Advantages of Using a Flat Betting System for Gambling
Over the last couple of months, we have looked at various online gambling betting systems. We’ve covered everything from the Martingale to the Paroli, and even Oscar’s Grind. Today, we will go over the most common way that people gamble online. That’s using a flat betting system.
The flat betting system is the most common way that people bet online, mostly because they don’t know any other way to bet. We will look at why this strategy is considered the best and lowest variance way to gamble online.
What is a Flat Betting System
A flat betting system is as simple as they come. You determine how much you want to bet in a hand, and you make that bet every time. If you’re playing blackjack at $5 per hand, you will make a wager of $5 for every hand you play. It doesn’t matter if you win 10 hands in a row or lose 10 hands.
You’re reading this and thinking, “how is this a betting strategy?” This is what most consider straight-up betting. And that’s true. However, many don’t consider the flat betting system as a viable alternative to the sexier systems out there.
Looking at a Flat Betting System in Action
Let’s take a look at how the flat system plays out over a series of 10 hands.
|
Bet |
Result |
Profit / Loss |
|
$5 |
Win |
+$5 |
|
$5 |
Win |
+$10 |
|
$5 |
Lose |
+$5 |
|
$5 |
Win |
+$10 |
|
$5 |
Lose |
+$5 |
|
$5 |
Lose |
Even |
|
$5 |
Win |
+$5 |
|
$5 |
Lose |
Even |
|
$5 |
Lose |
-$5 |
|
$5 |
Win |
Even |
As you can see from the chart above, you don’t see any massive swings in variance in either direction in this system. For you to lose significant money in this system, you have to go on an extended losing streak or be betting at relatively high stakes.
Advantages and Disadvantage of the System
There are a couple of distinct advantages to a flat system. The first is that the system is applicable to all online casino games. While it works best on bets with even money odds, you can use it on any form of a bet. Naturally, the longer the odds, the greater the house edge.
The second primary advantage is that you will have less overall variance compared to other systems. Progression systems fail because they will take huge chunks of profit on either a win or a loss. With a flat betting system, you win the same amount and lose the same amount for each bet.
Next, you are able to control your losses with this system. It’s easy to set a win or loss goal and track it while you play.
The primary disadvantage of this system is that you are limited to how much you can win. With a flat betting system, the only way to make any real money is to go on an extended winning streak or to play for higher stakes. The trap with playing for higher stakes is that extended losing streaks will hit your bankroll a lot harder.
Flat Betting System the Best to Control Variance
The reality in online gambling is that you cannot eliminate the house edge. You will lose long-term with any betting system you employ. The trick is to control variance. A flat betting system gives you the best chance to control variance.
With each bet, your stack will grow or shrink by 1 unit. While that isn’t as exciting as some of the other systems we’ve covered, your losses will not be nearly as devastating. Much of gambling is controlling your losses and a flat system is your best option for doing so. It’s not the sexiest betting system, but it is the safest.