Lay / Hedge Calculator
Cover a back bet on an exchange (Betfair) and compute your guaranteed profit.
Lay / Hedge
Cover your back bet on an exchange to secure an identical outcome.
📚 Guide
Hedging a bet with lay
Securing a profit whatever the outcome
🛡️What is a lay hedge?▼
Betting 'lay' on an exchange (Betfair) means betting against an outcome. By covering a back bet (placed with a regular bookmaker) with a lay on the exchange, you can lock in a profit or limit a loss regardless of the final result.
This is the core technique of matched betting and sports trading: you neutralize risk by being on both sides of the market.
🧮The formula▼
Lay stake = (back odds × back stake) / (lay odds − commission)
Liability is what you commit on the exchange if your lay loses: lay stake × (lay odds − 1). Commission applies to your net winnings on the exchange side.
Practical tips
📌 The closer the lay odds to the back odds, the more efficient the hedge (less loss).
📌 Always check your exchange's commission (often 2 to 5%): it reduces profit.
📌 Use this tool for matched betting, manual cashout, or securing an in-progress accumulator.