What Does ‘Staking Method’ Mean in Sports Betting?
A “Staking Method” is simply your pre-set rule for deciding exactly how much money to risk on a single bet.
It’s the “budgeting” side of sports betting. Instead of randomly guessing or betting $50 because you “feel lucky,” you follow a strict system to protect your bankroll.
Why Do You Need One?
Without a staking method, you will eventually go broke. It stops you from “chasing losses” (betting huge amounts to win back money you lost) and keeps you disciplined during bad streaks.
The 3 Most Common Staking Methods
1. Flat Betting (The Best for Beginners)
- The Rule: You bet the exact same amount on every single game, no matter what.
- Example: Your “unit” is $10. You bet $10 on the Chiefs, $10 on the Lakers, and $10 on the Yankees.
- Why it works: It is safe, simple, and keeps you in the game for a long time.
2. Percentage Staking (The “Growth” Method)
- The Rule: You bet a specific percentage of your current bankroll (usually 1% to 3%).
- Example: You have $1,000. You bet 2% ($20). You win, and now have $1,020. Your next bet is 2% of that ($20.40).
- Why it works: Your bets naturally get bigger when you are winning and smaller when you are losing.
3. Confidence Staking (The “Riskier” Method)
- The Rule: You change your bet size based on how confident you are (e.g., 1 unit for a normal bet, 3 units for a “lock”).
- Why it works: It can make you money faster, but it is dangerous because humans are often overconfident!