Free Bet Calculator (SR)
Calculate optimal lay stakes for Stake Returned free bets
Formula:Lay = BackOdds × FreeBet / (LayOdds - Comm)
SR Free Bet Details
Stake Returned - full winnings + stake paid if bet wins
$
%
Odds
Enter back and lay decimal odds
3.0-5.0 range works well for SR
Closer to back odds = higher profit
SR Free Bet Results
Guaranteed profit calculation
Guaranteed Profit
$46
91.6% of free bet value retained
SR Advantage Over SNR
SR Profit:$46
SNR Would Be:$34
Extra $11 profit because stake is returned!
Action Required
Lay Stake:$48
Liability:$154
If Free Bet WINS
+$46
Receive $200 (stake + profit), pay $154 liability
If Free Bet LOSES
+$46
Keep lay profit $48 (minus $2 commission)
Lay Stake
$48
Liability
$154
Profit
$46
Retention
91.6%
SR Tip: SR free bets are more valuable because you get the stake back if you win. Unlike SNR where higher odds are better, SR bets work well at lower odds (3.0-5.0). The key is finding tight odds gaps to minimize lay liability while maximizing retention.
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Common SR free bet scenarios
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Quick Answer
TL;DR summary
For SR (Stake Returned) free bets, use: Lay Stake = Back Odds × Free Bet Value / (Lay Odds - Commission). A $50 SR free bet at 4.00 odds, laid at 4.20 with 5% commission: Lay Stake = 4.00 × $50 / (4.20-0.05) = $48.19. Guaranteed profit: ~$45.84 (91.7% retention). SR free bets are more valuable than SNR, retaining 90-95% of value.
Key Facts About SR Free Bets
Important things to know
- SR = Stake Returned - you receive stake + winnings if bet wins
- Use formula: Lay Stake = Back Odds × Free Bet / (Lay Odds - Commission)
- SR free bets are worth more than SNR free bets
- Expect 90-95% profit retention vs 70-85% for SNR
- Lower odds work well for SR (3.0-5.0 range is optimal)
- At 4.0 odds, expect ~90-92% of free bet value as profit
- Lay liability is higher than SNR, requiring more exchange balance
- Always check if your free bet is SR or SNR before calculating
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SR free bets
What is an SR free bet?
SR stands for Stake Returned. With an SR free bet, if your bet wins, you receive both the winnings AND the original stake. For example, a $50 SR bet at 4.00 odds that wins pays $200 total ($150 profit + $50 stake). This is less common but more valuable than SNR free bets.
Why are SR free bets worth more than SNR?
With SR free bets, you need to lay the full potential return (including stake), not just the profit. This means higher lay stakes and liability, but also higher retention because the stake portion has 100% value to you. SR bets typically retain 90-95% vs 70-85% for SNR.
How do I know if my free bet is SR or SNR?
Check the terms and conditions of the offer. Look for phrases like "stake returned" or "stake not returned". Most free bets are SNR, but some promotions (especially casino bonuses converted to sports) may be SR. If unclear, contact customer support.
What odds should I use for SR free bets?
Lower odds (3.0-5.0) work well for SR bets since you're guaranteed the stake back. Unlike SNR where higher odds are better, SR free bets don't penalize lower odds as heavily. Focus on finding close lay odds rather than high back odds.
Why is the liability higher for SR free bets?
SR lay stakes are higher because you're laying the full return (BackOdds × Stake) not just the profit portion ((BackOdds-1) × Stake). For a $50 bet at 4.00 odds: SR lays $200 potential, SNR only lays $150. This means more exchange balance needed.
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).