Matched Betting in the UK the Complete Guide to Legality and Top Sites

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Have you ever thought about making money from the comfort of your own home while taking advantage of the betting markets? If so, matched betting is the perfect way to make extra cash. Not only is it legal and easy to do, but there are also opportunities for savvy bettors across online platforms in the UK – which means there's never been a better time to jump into this world.

In this blog post, we take an in-depth look at all you need to know about matched betting in the UK, including its legality and top sites. We promise that by joining us on this journey, you'll gain knowledge and confidence to become a successful matcher!

 

What is Matched Betting?

Matched betting is a risk-free method of making money from the free bets and incentives bookmakers offer. It involves placing both back (bet for something to happen) and lay (bet against something happening) bets on the same outcome to make a guaranteed profit regardless of the result. By carefully taking advantage of bookmakers' promotions, such as sign-up offers, matched bettors can make regular profits with minimal effort.

Betfred sign up offer

The process works by placing two bets on the same event, one with a traditional online bookmaker and another with an exchange like Betfair or Smarkets. This results in any potential losses being covered by the winnings made on the other bet, so no matter what the outcome, there will always be a guaranteed profit.

It is important to remember that matched betting is not gambling, as it does not involve taking any risks. It simply takes advantage of bookmakers' free bets and promotions to guarantee a profit regardless of what happens in an event. With practice and determination, anyone can make regular profits from matched betting!

 

What Do I Need to Start Matched Betting?

To get started with matched betting, you only need access to the internet, a smartphone or PC, and a separate email address. That's it! You won't have to worry about losing your initial money as it will only grow with every new offer completed. Additionally, no prior knowledge of sports betting is required - so anyone can start learning the basics of this game.

Just start on laptop screen

The next step is to determine what offers are available for matched betting. Hundreds of bookmakers offer many different promotions that can be used for matched betting purposes. Once you know which offers are available, you can take advantage of them and begin making profits from each one.

Finally, you'll need to understand how matched betting works. It is a relatively simple process, but knowing how the game works is essential to maximise profits. Luckily, plenty of tutorials and guides are available online to help you learn the basics quickly and get started with matched betting immediately.

 

How Matched Betting Works

To guarantee profit with matched betting when using a free bet or promotion, you need to use two bets: an initial back bet and a corresponding lay bet. With this method, even if you lose your first back bet, the winnings from your second lay bet will mitigate your losses and allow for profitable returns.

For example, a bookmaker offers you a £20 free bet. You would first place the £20 back bet and then your corresponding lay bet. To ensure maximum profit, you must provide the lay stake higher than the risk-free qualifying amount of the back bet.

This ensures that any winnings from the free bet are maximised and will cover losses from the initial back bet. Therefore, you can still profit overall even if you lose your first back bet.

Free Bet

Free bet offers from bookmakers can significantly reduce risk when betting online, as they give customers a welcome bonus. Through matched betting, you can use the bonus to make a guaranteed profit since no matter what the outcome of the bet is; you will still come out in front. This is why many people are attracted to match betting, which remains popular in the UK.

Where Can I Find the Latest Matched Betting Offers?

At Profit Hawk, we recommend Outplayed.com. They have experts searching the web to find the most attractive offers that meet your betting needs. They post all of their offers in the members area with comprehensive advice on maximising your profits and ensuring you get the best deal possible.

Virgin bet signup

Their team is dedicated to providing you with the best-matched betting service and updated offers so that you can quickly figure out which offer is right for you or worry about eligibility requirements making an offer unsuitable. We understand how important it is for bettors to find the most advantageous deals, so check out Outplayed for the best-matched betting offers!

 

Matched Betting Free Trial

Are you looking for a way to make extra money on the side? Look no further than matched betting services and free trial offered by Outplayed! Their free trial will explain the betting method and offer guidance and tools to help you make a profit. Through two bookmaker registrations, we can guarantee a £40 return if you complete both offers.

If you enjoy our free trial, join our platinum or diamond membership options now. As part of your membership, you'll receive access to guidebooks and tools to help take your matched wager journey even further. Plus, joining gives you access to the extensive forum community, where members share tips and advice.

