Calculate Matched Betting
Optimal lay stakes for qualifying and free-bet matched betting.
How to Use This Calculator
- Pick the bet type: Normal (qualifying), Free Bet SNR, or Free Bet SR
- Enter the back stake amount
- Drop in the back odds from the bookmaker
- Drop in the lay odds from the betting exchange
- Set the exchange commission rate (usually 5%)
- Instantly see the lay stake, liability, and profit for every outcome
Formula
Normal Bet Lay Stake = (Back Stake x Back Odds) / (Lay Odds - Commission Rate)
Free Bet SNR Lay Stake = (Back Stake x (Back Odds - 1)) / (Lay Odds - Commission Rate)
Free Bet SR Lay Stake = (Back Stake x Back Odds) / (Lay Odds - Commission Rate)
Lay Liability = Lay Stake x (Lay Odds - 1)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is matched betting?
Matched betting is a method that taps bookmaker promotions (free bets, bonuses) to lock in guaranteed profit. By backing a bet at a bookmaker and laying it at a betting exchange, you cover every outcome and squeeze the value out of the promotion.
How do SNR and SR free bets differ?
SNR (Stake Not Returned) means a winning free bet pays only the profit, not the free bet stake. SR (Stake Returned) means you collect both the profit and the free bet stake. SR free bets are worth more and convert at a higher rate.
Which exchange commission should I enter?
Most betting exchanges take 5% commission on winning lay bets (Betfair standard). Smarkets takes 2%, and Betfair may dish out reduced commission rates. Enter whatever rate applies to your exchange account.
How do I keep qualifying losses small?
Target events where back and lay odds sit close together (small overround). Lower odds tend to mean smaller qualifying losses. Hunt for odds between 2.0 and 5.0 where the back-lay spread is tight.