How to properly distribute a bankroll when playing

Bankroll management is not "winning magic," but a way to live longer at a distance, reduce the amplitude of drawdowns and control emotions. Below is a practical 7-step algorithm, volatility rate matrix, formulas and analysis of real numbers. Everything is designed for ordinary casino games with negative mathematical expectations: the goal is risk control, not "defeat mathematics."

Basic concepts (short)

Bankroll (BK) - the total amount allocated for the game, which is not a pity to lose the whole.

Session budget (SB) - part of a bankroll for one game session.

Bet share (f) is the percentage of the current bankroll per spin/round.

Volatility - scatter results: high = rare but large wins; low = frequent but small.

Stop loss/stop wine - the boundaries of the termination of the loss/profit session.

Bankroll allocation algorithm: 7 steps

1. Define BK. This is "free" money, not from the budget for mandatory expenses.

2. Set SB = 10-20% of BK. That's the maximum you're willing to lose in a session.

3. Select the game volatility (low/medium/high).

4. Determine the rate fraction f (see matrix below) and calculate the base rate: 'Bet = BK × f'.

5. Stop loss/stop wines per session:

Hard stop loss = SB (reached - session ended).
Stop wine = 30-50% of SB (profit - pause/exit was recorded).
6. Recalculation of the rate when changing the BK. After ± 10% bankroll change, recalculate 'Bet'.
7. Payment plan. Profit above SB partially (for example, 50%) - this is a "lock" on emotions.

Volatility rate share matrix

Game volatility	Share of bet f from BK per round	Who is suitable	Session length
Low (frequent small winnings)	1,0–2,0%	beginners and "calm" game	medium/long
Average	0,5–1,0%	in a balanced way	average
High (rare large)	0,2–0,5%	experienced who can withstand drawdowns	short/medium

💡 Note: if you have increased "sensitivity" to drawdowns, feel free to take the lower limit of the range.

Formulas (how to count quickly)

Base rate: 'Bet = BK × f'.

Session budget: 'SB = BK × 0.10... 0.20'.

Hard stop loss: 'SL = SB'.

Stop wine: 'SW = SB × 0.30... 0.50'.

Recalculation after bank change: if BK ↓ by 20%, new rate = old rate × 0.8.

Numerical examples

Example A (beginner, low volatility)

BK = 300 standard units

SB = 15% → 45 cu.

f = 1% → 'Bet = 300 × 0.01 = 3 C.U.'

SL = 45 standard units; SW = 20-22.5 standard units.

Rule: play 3 cu.; at − 45 cu per session - stop; at + 20... 22.5 cu. - fix profit.

Example B (balanced, average volatility)

BK = 1000 cu.

SB = 12% → 120 cu.

f = 0.75% → 'Bet = 1000 × 0.0075 = 7.5 C.U.'

SL = 120 CU; SW = 36-60 units.

Rule: rate 7.5 cu; at − 120 - stop; at + 36... 60 - pause/partial output.

Example C (experienced player, high volatility)

BK = 5000 cu.

SB = 10% → 500 cu.

f = 0.25% → 'Bet = 5000 × 0.0025 = 12.5 unit'.

SL = 500 cu; SW = 150-250 cu.

Rule: rate 12.5 cu; short sessions; strict discipline in the footsteps.

Bank split between game formats

If you're playing different games, it's wise to split BK:

60% - low volatility (long "life" of the session).
30% - average volatility (main result driver).
10% - high volatility (experiment/jackpots).
Each "pocket" has its own f and SB. Shifting funds between "pockets" - no more than once a week, after summing up the results.

Betting discipline and series adaptation

No increase in the "dogon" rate. The bet is tied to BK, not emotion.

Step recalculation: every − 10% of BK - reduce the rate by 10%; every + 10% - increase by 10% (not more aggressive).

Time management: 45-60 min session → 15 min break. Fatigue = switching to low volatility or stop only.

Stop rules and safety "locks"

Stop loss = SB. Reached - Exit with no exceptions.

Double stop: soft stop at a − of 50-60% of SB (break), hard stop at a − of 100% of SB (exit).

Stop wine = 30-50% SB. Take → half of the profit to the "reserve."

Weekly loss limit: no more than 30-40% of BK. Reached - a week without playing.

Bonuses and table limits: how to fit into the plan

Max bet is often limited when wagering - take the minimum of: your settlement rate, table limit and bonus max bet.

The contribution of games to the vager (often 10-20% for board/live games) lengthens the session - reduce f by 20-30%.

Before you play, check that 'Bet' does not violate the conditions - otherwise, confiscation of winnings.

Three-circuit test circuit

1. Play circuit: The working BK from which you count bets.

2. Backup circuit (20-30% of BK): not used in session; needed to survive the "black week."

3. Technical circuit (up to 10% of BK): commissions, test deposits, experimental games.

Overflow of funds between circuits - only after the results of the week.

Checklist before start

BK defined; money is "free."
SB = 10–20% BK; SL = SB; SW = 30–50% SB.
f selected by volatility; 'Bet = BK × f', recalculation at 10% BK ±.
The session timer is; breaks are scheduled.
Bonus/table limit rules are taken into account; max bet is not violated.
Payment plan: part of the profit is displayed automatically.

Important reservation about "Kelly"

The Kelly criterion is only appropriate if the expectation is positive (e.g. arbitrage/overlay bets). In casino games with negative expectations, Kelly is not applicable: use fixed shares on the matrix above - they are about risk management, and not about the "inflection" of the bet.

Common errors and quick fixes

Bet "on sensations." Fix: bind it to BK with a formula and do not change it without recalculation.

SB too big. Fix: 10-20% BK is enough; higher and higher accelerates drawdown.

There are no stop rules. Fix: Write out SL and SW in advance and keep it in front of your eyes.

Playing for "borrowed" money. Fix: categorical "no"; at pulse - day of time-out.

Bottom line and responsibility

The correct bankroll distribution is small-interest mathematics and iron discipline. Tie the bid to the current BK, limit the SB session, use stop loss/stop wines, take breaks and partially take profits. Play only with funds that are ready to lose, and always follow the laws and rules of your jurisdiction.