Matched Betting Tool
Best lay stakes for matched betting on qualifying bets and free bets (SNR and SR).
How to Use This Calculator
- Pick the bet type: Normal (qualifying), Free Bet SNR, or Free Bet SR
- Input the back stake amount
- Input the back odds from the bookmaker
- Input the lay odds from the betting exchange
- Input the exchange commission rate (usually 5%)
- Read the lay stake, liability, and profit per 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's matched betting?
Matched betting uses bookmaker promotions (free bets, bonuses) to lock in guaranteed profit. Back at a bookmaker, lay at an exchange, and you cover every outcome while extracting the promotion’s value.
SNR vs SR free bets?
SNR (Stake Not Returned): a winning free bet pays the profit only, not the free bet stake. SR (Stake Returned): you collect both the profit and the free bet stake. SR free bets are worth more and convert at a higher rate.
Which commission rate do I enter?
Most exchanges take 5% on winning lay bets (Betfair standard). Smarkets charges 2%, and Betfair may offer reduced rates. Enter the rate that applies to your account.
How do I cut qualifying losses?
Pick events where back and lay odds sit close together (small overround). Lower odds generally mean smaller qualifying losses. Aim for odds between 2.0 and 5.0 with a tight back-lay spread.