The question "how much should I bring to the casino?" doesn't have a single answer. Different games have different variance levels, bet sizes, and session lengths. Here's how to calculate appropriate bankrolls for any game.
The General Principle
Bankroll = (Bets per hour) × (Hours planned) × (Variance factor)
More variance requires more bankroll. Faster games require more bankroll. Longer sessions require more bankroll.
Session vs. Total Bankroll
Session bankroll: Money allocated for one casino visit. What you're willing to lose tonight.
Total gambling bankroll: All money set aside for gambling. Never touch other funds.
Golden rule: Your session bankroll should be money you can lose without financial or emotional consequences.
Slots
The Math Problem
Slots have high variance and fast play:
- 500-800 spins per hour
- High house edge (5-15%)
- Results are extremely volatile
Recommendations
| Machine Type | Minimum Session | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Penny slots ($0.50-1 total bet) | $100 | $200 |
| Quarter slots ($1-2 total bet) | $200 | $400 |
| Dollar slots ($3-5 total bet) | $500 | $1,000 |
| High limit ($10-25 per spin) | $2,000 | $5,000 |
Reality Check
Even with adequate bankroll, expect to lose your session amount frequently. Slots have the highest variance—some sessions end fast regardless of bankroll.
Blackjack
The Math
Blackjack has low variance and moderate pace:
- 60-80 hands per hour
- Low house edge (0.5% with basic strategy)
- Doubles and splits increase volatility
Recommendations
| Minimum Bet | Minimum Session | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $200 (20 units) | $400 (40 units) |
| $25 | $500 (20 units) | $1,000 (40 units) |
| $50 | $1,000 (20 units) | $2,000 (40 units) |
| $100 | $2,000 (20 units) | $4,000 (40 units) |
Double and Split Cushion
Always have extra for doubles and splits:
- You may need 4x your bet on a single hand
- Running short prevents optimal play
- Budget extra 25% for this
Craps
Base Bets Only
Just pass line, no odds:
- Similar to blackjack variance
- 20-30 bets is adequate
| Minimum Bet | Minimum Session | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| $5 | $100 | $200 |
| $10 | $200 | $400 |
| $25 | $500 | $1,000 |
With Odds Bets
Odds bets increase variance (and reduce house edge):
| Pass + Odds | Minimum Session | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| $5 + 2x odds | $200 | $400 |
| $10 + 2x odds | $400 | $800 |
| $25 + 3x odds | $1,500 | $3,000 |
Full Craps Play
Multiple numbers, place bets, come bets:
- Volatility increases significantly
- More money on the layout = more variance
- Budget 50-100 total units
Roulette
Outside Bets (Even Money)
Red/black, odd/even, high/low:
- Low-medium variance
- Steady grinding
| Bet Size | Minimum Session | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| $5 | $100 (20 bets) | $200 (40 bets) |
| $25 | $500 | $1,000 |
| $100 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
Inside Bets (Numbers)
Straight-up, splits, corners:
- High variance
- Can go long without wins
| Average Bet | Minimum Session | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| $10 inside | $500 | $1,000 |
| $25 inside | $1,250 | $2,500 |
| $50 inside | $2,500 | $5,000 |
Baccarat
Standard Play
Similar to blackjack in variance:
- Even money bets
- Quick resolution
- Low house edge
| Bet Size | Minimum Session | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| $25 | $500 (20 bets) | $1,000 (40 bets) |
| $100 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| $500 | $10,000 | $20,000 |
Mini-Baccarat Consideration
Faster pace means more hands per hour:
- Budget for 60-80 decisions per hour
- Same unit recommendations but may deplete faster
Video Poker
Standard Variance
Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker:
- Medium variance
- ~400 hands per hour
| Denomination | Minimum Session | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| 25¢ ($1.25/hand) | $200 | $400 |
| 50¢ ($2.50/hand) | $400 | $800 |
| $1 ($5/hand) | $1,000 | $2,000 |
High Variance Games
Deuces Wild, Double Bonus:
- Longer droughts between big hands
- Need larger cushion
| Denomination | Minimum Session | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| 25¢ ($1.25/hand) | $400 | $800 |
| 50¢ ($2.50/hand) | $800 | $1,600 |
| $1 ($5/hand) | $2,000 | $4,000 |
Live Poker (Cash Games)
Buy-In Guidelines
Poker bankroll works differently—you can win any session if skilled.
Single session buy-in:
- Minimum: 50 big blinds
- Standard: 100 big blinds
- Deep: 200 big blinds
| Game Stakes | Minimum Buy-In | Full Buy-In |
|---|---|---|
| $1/$2 | $100 | $200 |
| $2/$5 | $250 | $500 |
| $5/$10 | $500 | $1,000 |
Total Bankroll for Regular Play
For players who play regularly:
- Conservative: 30 buy-ins
- Standard: 20 buy-ins
- Aggressive: 10 buy-ins
$1/$2 player ($200 buy-in):
- Conservative: $6,000 total bankroll
- Standard: $4,000 total bankroll
Rebuy Budget
Poker sessions can require rebuys:
- Budget for 2-3 buy-ins per session
- Never chase with money outside gambling bankroll
Poker Tournaments
Buy-In Strategy
Tournaments are higher variance than cash games:
- Most tournaments you'll lose buy-in
- Occasional big wins compensate
For recreational tournament players:
- 50+ buy-ins for stakes you play
- Example: $100 tournaments need $5,000+ total bankroll
Single session:
- Bring 2-3 tournament buy-ins
- May want to play multiple events
Sports Betting
Per-Bet Sizing
Standard recommendation:
- 1-2% of bankroll per bet
- Never more than 5% on single bet
| Bankroll | Standard Bet | Maximum Bet |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $10-20 | $50 |
| $5,000 | $50-100 | $250 |
| $10,000 | $100-200 | $500 |
Weekend Session
For a weekend of sports betting:
- 10-20 bet amounts
- Enough for a cold streak
- Plus some for opportunities
General Bankroll Rules
The 5% Rule
Never bet more than 5% of your session bankroll on any single bet.
$500 session:
- Max single bet: $25
- Protects against quick bust-out
The Loss Limit Rule
Decide in advance: what loss triggers walking away?
Common approach:
- Lose 50% of session bankroll → consider leaving
- Lose 75% → definitely leave
- Never go to ATM for more
The Win Goal (Optional)
Some players set win goals:
- Up 50% → consider leaving
- Up 100% → definitely leave
This locks in profits but also limits potential gains.
Money You Can Afford to Lose
Every bankroll number above assumes:
- This money is discretionary
- Losing it has no life impact
- It's not rent, bills, or savings
If the amounts seem too high for your budget, play smaller stakes.
Red Flags: You're Underbankrolled
Signs you need more bankroll or lower stakes:
- Nervous about each bet
- Can't afford to double/split
- Need to leave early due to losses
- Considering hitting the ATM
- Losing affects your mood significantly
- Thinking about this money for other purposes
Adjusting for Your Style
Conservative Players
Multiply recommendations by 1.5x:
- Hate losing sessions
- Want maximum play time
- Prefer leaving with something
Aggressive Players
Can use minimum recommendations:
- Accept frequent bust-outs
- Prefer bigger bets, shorter sessions
- Handle variance emotionally
The Bottom Line
Your bankroll should match:
- The game's variance
- Your bet size
- Your session length
- Your risk tolerance
When in doubt, bring more than you think you need. You can always leave with money in your pocket—but you can't continue playing with an empty wallet.
The best bankroll is one you can lose completely without financial or emotional distress. If that's $50, play penny slots. If it's $5,000, you have more options. Either way, never gamble money you can't afford to lose.