Calculators
Lay Bet Calculator: Liability and Profit Explained
Laying a bet means taking the bookmaker's side: you win if the selection does not win. Enter the stake you accept, the lay odds and the commission and the calculator shows your liability and both results.
Table of contents
How a Lay Bet Works
On an exchange you can lay Arsenal at 3.50 for a ₦1,000 backer stake. If Arsenal draw or lose, you keep the ₦1,000, less 5% commission: ₦950. If Arsenal win, you pay the backer's winnings of ₦2,500. That ₦2,500 is your liability, and the exchange holds it from your balance until the match settles.
| Lay odds | Lay stake | Liability | Profit if it loses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 | ₦1,000 | ₦500 | ₦950 |
| 2.00 | ₦1,000 | ₦1,000 | ₦950 |
| 3.50 | ₦1,000 | ₦2,500 | ₦950 |
| 6.00 | ₦1,000 | ₦5,000 | ₦950 |
The higher the odds, the bigger the risk: laying a long shot looks safe until it wins.
When Punters Lay
- To bet against a team without picking which other result happens.
- To complete a matched bet and lock in a bookmaker bonus.
- To trade: back at high odds before kick-off and lay at lower odds later.
Lay betting is only possible on a betting exchange. No bookmaker on our Nigerian list offers it, so check whether an exchange is licensed where you live before you use one.
Lay Bet FAQ
What is the difference between the lay stake and the liability?
The lay stake is what you can win. The liability is what you can lose, and it grows with the odds.
Is commission charged when I lose?
No. Exchanges charge commission only on net winnings in a market.
Can I lay a bet at Bet9ja or SportyBet?
No. Nigerian bookmakers only take back bets. The closest thing is betting on the opposite result, such as a double chance.