A qualifying loss is the amount you expect to lose when you back a qualifying bet at a bookmaker and lay the same selection on a betting exchange to cover it. In matched betting it means the price you pay to earn a promotion. It has two sources: the lay price sitting above the back price, and the commission charged on a winning lay.
The lay is sized to balance the back bet, so the loss is about the same either way. Matched bettors shorten it to QL, and the bet behind it is the qualifying bet.
A qualifying loss worked at $2.00 and $2.10
With illustrative prices: $100 backed at $2.00 and laid at $2.10, with commission at an illustrative 5% of net winnings. The exchange sets its own rate, so use yours; exchange commission explains how it is charged.
| Step | Working | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Lay stake | 100 x 2.00 / (2.10 - 0.05) | $97.56 |
| Liability | 97.56 x (2.10 - 1) | $107.32 |
| Selection wins | 100 x (2.00 - 1) - 107.32 | -$7.32 |
| Selection loses | 97.56 x (1 - 0.05) - 100 | -$7.32 |
The qualifying loss is $7.32, or 7.32% of the back stake. With no commission the lay stake would be 200 / 2.10 = $95.24 and the loss $4.76, so the price gap costs $4.76 and commission adds $2.56. The back lay calculator runs these sums for any stake, price and rate.
How to keep a qualifying loss small
The gap between the two prices is the part you control. On the same $100 at $2.00, with 5% commission:
| Lay price | Lay stake | Qualifying loss |
|---|---|---|
| $2.02 | $101.52 | $3.55 to $3.56 |
| $2.10 | $97.56 | $7.32 |
| $2.20 | $93.02 | $11.62 to $11.63 |
Results a cent apart are rounding. Three habits keep the loss near the top of the table:
- Compare the two prices before you bet. A match rating shows the same gap as a percentage.
- Check that enough money is waiting at the lay price for your whole lay stake.
- Place the bookmaker bet first, then lay straight away: a bookmaker may refuse a bet or offer a new price, leaving an early lay covering nothing.
Risk: Betting involves risk. A qualifying loss is only the expected cost: prices can move between the two bets, a lay can part-match, and the two sides can settle differently. See responsible gambling for limits and support.
When a qualifying loss is worth paying
Pay one only when the reward is worth more, counted at what you can turn it into: a bonus bet usually pays its winnings only, so it converts below face value. With an assumed conversion of 68%:
| Reward earned | Worth at 68% | After the $7.32 loss |
|---|---|---|
| $25 bonus bet | 25 x 0.68 = $17.00 | +$9.68 |
| $10 bonus bet | 10 x 0.68 = $6.80 | -$0.52 |
A reward paid only on a trigger, such as a refund if your runner runs second, is worth that chance times the reward; betting promotions in Australia values each offer shape that way.
Risk: Betting involves risk. The 68% conversion is an assumption, and a reward paid only on a trigger pays nothing when the trigger misses. See responsible gambling for limits and support.
Who places the lay when B337 is running
B337 automates the bookmaker side only. It never lays, so the lay and its qualifying loss stay with you, in your own exchange account, and any bonus bet a session uses has no cover until you hedge it. Full Automation runs sessions only while the bot is running on your computer; the team confirms its price before you pay, and bets use credits.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Risk: Betting involves risk. Many bookmakers restrict automated betting in their terms and can limit your stakes, void bets or close your account, and an uncovered bonus bet that loses returns nothing. See responsible gambling for limits and support.