A profit boost increases the winnings on a bet by a percentage, such as 25%, 50% or 100%. It is one of the most common sportsbook promos and, used correctly, one of the most reliably +EV. Used badly (on a long same-game parlay with a huge margin), it can still be a losing bet.
How a profit boost works
The boost applies to profit only, not your stake.
$50 bet at +200 with a 50% profit boost:
- Normal profit: $100
- Boosted profit: $150
- Effective odds: +300
Formula: boosted decimal = 1 + (D − 1) × (1 + boost%).
Calculating boost EV
Use the fair probability of the bet (from a devigged sharp line) and the boosted price:
Example: fair probability 33% (fair odds about +203) on a bet offered at +190 (2.90).
- Without boost: 0.33 × 2.90 − 1 = −4.3%
- With 50% boost: boosted decimal = 1 + 1.90 × 1.5 = 3.85 → 0.33 × 3.85 − 1 = +27.1%
A 50% boost turned a normal −EV bet into a hugely +EV one. Run any boost through the odds boost calculator.
Which bets to boost
Because the boost multiplies profit, it is worth more on longer odds, up to the max-bet limit. But longer odds usually carry more margin. The sweet spot balances the two:
| Base odds | Boost 50% → | Value added (in win chance terms) |
|---|---|---|
| −110 | +136 | modest |
| +150 | +225 | good |
| +300 | +450 | very good |
| +1000 SGP | +1500 | big boost, but often hides a 25%+ margin |
Best practice: boost a straight bet with low hold at odds around +100 to +300, where you can compare against a sharp fair line. Avoid boosting same-game parlays unless you can price the parlay fairly. (Same-game parlay correlation.)
Max bet limits
Most boosts cap the stake (for example, $25 or $50). Always bet the maximum on a +EV boost; the expected profit is small in dollars, so do not leave it on the table.
Hedging a boost
Want a locked-in profit? Hedge the boosted bet at another book.
$50 at boosted +300 (4.00) → potential return $200. Hedge the other side at −250 (1.40) at another book:
- Hedge stake = 200 ÷ 1.40 = $142.86
- If boosted bet wins: 200 − 50 − 142.86 = +$7.14
- If hedge wins: 142.86 × 1.40 − 142.86 − 50 = +$7.14
Locked-in profit with zero risk. (Hedging sportsbook promos · Hedge calculator.)
Whether to hedge depends on your bankroll; not hedging keeps more EV. (When to hedge a bet.)
Frequently asked questions
Is a profit boost worth using?
Usually, yes, on straight bets with normal margins. The boost often outweighs the book's margin and makes the bet +EV.
What odds should I use a profit boost on?
Roughly +100 to +300 on a straight bet with a low hold, so you get a large boost while staying in markets you can price fairly.
Does a profit boost apply to my stake?
No. It increases only the profit portion of the winnings.