TipsterCheck

How Much Should You Bet Per Bet?

Bet too big and one bad run ends you; too small and you're wasting your edge. Here's how to size individual stakes sensibly.

Updated 18 August 2026.

Stake size is where most bankrolls live or die. The right per-bet stake keeps you safe through variance while still growing a genuine edge. This guide gives practical guidance, building on how to build a betting bankroll.

Think in percentages

Size stakes as a small percentage of your bankroll rather than a fixed cash figure, so your risk scales with your bank. Common guidance is 1-3% of your bankroll per bet for level staking.

This keeps any single loss survivable.

Survive the losing run

Your stake must be small enough to withstand the expected maximum losing run with plenty of bankroll left. If one run can seriously dent your bank, your stakes are too big.

Higher-odds betting needs smaller stakes because losing runs are longer and deeper — see drawdown.

Match stake to confidence carefully

Varying stakes by edge is reasonable if you can estimate it — that's the idea behind Kelly — but never ramp up on gut feeling or to recover losses.

For most people, consistent stakes are safest.

Adjust as the bank changes

Recalculate your stake as your bankroll grows or shrinks, so you're always risking a sensible fraction. Review periodically rather than bet-to-bet.

Use our staking calculator to keep stakes consistent.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I bet per bet?

Size stakes as a small percentage of your bankroll — commonly 1-3% for level staking — rather than a fixed cash amount, so your risk scales with your bank and any single loss is survivable.

How do I know if my stakes are too big?

If a normal losing run could seriously dent your bankroll, your stakes are too big. Your stake must be small enough to survive the expected maximum losing run with plenty left over.

Should I bet more on 'certain' selections?

Only if you can genuinely estimate a bigger edge (the idea behind Kelly). Never ramp up stakes on gut feeling or to recover losses — for most people, consistent stakes are safest.

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