How to Use a Flat Betting Strategy in Blackjack

Flat betting is my go-to strategy when playing blackjack online. It’s simple: you place the same bet every hand, no matter if you win or lose.

That’s part of what makes blackjack so appealing to me. Unlike slots or roulette, where luck rules everything, blackjack rewards discipline and smart decision-making.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how flat betting works, why I prefer it, and how you can use it to stretch your playtime (and maybe even boost your winnings).

What Is Flat Betting in Blackjack?

Flat Betting is a low-risk betting method built around consistency and bankroll management. Instead of adjusting your bet sizes based on wins, losses, or gut feelings, you place the same wager amount every hand, no matter what.

Blackjack is the perfect game for flat betting because it offers a structured hand-by-hand format and a relatively low house edge (especially if you play basic strategy).

At its core, flat betting is about:

• Protecting your bankroll for longer sessions
• Avoiding emotional or impulsive bets
• Setting a sustainable pace for playing

By keeping your bets steady and small relative to your bankroll, you minimize the risk of blowing through your money too quickly. Flat betting won’t guarantee you’ll win every session, but it will help you stay in the game longer and give you a better chance to win real money.

Start Using Flat Betting to Play Blackjack in 3 Steps

Flat betting is all about consistency. Here’s how to put it into practice when playing blackjack online.

1. Calculate your starting bet: If you are just starting out, 1% of your total bankroll is ideal. For example, if your bankroll is $500, your flat bet would be $5 per hand.
2. Commit to that bet: Place the same $5 bet for every single hand, without increasing or decreasing, no matter the outcomes.
3. Set a review period: After a set time frame (say, a month of play), review your results and adjust only if your bankroll has significantly changed.

Flat betting won’t deliver huge wins overnight, but that’s the point. It’s a smart strategy if your goal is to stay in the game longer, control your losses, and build your skills over time.

Aggressive Flat Betting (Recommended for More Experienced Players)

Once you’ve gained confidence in your blackjack skills — including using basic strategy and perhaps some card counting light techniques — you might try a more aggressive version of flat betting.

Here’s how:

• Increase your wager size: Instead of your usual 1% per hand, increase your bet to around 3%–4% of your total bankroll. For example, if you’re playing with $500, that means betting $15–$20 per hand.
• Ride the streak: Keep placing that higher bet as long as you’re winning or breaking even. This lets you take advantage of short-term streaks without going full-on Martingale.
• Scale back: If you lose 3 or 4 hands in a row, immediately drop your bet back to your standard 1% level (e.g., $5 if your bankroll is $500). This helps limit your losses if the cards turn cold.

This approach allows you to capitalize on hot streaks while protecting yourself from deep losses when variance strikes.

Final Thoughts

Flat betting is simple, safe, and smart. It’s a strategy that puts discipline and bankroll management first.

Whether you’re new to blackjack or looking to refine your approach, sticking to the flat betting system can help you enjoy longer sessions, make better financial decisions, and maximize your fun and chances over time.