The stake is the amount placed on a wager. For an ordinary winning cash bet, total return includes the returned stake plus profit. Net profit is the amount left after subtracting the original cost. Promotional tokens can use different stake-return rules.
The cash-bet calculation
For a winning ordinary cash single at decimal odds D and stake S, total return is S multiplied by D. Profit is S x (D - 1), or total return minus stake. These formulas assume no deductions, dead heat, commission or payout restriction.
For a losing bet, return can be zero and the net outcome is the negative of the stake. A displayed potential return is conditional on the required outcome; it is not money already earned.
Worked example: £4 at 3.50
A hypothetical £4 cash single at 3.50 returns £14 if it wins outright under ordinary settlement. Of that amount, £4 is the original stake and £10 is profit. If it loses, the return is zero and the loss is £4.
For a £4 stake-not-returned free-bet token at the same price, a winning credit would instead be £4 x (3.50 - 1) = £10. The token is not added again. This token calculation does not account for cash previously spent to obtain the reward.
| Funding and outcome | Return or credited winnings |
|---|---|
| £4 cash, winner at 3.50 | £14 including £4 stake |
| £4 cash, loser | £0 |
| £4 token, winner, stake not returned | £10 |
| £4 token, loser | £0 |
Evaluate all the transactions together
Imagine two separate cash singles costing £4 each. One wins at 3.50 and one loses. Total outlay is £8, return is £14 and net profit across both is £6. Calling the £14 return profit would overstate the result by £8.
For an offer, include any qualifying cash bets as well as reward bets. A winning promotional token can coexist with a net loss across the whole sequence. Do not count a deposited amount twice if it is subsequently used as the stake.
Why the receipt can show a different amount
Check whether the display is potential return, settled return or profit. Then identify adjustments, including a deduction, partial settlement, early payout, cash-out payment or cap. Each-way wagers and combination bets require all constituent stakes to be counted.
Keep a simple record with date, funding type, cash outlay and settled credit. It should describe what happened, rather than encourage recovering a loss through additional wagers.
Common questions
Is a returned cash stake a profit?
No. It is your original stake being included in the payment. Profit is measured after the original cost.
Can a winning bet still leave me down overall?
Yes. Other losing bets, qualifying costs or a total stake spread across combinations can exceed its return.
Sources and editorial notes
Official source material consulted for this edition. Operator examples are dated illustrations, not a guarantee of current terms or personal eligibility. Worked examples are hypothetical.
Published by eLand, Lda. See our editorial policy. Report a correction.