Free Bets (SNR vs SR)
Free bets are the heart of matched betting. Understanding the two types — Stake Not Returned and Stake Returned — determines exactly how much you can extract from each offer.
SNR: Stake Not Returned
Stake Not Returned (SNR) is the most common type. If the free bet wins, the bookmaker pays out the winnings only — your free bet stake is not returned. Think of it as profit on top of the free bet, not a credit to your balance.
£10 SNR Free Bet at 5.00
If the bet wins: bookmaker pays £10 × (5.00 – 1) = £40 (profit only, no £10 stake).
Exchange lay: you lose £10 × (5.00 – 1) = £40. They cancel out.
The Return
With careful lay amounts calculated by our tool, you retain approximately £7.60–£8.00 from a £10 SNR free bet at these odds.
SR: Stake Returned
High Value Returns
Stake Returned (SR) free bets are more valuable. If the bet wins, you receive both the winnings AND your stake back.
Maximum Extraction
This makes them worth significantly more than SNR bets of the same face value — often retaining 95–100% of the value as cash.
If the bet wins: £10 × 5.00 = £50 back (winnings + returned stake).
SNR vs SR Comparison
| Feature | SNR | SR |
|---|---|---|
| Example face value | £50 | £50 |
| Returns if selection wins | Winnings only | Winnings + stake |
| Typical profit retained | £35–£40 | £47–£50 |
| Best odds to use | Higher odds (3.00+) | Works well at any odds |
What Odds to Use for Free Bets
Go Long for SNR
For SNR free bets, using longer odds (e.g. 5.00–7.00) generally extracts more value because you're capturing more of the odds as pure profit. However, the exchange lay liability also increases!
Any Odds for SR
For SR free bets, shorter odds are often fine since you retain a higher percentage regardless of the odds used.
Use our Free Bet Calculator to find the exact optimal play for any free bet amount.
Free Bet Expiry
Most bookmaker free bets expire within 7 days of being credited. Always use them promptly. Expired free bets cannot be recovered.
Some bookmakers credit free bets in tranches — e.g. £10 today, £10 after a score, £10 at the weekend. Read the offer terms carefully to ensure you don't miss a credit!
How does this turn into real cash?
Now that you know how free bets work, it's time to master the core technical concept that lets us extract profit: Back and Lay betting.
Next: Back and Lay Betting →