Definition
Flat betting means wagering the same amount (one unit) on every bet, regardless of confidence level. It removes emotional bias from bet sizing and provides consistent bankroll management. Many professionals prefer flat betting over variable sizing.
Example
Your unit is $100. Every bet is $100—whether it's a 3% edge play or a 6% edge play. No exceptions. This approach ensures you don't overbet when you feel confident or underbet good opportunities.
Common Questions
Is flat betting better than Kelly?
Is flat betting better than Kelly?
Flat betting is simpler and removes sizing errors. Kelly optimizes growth but requires accurate probability estimates. Many pros use flat betting because they can't reliably quantify their exact edge on each bet.
Should I ever deviate from flat betting?
Should I ever deviate from flat betting?
Some bettors use 1-3 unit scales for clearly different confidence levels. But if you're always rating bets as "max confidence," you're probably fooling yourself. Flat betting enforces discipline.