What Does ‘Unit’ Mean in Sports Betting?
In sports betting, a “unit” is a measurement of the size of your bet. It’s a simple way to manage your money and track your success, regardless of how much you are actually betting.
Think of it as a percentage of your total betting money (your “bankroll“).
The most common rule is: 1 unit = 1% of your bankroll
Example
Let’s say you have a total bankroll of $500 set aside for betting.
- Your 1 unit size = $5 (which is 1% of $500)
Now, you can decide how much to bet in “units” based on your confidence:
- A standard bet: You bet 1 unit.
- You are betting $5.
- A confident bet: You bet 3 units.
- You are betting $15.
- A very confident bet: You bet 5 units.
- You are betting $25.
Why Do Bettors Use Units?
- Bankroll Management: It stops you from betting too much on one game and losing all your money. Even if you lose a 5-unit bet, you’ve only lost 5% of your total bankroll.
- Tracking Success: It’s the best way to know if you’re a good bettor. A bettor who is “+15 units” for the year is successful, no matter if their unit was $5 or $5,000. It provides a universal way to compare performance.
- Consistency: It helps you stay disciplined instead of betting random dollar amounts based on a “feeling.”