The “Early Payout” (or “2 Up”) offer is widely considered the holy grail of advanced matched betting. The terms are simple: if the team you backed goes 2 goals ahead, the bookmaker pays out your bet as a winner immediately — even if they eventually draw or lose.
This creates a massive opportunity. Because your Lay bet on the exchange is still active, you can effectively “Cash Out” that position to lock in a guaranteed profit regardless of the final score. Our Early Payout Calculator handles the math, telling you exactly how much to Back on the exchange to secure your winnings the moment the score hits 2-0.
Early Payout Calculator
2 Goals AheadHow to Use the Calculator
The 2 Up strategy has two distinct phases: the pre-match setup and the in-play reaction. Here is how to use the tool for both:
- Phase 1: Pre-Match Setup
- Back Stake & Odds: Enter your bet details at the bookmaker (e.g., $20 on Man Utd).
- Lay Odds & Commission: Enter the matching Lay bet details from the exchange.
- Check Qualifying Loss: The calculator will show your “Qualifying Loss.” This is the small cost you pay to enter the trade. Ideally, keep this below 2% of your stake.
- Phase 2: The Lock-In (In-Play)
- Wait for your team to go 2-0 up. The bookmaker will mark your bet as “Won.”
- Current Back Odds: Open your exchange (Betfair, Matchbook, etc.) and check the live Back odds for your team. They will be very low (e.g., 1.05 or 1.10).
- The Result: The calculator will tell you the “Back Stake (Exchange)”. Place this bet on the exchange immediately to exit your position.
- Profit: You now have a “Green Screen” (guaranteed profit) no matter how the match ends.
Real-World Examples: The “Full Turnaround”
Why is this strategy so popular? Because occasionally, you hit the “Double Bubble”—winning at both the bookie and the exchange.
Example 1: The Standard Lock-In (Guaranteed Profit)
You bet $50 on Arsenal at odds of 2.0.
- Arsenal goes 2-0 up. Bet365 pays you $100 instantly.
- At the exchange, Arsenal’s odds drop to 1.05.
- You use the calculator and Back Arsenal for $50 at the exchange.
- Result: You lock in roughly $45 profit. It doesn’t matter if Arsenal wins 5-0 or loses 2-3; the money is yours.
Example 2: The “Full Turnaround” (The Jackpot)
You bet on a team, they go 2-0 up, but you decide NOT to lock in (or you only lock in a partial amount).
- The Scenario: Your team leads 2-0 (Bookie pays out). Then, the opponent fights back and the game ends 2-2.
- The Bookie: You keep the winnings because of the Early Payout.
- The Exchange: Your Lay bet wins because the team didn’t win the match.
- Result: You win both bets. On a $50 stake, this often results in $100+ profit from a single match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to lock in profit when they go 2-0 up?
No. You can let the bet ride. If you do nothing, you have zero risk (since the bookie already paid). If the team goes on to draw or lose, you win the Lay bet too (double win). However, most consistent traders prefer to lock in a guaranteed profit using the calculator to smooth out variance.
Which bookmakers offer Early Payout?
Bet365 is the most famous for their “2 Goals Ahead” offer. Paddy Power also frequently runs “2 Up You Win.” Always check the promotions tab of your bookmaker to confirm the offer is active for the league you are betting on.
Why do I “Back” at the exchange to lock in?
Originally, you placed a “Lay” bet (betting against the team). To cancel out a Lay bet, you must place a “Back” bet on the same selection. By backing them at low odds (e.g., 1.05) when they are winning, you buy out your liability for a very cheap price, securing the difference as profit.