What is the Flat Betting Strategy?

In the world of online sports betting, there are plenty of strategies and techniques to try to make the most of your bets. Each strategy comes with its own rules that bettors follow, and some of these can be especially confusing, especially when you look into matched betting. One of the simplest betting techniques is flat betting, which we are going to take a deep dive into.

Here at OddsMonkey, we are going to look at what flat betting is, how it works, and the advantages and disadvantages of this betting technique.

What is Flat Betting?

Flat betting is a betting strategy that relies on bettors creating units and sticking to them. A unit is a fixed amount you are happy to stake, so this value could be 50p, £1, or £10, depending on your bankroll. With these units, bettors will place stakes by only using the unit amount, regardless of the odds, confidence level, or outcome of your previous wagers. For example, if you have decided that your unit is £1, then you would place £1 on every bet you place, whether it be an 8/11 favourite or a 10/1 selection.

The idea of flat betting is to stick to the unit size, meaning it requires patience and a substantial bankroll. For example, bettors could have had 5 unsuccessful bets in a row, but the strategy relies on using the same unit size, so changing the stake would mean you are no longer following the strategy.

Unlike progressive staking systems such as the Martingale or Fibonacci strategy, flat betting doesn’t change the stake after successful or unsuccessful bets. Instead, it focuses on consistency and sensible bankroll management.

How does Flat Betting Work?

The concept of flat betting is very simple, especially compared with other value betting strategies. Before you begin betting, you decide on a fixed staking amount that suits your bankroll, and every bet you place uses the same stake. Let’s take a look at an example, which uses the unit of £10:

• Bet 1: £10 stake – Win
• Bet 2: £10 stake – Lose
• Bet 3: £10 stake – Lose
• Bet 4: £10 stake – Win

Even after multiple losses, the unit size stays the same, rather than trying to recover previous losses by increasing your bet stake. Many bettors will calculate their flat stake as a percentage of their bankroll before beginning to bet. For example, with a bankroll of £500, users might use 2% per unit, which would mean every bet would be £10.

Why do Bettors use Flat Betting?

Similar to other betting techniques we have covered in our matched betting blog, there are reasons why these betting strategies are used. The main reason why flat betting is used is to create discipline in betting. It is common for bettors to adjust their stake depending on results, which can lead to betting more than their intended stake.

Instead of reacting to previous results, you are following a consistent strategy that allows your betting selections, not your staking, to determine long-term results. Flat betting is a simple approach used by many bettors.

Now that we know why bettors might use flat betting, we are going to look at the advantages and disadvantages of flat betting.

Flat Betting Advantages

✅Simple to understand

✅Better bankroll management

✅Meant to avoid emotional betting

✅Easy to measure performance

Flat Betting Disadvantages

❌Slower bankroll growth

❌Can’t place bets based on confidence levels

❌Losing runs can happen

Flat Betting Vs Progressive Betting

When comparing strategies in online betting, progressive betting is another technique used frequently. Let’s take a look at some of the main differences between the two, and how they can be used:

While progressive systems can occasionally yield higher profits, they carry more risk than flat betting, which is seen as a more conservative approach. We go through other betting strategies in our Arbitrage betting guide.

Flat Betting Strategy Tips

If you are considering using this betting strategy, we have some tips you can use to make the most of it. Whether you are using our betting calculators to make the most of betting, or you are simply looking for a new way to place bets, these tips can help you make the most of your betting.

• Set a realistic betting bankroll that you are comfortable using
• Choose a fixed stake based on a small percentage of your bankroll
• Stick to your chosen stake, even during winning or losing streaks
• Keep records of every bet so you can review your performance
• Avoid increasing stakes based on emotion or short-term results.

The main idea of the flat betting strategy is to be consistent, meaning keeping the same betting unit is essential to using this technique.

Flat Betting FAQs

Can you use Flat Betting in Sports and Casino betting?

Yes, flat betting can be used in sports betting and casino betting. Whether you are betting on football or blackjack, flat betting can be used in a variety of different industries.

Does Flat Betting work for in-play markets?

Yes, flat betting can be used on in-play markets, as the consistent stakes can be used on the dynamic odds. Live betting includes shifting prices, meaning it is important to check the odds before placing any bets.

What unit size should bettors use for Flat Betting?

Bettors should aim to use a small fixed percentage of their bankroll, either 1% or 2%. This means you can use the strategy on plenty of bets, and it makes tracking easier over time.