The Dutching calculator helps you distribute stakes across multiple outcomes in a market, potentially using multiple bookmakers per outcome, to guarantee equal return regardless of which outcome wins.

When to use it

Dutching is perfect for:

• Taking advantage of different promotions at different bookmakers for the same event
• Exploiting arbitrage opportunities where different bookmakers have favorable odds on different outcomes
• Building positions across multiple bookmakers to avoid betting limits
• Creating synthetic lay bets by backing all other outcomes in a market

How it works

The calculator determines the optimal stake for each bet across all outcomes so that you receive the same return no matter which outcome wins. The key insight is that you can place multiple bets on the same outcome at different bookmakers, and the calculator will balance everything.

Understanding the inputs

The calculator organizes bets by outcomes (the actual results), with each outcome able to have multiple bets (wagers at different bookmakers). For example, in an AFL match between Geelong and Sydney, you might have Geelong as Outcome 1 (with bets at TAB and Sportsbet) and Sydney as Outcome 2 (with bets at Bet365).

Outcomes

Click "Add Outcome" to create a new possible result. Give it a name that describes the outcome (e.g., "Geelong", "Sydney", "Draw").

Bets (wagers)

Click the green "+" button next to an outcome name to add a bet for that outcome. You can add multiple bets to the same outcome if you're using different bookmakers, splitting stakes to avoid limits, or mixing cash and bonus bets.

For each bet:

• Bookmaker: The name of the bookmaker offering these odds (e.g., "TAB", "Sportsbet", "Betfair").
• Odds: The decimal odds this bookmaker is offering for this outcome.
• Win Fee: The commission or fee charged if this bet wins. Most Australian bookmakers charge 0%. Exchanges like Betfair typically charge 2-5%.
• Current Stake: The amount you've already placed on this bet. Leave at $0 if you haven't placed it yet. The calculator will show you what additional stake is needed to balance your position.
• SNR (Stake Not Returned): Check this box if it's a bonus bet. Bonus bets only return the profit, not your original stake, which dramatically affects the calculations.

Understanding the outputs

The calculator shows your profit for each outcome:

1. Current Profit: If you've entered current stakes on some bets, this shows your profit for each outcome with your existing positions. These will likely be unbalanced.

2. Balanced Profit: The profit for each outcome after adding the recommended stakes. When balanced, all outcomes show the same profit - you win the same amount regardless of which outcome occurs.

3. Additional Stake Badges: Blue badges appear next to bets that need more stake to balance your position. The badge shows how much additional stake is needed. Click the badge to automatically add that amount to the current stake.

Practical example

You're working three promotions for an AFL game between Geelong and Sydney:

• TAB has an early payout offer (pays if your team leads at half-time) on Geelong at 2.20 odds
• Sportsbet requires a $50 minimum bet on Sydney to qualify for another promo - Sydney is 1.72 odds
• You also want to use a $25 bonus bet at Ladbrokes on Sydney at 1.75 odds

You want to balance your position while meeting all promo requirements.

Set up the calculator:

Outcome 1: "Geelong"

• Click "Add Outcome", name it "Geelong"
• Click the green "+" to add a bet:
  • Bookmaker: TAB
  • Odds: 2.20
  • Win Fee: 0%
  • Current Stake: $0
  • SNR: Unchecked

Outcome 2: "Sydney"

• Click "Add Outcome", name it "Sydney"
• Add first bet:
  • Bookmaker: Sportsbet
  • Odds: 1.72
  • Win Fee: 0%
  • Current Stake: $50 (meeting the minimum)
  • SNR: Unchecked
• Click the green "+" again to add second bet:
  • Bookmaker: Ladbrokes
  • Odds: 1.75
  • Win Fee: 0%
  • Current Stake: $25 (using your bonus bet)
  • SNR: Checked (it's a bonus bet)

The calculator shows:

You need an additional $47.61 on Geelong at TAB (a blue badge appears showing "+$47.61"). Round this to $50 for sustainability.

Results after placing $50 on Geelong:

• If Geelong wins: $60 profit from TAB ($50 × 2.20 - $50) minus $50 spent on Sydney = $10
• If Sydney wins: $36 from Sportsbet ($50 × 1.72 - $50) + $18.75 from Ladbrokes bonus bet ($25 × 1.75, stake not returned) minus $50 on Geelong = $4.75

While this example isn't a very efficient way to turn over a bonus bet, you've qualified for:

• The TAB early payout promotion on Geelong
• The Sportsbet minimum bet promotion

Common issues

My profit values are slightly different across outcomes. Why?

This happens when stakes aren't balanced yet. The calculator shows blue badges indicating what additional stakes you need. Once you add those stakes, the profits will equalise.

Can I have different win fees for different bookmakers?

Yes. Australian bookmakers charge 0% win fees, but exchanges like Betfair charge ~5% commission. Enter the correct fee for each bet and the calculator handles it automatically.

I forgot to check the SNR box for a bonus bet. What happens?

The calculator will show incorrect stakes because it assumes your stake is returned. Always check SNR for bonus bets - it dramatically changes the calculations since bonus bets only return profit, not the original stake.

Can I dutch around a bet I've already placed?

Yes! Enter your existing bet with its current stake, then add bets for other outcomes with $0 current stake. The calculator shows what additional stakes you need to balance your position and lock in profit regardless of outcome.

Why does dutching sometimes show small losses on the matched betting part?

When you're juggling multiple promotions with minimum stake requirements or using bonus bets, you often can't achieve perfect balance without breaking promo terms. The small matched betting losses are typically outweighed by the value of the promotions you're qualifying for. Always factor in the full value of bonuses earned when calculating your total profit.