1. What is Matched Betting?

Matched betting is a technique where you place opposing bets on all outcomes of an event to guarantee a profit, typically by taking advantage of free bet promotions offered by bookmakers.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the matched betting profit formula:

Where:

• \( \text{back\_stake} \) — Amount bet with the bookmaker
• \( \text{back\_odds} \) — Odds from the bookmaker (decimal format)
• \( \text{lay\_stake} \) — Amount bet on the exchange against the outcome
• \( \text{lay\_odds} \) — Odds from the betting exchange (decimal format)

Explanation: The formula calculates the net profit by comparing potential winnings from both bets.

3. Importance of Profit Calculation

Details: Accurate profit calculation is crucial for determining whether a matched betting opportunity is worthwhile and for managing your betting bankroll effectively.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in their respective fields. Back and lay stakes must be positive numbers, and odds must be 1.00 or higher.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between back and lay bets?
A: A back bet is betting for an outcome to happen (with a bookmaker), while a lay bet is betting against an outcome (on a betting exchange).

Q2: How do I find the optimal lay stake?
A: The optimal lay stake is typically calculated as: (back odds / lay odds) × back stake.

Q3: What is a good profit margin for matched betting?
A: For free bet promotions, aim for 70-80% of the free bet value as profit. For qualifying bets, small losses are expected.

Q4: Are there risks in matched betting?
A: While low risk, errors in calculations, account restrictions, or unexpected outcomes can affect results.

Q5: Do I need special software for matched betting?
A: While calculators help, dedicated matched betting services can automate calculations and find optimal opportunities.