What Is Flat Betting? A Comprehensive Guide

When you first enter the betting arena, the level of information thrown at you can be extremely daunting.  So much new terminology, types of bets and suggested betting strategies.

The good news is that Flat betting is one of the more simple methods of betting and can be used in sports betting or casino betting. The Flat betting technique suggests that you place the same bet stake on every bet irrespective of whether your bets win or lose.

This guide will look at how Flat betting works, the pros and cons of it and how you can apply it as a betting strategy or add it to your existing strategies.

Flat betting is a predetermined fixed strategy that gives you an element of control over your bankroll. The idea being that you bet a set amount on all of your bets.  There is no rule how long you follow the strategy for but it’s recommended for at least one month.

Flat betting is also referred to as a fixed betting strategy because you’re betting a set percentage of your total bankroll. The percentage level you use is very much an individual choice but guidance says you should use between 1 - 5%.

Example

Let’s assume you have a bankroll of £5,000 and you have decided that you are going to use 1% of your total bankroll for each bet.  This would make your stake £50.  This is also known as a Unit bet. As you have just started using the Flat betting strategy, you’ve decided to give it a go for one month initially.

Let’s fast forward to the end of month one:

• You’ve placed 50 bets at £50 each (1% of your bankroll).
• 30 of your bets are successful and you have ended up with a profit of £500.
• This takes your total bankroll at the end of month one to £5,500.

So, you’re happy with how your first month went using the Flat betting system and decide to carry on for another month.

As you are starting a new cycle of Flat betting, you start afresh in terms of your bankroll etc.  As you made a £500 profit in the previous month, your new bankroll is now £5,500.  

Therefore, your new betting stake for the coming month is going to be £55 per bet.

Key features of Flat Betting

• Fixed Steaks: The amount you bet doesn’t change.
• Determined by Bankroll: Your stakes are decided as a percentage of your bankroll and are usually relatively small.
• Simple: No need to work anything out as you progress as the stakes remain the same.

Types Of Flat Betting

There are four types of Flat bets and the basic principles are the same but with tweaks.

Static Flat Betting

This is the most conservative style of Flat bets and follows our above example.  The bet stakes are usually kept to 1% with no variance.

Academic Flat Betting

This is the most popular type of Flat betting.  This time the stakes are raised to between 1 - 3% of your total bankroll.  The percentage chosen should reflect your knowledge of what you’re betting on and the confidence you have in your selections.

Aggressive Flat Betting

This type of Flat betting takes a step up from the Static and Academic Flat betting styles.  It steps up the risk level by increasing bet stakes to 2 - 3% and the percentage doesn’t decrease even if you are on a long losing run.  This can be a risky strategy.

Chaotic Flat Betting

This is pretty much as you’d expect and we don’t even think there’s rules as such.  It seems to be more of a free for all approach.  

So much is the chaos, this strategy suggests using stakes of 10% or higher of your total bankroll.  Furthermore, you don’t stick to any rule and adjust the stake as you see fit.

It’s been suggested that this approach is more often used for the here and now so is more suited to being used during a tournament such as the FIFA World Cup.

The Core Rules Of Flat Betting

There are some key features to consider that may enhance your chances of success when Flat betting:

Consistent Stakes

Make sure you stick to the stake amount you opted for at the start until you complete the chosen period whether that’s a month or a year.

Adjust Stakes 

If you decide to try Flat betting for a month, at the end of the first month you will hit what is known as a control point.  The same if you decide to do it for 3 or 6 months. 

Once you hit a control point, assess your bankroll and adjust your stake so it’s still the same percentage amount. Hopefully, this will mean an increase in your stake due to your winnings.  However, you should also decrease it if you have ended up with a loss.

Removes Emotional Betting

Because you’re using Unit bets based on a pre-set percentage, this should avoid any impulsive betting that might see you increase stakes.  However, it doesn’t stop you picking a horse with a name you like though, it just means you won’t bet a silly amount on it.

Bankroll Management  

The disciplined approach to Flat betting should help preserve your bankroll.  Provided you have set your bet amount to match your bankroll and you stick to the decided percentage, your bankroll should remain in good shape.

Mathematical Approach

The Flat betting strategy focuses on probability instead of lucky streaks with the objective being to provide long term results. Don’t forget, the bookies have the house edge most of the time and profits aren’t guaranteed.

The Number of bets

This is actually quite integral to Flat betting as the win rate percentage gets lower as the number of bets grows!

Example Player 1: You place ten bets at £100 each with the odds being 2.0 for each of them. Six of them win meaning you had returns of £1,200 (6 x 2 x £100 = £1,200). 

Once you remove the returned stakes, you have £600 profit.  Don’t forget, you had four losses too so deduct £400 from your £600 profit which leaves you £200 up with a win ratio of 60%. 

Example Player 2: Your friend has been doing this a lot longer than you so they are placing more bets than you.  They are still using £100 stakes and backing at odds of 2.0 but they have placed 100 bets.  

This time they had 55 winners giving them returns of £11,000 (55 x 2 x £100 = £11,000).

Once you remove the original stakes, there is £5,500 profit. We also need to deduct the bets that lost so deduct £4,500 and that leaves £1,000 profit  and a win ratio of 55%.

