Free Bet Calculator (SNR)
Calculate optimal lay stakes for Stake Not Returned free bets
Formula:Lay = (Odds - 1) × FreeBet / (LayOdds - Comm)
SNR Free Bet Details
Stake Not Returned - only winnings paid if bet wins
$
%
Odds
Enter back and lay decimal odds
Use odds of 4.0+ for best retention
Closer to back odds = higher profit
SNR Free Bet Results
Guaranteed profit calculation
Guaranteed Profit
$37
73.8% of free bet value retained
Action Required
Lay Stake:$39
Liability:$163
If Free Bet WINS
+$37
Win $200, pay $163 liability
If Free Bet LOSES
+$37
Keep lay profit $39 (minus $2 commission)
Lay Stake
$39
Liability
$163
Profit
$37
Retention
73.8%
SNR Tip: With SNR free bets, higher back odds are beneficial because a larger portion of your potential return is pure profit. At 5.0 odds, 80% of the return is profit. Always try to find odds of 5.0 or higher for maximum value extraction.
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Common SNR free bet scenarios
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Quick Answer
TL;DR summary
For SNR (Stake Not Returned) free bets, use: Lay Stake = (Back Odds - 1) × Free Bet Value / (Lay Odds - Commission). A $50 SNR free bet at 5.00 odds, laid at 5.20 with 5% commission: Lay Stake = (5-1) × $50 / (5.20-0.05) = $38.83. Guaranteed profit: ~$38.35 (76.7% retention). Higher back odds = higher profit.
Key Facts About SNR Free Bets
Important things to know
- SNR = Stake Not Returned - you only receive winnings, not the stake
- Use formula: Lay Stake = (Back Odds - 1) × Free Bet / (Lay Odds - Commission)
- Higher back odds result in higher profit retention
- At 5.0 odds, expect ~75-80% of free bet value as profit
- At 7.0 odds, expect ~80-85% of free bet value as profit
- Aim for back odds of 4.0 or higher for best results
- Lay odds should be as close to back odds as possible
- Commission rates of 2% vs 5% can make a noticeable difference
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SNR free bets
What is an SNR free bet?
SNR stands for Stake Not Returned. With an SNR free bet, if your bet wins, you only receive the winnings (profit), not the original stake. For example, a $50 SNR bet at 4.00 odds that wins pays $150 profit, not $200 total. This is the most common type of free bet offered by bookmakers.
Why is the SNR formula different from normal bets?
Because SNR free bets don't return the stake, you only need to lay the potential winnings (Back Odds - 1) × Stake, not the full return. This means a smaller lay stake and liability, but the same profit retention concept applies.
What odds should I use for SNR free bets?
Use odds of 4.0 or higher for best results. Higher odds mean a larger portion of the return is profit (not stake), which you can't lose anyway with an SNR bet. At 5.0 odds, 80% of the return is profit. At 10.0 odds, 90% is profit.
How much profit can I expect from an SNR free bet?
Typical retention is 70-85% of the free bet value. A $50 free bet usually returns $35-42 in guaranteed profit. The exact amount depends on odds available and exchange commission. Higher odds and lower commission increase profit.
Should I let the free bet ride or lay it?
Always lay it. Laying guarantees your profit regardless of outcome. Letting it ride means gambling - you might win more, but you could also win nothing. Matched betting is about guaranteed returns, not gambling.
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).