How bankroll management works in video poker

Bankroll management is one of the most important skills for any video poker player. Even the best strategies can fail if you do not manage your money wisely. By controlling your bankroll, you reduce risk, play longer, and improve your chances of success.

Here’s how bankroll management works in video poker.

1. Set a Budget Before You Play

The first step in managing your bankroll is deciding how much money you can afford to lose. Treat this as your gaming budget.

• Why it matters: Setting a limit prevents you from chasing losses or risking more than you can afford.

• Tip: Only use money that won’t affect your daily expenses or essential bills.

2. Divide Your Bankroll into Sessions

Once you have a total bankroll, divide it into smaller sessions. For example, if your bankroll is $200, you might play four $50 sessions.

• Why it matters: Smaller sessions help you control losses and maintain focus.

• Tip: Stop playing once a session limit is reached. This prevents emotional decisions and keeps you disciplined.

3. Choose Appropriate Bet Sizes

Bet sizes should match your bankroll and session length. Avoid betting too much on a single hand.

• Flat betting: Bet the same amount every hand. This keeps risk consistent.

• Adjustable betting: Increase bets cautiously after wins or decrease after losses.

• Tip: Beginners should start with small bets to extend playtime and practise strategies.

4. Understand Variance and Risk

Video poker has a natural element of luck, called variance. Some sessions will have big wins, while others may result in losses.

• Why it matters: High-variance games can drain your bankroll quickly if bets are too large.

• Tip: Match your bet size to the volatility of the game. For high-variance games, use smaller bets to protect your bankroll.

5. Keep Track of Wins and Losses

Tracking your results helps you understand your spending and performance. Record how much you bet, your wins, and losses.

• Why it matters: Knowing your history allows better decision-making and helps avoid repeated mistakes.

• Tip: Review your records regularly to adjust betting strategy or game selection.

6. Avoid Chasing Losses

A common mistake is increasing bets to recover losses. This often leads to bigger losses and poor decisions.

• Tip: Accept that losing sessions are part of the game. Stick to your bankroll limits and avoid emotional play.

7. Take Advantage of Bonuses Wisely

If playing online, bonuses can extend your bankroll. Use deposit bonuses, free spins, or loyalty rewards to add value without increasing risk.

• Tip: Read bonus terms carefully and choose offers that suit your bankroll strategy.

Conclusion

Bankroll management is essential in video poker. By setting a budget, dividing sessions, choosing appropriate bets, and avoiding emotional decisions, you protect your funds and improve your long-term results. Practising good bankroll management allows you to enjoy video poker responsibly while maximizing your chances of winning.