“Back” bets and odds are consistently indicated in blue, while “lay” bets are consistently indicated in pink. When you engage in “back” betting, you are betting on the outcome to occur. On the other hand, a “lay” bet indicates that you are taking on the role of bookmaker. In a fixed bet, your potential winnings are equivalent to betting against odds, that is, betting on outcomes that may not occur.

Understanding liability is crucial when learning about lay betting. Picture yourself in the role of a bookmaker. If you lose your bet, the bookmaker keeps your bet. If you win, the bookmaker must pay your winnings. This can be much higher than your original bet. It’s like placing a bet. If you win the election, you have to pay the winnings. That potential payment is known as your liability. How much do you have to pay if you lose your lay bet?

Place a lay bet

Select a market, choose the selection you want and click on Best Price/Odd.

In the following example, you are placing a team at odds of 2.70, backing 100 stocks. Your liability of 170 is thus deducted from your balance

Your worst-case scenario

Your Potential Profit: 100

Your potential loss: 170

In this example, if the team wins the tournament, the total payout will be 270. You have to pay 170 to the winning customer, as the backer’s original share is returned to them. If the team loses the tournament, you win 100 minus commission from the betting exchange.

Note: MostPlay charges a commission fee for net winnings on each market.