Short definition
The money you’ve set aside for gambling. Bankroll management helps you play responsibly and for longer.
A bankroll is the amount you have deliberately set aside for playing and can afford to lose. Good bankroll management means sizing your bets to fit it.
The general advice is to keep a single bet to a small fraction of your bankroll, so individual losses don't end your session too early. A bankroll goes hand in hand with deposit and loss limits.
Bankroll and bet size: an example
Suppose your monthly entertainment budget is €100. Split it into five sessions, so each session has €20. At €0.20 per spin that is €20 ÷ €0.20 = 100 spins. Suppose also that a spin takes six seconds, so an hour has 600 spins and a turnover of 600 × €0.20 = €120. On a game with a 96% RTP the average loss per hour is €120 × 4% = €4.80. These are examples, but they show that bet size and pace determine how fast money goes; a bankroll does not make the game more favourable, it only limits the cost.
Common mistakes
- depositing extra money to win back a loss after the session amount has run out: end the session instead;
- mixing the bankroll with living costs or borrowed money: a bankroll is only money you can afford to lose;
- adding winnings to the starting amount with no win limit: decide in advance when you will stop, even when ahead;
- treating bonus money as bankroll: it comes with a wagering requirement;
- doubling the bet after a loss. This is the Martingale strategy: doubling a €1 bet means that after ten losses the next bet is €1,024 (2 to the power of 10), and table limits end it earlier still.
Bankroll and crypto
With crypto the bankroll's value moves regardless of the game: if you hold it in a non-stablecoin, its euro value can change without a single bet, see exchange-rate risk.
For planning use the bankroll planner calculator and the guide to planning a gambling budget. The swings in results are explained by volatility. If you cannot keep to your session or monthly limit, ask for help at the Gambling Addiction Counselling Centre.
Related and sources
See also the bankroll calculator and responsible gambling. Source: Bankroll (Wikipedia).
“Example: with a €100 bankroll keep the bet usually between €0.50 and €2, so playing time is longer and the swings more tolerable.
1. Set a budget
Decide before you play how much you're prepared to use.
2. Size your bet
Keep a single bet to a small fraction of your bankroll.
3. Set limits
Use deposit and loss limits to protect your budget.
4. Don't chase losses
Raising your bets to win back a loss is a classic mistake.
The bet is a small part of the fundsRecommendation
Deposit and loss limitTools
Responsible gamblingGoal
How large should a bankroll be?
Only as large that losing it won’t affect your everyday life. Always play with money you can afford to lose.
How does a bankroll relate to limits?
Deposit and loss limits are practical tools for preserving your bankroll. They stop you spending more than you planned.
21+ Gambling is intended for players aged 21 and over only. A fast withdrawal does not make gambling a safe source of income. Only play with money you can afford to lose. If needed, set self-limits or seek help:
responsible gambling.