 

Extra Place Matched Betting

Matched betting is a unique form of gambling that requires skill, knowledge, and discipline. While it can offer the potential for sizable profits, it also comes with significant risks if you must be adequately prepared. Extra places betting is a form of matched betting that can be incredibly profitable.

Extra place bets are exclusive to horse racing events and involve bookmakers offering promotions where more horses than usual finish in the money (1st through 4th).

With this type of bet, the odds for placing 4th are usually the same as those for placing 3rd or 4th — meaning that if your initial lay bet was placed on a horse finishing 3rd. If it ends up coming in fourth, you will still get rewarded with a prize from the bookmaker, and your lay bet will still be awarded.

This type of matched betting can be highly profitable, but it requires considerable skill and experience to pull off effectively. As such, it's essential to research and understands the risks before attempting extra place-matched betting.

 

Matched Betting with Multiple Accounts

Matched betting with multiple accounts is a great way to maximise your profits. Having two opposing wagers at different bookmakers can effectively "lock" in a guaranteed profit regardless of the match's outcome.

For example, suppose Manchester City has a winning chance of 1.6, and you place bets on X2 with odds up to 2.25 at another bookmaker. In that case, you have a lock-in profit no matter which team wins. With multiple accounts, matched betting becomes even more profitable because it allows you to leverage the various promotions offered by different bookmakers.

This means that instead of just taking advantage of one promotion at one bookmaker, you can simultaneously take advantage of several promotions across different bookmakers, resulting in more profits. With matched betting on multiple accounts, you have the potential to maximise your profits and increase your returns from each promotion.

Matched betting with multiple accounts also allows bettors to hedge their bets and reduce risk by placing bets on both match outcomes. This ensures that the bettor always wins in one way or another, regardless of which team wins.

Taking advantage of multiple bookmakers' promotions makes increasing the return even more possible as long as all wagers are placed correctly.

 

Odds Boost Matched Betting

When making money through books, matched betting is one of the best options. This technique allows you to take advantage of the increased odds offered by one bookmaker and then place a similar bet on another bookmaker with different odds.

Doing so will give you a greater chance of winning than relying on the original two odds offered by either bookmaker alone.

For example, if the original odds for a team to win are 2, you may find an odds boost in another bookmaker that has increased these odds to 3. You can then place the same bet in X2 for those given initial odds of 2. By doing this, you can ensure you have a profit regardless of whether or not the home team wins.

Matched betting is an efficient and lucrative way to make money through books. It can help maximise your chances of success. Therefore, it's something worth considering if you want to increase your profits and make sure your bets pay off!

 

Matched betting Tips from the Expert

Getting started with match betting can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to online gambling. Here are some top tips from professionals that will help you get started:

1. Do your research

Familiarise yourself with the different types of bets and what they involve before placing any money down. You should also ensure you understand the offered odds, how they might shift over time, and any potential risks associated with each type of bet.

2. Start small

Don't dive in too deep immediately; start by making smaller bets until you gain more confidence and experience in match betting. This way, it won't be too costly even if you lose a few times.

3. Keep track of your bets

Keeping a record of all your bets will help you identify patterns, trends, and potential opportunities for future profits. This information can also help you make smarter decisions when placing future bets.

4. Take advantage of bonuses and promotions

Most bookmakers offer incentives such as bonus funds or free spins to encourage people to wager. Taking full advantage of these bonuses can help increase your profits significantly over time.

5. Don't get greedy

It's essential to remain disciplined regarding matching betting; don't chase big wins because the risks outweigh the rewards and may leave you out of pocket in the long run.

By following these tips and learning more about match betting, you'll be well on your way to maximising your profits.

 

Backing & Laying Bets

Back and lay bets are two core elements of matched betting. With backing, you're simply betting on a selection to win. When you make a winning bet, you get an additional win from that bet.

This could be as simple as choosing an upcoming horse at the races or predicting the outcome of a football match. If your prediction is correct, you'll receive a return on your investment.

Smarkets

On the other hand, the lay bet attracts many people to matched betting in the first place. This type of bet allows you to back every outcome of an event with no risk involved – meaning there's always something to gain regardless of how it turns out.

These works by placing your bets on a betting exchange, like Betfair, which allows you to back and lay the same selection. This way, you're essentially 'cancelling out' any potential losses. This type of bet can be used to make a consistent profit over time.

