Read the offer
Check eligibility, qualifying stake, minimum odds, expiry and which markets the reward allows.
LESS GUESSWORK. MORE UNDERSTANDING.Understand the offer.
Understand the offer.
Check the numbers.
Your first matched bet shouldn’t feel like a leap of faith. Learn the process, calculate both outcomes and keep track of what actually happens.
✓ Free learning tools✓ No card required✓ Clear worked examples
THE IDEA, AT A GLANCEIllustration
One selection.
Two sides covered.
↗
AT THE BOOKMAKERBack Northbridge to winYour chosen outcome
+
↙
AT THE EXCHANGELay Northbridge to winCovers a draw or a loss
The stakes matter. So do the terms.
Check both before you place anything.
Check both before you place anything.
Maths first.
Match second.
Match second.
LEARN THE PROCESSCOMPARE BOTH OUTCOMESTRACK REAL RESULTS
START WITH THE BASICSA clearer route through
A clearer route through
your first offer.
Matched betting uses a bookmaker promotion and an opposing exchange bet. Correct staking reduces dependence on the match result. Mistakes, restrictions and unmatched bets can still cause losses.
Calculate the qualifier
Compare back and lay odds. Include commission and the cash needed to cover exchange liability.
Use the reward
Once awarded, calculate the free bet separately. Whether its stake is returned changes the maths.
Record the result
Confirm both bets settle as expected. Track actual returns, losses and costs—not the headline bonus.
A complete worked example Illustrative prices, not a live offer
Suppose a fictional offer awards a £20 free bet after a £10 qualifying bet. The free-bet stake is not returned, singles are allowed, and exchange commission is 2%.
| Stage | Bookmaker | Exchange | Net outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying bet | £10 at 2.00 | Lay £9.90 at 2.04 Liability £10.30 | About −£0.30 |
| £20 free bet | Free bet at 5.00 | Lay £15.75 at 5.10 Liability £64.58 | About +£15.42 |
Combined illustrative profit: about £15.12. The second stage needs £64.58 of exchange liability. The £20 free bet is not £20 cash. Outcomes differ slightly because stakes are rounded to pennies.
Only follow this structure when the offer permits the selected bet, both sides are fully matched and settlement rules agree. These numbers are for learning, not a recommendation to place a bet.
Explore the maths yourself →OFFERS, WITH CONTEXTKnow what you’re
Know what you’re
looking at.
Choose a guide to understand the terms that matter. These are learning categories, not currently verified bookmaker promotions.
Welcome offers
For eligible new customers. Learn how a qualifying bet unlocks a reward and how to estimate its cash value.
Reload offers
Promotions for existing customers. Check account-specific eligibility and whether the extra wagering is worthwhile.
Arbitrage
Look for price differences that cover all outcomes at a profit after commission. Prices and available stakes can change.
Open the odds scanner ↗Affiliate status: no paid bookmaker referral links are active on this site. Any future paid placement will be labelled. There is currently no verified live-offer directory.
YOUR WORKING TOOLKITFrom understanding
From understanding
to checking.
Use the calculator before a bet and the tracker after settlement. The scanner is available separately for comparing provider odds.
⌗
Matched betting calculator
See the result on both sides.
Assumes a single matched lay and identical settlement rules. “Stake returned” assumes the reward stake is paid as withdrawable cash on a win; check the offer.
Find price differences,
without a free bet.
The odds scanner compares bookmaker and exchange prices and filters potential arbitrage after commission.
Open scanner ↗Live scans need your own The Odds API key. Sample mode is available without a key.
↗
Your results tracker
Settled profit, not projected earnings.
Stored only in this browser. Include exchange commission and other costs in each result. Export to keep a backup.
Good questions.
Straight answers.
Is matched betting guaranteed income?
No. A calculation can balance outcomes at specified prices, but it cannot guarantee accepted bets, offer eligibility, full matching or consistent settlement. There is no promised level of earnings.
How much money do I need?
There is no single starting amount. Add the bookmaker stake to the exchange liability for the specific bet. The calculator shows both. Free bets can require substantially more exchange cash than their face value.
What if I already have bookmaker accounts?
New-customer offers may not apply. Existing-customer offers depend on your account’s terms. Arbitrage does not need a bonus, but profitable executable price differences are not guaranteed.
How does Earn Sterling make money?
This version is free to use and has no active paid referrals or subscriptions. If commercial links are added, they will be clearly labelled so you can identify advertising before following a link.
Does the site place bets or hold my money?
No. It provides educational information and calculations. You control any bookmaker or exchange accounts yourself. The results tracker stores entries in your browser, not in an Earn Sterling account.
What should I check before using an offer?
Check age and location eligibility, account restrictions, deposit methods, minimum odds, qualifying markets, deadlines, free-bet type, stake limits and settlement rules. Never assume an example on this site is an available offer.