How to "Green-Up" (Back-First)
"Greening-up" (or "cashing out") is a trading technique that locks in a guaranteed profit, regardless of the final outcome. This calculator is for a Back-First trade, where you expect the odds to *drop*.
The Strategy:
- You Back a selection at high odds (e.g., 3.0).
- The odds on that selection *drop* (e.g., to 2.5).
- You then Lay the same selection at the new, lower odds.
This calculator tells you the exact Lay stake required to guarantee an equal profit whether the selection wins or loses.
How to Use:
- Initial Back Odds: The (higher) odds you placed your back bet at.
- Initial Back Stake: The amount you bet.
- Trade-Out Lay Odds: The (lower) odds you are about to lay at.
- Commission Rate: Your exchange commission (e.g., 5 for 5%).
To lock in a profit, the Lay Odds must be lower than your Back Odds. If they are higher, you will be locking in a loss (known as a "Red-Up").
Calculate the lay stake needed to lock in a profit (Back-First Trade).
Trade Summary:
Required Lay Stake:
Guaranteed Profit:
In BF Bot Manager
Set an After Bet Rule — when best lay price ≤ your target, green up automatically (profit exit).
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When to use this calculator
Use the green-up calculator after a back bet has moved in your favour — when the lay odds have shortened enough to lock in profit. This is the core trade-out technique for Lay the Draw and pre-race horse trading.
Enter your original back stake, back odds, and the current lay odds. The tool tells you the lay stake needed to equalise profit whether the selection wins or loses.
Frequently asked questions
What does greening up mean on Betfair?
Is this for back-first or lay-first trades?
Does commission affect green-up stakes?
Disclaimer: For educational and planning purposes only. Not financial or betting advice. 18+ · BeGambleAware.org