Hedging Example: Back $25 at 5.00, Lay at 2.50

This example walks through hedging a $25.00 back bet placed at 5.00, using a lay bet at the current exchange odds of 2.50 with 5% commission.

Calculation

Input	Value
Back Odds	5.00
Back Stake	$25.00
Back Profit (if wins)	$100.00
Current Lay Odds	2.50
Commission	5%

Result	Amount
Lay Stake Required	$50.00
Lay Liability	$75.00
Profit if selection wins	+$23.75
Profit if selection loses	+$23.75

Explanation

To hedge, you place a lay bet at the current exchange odds of 2.50:

Lay Stake = (Back Odds × Back Stake) ÷ Lay Odds = (5.00 × $25.00) ÷ 2.50 = $50.00
Back Profit = $25.00 × (5.00 − 1) = $100.00
Lay Liability = $50.00 × (2.50 − 1) = $75.00

Because the lay odds (2.50) are lower than the original back odds (5.00), this hedge locks in a guaranteed profit of approximately $23.75 on either outcome after 5% commission.

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Disclaimer: These results are worked examples for educational purposes only. Always verify your own calculations before placing any bets. Betting involves risk — only bet what you can afford to lose.