What Is a Profit Boost?
A profit boost increases the winnings on a winning bet by a set percentage. A 50% boost on a bet that would win $100 pays $150 instead. Unlike a bonus bet, the stake is your own cash, so a loss costs real money. That single difference changes the hedge math, and it is why boosts need their own calculator. Learn more in our How To Convert Profit Boosts guide.
What Is A Profit Boost Calculator?
A profit boost calculator determines how much you need to hedge to ensure equal profit from your profit boost no matter who wins the game. For the Profit Boost you enter the odds, the boost percentage, and the bet amount. Then enter the odds of the opposing side at another sportsbook. The output is the hedge stake and the cash you keep regardless of the result.
How A Profit Boost Changes The Price
The easiest toway think of a profit boost is as a better line. A 50% boost on +100 pays exactly what +150 would pay: the winnings go from $100 to $150 per $100 staked. A 50% boost on +250 pays like +375. The stake is untouched; only the winnings move.
Finding Profit Boost Conversions
Profit Boosts become more valuable when the boosted bet is paired with a strong opposing line at another sportsbook. Longer odds often work especially well, with many attractive conversions appearing when the boosted side is priced between about +250 and +500. The size of the boost, maximum eligible bet, and available hedge odds all affect the final return. DarkHorse Odds' Profit Boost Finder compares available markets and shows the best conversion opportunities along with the recommended bet amounts. You can explore the demo site, or start a free trial.
How The Math Works
Note: The calculations below use decimal odds. If you are starting with a different odds format, first convert them to decimal odds using the Odds Converter.
Example: You have a 50% Profit Boost. You place $100 at +250 (decimal 3.50) on Sportsbook A. The opposing side is -280 (decimal 1.3571) on Sportsbook B.
Step 1. Determine the profit on a winning bet
\[
\begin{aligned}
\text{Profit Boost Winnings} &= \text{Stake} \times (\text{Decimal Odds} - 1) \times (1 + \text{Boost \%}) \\
&= 100 \times (3.50 - 1) \times (1 + 0.50) \\
&= 100 \times 2.50 \times 1.50 \\
&= \$375.00
\end{aligned}
\]
Step 2. Determine hedge amount
\[
\begin{aligned}
\text{Hedge Bet take} &= \dfrac{\strut \text{Stake} + \text{Profit Boost Winnings}}{\strut \text{Hedge Bet Decimal Odds}} \\
&= \dfrac{\strut 100 + 375}{\strut 1.3571} = \$350.00
\end{aligned}
\]
Step 3. Verify the profit on both sides
If the Profit Boost bet wins...
- Profit $375.00 from the Profit Boost bet
- Lose $350.00 from the hedge bet
- Net profit of $25.00
If the hedge bet wins...
- Profit $125.00 from the hedge bet
- Lose $100.00 from the Profit Boost bet
- Net profit of $25.00
\[
\begin{aligned}
\text{Return} &= \dfrac{\strut \text{Profit}}{\strut \text{Profit Boost Bet Amount}} = \dfrac{\strut 25.00}{\strut 100} = 25.0\%
\end{aligned}
\]
Either way you finish with $25.00, a 25.0% return on the $100 you boosted. Run the same hedge without the boost and it locks a small loss, which is the vig. The boost is what flips the math positive.
Profit Boosts Create Sportsbook Arbitrage
A Profit Boost allows you to increase the winnings on one bet more than you would lose on the opposite side when fully hedged. Looking at the example above the Profit Boost turned what would have been a losing hedge into an arbitrage opportunity.
Profit Boost or Odds Boost?
They are not the same thing. An odds boost is attached to a specific wager the sportsbook has chosen, with a fixed price improvement: a -110 prop offered at +110. A Profit Boost is a token you apply to whatever bet you want.
The flexibility is why Profit Boosts are worth more. You can use a Profit Boost on the most profitable line available instead of the line selected by the sportsbook.
