How to Not Go Broke: Betting Units & Bankroll Management for Degens
Listen up, fellow degenerates. You can have the hottest picks in the world, but if you’re betting like a caffeine-fueled raccoon in a dumpster full of parlays, your bankroll is toast.
Let’s fix that. Time to learn the secret skill that every “sharp” brags about and every broke bettor wishes they’d heard of sooner: bankroll management.
What the Hell Is a “Unit”?
A unit is betting slang for “how much I usually risk per bet.” It keeps things simple (and ego-proof).
If your bankroll is $1,000, and you decide your unit is $10, then:
Betting 1 unit = $10
Betting 2 units = $20
Losing 5 units = welcome to sadness
The point? Units keep you consistent. Nobody cares how much you bet — but everyone cares how much you lost in units last weekend.
Check out our guide on how to not go broke
The Math (Don’t Panic)
Most smart bettors risk 1–2% of their total bankroll per bet.
So if you’ve got a $500 roll, that’s $5–$10 per wager.
It sounds small, but here’s the magic: you stay alive long enough to hit the heater you’ve been dreaming about.
Why Units Matter (Besides Saving Your Soul)
Units make it easy to:
Track wins/losses without crying over dollar signs
Compare bets with others without flexing fake screenshots
Avoid turning one bad beat into a full-blown financial crisis
Example: if you’re up +10 units, that’s +10% of your bankroll. Doesn’t matter if your unit’s $10 or $1,000 — you’re winning, baby.
Bankroll Management 101
1️⃣ Set your roll. Use money you can lose. If it’s rent money, you’re doing it wrong.
2️⃣ Decide your unit size. Usually 1–2% of your roll. Keep it consistent.
3️⃣ Don’t chase. Lost three in a row? That’s not a sign to “go big.” That’s the gambling gods testing your discipline.
4️⃣ Track your bets. You can’t fix what you don’t measure. Write it down, screenshot it, whatever — just track it.
Rookie Mistakes to Avoid
“I’m due” bets (no, you’re not).
Doubling after every loss (congrats, you’ve invented bankruptcy).
Increasing units after one lucky parlay (the most dangerous feeling in gambling).
Final Word from a Fellow Degen
Bankroll management isn’t sexy. It’s not flashy. It’s the broccoli of betting — but it keeps you alive long enough to enjoy dessert.
So before you throw half your roll on a “can’t-miss” Tuesday night MAC game, ask yourself:
“How many units am I about to torch?”
Bet smart, stay disciplined, and remember, in this game, survival is victory.