Betfair

Understanding the basics of matched betting is essential to achieve long-term success. By learning how backing and laying work together, you can make consistent profits without risk. So why not give it a try? You could soon find yourself enjoying some severe financial rewards with practice!

What Is Liability?

Liability is the money you must pay out due to a bet. When you place a bet, you become the bookmaker – and if the bet wins, you are liable for delivering the return to your customer.

For example: if you put £150 on a bookmaker at odds 3.00 (2/1), and it wins, your liability will be £50. This is because if they win, they will receive their stake back plus winning of fractional odds (in this case, 50).

The liability on this bet is £14.40

It's important to remember that bookmakers regularly use back padding techniques to minimise their liabilities; however, avoiding losses on a bet is impossible.

Overall, liability is an essential concept for betting that all punters must consider before placing a wager. Calculating your liabilities correctly is necessary, as this will give you an accurate idea of how much money you could lose if the bet goes wrong.

By considering the potential risk of making a loss, you can be more strategic when placing bets and better manage your bankroll.

What Is Lay Commission?

Lay commission is the fee a bookmaker or betting exchange charges for placing a bet. This fee can vary between bookmakers and exchanges but typically ranges from 0% to 5%. Lay commissions are one of the key factors to consider when choosing which bookmaker to use, as the higher the commission rate, the less return you will receive on your investment.

Betfair has 3 different commission structures

Why Should I Compare Lay Commissions?

By comparing different lay commission rates and finding those that offer lower rates, you can increase your potential return on your bets. Even if commissions are included in these lower odds, they return larger than those with higher commission rates.

 

Get 0% commission on Smarkets!

 

This means you can get more from your betting by taking the time to shop around, giving you more chances to win.

How Do I Compare Lay Commissions?

The easiest way to compare lay commissions is by using a comparison website. These websites allow you to quickly and easily view the commission rates of different bookmakers and exchanges in one place. This makes finding the best option for your needs easy and ensures you get the most out of your investment.

Comparing lay commissions before placing a bet can ensure you get the most out of your bets and increase your chances of success. So remember to shop around next time you need to place a bet!

 

Oddsmatcher Tool (Qualifying Bet)

Oddsmatcher is an invaluable tool for those looking to maximise their profits with minimal losses. It retrieves live odds and finds the equivalent lay odds on the upcoming Smarkets matches, making it a breeze to find the most favourable match with the best possible odds.

To use Oddsmatcher, click the relevant tabs such as sport, market type etc. Then select what bookie and exchange you want and then click in the search box to begin your search. The program will then provide you relevant matches. You can also directly lay from the oddsmatcher to make it even easier!

 

Monitor Your Money

Staying on top of your finances when placing matched bets is essential. With money spread across different exchanges and betting platforms, keeping track of where your funds are going can take time. A few free profit-tracking software options and matched betting spreadsheets are available to make this process easier. 

Using one of these tools, you can easily monitor where your money is invested and ensure an accurate record of profits or losses. This will allow you to make more informed decisions regarding your matched betting strategy and budget accordingly.

Additionally, keeping up with financial records could help if you ever need to file taxes related to your earnings from matched betting activities.

Regardless of how you monitor your finances, keeping an eye on where your money goes when engaging in matched betting would be best. Doing so will help ensure that you remain successful in the long run and make wise decisions regarding your investment strategy.

Manage Your Risk

In addition to monitoring your finances, managing your risk is another key factor for success in matched betting. This means setting a budget and sticking to it, avoiding taking gambles on overly risky bets, and only placing wagers with known return rates. Furthermore, only bet what you can afford to lose.

While there is potential to profit significantly from matched betting, it's essential to be generous and always practice responsible betting.

You can maintain a successful matched betting strategy over the long run by taking the proper steps to manage your risk. Whether setting a budget and monitoring spending or avoiding overly risky bets, managing your risk is essential for success.

You can stay at the top of your game regarding matched betting by watching your finances, using appropriate software and spreadsheets, and practising responsible betting habits.

With these tips in mind, you will be well-equipped to make informed decisions about where and how much money to invest. Ultimately, this will allow you to profit from matched betting activities while minimising potential losses.

Is Matched Betting Legal?

