Strategy guide · Updated October 2026
Bankroll Management
Bankroll management can't beat the house edge. What it can do is make sure gambling stays a cost you planned for, not a problem you discover later.
Step 1: set a monthly gambling budget
Use money left after bills, savings and essentials. Canada's Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines suggest no more than 1% of household income before tax per month. Treat the budget as spent the moment you deposit it.
Step 2: split it into sessions
A $100 monthly budget over four sessions gives you $25 per session. When a session's money is gone, the session ends. Don't borrow from next week.
Step 3: size your bets
A common rule is 1% to 2% of the session bankroll per bet on slots, so 25 cents to 50 cents a spin from $25. Higher stakes end sessions faster.
| Session bankroll | Bet per spin (1%) | Bet per spin (2%) |
|---|---|---|
| $25 | $0.25 | $0.50 |
| $50 | $0.50 | $1.00 |
| $100 | $1.00 | $2.00 |
| $200 | $2.00 | $4.00 |
Step 4: set limits in your account
- Deposit limit equal to your monthly budget.
- Session time limit, with reminders every 30 minutes.
- A loss limit per day or week, where offered.
Step 5: decide your win rule in advance
If you're ahead, decide before you play what you'll do, for example withdraw anything over your starting session amount. Winnings left in a casino balance tend to be played back.
Stop signals
- You want to deposit again to win back losses.
- You're playing longer to reach a loyalty level or clear a bonus.
- You feel annoyed or anxious when you stop.
Any of these means stop for the day. If they keep happening, read our responsible gambling page.