Money management in gambling refers to setting win goals and loss limits during your playing sessions. For example, a slots player might decide on a money management scheme that looks something like this:
- The player has a $100 bankroll, and she decides to play five sessions with a mini-bankroll during each session of $20.
- Her goal is to win at least $4 per session. If at any point during the session she has $24 in credits on the game, she quits and pockets her money.
- Her loss limit is also $4 per session. If at any point during the session she has $16 in credits or less, she quits and pockets how much money she has left.
This is the kind of money management system that authors like John Patrick espouse as a way to “grind out small wins”. The reality is that this system has nothing to do with your chances of winning or losing.
Here are other money management tips and tricks to help you enjoy playing online casino games while not breaking your bank account.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
One of the most important aspects of online casino money management is setting a budget. Determine how much money you can afford to spend on gambling without impacting your daily life or finances. Once you have set a budget, make sure to stick to it. Avoid the temptation to exceed your budget, even if you are on a winning streak.
For example, let’s say you have allocated $200 for a gambling session. If you reach that limit, it’s time to stop playing. This can be applied when playing online slot games. While some slot game veterans will advise you to use various betting methods to get the most of your bets and spins, you have control over how much you’re willing to shell out during your casino sessions.
Keep in mind that when you’re playing online casino games, it has a negative expectation by its design. By setting a budget and adhering to it, you can prevent overspending and maintain control over your finances.
How much can you expect to lose?
Any time you gamble in a casino, you can calculate your chances of winning or losing with ease. You multiply the total amount of money you put into action by the house edge, and that’s the amount you can expect to lose. The formula is straightforward enough: amount wagered X number of wagers X house edge.
For example, if you’re playing a dollar slot machine for $1 per spin, and you make 600 spins in an hour, then you’ve put $600 into action. If the slot machine gives the casino a 5% edge (which wouldn’t be unusual) you could expect to lose a total of $3. If you could make a single bet of $600 on that same machine, you’d still expect, mathematically, to lose $3.
Quitting while you’re ahead would be a winning strategy, but only if you never played again. Anyone who plays long enough will fall victim to the house edge.
What is variance and how does money management affect that?
On the other hand, money management strategies can affect your variance. Some money management systems advise raising the size of your bets when you’re losing (or winning). This is supposed to give you an edge over the casino, but by its design, online casino games are negative expectation experiences: you play with the knowledge that there is a chance that you will lose, and if you play long enough, you’ll lose all your money.
Different gamblers have different dispositions. You might be a recreational gambler who just enjoys playing for the fun of it. Your best bet is to choose a wager size that you’re comfortable with, stick with that, and accept your losses. On the other hand, you might be a gambler who wants to “win big or go home”. In that case, if you’re winning, you might want to raise the size of your bets in order to take a shot at the bigger win. Your chances of losing everything increases, but so do your chances of winning a large amount.
What you need to remember is that your chances of losing are always better than your chances of winning, no matter how you size your bets.
Choose the Right Games
Not all casino games have the same odds of winning. Some have higher house edges, meaning the casino has a greater advantage. To maximize your chances of winning, focus on games with lower house edges.
For instance, classic and online blackjack and video poker are known for having relatively low house edges. On the other hand, slot machines tend to have higher house edges. By selecting games with better odds, you can improve your overall profitability in the long run.
Pick and Enjoy the Right Online Casino Games For You Here
An example of a money management system
The Martingale System is the classic example of a money management system. It doesn’t usually apply to slot machine gambling, because most slots have strict limits to how much your maximum wager is. However, this system is extensively used on online casino games that give players more agency such as online baccarat and online blackjack. It’s still illustrative of how a money management system works, especially .
Here’s how the Martingale works. You start with a single unit, and you place an even money bet. If you win, you pocket your winnings. If you lose, you double the size of your next bet. Then if you win this next bet, you’ve recouped your loss from the first bet, and you’re ahead one unit.
The problem with the Martingale is that eventually you’re risking a large amount of money in the hopes of getting ahead by a single unit. A typical Martingale progression would look like this: $1 – $2 – $4 – $8 – $16 – $32 – $64. After 7 bets, you have to wager $128, and if you win, you’re still only ahead by a single dollar.
The other problem is that eventually you’ll hit a bet size that your bankroll won’t be able to cover. Even if you have an infinite bankroll, the casino has limits to how much you’re able to bet at one time. The Martingale guarantees lots of small wins and occasional large losses. At the end of the day, it does nothing to help you win more in the long run.
Practice Your Money Management Strategies in Baccarat Here
Take Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions
Online casinos often offer various bonuses and promotions to attract players. These can include welcome bonuses, free spins, or cashback offers. Taking advantage of these bonuses can help boost your bankroll and extend your playing time.
However, it’s crucial to read and understand the terms and conditions associated with these bonuses. Some bonuses may come with wagering requirements or restrictions that need to be met before you can withdraw your winnings. Always ensure you are aware of these conditions to make the most of the bonuses.
4 Responsible Gambling Practices
Responsible gambling is about enjoying the thrill of online casino games while maintaining control over your gambling habits. Here are some real-life examples of responsible gambling:
1. Setting time limits
Allocate a specific amount of time for gambling and stick to it. This prevents excessive gambling and helps maintain a healthy balance in your life. For example, you can set around 1-2 hours of online casino playing time: once you’ve reached your allotted time, you have to stop, regardless if you’re winning or not.
2. Avoiding chasing losses
It’s important to accept losses as part of the gambling experience. Avoid the temptation to chase losses by increasing your bets or playing for longer periods. Most casino games are negative expectation experiences, so trying to recoup your loses mean that you run the risk of losing even more. When you’ve lost more than you’ve bargained for, it is always the best choice to walk away.
3. Taking breaks
If you’re gunning for a long casino game session, remember to regularly take breaks. This allows you to refresh your mind and make more rational decisions rather than getting caught up in the excitement of the game. Generally, it is best to assess how your bankroll is shaping up at around 30 minutes or after an hour of playing. You can even hold off playing if you’ve been experiencing more losses in the first few minutes to assess if the casino game you’re playing is still worth it, or if looking for another game is the better option.
4. Seeking support
If you feel that your gambling habits are becoming problematic, don’t hesitate to seek support. Many online casinos provide resources and helplines for players who need assistance with gambling addiction. Getting that endorphin rush when winning is one of best feelings ever, but chasing that hit can lead to you flushing your bankroll up, especially if you’re recklessly betting without checking how much you’ve lost so far.
By practicing responsible gambling, you can enjoy the entertainment value of online casinos while minimizing the potential negative impact on your finances and overall well-being.
Conclusion
The best money management advice you can get is to play within your means. Don’t risk money you can’t afford to lose. Treat gambling as a form of entertainment, and remember that the casino has the edge, no matter how you size your bets.
