Calculate profits from bookmaker promotions using matched betting
Bet X and get Y free bet (e.g., Bet $50 Get $50)
Your betting exchange commission rate
The bet needed to unlock the free bet
Stake Not Returned free bet
Higher odds = more profit
Your expected profit breakdown
Qualify Lay
$50
Qualify Liability
$52
Free Bet Lay
$39
FB Retention
73.8%
Common matched betting scenarios
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Step-by-step guide
TL;DR summary
Matched betting uses bookmaker bonuses to guarantee profit by backing with the bookmaker and laying on an exchange. A typical $50 free bet (SNR) at odds of 5.00, laid at 5.20 with 5% commission, yields ~$38 guaranteed profit. The key is calculating the correct lay stake to balance outcomes. Qualifying bets typically cost 2-5% of stake to unlock bonuses worth 60-95% of face value.
Important things to know
Common questions about matched betting
Matched betting is a technique that uses bookmaker promotions (free bets, bonuses) to guarantee profit. You place a back bet with the bookmaker and an opposing lay bet on a betting exchange. The correct lay stake ensures the same profit regardless of outcome, while the free bet provides the profit.
Yes, matched betting is completely legal. You're simply taking advantage of promotional offers that bookmakers provide to attract customers. However, bookmakers may limit or close accounts of customers they suspect are matched betting, so discretion is advised.
Returns vary based on available offers. A typical sign-up offer might yield $30-50 profit per bookmaker. Regular ongoing promotions can generate $200-500+ per month for active users. Initial sign-up offers across all bookmakers can total $500-1500+ in profit.
A qualifying bet is a real-money bet placed to unlock a free bet bonus. By matching this bet on an exchange, you minimize the loss (typically 2-5% of stake). This small "qualifying loss" is the cost of accessing the much more valuable free bet.
SNR (Stake Not Returned) - If you win, you only receive the profit, not the stake. Most common type. SR (Stake Returned) - If you win, you receive both the profit AND the original stake. More valuable but less common.
You need: (1) A betting exchange account (Betfair, Smarkets), (2) Bookmaker accounts for offers, (3) A matched betting calculator, (4) Starting bankroll of $100-200 to cover qualifying bets and exchange liability. The calculator is the most important tool.