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Bankroll Management
Intermediate
4 min read

The 5% Rule

By WinZity Editorial Team

The 5% rule is the simplest bankroll guideline that actually works. It keeps you in the game long enough for skill and luck to play out.

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The rule

Never risk more than 5% of your total bankroll in a single session — and never bet more than 1–2% on a single hand or spin.

An example

If your monthly entertainment bankroll is R5,000, your session budget is R250. Your max single bet is R25–R50. This sounds small, but it's how serious players survive variance.

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Why it works

Even with a small house edge, short-term variance can wipe you out if you bet too big. Sizing down to 1–2% per bet means you can absorb 20–30 losses in a row and still be playing.

Adjust for volatility

On low-volatility games (blackjack, baccarat), 1–2% is fine. On high-volatility slots, drop to 0.5–1% per spin.

Key takeaway

5% per session, 1–2% per bet. Boring, mathematical, and the reason some players last for years while others last for one weekend.

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Play responsibly

Casino play should always be entertainment, never a way to make money. Visit our Responsible Gambling page if you ever feel out of control.

Related guides

Beginner

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Intermediate

Session Management

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