What is Matched Betting?

Matched Betting, also known as back bet matching, lay bet matching or double betting, is a betting technique to profit from free bets, bonuses and other incentives and promotions offered by bookmakers.

Many believe that matched betting is a risk-free method of exploiting bookmakers, but this is not entirely true. Bookmakers, casinos, and poker sites follow a marketing strategy to lure new clients or encourage existing customers to play more. Part of this strategy enables bonuses and other incentives. These bonuses can be converted into real money through matched betting.

Bonus types and how to approach them

There are certain types of bonuses spawning from real cash to free bets and cash back incentives based on volumes. Each type of bonus requires a certain approach. A typical bonus would be “We will match your deposit up to 100 if you bet twice the deposited funds and the bonus in odds higher than 2″.

The approach and feasibility of each bonus are largely dependent on the rollover requirements, the odds or payout and the limits offered by the bookmaker.” An experienced, smart bettor would examine all incentives through a mathematical prism to determine if there is any value or not.

There are bonuses in the market that offer no value at all and therefore, should be omitted. A typical return for a matched bet where the stake is returned is 90%+ of the free bet offer amount, and 80%+ where the stake is not returned.

However, a smart bettor would combine matched betting with arbing to achieve the maximum profit from every incentive.

Matched betting and arbing

Matched betting combined with arbing brings the typical return for a matched bet where the stake is returned to an astonishing 100%+, and 90%+ where the stake is not returned. This is part of the magic that arbing brings to smart gambling. ” In order to achieve the highest possible profits from non-returned stakes, bettors have to bet on higher odds. Cash backs based on volumes should be treated accordingly.

For example, if a bookmaker offers 1% cash back on whatever the player bets, then the player should use arbing or even negative arbing up to -1% in order to secure a profit.

Smart Bettor VS Bookmakers

Even though matched betting and arbing are legal, they both represent big risks to bookmakers. That is why they are very careful when they offer incentives, and they do anything within their power not to be exploited by sharp players. This is the point where the risk comes in for the smart bettor. Some bookmakers might impose unreal rollover requirements or limit betting accounts before these requirements are reached.

More aggressive and unreliable bookmakers might be lured not to pay winnings, even confiscate funds when they detect sharp action. The smart gambler should avoid unreliable bookmakers and should conduct due diligence before registering an account with any bookmaker.

This is more important when an unknown new bookmaker offers a very generous bonus or very generous odds to attract new clients. In addition, players should be extremely careful when placing their bets, because a mistake can be disastrous.

Every bonus counts

Unfortunately, matched betting is not what it used to be. Many players exploit bookmakers at the industry level. As a result, bonuses and incentives are now lower compared to some years ago. For many, matched betting is the point of entry into the smart gambling scene. In the end, the smart bettor will come to realize that higher odds are the best bonus they could possibly have.

They will also realize that even the last penny counts in this business. This position applies just as much to smart gambling as it does to investing. Viewed through this prism, every bonus counts and should be exploited accordingly.