Matched betting is a smart way to make money by using bookmakers’ promotions to ensure profits. Yes, you heard that right – guaranteed profits! It’s become quite popular among savvy bettors in the UK, and for good reason.
So, does matched betting really work? The short answer is yes! I’ve personally made some decent tax-free cash, and so have hundreds of thousands of others. That’s why I recommend it as my top way to make extra cash in the UK.
In this post, we’ll dive into the details of this betting technique, and you’ll soon see why it’s got people talking!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Matched betting involves placing bets and spending a lot of time on bookmakers’ sites, so it’s not suitable for individuals with a history of gambling issues or addiction. If you have such concerns, I recommend avoiding matched betting and seeking support from organizations like GamCare and GAMSTOP.
How does matched betting work?
Let’s start with the basics. Matched betting is a nearly risk-free method 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: We use two types of bets – back bets and lay bets. A back bet is when we bet on a particular outcome to happen, like betting on Team A to win a football match. A lay bet is when we bet against that outcome, meaning Team A won’t win (they either lose or draw).
We place a back bet using a ‘free bet offer’ at the bookmaker, and to cover all outcomes, we also place a lay bet for the opposite result at a betting exchange, like Betfair. This way, we neutralize the risk and ensure a profit no matter the result.
You use special matched betting calculators to figure out exactly how much to bet. I use the calculators available at Outplayed.com.
Step by step
Let’s walk through an example to make it clear. Imagine a bookmaker is offering ‘Bet £10, get a £10 free bet’. You see these offers all the time, especially to attract new customers.
First, we need to ‘qualify’ for the free bet by placing 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!
Matched betting support
Once you understand matched betting, you can do it alone. But you can save a lot of time and hassle by using one of the matched betting support sites. Personally, I have always used Outplayed and am very happy with them!
Some benefits of joining Outplayed include:
– Seeing all free bets, offers, and promotions in one place, updated daily
– Step-by-step tutorials (written and video instructions) that anyone can follow
– 7-day-a-week customer support by phone, live chat, messenger, and email
– A full suite of tools like calculators, Oddsmatcher, and Match Catcher
– Active online communities for sharing tips and getting advice
Outplayed offers a free trial that will guide you through your first couple of matched bets and help you make up to £40! If you’re curious about matched betting, I recommend giving the free trial a go. It makes much more sense once you’ve tried it yourself.
How much can I make matched betting?
Matched betting is a fantastic way to boost your earnings, but it’s important to have realistic expectations.
No guarantees in matched betting
Matched betting is not a guaranteed money-making machine. While it’s a proven strategy, your profits can vary based on factors like market conditions, the size of your bankroll, the time you have, 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 significantly boost your monthly budget or savings.
Advanced matched betting potential
Experienced matched bettors who can handle more complex offers might see their monthly earnings increase significantly, potentially making anywhere from £500 to £1000 per month. However, there is a steep learning curve after completing all the sign-up offers, so some people find matched betting gets more challenging (and less profitable) over time.
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 – 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.
Outplayed has over 2,320 reviews on TrustPilot and is rated ‘Excellent’. They also have a Facebook group with 55,000+ members, which is a great way to read about real people’s experiences. Here is some real-life evidence from the Outplayed private group, showing that matched betting isn’t just hype.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on matched betting
Is matched betting legal in the UK?
Yes, matched betting is completely legal in the UK. It’s a legitimate strategy that uses free bets and promotions offered by bookmakers.
Can I lose money with matched betting?
When done correctly, matched betting is designed to be risk-free. By covering all outcomes, losses are minimized, and profits are – in theory – guaranteed. However, there is a small element of risk due to human error or factors outside your control, such as changing odds, canceled matches, or withdrawn promotions.
Is matched betting gambling?
Matched betting is not considered gambling. It’s a strategy that uses mathematical calculations to ensure profits, rather than relying on chance.
Do I need prior betting knowledge to start matched betting?
No, prior betting knowledge is not required (and you don’t need to care about sports, either!). Matched betting sites like Outplayed provide all the guidance and tools you need to get started.
How much time do I need to dedicate to matched betting?
The time commitment varies based on individual goals and available offers. 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.
Will bookmakers close my accounts if I do matched betting?
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 restricted.
So, does matched betting work?
In conclusion, matched betting definitely 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 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 fantastic 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!
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!