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Matched betting is a proven betting strategy that allows you to profit from free bets and incentives offered by bookmakers. Unlike traditional gambling, matched betting is mathematically risk-free when executed correctly. The technique involves placing two opposing bets: a back bet (betting for an outcome) at a bookmaker and a lay bet (betting against the same outcome) at a betting exchange.
By covering all possible outcomes, you guarantee a profit or minimal loss regardless of the result. This makes matched betting a popular method for extracting value from bookmaker promotions while minimizing risk.
Select "Qualifying Bet" for unlocking free bets, or "Free Bet" when using your free bet offer.
Input the decimal odds from your bookmaker. These are the odds you're backing (betting for).
Input the decimal odds from the betting exchange (e.g., Betfair). These should be close to your back odds.
Enter the amount you want to bet at the bookmaker. This is your back stake.
Enter the exchange commission (typically 2% for Betfair, 5% for Smarkets).
Click calculate to get your lay stake, liability, and expected profit/loss for both outcomes.
The exact amount you need to place on the betting exchange to match your back bet. This ensures you're covered regardless of the outcome.
The amount you risk on the exchange if the lay bet loses. This is the maximum you could lose on the exchange side of your matched bet.
The small loss you accept when placing a qualifying bet to unlock a free bet. This loss is typically 2-5% of your stake and is outweighed by the value of the free bet you unlock.
The percentage difference between back and lay odds. Lower is better - a rating under 5% represents an excellent matched betting opportunity.
A traditional bet placed at a bookmaker where you bet FOR an outcome to happen.
A bet placed at an exchange where you bet AGAINST an outcome happening.
A platform (like Betfair) where bettors bet against each other, allowing lay bets.
A small fee (usually 2-5%) charged by betting exchanges on winning bets.
Free bets where only the profit is returned, not your stake amount.
The amount you stand to lose on the exchange if your lay bet fails.
Your first bet placed with real money to unlock a bookmaker's free bet offer.
The standard odds format showing total return per unit staked (e.g., 2.50).
Look for matches where back and lay odds are very close (within 0.1-0.2). This minimizes your qualifying loss and maximizes profits.
When using free bets, target higher odds (4.0+) to extract more value. You'll typically get 70-80% of the free bet as profit.
Track all your bets, including dates, stakes, odds, and outcomes. This helps you monitor profits and identify the best bookmaker offers.
Ensure you have sufficient funds in both your bookmaker and exchange accounts to cover stakes and liabilities.
Odds can change rapidly. When you find a good match, calculate and place your bets promptly before the odds shift.
Sign up with multiple bookmakers to take advantage of various promotions and maximize your earning potential.
Yes, matched betting is completely legal in most countries. You're simply taking advantage of promotional offers from bookmakers using mathematical calculations. It's not gambling because you're covering all outcomes. However, always check your local laws and bookmaker terms and conditions.
Beginners can typically make $500-$1,000 in their first month by taking advantage of welcome offers from multiple bookmakers. Experienced matched bettors can earn $1,000-$3,000+ per month through reload offers, casino promotions, and other ongoing deals. Your earnings depend on the time invested and the number of bookmakers available in your region.
SNR (Stake Not Returned) free bets only return your profit if you win - your stake is not returned. SR (Stake Returned) free bets return both your profit AND your stake. SNR free bets are more common and typically return 70-80% of their value as profit, while SR free bets can return closer to 95% of their value.
No, you can start with as little as $100-$200. However, having $500-$1,000 gives you more flexibility to take advantage of multiple offers simultaneously and handle the liabilities on betting exchanges. As you profit from initial offers, you can reinvest those earnings to access larger promotions.
Bookmakers may limit or "gub" your account if they identify you as a matched bettor. This means they'll restrict your ability to claim promotions or limit your maximum stakes. To minimize this risk, vary your bet amounts, occasionally place non-matched bets, and avoid betting only on obscure markets. Being gubbed doesn't mean you've done anything wrong - it's just the bookmaker's way of protecting their profits.
Betfair is the most popular betting exchange with excellent liquidity and a 2% commission rate (can be reduced to 0% with Betfair Premium Charge considerations). Smarkets charges 2% commission and has good liquidity. Matchbook offers 0% commission on some markets. For beginners, Betfair is recommended due to its large user base and comprehensive market coverage.
