What is the difference between SNR and SR free bets?
With a stake not returned (SNR) free bet, you receive only the winnings if your bet wins. With a stake returned (SR) free bet, you receive the winnings plus the free bet stake.
The same £10 free bet at 5.00
You place a £10 free bet at decimal odds of 5.00. The winnings are £10 × (5.00 − 1) = £40.
| Free bet type | Winnings | Stake included | Total return |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNR | £40 | £0 | £40 |
| SR | £40 | £10 | £50 |
SNR gives you £10 less because the free bet stake disappears when you use it. If your selection loses, neither type pays anything at the bookie.
These examples assume returns are cash with no further betting conditions. Check your free bet terms before placing anything.
What you can keep after laying
A lay bet backs your selection not to win. Read back and lay betting if that's new to you.
Suppose the exchange also offers lay odds of 5.00 and charges 0% commission. Here's how each £10 free bet works:
| Type | Lay stake | Selection wins | Selection doesn't win |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNR | £8 | £40 − (£8 × 4) = £8 | £0 + £8 = £8 |
| SR | £10 | £50 − (£10 × 4) = £10 | £0 + £10 = £10 |
The exchange holds £32 for the SNR lay or £40 for SR. That's your liability: what you pay if your laid selection wins.
Why higher odds help SNR free bets
At 2.00, a winning £10 SNR free bet returns £10. At 5.00, it returns £40.
With matching lay odds and 0% commission, you keep £5 at 2.00 or £8 at 5.00. The missing £10 stake takes a smaller share of the return at higher odds.
Higher odds also need more exchange money for liability. Compare both prices and available exchange stakes before choosing your bet.
Common questions
Does SR always mean the returned stake is cash?
Check the offer terms. The SNR or SR label tells you whether the stake is included, but separate conditions can affect withdrawals.
Choose the right calculator setting
Select SNR or SR in the calculator, then enter your stake, back odds, lay odds and commission.
Check the bookie has accepted your bet, recheck the lay price, then place your lay. Confirm it's fully matched: an unmatched amount hasn't been covered.