How to Make Risk-Free Profit with Matched Betting
Matched betting is a strategy that mathematically guarantees a profit from free bet promotions offered by bookmakers. Many bookmakers offer free bets, you know the sort of thing, “Bet £25, get a £25 free bet” as a signup bonus when creating an account, or as special incentives during major sporting events.
Matched betting allows you to cover all potential outcomes of an event, ensuring a win regardless of the result by using these free bonuses as your stake money. This technique enables risk-free profit.
How Does Matched Betting Work?
Essentially Matched Betting involves two key types of bets:
A ‘Back’ Bet
This involves betting on a specific outcome to happen. For example, “I bet England will win” is a back bet. If England win, you win the bet and the associated winnings. If they lose or draw, you lose your stake. You place the back bet at any bookmaker offering the free bet or bonus.
A ‘Lay’ Bet
This is betting against a specific outcome. For instance, “I bet England will not win” is a lay bet. If they lose or draw, you win the bet. Lay bets can only be placed at betting exchanges such as Betfair, Betdaq or Matchbook.
Matched betting works by balancing the risk on the ‘back’ bet at the bookmakers with a ‘lay’ bet at a betting exchange. Essentially, you are ‘matching’ your bet.
Once you place your first real money bet (the qualifying bet), the bookmaker awards you a free bet. This is where the profit is made. By repeating the process—betting with the free bet and laying the bet—you ensure a profit regardless of the event outcome.
How Much Profit Can You Make?
For each matched bet, you can typically extract 50-80% of the free bet amount as profit. This percentage accounts for the commission betting exchanges usually charge on winnings. Additionally, you might incur a small loss on the qualifying bet due to minor differences in odds across websites. This is normal and will be offset when you use the free bet.
Earnings and Tax Implications
Earnings from the gambling industry are currently tax-free so has become a very popular second income or side hustle.
What’s the Risk?
Theoretically, there is no risk involved in matched betting because you are betting for and against the same event. However, the risk arises from potential mistakes. It’s crucial to double-check everything and follow the steps precisely. Occasionally, free bets may not come through immediately, so patience and adherence to the promotion’s terms are essential.
Once you understand the process and successfully complete your first matched bet, you can continue matched betting with other online bookies offering free bet promotions. This can help you earn extra money consistently.
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