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Matched bettingMatched betting basicsBack and lay bettingExchanges and liabilityComplete your first offerUnderstanding 2Up alerts
Value bettingValue betting basicsExpected value and fair oddsProbability and priceVariance and losing runsBankroll and stakingReading a value alert
ArbitrageArbitrage basicsArbitrage checks and availabilityComparing betting prices
Accounts and limitsAccount health and restrictionsLimits, gubbings and account closuresExchanges and sportsbook limitsGood account practice
Using ProfitPandaHow ProfitPanda worksFind your way around DiscordPrepare an exchange accountYour first offer: start hereUsing the OddsMatcherRecord your first betTracking and performanceUnderstanding your performance
Help and referenceWelcome to ProfitPandaBetting glossarySupport and safer gamblingFrequently asked questions
Matched betting·3 min read

Complete your first offer

Choose one offer and work through it from the qualifying bet to the free bet. Keep the bookie's terms open while you do it.

1. Pick an offer

Open sportsbook offers in Discord and choose one you're eligible for. Check:

  • New-customer and opt-in rules.
  • Deposit amount and payment method.
  • Qualifying stake, minimum odds and allowed markets.
  • Deadlines and when the reward arrives.
  • Whether the reward is one free bet, several tokens or a different type of offer.

If the card and the bookie's terms disagree, pause and ask support. Here's the Gambling Commission's guide to offers.

2. Fund both accounts

Put enough in the bookie for the back stake and enough in the exchange for the liability. Money tied up in other bets isn't available to use again. A £10 back bet can need more than £10 at the exchange.

3. Check the qualifying bet

Open both markets. Check the same match, selection and settlement period. Make sure your stake and odds meet the offer rules, your commission rate is right and there's enough money available at the lay price.

If the odds change before you've placed either bet, refresh and recalculate.

4. Place both sides

Place the back bet and check the accepted stake and odds. Place the calculated lay on the same selection, then check it's fully matched. Save both confirmations.

Use Track bet or Add to tracker if it's available. Check the saved numbers match what you actually placed.

Only part accepted, or lay odds moved after you backed? Follow these steps before placing anything else.

5. Wait for the free bet

Check your account for the reward and its expiry date. Some offers credit it straight away; others wait for settlement. Don't move to the free-bet stage until it's there. If it's overdue, check the terms and contact the bookie.

6. Use the right free-bet mode

A stake-not-returned free bet doesn't pay your token back. A £10 token winning at 5.00 pays £40, not £50.

Choose that free-bet mode in the calculator and enter the token amount. Check the betslip is actually using the token before you confirm. Bet builders, accumulators and cash-refund offers have different rules; follow the guide for that offer.

Example: a £10 stake-not-returned free bet at 5.00, laid at 5.10 with 2% commission:

  • Lay stake: £40 ÷ 5.08 = £7.87.
  • Liability: about £32.27.
  • Team wins: £40 − £32.27 = about £7.73.
  • Team loses: the lay makes about £7.71 after commission.

Subtract your earlier qualifying cost to get the profit from the whole offer.

7. Add it all up

Once both stages have settled, add the wins and losses from every bet and subtract commission. Deposits and transfers aren't profit. Keep unused free bets separate from cash, and note when they expire.

Next: Tracking and performance.