TG
Free Tool Algorithm updated: Feb 2026

Professional Matched Betting Calculator 2026

Convert free bets into guaranteed profit with precision calculations

EV
Developed by Evgeniy Volkov

Free Bet Details

Odds Settings

Odds Difference0.2 (5%)
%

Calculation Results

Guaranteed Profit

$34.34

Retention Rate68.67%
Lay Stake Required $36.14
Liability Required $115.66

Outcome Breakdown

If Back Bet Wins
+$34.34
If Lay Bet Wins
+$34.34
Match Qualityfair

Matched Betting Formulas

The mathematics behind free bet conversion

Lay Stake (SNR)

Lay = Back × (BO-1) ÷ (LO-C)

$50 free bet at 4.0/4.2: ($50 × 3) ÷ 3.99 = $37.59

Lay Stake (SR)

Lay = Back × BO ÷ (LO-C)

$50 SR bet at 4.0/4.2: ($50 × 4) ÷ 3.99 = $50.13

Guaranteed Profit

P = B×(BO-1) - L×(LO-1)

With SNR: $150 - $120.35 = $29.65

Retention Rate

R = (Profit ÷ FreeBet) × 100

$29.65 ÷ $50 = 59.3% retention

How Matched Betting Works

1

Get Free Bet

Sign up with a bookmaker and claim their free bet welcome offer. Most bookies offer $10-$200 in free bets for new customers.

e.g. Bet $10, Get $50 Free Bet
2

Place Back Bet

Use your free bet to back a selection at the bookmaker. Choose higher odds (3.0+) for better retention rates.

Back Team A at 4.0 odds
3

Place Lay Bet

Lay the same selection at a betting exchange. This covers all outcomes so you profit regardless of result.

Lay Team A at 4.2 odds

Lock In Profit

Whatever happens, you've extracted cash value from the free bet. SNR bets typically retain 60-80% of face value.

$50 free bet → $30+ profit

SNR vs SR Retention Comparison

How much profit you keep at different odds

OddsSNR RetentionSR RetentionSNR Profit ($50)SR Profit ($50)
2.047%95%$23.50$47.50
3.063%95%$31.50$47.50
4.071%95%$35.50$47.50
5.076%95%$38.00$47.50
6.079%95%$39.50$47.50
8.083%95%$41.50$47.50

Pro Tips

🔍

Use Odds Matching Sites

Sites like OddsMonkey and Profit Accumulator show close back/lay odds in real-time. This saves hours of manual searching and improves retention.

📈

Higher Odds = Better Retention

Free bets converted at 4.0+ odds typically retain 75-85%, while 2.0 odds may only retain 50%. Always aim for odds above 3.0 when possible.

💧

Mind the Liquidity

Ensure the exchange market has enough liquidity for your lay stake. Low liquidity means your bet may not match, or you'll get worse odds.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Matched betting is a technique to extract guaranteed profit from bookmaker free bets and promotions. By placing opposing bets (back and lay), you cover all outcomes and convert the free bet into real cash, regardless of the event result.
SNR (Stake Not Returned) free bets only pay out winnings - the free bet stake isn't included in returns. SR (Stake Returned) bets pay out stake plus winnings, making them worth significantly more. A $50 SNR bet at 4.0 odds wins $150, while SR wins $200.
Betting exchanges charge 2-5% commission on winning lay bets. Higher commission reduces your profit. Betfair charges 5% (reducible to 2% for high volume), while Smarkets charges 2%. Always factor commission into calculations.
Ideally within 0.1-0.3 of each other. Tighter odds mean higher retention. At 4.0/4.1 you retain ~80%, at 4.0/4.5 only ~65%. Use odds matching sites to find close matches.
Yes, matched betting is completely legal in most countries. It's not gambling - it's a mathematical technique that guarantees profit. The only 'risk' is bookmaker account restrictions, which is why bettors 'mug bet' to appear like normal customers.
Beginners typically make $500-1000 from signup offers alone. Experienced matched bettors can make $1000+ monthly from reload offers, price boosts, and other promotions. Profit depends on offer availability in your region.
Start with $100-200 minimum. You need enough to cover lay bet liability. For a $50 free bet at odds of 4.0, you need about $160 liability. As you profit, your bankroll grows and you can tackle bigger offers.

About Our Matched Betting Calculator

Our professional matched betting calculator helps you extract maximum value from bookmaker free bets and promotions. Whether you're converting welcome offers or reload bonuses, this tool calculates the exact lay stake needed for guaranteed profit regardless of outcome.

The calculator supports both SNR (Stake Not Returned) and SR (Stake Returned) free bets with automatic exchange commission adjustment. See your guaranteed profit, required liability, and outcome breakdown in real-time as you type. Pro mode lets you plan multiple conversions and track your matched betting journey.

Matched betting is a legal, risk-free way to profit from betting promotions. With typical retention rates of 60-80% on SNR bets and 85-95% on SR bets, you can convert $1000 in free bets into $600-800 real cash. Updated for 2026 with the latest exchange commission rates.

Related Tools

common.reviewedBy
author-credentials.sysE-E-A-T
Evgeniy Volkov

Evgeny Volkov

Verified Expert
Math & Software Engineer, iGaming Expert

Over 10 years developing software for the gaming industry. Advanced degree in Mathematics. Specializing in probability analysis, RNG algorithms, and mathematical gambling models.

Experience10+
SpecializationiGaming
Status
Active