Matched Betting Calculator (Australia)
Back at the bookmaker, lay on Betfair. This works out the exact lay stake for qualifying bets and bonus bets, with Australian commission rates built in. Free, no signup, runs in your browser. 18+ only.
A normal bet placed with your own money to unlock a promotion. The aim is the smallest possible loss, not a profit.
Decimal odds at the bookmaker.
Decimal odds on the exchange.
The exchange holds this while the market is open. It is not the lay stake, and it is the number that decides how many offers you can run at once.
The two outcomes match because the lay stake is set to make them match. Real results move with the odds actually available when you place both legs, and with the promotion terms.
Worked example in A$
A $50 qualifying bet at 3.00 with the bookmaker, laid on Betfair at 3.10 with 8% commission.
That small loss unlocks the promotion. Use the bonus bet calculator for the conversion step.
How to use it
- Pick the bet type: qualifying bet, or bonus bet (stake not returned is the usual Australian one).
- Enter the stake and the bookmaker odds.
- Enter the Betfair lay odds for the same selection and your commission.
- Place the back bet, then lay the exact lay stake on Betfair.
- Check the lay matched in full and you have the liability in your Betfair balance.
Frequently asked questions
How does a matched betting calculator work?
It finds the lay stake that makes both outcomes settle at the same amount. Enter the back stake, bookmaker odds, Betfair lay odds and commission, and it returns the lay stake, the liability and the result either way.
What is the lay stake formula?
Qualifying bet: back odds x back stake / (lay odds minus commission as a decimal). Bonus bet with stake not returned: (back odds minus 1) x bonus value / (lay odds minus commission).
What commission should I use for Betfair Australia?
8% on most Australian racing, 10% on NSW thoroughbreds and NRL, 6% on most sport and international racing. The calculator defaults to 8% and has one tap presets.
What is liability?
The money Betfair holds while the market is open: lay stake x (lay odds minus 1). It is usually bigger than the lay stake and decides how many offers you can run at once.
Why is my qualifying bet result negative?
A qualifying bet is a cost. Its job is to unlock the promotion, and the small loss is the price. The value comes from the bonus bet or refund it unlocks.
Will this calculator always make a profit?
No. It does arithmetic for the prices you enter. Matched betting lowers risk, it does not remove it: odds move, lays can part match and mistakes happen.
Learn the method
Other calculators
- Bonus bet calculator: turn a bonus bet into cash.
- Dutching calculator: split a stake across outcomes.
- Betfair commission calculator: net winnings after betfair commission.
- Early payout calculator: 2 up and early payout offers.
- Odds converter: decimal, fractional, american, probability.
- All free calculators: the full list with an explanation of each one.
YAUPICKS is an Australian matched betting community: members learn to turn bookmaker promotions into cash with step by step education, software and a staffed community. Written by the YAUPICKS team. Last reviewed September 2026.
Gambling involves risk. Matched betting is a strategy that aims to reduce outcome risk, not eliminate it. Losses are possible, particularly through human error, and bookmakers may restrict or close accounts at their discretion. YAUPICKS is an education and community platform operated by YAUPICKS PTY LTD (ABN 40 673 940 228). We are not a bookmaker, a casino or a financial services provider, and no wagers, deposits or withdrawals occur on this site. Nothing here is legal, tax or financial advice. You must be 18 or over. If gambling is causing you harm, contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or self exclude from all Australian licensed online wagering services through BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register. See our responsible gambling page.