So, looking at the above examples, we can see that Player 2 has made much more than Player 1 even though the win ratio of Player 2 is less.

This is why a lot of experienced bettors choose to place more bets.

Flat Betting Compared To Other Systems

Progressive Betting Systems

Flat betting keeps risks low by using constant stake. Progressive systems are more aggressive and can easily deplete a bankroll on a bad run.

• Fibonacci Betting System: This method follows a pre-set sequence that sees you increase your stakes after losses.
• Martingale Betting System: Again, focused on losses, bettors double their stake after each loss with the objective being to recover losses with a win.

Proportional Betting

Proportional betting is another system that uses Unit bets based on your bankroll size. However, this system adjusts the stake size after the outcome of each bet meaning it can go up or down depending on whether your bet won or lost.

Flat betting has a more simple approach with static bet sizes per cycle, whereas proportional betting requires constant recalculations.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Flat Betting

Advantages

It’s Simple: Bettors of any experience level can follow the Flat betting system thanks to its simplicity. 

Bankroll Management: Flat betting helps protect your bankroll as the predetermined bet percentage makes sure you don’t lose everything with one bet.

Adaptability: Flat betting can easily be integrated into other betting strategies.

Flexibility: The Flat betting system has the scope to be utilised in multiple betting opportunities from casino games to sports betting.

Long Term Potential: For bettors with knowledge of their chosen markets and well analysed bets, Flat betting has the potential to return consistent results.

Removes Emotional Bets: Using fixed stakes removes the urge to up stakes when you’re on a winning run and also stops you from chasing losses.

Disadvantages

Lower Profits: Unlike progressive betting systems, the Flat betting method doesn’t change when on winning streaks.  This can hinder the potential opportunity to maximise your profits. 

Can Be Slow: The Flat betting system is recognised as a longer term strategy. This means any profits are likely to be gradual and probably won’t suit bettors looking for a ‘get rich quick’ scheme.

Requires Higher Win Rates: In order to be profitable, the win rate on Flat betting needs to be above 50%. Ideally, you can hit a win rate of 60% or more.

Restrictive: Whilst it’s a plus that Flat betting keeps you on the right track, it can also be a little restrictive with its rules. For anyone looking to beat the bookies, it’s best to stick to the plan. The same can be said for Matched Betting which guarantees a way to beat the bookies.

What To Use Flat Betting On

As with many of these betting systems, the origins of their use stem back to casino games.  This is mainly down to the fact that they were designed to be used on 50/50 or close to 50/50 bets.

Blackjack

• Good for even money bets or on the base hand payout. 
• Try not to make side bets as it can complicate things.

Roulette

• Ideal for bets on odd or even, high or low or red or black.
• For example, bet £10 on red.

Let’s have a look at a non casino game and the most popular sport in the UK, Football.

Football

• You need to find bets with even odds or as close as possible.
• Even odds on a team to win a match are few and far between. Look at other markets such as the over / under markets for goals, corners, cards etc.
• Always look out for price boosts from bookies. They often boost favourites to even money (2.0).

For example, at the time of writing, Bet365 are offering even odds (2.0) for over 2 cards in the match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa on Boxing Day.  

Alternatively, in the same Boxing Day fixtures, Cody Gakpo is even money to score a goal anytime for Liverpool in the match against Leicester City.

There are markets with suitable odds out there. You just have to find them.

Hints And Tips For Flat Betting

As you know, there are no guarantees with any betting system and the same applies for Flat Betting.  However, there are steps you can take to enhance your chances of success

• Set the Correct Bankroll - Make sure you set a bankroll that you can afford. The reality is that you might lose it all!
• Pick the Right Stake Level - It’s important that you choose the right size of Unit bet.  It needs to match your attitude to risk. It’s suggested you use between 1% and 5% of your total bankroll for each bet. Just remember, the lower the percentage, the less the risk and the slower the profits might roll in.
• Be Sure to Research - Successful Flat betting is reliant on you choosing the right bets. Make sure you research the betting markets thoroughly. If you have strong knowledge in a particular field, stick to that market and utilise your skills.
• Record Your Bets - Keep a record of your bets. This allows you to analyse your success and refine your strategy. It could also indicate whether a particular strategy is for you or not.

Who Is Flat Betting For?

Whilst Flat Betting can be done by bettors of all levels, it’s more aimed at the following:

• Inexperienced bettors looking to understand the basics of betting.
• Those looking to keep risks to a minimum.
• Bettors hoping to keep their bankroll healthy whilst taking a consistent approach.
• Flat betting is very useful for those looking to move on to more complex types of bets.

Conclusion

Flat betting is both very simple and effective.  It’s a more conservative approach to betting that’s ideal for those looking to manage their bankroll over the longer term instead of pushing for short term gains.

While it might be a little limited on the big wins side of things, the ease of using it and its effectiveness in keeping your bankroll intact make it a good strategy to consider.

As with any type of gambling, follow the strategy and bet responsibly. There’s no such thing as a guaranteed cert. 

The closest thing you’ll get to guaranteed profits is to go down the Matched Betting route.