In matched betting, mathematics replaces luck. The goal isn’t to predict who wins the match; the goal is to cover all outcomes to unlock free bets and bonuses from sportsbooks.
However, betting on a team to win at a sportsbook (Backing) and betting against them at an exchange (Laying) requires precise calculations. If your math is off, you risk losing money or having your bet rejected due to insufficient funds. Our Matched Betting Calculator handles the “Qualifying Bet” math instantly. It accounts for exchange commissions and calculates the exact Lay Stake needed to equalize your profit/loss regardless of the final score.
Back / Lay Calculator
Qualifying BetHow to Use the Matched Betting Calculator
This tool is designed for the standard “Qualifying Bet” mode. This is the bet you place with your own cash to unlock a Free Bet. The goal is to keep the “Profit/Loss” as close to $0.00 as possible.
- Enter the “Back” Details (Blue Side):
- Back Stake: The amount you are betting at the bookmaker (e.g., $10 to unlock a bonus).
- Back Odds: The decimal odds offered by the bookmaker.
- Enter the “Lay” Details (Pink Side):
- Lay Odds: The current odds to lay (bet against) that same outcome on a betting exchange (like Betfair, Matchbook, or Orbit).
- Commission: The fee the exchange charges on winning bets (typically 2% to 5%). Do not ignore this, or your math will be wrong.
- Review the Results:
- You Must Lay: This is the exact amount to enter as your stake on the exchange.
- Liability (Risk): This is the amount of money you must have in your exchange account to cover the bet if the bookmaker wins.
Understanding the Math: The Qualifying Loss
When placing a qualifying bet, you will almost always lose a few cents. This is the “cost of doing business” to get the free bet.
Example 1: A Perfect Match (Minimal Loss)
You need to bet $50 to get a bonus.
- Bookmaker: You back Liverpool to win at odds of 2.00.
- Exchange: You lay Liverpool at odds of 2.02 with 2% commission.
- The Result: The calculator tells you to lay $49.75. Your total loss is only -$0.74 regardless of who wins. You paid 74 cents to unlock a $50 bonus. This is a great result.
Example 2: A Bad Match (High Liability)
You pick a longshot to clear your bonus.
- Bookmaker: You back a Draw at odds of 6.00.
- Exchange: The lay odds are 6.50.
- The Result: To cover your $50 bet, the calculator shows a Liability of $229.86. This means you need over $200 sitting in your exchange account just to place the bet. Always check the “Liability” box before betting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is “Liability” in matched betting?
Liability is the amount you stand to lose on the betting exchange if your “Lay” bet loses (meaning the team actually wins). It is locked funds. For example, if you Lay $10 at odds of 4.00, your liability is $30. You must have this balance available to place the bet.
Why does the calculator account for commission?
Betting exchanges charge a fee (usually 2-5%) only on winning bets. If your bet wins at the bookmaker, you don’t pay exchange commission. If your bet wins at the exchange, you do. The calculator adjusts the stake to ensure your profit/loss is perfectly balanced between these two scenarios.
Can I use this for Free Bets?
No. This specific calculator is for “Qualifying Bets” where you are using your own cash (Stake Returned). If you are using a Free Bet where the stake is not returned (SNR), you need to use our Bonus Bet Calculator, otherwise, your lay stake will be too high and you will lose money.