Bankroll and Session Limits for Live Casino Play
How to set a budget, a time limit and a bet size for live tables, with a worked example you can try in our calculator.
· 6 min read
Decide before you sit down
The tightest limit is the one set while you are calm. Pick the amount you are comfortable losing for entertainment, in money you do not need for anything else, and treat it as spent the moment you deposit.
Three limits worth setting
- Money: the total for the session or the week, and never more.
- Time: live tables are easy to lose track of. Set an alarm for the end of the session.
- Bet size: a common rule of thumb is to keep a single bet small enough that you can play many rounds on the budget.
A worked example with assumed numbers
Say you have a budget of 100 units and play European roulette at 2 units a spin, assuming 30 spins an hour. That is 60 units wagered an hour. At a 2.70 percent edge the expected cost is about 1.6 units an hour, yet a single bad stretch can burn through much more. The edge describes the long run; the budget protects the short run.
Use the calculator as a reality check
Open the calculator and enter your usual bet and pace. If the swing range is larger than the budget you set, lower the bet or shorten the session.
Warning signs
If any of these sound familiar, take a break and read our responsible gambling page, which lists support services.
- Raising your bet to win back a loss.
- Depositing again after the limit you set.
- Playing longer than planned, or feeling anxious when you cannot play.