A low-risk betting strategy that minimizes the chance of significant losses is ideal for beginners or bettors who frequently place losing bets. This method is known as the Flat Betting Strategy.
The Essence of the “Flat” Strategy
The financial betting strategy “Flat” was adopted by bettors from the world of gambling. Its main purpose is to minimize the risk of major losses across a sequence of bets (the number of wagers is determined by the player).
A key element of the strategy’s success lies in using the same stake size for all bets in the series. The size of this fixed stake is calculated as a percentage of the initial bankroll.
Particular attention should be paid to the bookmaker’s odds on the event outcome.
The optimal odds for all bets in the series typically range between 2.0 and 2.5.
Types of Flat Betting Strategies
The Flat Strategy is divided into four subtypes:
- Chaotic – the stake amount varies between 5–15% of the initial bankroll;
- Aggressive – stake size varies between 2–3% of the initial bankroll;
- Static – each stake does not exceed 1% of the starting bankroll;
- Academic – stake size is set at 1–3% of the initial bankroll.
Example of Using the “Flat” Strategy
A player prepared a bankroll of $100 and decided to make four bets on Serie A football matches using the chaotic subtype of the “Flat” strategy.
The stake size for each bet was set at 10% of the initial bankroll, i.e. $100 × 10% = $10.
- In the match Roma – Juventus (Round 2, Serie A, September 27), the bettor placed a bet on Under 2.5 goals (Total Under 2.5) with odds of 2.37.
- In the match Lazio – Atalanta (Round 1, Serie A, September 30), the capper chose Over 2.5 (Total Over 2.5) with odds of 1.42.
- In the match Udinese – Roma (Round 3, Serie A, October 3), the player placed a Total Under 2.5 bet at 2.26.
- In the game Lazio – Inter (Round 3, Serie A, October 4), the bettor wagered on an away win at odds of 2.14.
The match results were as follows:
- Roma – Juventus: 2–2
- Lazio – Atalanta: 1–4
- Udinese – Roma: 0–1
- Lazio – Inter: 1–1
The bettor lost two out of four bets. As a result, his bankroll decreased by $3.20. The summary of these bets is shown in the table below:
| Bet Result | Winning Amount | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bet 1 | Lost | $10 × 2.37 = $0 | −$10 |
| Bet 2 | Won | $10 × 1.42 = $14.20 | +$4.20 |
| Bet 3 | Won | $10 × 2.26 = $22.60 | +$12.60 |
| Bet 4 | Lost | $10 × 2.14 = $0 | −$10 |
| Total | −$3.20 |
