Exchange Liquidity Guide

Beginner•4 min•Fundamentals

What is Liquidity / Availability?

Liquidity (also called availability) is the amount of money currently offered at a specific price on the exchange. If you want to LAY at 3.0 and the exchange shows £120 available at 3.0, that means up to £120 of lay stake can be matched at that price right now.

Liquidity ≠ Liability. Liquidity is money available from other users to match your bet. Liability is the amount you might have to pay out if your lay bet loses.

Order book style view showing amount available at each lay price — Exchanges show how much is available to BACK or LAY at each price for each outcome.

Why it matters for matched betting

For a lay bet to be fully matched at your chosen odds, the liquidity at that exact price must be at least as high as your lay stake. If it's lower, you'll get a partial match and the remainder will wait as an offer (unmatched).

Rule of thumb

Aim for liquidity ≥ your lay stake (preferably a little higher to allow for quick changes).

If liquidity is lower, consider waiting, splitting your stake, nudging the odds, or changing selection/exchange.

Where to see availability

Each exchange displays availability slightly differently. On most exchanges it will be a small number next to or below the price.

Examples of liquidity shown under prices on different exchanges — Look for a number under the price, that's the money available to match right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

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