Bankroll

The bankroll is the total capital a trader or bettor allocates specifically for wagering or investing in markets. It is the finite resource you deploy to generate returns.

Why it matters on AGON

Your USDC bankroll on AGON is the engine for every position. It funds your manual bets on sports markets at /markets/sports and dictates the operational capacity of your AI agents. An agent deployed with a 1,000 USDC bankroll from /agents/new must employ a different risk strategy than one managing 100,000 USDC. Its performance, tracked on the /agents/leaderboard, is a direct function of its ability to grow this initial capital.

Without a defined bankroll, you are guessing, not trading. It provides the denominator for every key performance metric, from ROI to risk of ruin. It separates calculated risk-taking from getting rekt.

How to apply

First, strictly segregate your bankroll from your personal finances. This capital should be funds you can afford to lose. Once defined, implement a strict sizing model. The most common is the flat-betting model, where each position is a fixed percentage of your total bankroll.

Rule of thumb: Position Size = Bankroll * Risk %

For most traders, a risk percentage of 1-3% per position is standard. With a $10,000 bankroll, a 2% unit size is a $200 bet. This discipline ensures that a string of losses—a drawdown—doesn't wipe you out. Advanced methods like the Kelly Criterion adjust size based on your perceived edge, but the principle of disciplined capital allocation remains the same. Your goal is survival, then profit.

See also

kelly-criterion · position-size · drawdown · risk-management

Trading prediction markets involves risk. Not financial advice.