Matched betting is legal. It does not involve any form of gambling. It, therefore, does not fall under the jurisdiction of any particular gambling legislation. Bookmakers often allow free bets or promotions if they meet their return requirements.

This means that if someone makes money through no-risk matched betting, another person could be wasting money on the same bet – allowing the bookmaker to make a profit regardless.

The term 'gubbed' comes from an old Latin word meaning 'closed' – which is how bookmakers view accounts that have had too much success with no-risk betting. If a bookmaker believes an account is taking advantage of them, they may choose to 'gub' the account, meaning that it will no longer be allowed to place bets with them.

This is the worst-case scenario when it comes to matched betting. Not betting too often or too much on any event can be avoided.

Is Matched Betting Tax-Free in the UK?

Absolutely! Matched betting is a legal and tax-free form of gambling in the UK. Under the 2005 Gambling Act, all winnings from gambling are exempt from taxation, so matched bettors can enjoy their profits without worrying about additional taxes.

However, it's important to remember that HMRC may be interested in your gains if you're deemed a professional gambler rather than a casual one. If that's the case, you'll need to pay taxes on your profits accordingly. So make sure you know what kind of gambler you are before getting started with matched betting!

 

How Does Matched Betting Work in Practice?

Once you have registered with Outplayed, you can access their Matched Betting platform. Here's how it works:

- First, select a bet from the list of available bets on the website.

- Next, decide how much to stake and click 'place bet'. Your wager's exact amount and associated bonuses will appear at the top of the page.

- Then, check that all your chosen details are correct by clicking 'confirm' before confirming your bet.

- Once your bet is confirmed and accepted, Outplayed's Oddsmatching software will match it with an equal betting offer from another user on the site. This offers a guaranteed return on your bet, regardless of the result of the event.

Matched betting with Outplayed is a quick and easy way to make money from betting without any risk. So why not give it a try today?

Will I Need to Learn About Sports or Betting?

You can be a sports expert or an experienced bettor. Our course is designed to help you learn the basics of how matched betting works and then provide guidance on how to use the Oddsmatchers software best.

With this software, you can create your betting system and learn how to pick the best bets that are closely matched between two betting websites. No prior knowledge of either sports or betting is required - all you need is the desire to make money!

So why wait? Sign up for our course now and start your journey towards success with Matched Bets!

Can I do this with my mobile device?

Yes, you can use our Oddsmatchers software on desktop and mobile devices. You can find the best bets between two betting websites quickly and easily, no matter where or what device you're using.

Our guide is designed to provide all the information needed to use the software and make money with Matched Bets successfully. So why wait? Sign up for our course now and start your journey towards success!

Can You Make a Living From Matched Betting?

Matched betting can be an exciting way to make extra money and supplement your income. Still, it is not a sustainable source of income on its own. You must generate at least £1,500 monthly payments to earn a living with matched betting. This isn't easy to achieve without dedicating significant time and effort to the activity.

Furthermore, other factors, such as bookmaker restrictions, may consistently limit your ability to win from matched betting over the long term. While matched betting can provide supplemental income for some people, relying on it to pay your bills is likely too big a risk for most. This does not mean you cannot profit from matched betting - as long as you understand the risks.

 

Strategies to Maximise Your Returns from Matched Betting

Matched betting is a popular technique for making money from the sports betting market. By using matched betting strategies, you can profit from bookmaker offers and free bets while mitigating some of the risks associated with gambling. However, to maximise your returns from matched betting, there are specific strategies that you should adopt.

One approach is to take advantage of 'arbitrage' opportunities. This involves placing multiple simultaneous bets across different bookmakers to guarantee a return regardless of the outcome. This strategy does require considerable research and knowledge about the markets, so it may not be suitable for beginners.

Another tactic is to focus on high turnover bets such as accumulator or multi-betting offers from the bookmakers. This strategy can be highly profitable if you can identify a series of bets likely to generate a return. The key is ensuring your research thoroughly identifies the most promising multi-bet options.

In addition, it's also essential to consider any bonuses and promotions available from the bookmakers. Many sportsbooks offer enhanced odds or free bets on select markets, which allow additional returns if used correctly. Therefore, it pays to take advantage of these offers whenever possible.

