What is Matched Betting

Matched betting is a betting strategy that involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event in order to guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome. This is achieved by using free bets and bonuses offered by sportsbooks, and by using mathematical formulas to calculate the exact stakes needed to bet on each outcome. The basic principle of matched betting is to use the free bets and bonuses offered by sportsbooks to bet on both outcomes of a given event, at different sportsbooks or betting exchanges. This creates a situation where the bettor is guaranteed a profit, regardless of the outcome of the event.

Matched betting is often used in horse racing, football, and other sports where sportsbooks offer free bets and bonuses. It is considered a low-risk form of gambling, as the bettor is not relying on luck, but rather on mathematical calculations to guarantee a profit. Matched betting can be considered as fraudulent because it goes against sportsbooks' terms and conditions, even in its simplest form. Depending on the way it's executed, it can range from being in a gray area to being completely illegal. Sports betting operators put a lot of effort to prevent matched betting as it entails taking advantage of signup and other bonus offers.

How Does Matched Betting Works

Matched betting works by taking advantage of free bets and bonuses offered by sportsbooks. The basic process involves finding a sports event with multiple possible outcomes, such as a football match, and then placing bets on all possible outcomes at different sportsbooks or betting exchanges.

Here is an example of how matched betting works in sports betting:

• Let's say you find a soccer match with three possible outcomes: team A winning, team B winning, and a draw.

• You then find a sportsbook that is offering a free bet on team A winning. You place a bet on team A using the free bet, and you also place a bet on team B winning and a draw at a betting exchange.

• The key here is to place the bet on team B winning and a draw at the betting exchange with a stake that is slightly more or less than the free bet amount, so that you either make a small loss or a small profit, regardless of the outcome of the match.

• If team A wins the match, you will lose the bet on team B winning and a draw at the betting exchange, but you will win the free bet on team A, resulting in a small profit overall.

• If team B wins the match or it's a draw, you will win the bet at the betting exchange, and you will lose the free bet on team A, but you will still make a small profit overall.

It's crucial to note that matched betting requires a significant amount of time and research to find the right opportunities and to calculate the correct stakes. And it's important to read the terms and conditions of the sportsbooks to avoid being penalized or banned.

Difference Between Matched Betting and Arbitrage Betting

Matched betting and arbitrage betting are both betting strategies that aim to guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome of an event. However, they are different in the way they achieve this. Matched betting involves taking advantage of free bets and bonuses offered by sportsbooks. It works by placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event at different sportsbooks or betting exchanges, using mathematical calculations to ensure a profit regardless of the outcome.

Arbitrage betting, also known as "arbing," involves taking advantage of differences in odds offered by different sportsbooks on the same event. It works by placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event at different sportsbooks, where the odds are different, and ensuring a profit regardless of the outcome. In matched betting, the bettor is not relying on differences in odds. Instead, they are using free bets and bonuses to guarantee a profit. In arbitrage betting, the bettor is taking advantage of the difference in odds offered by different sportsbooks.

In summary, matched betting is a strategy that makes use of the free bets and bonuses from sportsbooks to guarantee a profit, while arbitrage betting uses the difference in odds offered by different sportsbooks to guarantee a profit.

Is Matched Betting Legal

The legality of matched betting varies by country and region. In general, matched betting is considered a legal activity, as it does not involve any illegal or fraudulent practices. However, there are some countries and states where certain aspects of matched betting may be considered illegal or prohibited by law. In the United Kingdom for example, matched betting is widely considered legal and is not prohibited by any specific laws. However, it is important to note that matched betting is against the terms and conditions of many sportsbooks, and betting operators may take action to prevent it or close the accounts of those who engage in it.

In the United States on the other hand, matched betting is considered illegal under the federal law, because of the Federal Wire Act which prohibits the use of the wire communication facilities for the placing of bets or wagers on any sporting event or contest. It is important to note that in some countries, sportsbooks may not be regulated which could make matched betting illegal. Also, in some countries, online gambling is illegal and that could lead to matched betting being considered illegal as well. Bettors might need to check the laws and regulations in their specific location before engaging in matched betting, and to be aware of the risks and potential consequences that come along with it.

How Sportsbooks can Prevent Matched Betting Fraud

sportsbooks have realized the importance of preventing matched betting in order to protect their financial profits and ensure that bonus offers are used for their intended purpose: attracting new users who follow the rules. Sportsbooks can take several steps to prevent matched betting from occurring on their platform. Here are a few ways:

Limit the amount of free bets and bonuses offered: Sportsbooks can limit the amount of free bets and bonuses offered in order to reduce the incentive for matched betting. This can make it less profitable for matched bettors to take advantage of these promotions.

Monitor betting patterns: Sportsbooks can monitor betting patterns in order to detect suspicious activity, such as large numbers of bets being placed on all possible outcomes of an event. This can help them identify and flag potentially fraudulent activity.

Restrict certain types of bets: Sportsbooks can restrict certain types of bets, such as arbitrage bets, in order to prevent matched betting. This can make it more difficult for matched bettors to place the necessary bets to guarantee a profit.

Implement Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures: Sportsbooks can implement Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures in order to verify the identity of the bettor and prevent fraud. This can include requiring valid identification and proof of address.

Use fraud detection software: Sportsbooks can use fraud detection software to automatically detect and flag suspicious activity. This can help them quickly identify and respond to potential fraud.

Have strict terms and conditions: Sportsbooks can have strict terms and conditions regarding matched betting and make sure that customers are aware of them before placing any bets.

Matched Betting FAQs

What is matched betting?

Matched betting is a betting strategy that involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event in order to guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome.

How does matched betting work?

Matched betting works by taking advantage of free bets and bonuses offered by sportsbooks and by using mathematical formulas to calculate the exact stakes needed to bet on each outcome.

Is matched betting legal?

The legality of matched betting varies by country and region, but in general it is considered legal. However, some sportsbooks may consider it a violation of their terms and conditions.

Is matched betting risky?

Matched betting is generally considered a low-risk form of gambling, as the bettor is not relying on luck, but rather on mathematical calculations to guarantee a profit.

How much can you make from matched betting?

The amount of money that can be made from matched betting depends on the amount of time and effort put into finding the right opportunities and calculating the correct stakes.

Can matched betting be done online?

Yes, matched betting can be done online through various sportsbooks and betting exchanges.

Are there any specific tools or software needed for matched betting?

Some matched betting companies provide software that can help with finding the right opportunities and calculating the correct stakes.

How much time does matched betting take?

The amount of time required for matched betting depends on the amount of opportunities available and the amount of effort put into finding them.

Is matched betting different from arbitrage betting?

Matched betting is a strategy that uses free bets and bonuses to guarantee a profit, while arbitrage betting uses the difference in odds offered by different sportsbooks to guarantee a profit.

Is matched betting suitable for beginners?

Matched betting can be done by beginners, however it's recommended that beginners start with small amounts and gradually increase as they gain more experience.