Definition
Flat betting means risking the same amount on every wager, no matter the sport, market, odds, or recent results. If your flat bet size is $25, every play risks $25. The stake does not rise after a win or chase after a loss.
For American odds, profit depends on the line:
Positive odds: profit = stake x odds / 100
Negative odds: profit = stake x 100 / |odds|
Worked Example
A bettor uses a flat stake of $25 per play.
At -110 odds, a $25 bet returns:
profit = 25 x 100 / 110 = $22.73
If the bet wins, the bettor receives $47.73 total: the $25 stake plus $22.73 profit. If it loses, the loss is exactly $25.
After five plays, the stake stays $25 each time. A 3-2 record at -110 produces:
3 x $22.73 - 2 x $25 = $18.19 profit
Why It Matters
Flat betting makes results easier to audit because each pick carries the same risk. It helps a bettor separate handicapping performance from stake sizing mistakes, especially during winning or losing streaks.