Finally, another intelligent strategy is maintaining an effective staking plan when placing matched bets with multiple bookmakers. This involves setting out a predetermined amount of money (i.e., the stake) that you are prepared to risk on each bet. This will help ensure your losses do not exceed a certain amount and make managing your overall betting budget easier.

By following these strategies, you'll be able to get more out of matched betting and potentially generate higher returns. With the right approach, you can make the most of free bets, bonuses and arbitrage opportunities while mitigating some of the risks associated with gambling.

How Does Matched Betting Turn Free Bets into Cash?

Matched betting is a simple and effective way of turning free bets into real money. It involves placing two bets, one with the bookmaker (using their free bet) and one with a betting exchange. The trick is to ensure that both bets cancel each other out, so regardless of the outcome, you will be guaranteed some return.

For example, a bookmaker on a horse race gives you a £10 free bet. You can place your £10 free bet on the horse to win at the bookmaker (this is known as your 'back' bet). Then, it would help if you went to an online betting exchange such as Betfair and lay the same selection against itself – this means you are betting against the horse. This is called your 'lay' bet.

Now, depending on the odds of both bets, you will get a return regardless of whether your selection wins or loses. For example, if the odds of the bookmaker and exchange were identical (around 4/1), then by staking £10 at both places, you would receive a return of roughly £31 – this includes your stake.

Once you have done this enough times over different events, sports or markets, you can start to build up a significant sum of money through matched betting that can be withdrawn as cash. Taking advantage of all available bonuses and offers from bookmakers makes it possible to make around 60-85% of the bonus or free bet amount available as cash.

 

Is Matched Betting a Scam?

Matched betting is a legitimate way to make money. It involves using bookmakers' incentives and bonuses in a structured way so that you can turn them into cash profit. Although it may seem like an unlawful form of gambling, it's not: all the bets are made with no risk involved, so you're guaranteed to win.

It's also wholly tax-free, as the profits come from bookmaker promotions rather than gambling. So there's no need to worry about suspicious activity - matched betting is 100% legal and safe!

It pays to use the right tools and platforms to guarantee success when matched betting. This is where Profit Hawk comes in; we specialise in helping people make money through matched betting with their fully-automated software.

With the help of Profit Hawk, you can quickly and easily manage your bets, take advantage of bookmaker bonuses, and maximise your profits. So if you're looking for a reliable way to make extra cash, try Profit Hawk - it could be just what you need!

Matched betting is not a scam or a fraud; it's a legitimate way to generate income from online bookmakers' incentives. So why not give it a try? With the help of tools like Profit Hawk, you can start making money in no time! Get started today and see how far this new form of gambling can take you.

 

Conclusion

Matched betting in the UK is a legal way to earn money and can offer a handsome return if used correctly. With the proper knowledge and experience, one can take advantage of this technique and make a lot of money with minimal risk.

To get started, it is essential to understand how it works, which top sites are best for making your bets, and what techniques will give you the most success. We hope this guide has provided sufficient insight into matched betting so you can get started today.

If you still need to figure out where to begin, why not sign up for a free membership at Profit Hawk? With our support, you'll be well on your way to earning some extra cash!

 

FAQs

How Long Does Matched Betting Take?

Matched betting can take anywhere from a few hours to several months, depending on your goals and the size of your bankroll. People who consistently do matched betting typically follow a daily routine, allowing them to place multiple bets quickly.

Some strategies require more time than others (such as accumulating an accumulator). Still, these are generally reserved for those with larger bankrolls looking for more enormous profits.

Additionally, other factors, such as bookmaker offers and promotions, may vary in length and frequency. Hence, it pays to keep up-to-date with the latest news.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Time Required for Matched Betting?

No, there is no minimum amount of time required for matched betting. Even if you can only dedicate a few minutes each day, you can still take advantage of the opportunities available. However, the more time and effort you put into it, the more profitable your matched betting will be.

What Is the Best Way to Get Started With Matched Betting?

The best way to get started with matched betting is by using a trustworthy tutorial or guide from an experienced professional. This will give you an insight into the strategies and techniques used and guide how to maximise your profits.

It is also important to familiarise yourself with the different bookmakers and promotions available, as this will give you a better understanding of the opportunities available.

Finally, always ensure that you are betting responsibly and within your means - this will ensure you enjoy a successful matched betting experience.

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