Betting Calculators
Matched Betting Calculator
Calculate optimal lay stakes for matched betting. Supports normal qualifying bets and free bets (stake returned and stake not returned) with exchange commission.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the bet type: Normal (qualifying), Free Bet SNR, or Free Bet SR
- Enter the back stake amount
- Enter the back odds from the bookmaker
- Enter the lay odds from the betting exchange
- Enter the exchange commission rate (usually 5%)
- View the lay stake, liability, and profit for each 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 technique that uses bookmaker promotions (free bets, bonuses) to make a guaranteed profit. By placing a back bet at a bookmaker and a lay bet at a betting exchange, you cover all outcomes and extract value from the promotion.
What is the difference between SNR and SR free bets?
SNR (Stake Not Returned) means if the free bet wins, you only receive the profit, not the free bet stake. SR (Stake Returned) means you receive both the profit and the free bet stake. SR free bets are more valuable and have a higher conversion rate.
What exchange commission should I use?
Most betting exchanges charge 5% commission on winning lay bets (Betfair standard). Smarkets charges 2%, and Betfair may offer reduced commission rates. Enter the rate that applies to your exchange account.
How do I minimize qualifying losses?
Choose events where back and lay odds are close together (small overround). Lower odds generally result in smaller qualifying losses. Look for odds between 2.0 and 5.0 where the back-lay spread is tight.