decrease, protecting the capital
- Mathematically optimal for long-term growth (combined with Kelly)
Disadvantages:
- Requires recalculating the stake before each bet
- Can generate very small units after a prolonged losing streak
- More complex to track manually
When to Use Fixed Percentage
It is the recommended method for more experienced bettors who already have a proven edge. It is also the basis for applying the Kelly criterion.
Direct Comparison
| Feature | Flat Betting | Fixed % |
|---|---|---|
| Simplicity | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Protection in losing streaks | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Growth potential | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Recommended for beginners | ✓ | ✗ |
My Recommendation
If you are starting, use flat betting at 1-2%. It is simpler, more consistent, and allows you to learn without complicating your life.
Once you have recorded 200-300 bets and have enough data to know your real edge, you can consider migrating to fixed percentage or the Kelly criterion.
In Oddfolio, you can see exactly how much you have bet on average in each period and whether your stake has been consistent. It is the first step to improving.
Common Stake Mistakes
- Betting more when you "feel sure": subjective confidence does not predict the outcome. Keep the stake fixed.
- Increasing the stake to recover losses: this is disguised martingale. It does not work.
- Varying the stake between bookmakers: if you bet on odds at Bet365 and Betfair, use the same unit at both.