Football (soccer), horse racing, and tennis are excellent for matched betting due to high liquidity on exchanges and numerous bookmaker promotions. Horse racing offers many daily opportunities. Tennis provides good odds and frequent events. Football has the most promotions, especially during major leagues and tournaments.
Tax laws vary by country. In the UK, gambling winnings are tax-free. In the US, gambling income is taxable. In Australia, professional gamblers may need to pay taxes while recreational betting is typically tax-free. Always consult with a tax professional in your jurisdiction to understand your obligations.
A qualifying loss is the small amount you lose when placing your qualifying bet to unlock a free bet offer. For example, if you place a $50 qualifying bet and lose $2.50 total between both outcomes, that $2.50 is your qualifying loss. This is expected and worthwhile because you'll make much more from the free bet you unlock (typically $35-$40 profit from a $50 free bet).
Most people grasp the basics within 1-2 hours of learning and can place their first matched bet the same day. It typically takes 2-4 weeks to become comfortable with the process and understand all the nuances. After a month, most matched bettors can efficiently identify opportunities and place bets quickly. The learning curve is gentle, and this calculator handles all the complex math for you.
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"This calculator made matched betting so easy! I made $800 in my first month just using welcome offers. The interface is clean and the calculations are spot on."
Sarah M.
Matched Betting Beginner
"I've been matched betting for 2 years and this is hands down the best free calculator available. Fast, accurate, and no annoying ads or registration requirements."
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Experienced Matched Bettor
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Once you've exhausted welcome offers, consider responsibly using accounts for other family members (with their permission). Each person is entitled to their own welcome offers, potentially multiplying your initial profits. Ensure all accounts are legitimate and comply with bookmaker terms.
Important Considerations:
Beyond sports betting, many bookmakers offer casino bonuses that can be matched. This involves playing low house edge games like blackjack or roulette with optimal strategies to convert bonus funds into withdrawable cash. Casino matched betting can be more profitable than sports offers but requires understanding of wagering requirements and game contributions.
Best Games:
Key Metrics:
Many bookmakers offer refunds if one leg of your accumulator (parlay) bet fails. These "Acca Insurance" offers can be highly profitable when matched correctly. The strategy involves building accumulators with close odds and laying each selection or using dutching strategies.
Typical Acca Insurance Offers:
Bookmakers frequently offer enhanced odds on popular events (e.g., a team to win at 5.00 instead of 3.00). These can be excellent matched betting opportunities. The key is to calculate the "true value" of the boost and lay appropriately at normal exchange odds.
Example Calculation:
Normal odds: 3.00
Boosted odds: 5.00
Stake: $50
Extra profit from boost: ~$40
Finding Boosts:
After welcome offers, bookmakers provide reload bonuses to existing customers. These include weekly free bets, bet clubs, and loyalty schemes. While individually smaller than welcome offers, consistent use of reload offers can generate steady monthly income.
Place a certain number of qualifying bets per week to receive free bets. Example: Bet $25 on 5 separate days to get a $10 free bet.
Regular customers often receive daily or weekly odds boosts on selected markets, providing extra value.
Receive a percentage of losses back as free bets or bonus funds, reducing overall risk.
While different from matched betting, arbitrage involves exploiting odds differences between bookmakers to guarantee profit without using free bets. This requires quick action as opportunities disappear rapidly. Arbing can supplement matched betting income but carries account restriction risks.
Arbitrage Example:
Bookmaker A: Team X to win at 2.10
Bookmaker B: Team Y to win at 2.05
Result: Betting $100 on each outcome guarantees $5-$10 profit regardless of winner
Warning: Arbing can lead to quick account restrictions. Use sparingly.
Always verify your bets are placed correctly before the event starts. Odds can change, and unconfirmed bets won't be honored.
Read all T&Cs carefully. Missing details about minimum odds, excluded markets, or wagering requirements can cost you profits.
Ensure you have enough funds in both accounts to cover liabilities. Running short can force you to miss opportunities or take losses.
Odds change quickly. Have funds ready and place both back and lay bets as close together in time as possible.