Matched betting is a clever strategy that takes advantage of bookmakers’ promotions to guarantee profits. Yes, you read that right – guaranteed profits!
It’s become increasingly popular among savvy punters in the UK, and for a good reason.
But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s tackle the big question on everyone’s mind: does matched betting really work?
The short answer is yes, matched betting works! I have used it myself to make some decent tax-free cash, and so have hundreds of thousands of others (we’ll look at some proof further down the page). That’s why I recommend it as my number 1 way to make extra cash in the UK.
In this post we’ll explore the ins and outs of this betting technique, and you’ll soon see why it’s got people talking! Let’s go!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Matched betting involves placing bets and spending lots of time on bookmakers’ sites, and therefore it is not suitable for individuals with a history of gambling issues or addiction. If you think you might have such concerns, I recommend avoiding matched betting altogether. Instead, please reach out for support and assistance from organisations like GamCare and GAMSTOP.
How does matched betting work?
Alright, let’s get the ball rolling with a basic understanding of matched betting.
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At its core, matched betting is a smart and almost risk-free way to make money from the free bets and promotions offered by bookmakers.
It’s not gambling, because it relies on careful calculations rather than chance.
Here’s how it works: in matched betting, we use two types of bets – back bets and lay bets.
A back bet is when we bet on a particular outcome to happen, for example, supporting Team A to win a football match. On the flip side, a lay bet is when we bet against an outcome, essentially betting that Team A won’t win (which means they either lose or draw).
Now, here’s where the magic comes in. We place a back bet using a ‘free bet offer’ at the bookmaker, but to cover all bases, we also place a lay bet for the opposite outcome at a betting exchange, like Betfair. This way, we neutralise the risk, ensuring we profit no matter the result. 😎
You use special matched betting calculators to figure out exactly how much to bet – the exact amount you need to bet will depend on the odds.
I use the calculators available at Outplayed.com.
Step by step
Let’s walk through a full example to make it crystal clear.
Imagine a bookmaker is offering ‘Bet £10, get a £10 free bet’. You see these offers all the time, especially to entice new customers.
So, first we need to ‘qualify’ for the free bet. We place a £10 back bet on England to win a cricket match.
At the same time, we place a lay bet on England not to win, at the betting exchange. This way, we’ve covered all outcomes.
If England wins, we get money from the bookmaker; if England doesn’t win, we get money from the exchange. So far we’ve broken even.
Now we’re ready to claim our free bet! But don’t just bet it on whatever you feel like – that’s gambling. Again, we place back and lay bets for our chosen event. But this time, we’re using the free bet instead of our own money.
So whatever the result, we’ve come out ahead!
For a more visual explanation, take a look at this video:
Matched betting support
Once you understand matched betting, it’s possible to go it alone. But you can save a LOT of time and hassle by using one of the matched betting support sites out there. Personally I have always used Outplayed and am very happy with them!
Some of the benefits of joining Outplayed are:
- See all free bets, offers and promotions in one place, ranked for difficulty and updated daily
- Step-by-step tutorials (written and video instructions) that anyone can follow, no prior experience needed
- 7-day-a-week customer support by phone, live chat, messenger and email. Stuck on an offer? Get an experienced matched bettor to talk you through it.
- Full suite of tools such as calculators, Oddsmatcher, Match Catcher and more – these will save you SO much time!
- Active online communities where you can share tips and get advice.
Outplayed offer a FREE trial which will walk you through your first couple of matched bets and see you make up to £40! If you’re curious about matched betting, I recommend just giving the free trial a go. It honestly makes so much more sense once you’ve tried it yourself.
How much can I make matched betting?
The million-dollar question – or should we say, the £200+ question? 😉
Matched betting is indeed a fantastic opportunity to boost your earnings, but it’s essential to have realistic expectations. Let’s dive in and explore what you can expect:
No guarantees in matched betting
First things first, matched betting is not a guaranteed money-making machine. While it’s a proven strategy, your profits can fluctuate based on various factors like market conditions, the size of your bankroll, the time available, and the number of available offers.
However, with proper execution, most matched bettors can consistently generate extra income.
A realistic target: £200 per month
For most matched bettors who dedicate a reasonable amount of time (say 30-60 minutes several times a week), earning around £200+ per month is a realistic target. This additional income can be a significant boost to your monthly budget or savings.
Advanced matched betting potential
Seasoned matched bettors who have honed their skills and can manage more complex offers might see their monthly earnings increase significantly. Advanced bettors could potentially make anywhere from £500 to £1000 per month.
However, keep in mind that there is a steep learning curve after completing all the sign-up offers, so some people find matched betting gets more challenging (read: less profitable) over time.
Read more: How Much can you Make Matched Betting in 2023?
PROOF that matched betting works
I can tell you that matched betting works because I’ve done it myself and made thousands of pounds, but don’t just take my word for it.
Outplayed – the matched betting site I mentioned above – has had over 150,000 members since it launched. That’s 150,000+ people making money from matched betting! And this is just one of the many matched betting communities out there.
Also, Outplayed have over 2,320 reviews on TrustPilot and is rated ‘Excellent’.
They also have a Facebook group with 55,000+ members, which is an awesome way to read about real people’s experiences.
Here is some real-life evidence that matched betting isn’t just hype, taken from the Outplayed private group.
First up, some responses in a recent discussion on earnings.
As you can see, they vary massively. It all depends on how much time you put in, which bookies you have healthy accounts with, and some other factors:
And here are a few other matched bettors sharing some milestones and success stories:
These are just a recent selection of many, many similar stories in matched betting forums and groups, showing that yes, matched betting does work and is a realistic and achievable way to make extra money in the UK!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on matched betting
Yes, matched betting is completely legal in the UK. It’s a legitimate strategy that uses free bets and promotions offered by bookmakers.
When done correctly, matched betting is designed to be risk-free. By covering all outcomes, losses are minimised, and profits are – in theory – guaranteed. However, there is a small element of risk caused by human error, or factors outside your control such as changing odds, cancelled matches, withdrawn promotions and so on.
Matched betting is not considered to be gambling. It’s a strategy that uses mathematical calculations to ensure profits, rather than relying on chance.
No, prior betting knowledge is not required (and you don’t need to care about sports, either!). Matched betting sites such as Outplayed provide all the guidance and tools you need to get started.
The time commitment varies based on individual goals and offers available. On average, a few hours per week can generate a consistent income. It’s ideal if you can spread this out throughout the week – say, 30 minutes per day.
Bookmakers may impose restrictions or close accounts of successful matched bettors, but with smart account management, you can prolong their lifespan. There are also certain offers you can do even if you’re gubbed.
So, does matched betting work?
In conclusion, matched betting unquestionably works! It offers a low-risk way to earn consistent profits, with tax-free earnings in the UK.
There are hundreds of real-life success stories out there on matched betting forums and Facebook groups that prove its effectiveness.
Remember, matched betting is supplementary income, not a quick fix. And although it’s a fabulous way to make extra money, it’s not 100% risk free. Stay informed, use reliable resources like Outplayed, and connect with the community for support.
With realistic expectations and a committed approach, matched betting can be a game-changer for your finances. Embrace it wisely, and enjoy the rewards of this lucrative strategy! 🚀🏆
Remember you can get a free trial of Outplayed and earn up to £40. The best way to find out if matched betting works is to try it yourself!
- Make up to £40 with a free trial
- £250 earnings guaranteed!
- Personally tried and tested
- 150,000+ members
- 4.7 Trustpilot rating