Flat Bet

Detailed Explanation

Flat betting is the practice of placing the same wager on every play — a fixed, constant stake rather than a variable one. Unlike progressive betting systems (Martingale, Paroli, D'Alembert), which change bet size based on results, flat betting is the simplest and most mathematically sound approach for bankroll preservation in negative-expectation games.

In any game with a fixed house edge, the total expected loss equals: (Total action) × (House edge). Flat betting minimises variance compared to progressive systems and eliminates catastrophic loss events caused by losing streaks amplified by escalating bets. For a player betting a constant $100/hand on baccarat at 1.06% edge, the expected loss per 100 hands is $106 — predictable and manageable.

In comp negotiations with hosts, flat betting makes theoretical loss calculations straightforward and transparent.