{"id":13781,"date":"2024-09-30T11:51:19","date_gmt":"2024-09-30T08:51:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=13781"},"modified":"2026-01-21T11:30:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T08:30:35","slug":"matched-betting-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/matched-betting-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Matched Betting: A Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Matched betting is a technique bettors use to utilize\u00a0 free bets and other incentives they get from bookmakers. At its core, matched betting means placing various possible bets on the same event to make a profit in case of any outcome.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at how it works and how to use it to your advantage in our comprehensive <\/span>matched betting guide.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

What is Matched Betting and How Does It Work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Essentially all bookmakers offer their bettors free bets. The first one usually comes as a <\/span>welcome gift<\/span><\/a> after the signup. There are also various incentives and benefits for the existing players to keep them on the platform.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The main idea of the matched betting is to put these free bets to good use instead of placing them randomly. The most basic way of matched betting involves making two opposite bets that will cover every possible result of the event. One of these bets is a back bet, while the other one is a lay bet. In order to better understand how they work, let\u2019s first take a closer look at how these bets differ.<\/span><\/p>\n

Back Betting and Lay Betting<\/span><\/h3>\n

The difference between these two is, in fact, quite simple. If you make a back bet, it means you bet the thing will happen. For example, \u201c<\/span>I bet Arsenal wins this match<\/span><\/a>\u201d is a back bet.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, if you bet that something won\u2019t happen, that\u2019s a lay bet. For example, \u201cI bet Arsenal won\u2019t win this match\u201d is a lay bet. In this case, if Arsenal loses or draws, your bet wins.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you place a back bet, you do so with your bookmaker. You need a betting exchange for a lay bet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Betting Exchange<\/span><\/h3>\n

Same as bookmakers, betting exchanges allow you to place bets. But here your opponents are other people. This opens up several opportunities for the bettor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If bookies only allow back bets, betting at the betting exchange involves lay betting, which means you can now cover all outcomes of the event with only two bets. First, you need to propose a bet, and if someone else is ready to take you up on it, you will engage in a matched betting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at a <\/span>matched betting example below to see how it works.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

How to Do Matched Betting: Step-by-Step Guide<\/span><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Start by opening a betting exchange account. Betting exchanges usually take a small commission from your earnings, so we recommend you research them to find the one that suits you the best.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Now open an account with a bookmaker of your choice. Same as with the betting exchange, make sure to do your research and get the best \u201cwelcome\u201d incentive. Otherwise, if you already have an account, you can go for free bets offers available for existing customers.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Change the odds to decimals. While fractions are more commonly used for odds on bookmaker platforms, decimals are easier to calculate using matched betting tools (see below).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Most bookmakers will ask you to make a so-called qualifying bet to be eligible for the free bet. Usually, it\u2019s something small, like a \u00a35 bet. This will be your back bet, while the one you\u2019ll place at the betting exchange will be your lay bet.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Continuing our example from above, place your qualifying bet as a back bet on Arsenal with your bookie (you bet that Arsenal will win the game). At the betting exchange, find lay bets that have close odds with your back bet. Use a software calculator to know how much you need to stake as a lay bet to minimize your loss (also known as the qualifying loss) in any outcome. Place your lay bet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Now no matter if Arsenal wins, loses, or draws, you only lose a few pennies but instead get a free bet with your bookie.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. To use your free bet, you just have to repeat the process from Step 4, only this time select the \u201cfree bet\u201d option when staking with the bookmaker. Some free bets have a validity period, so always check the applicable terms and conditions first. The calculator will show the liability that you\u2019ll need to have on your account to place this bet, so always make sure to check it.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Matched Betting UK: Find Best Offers<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Understanding <\/span>matched betting offers is an important part of the activity. That\u2019s why, it is always advisable to study them before engaging. There are quite a number of services on the market offering <\/span>matched betting, ProfitAccumulator and Matchbook being some of the more popular examples.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

      Frequently Asked Questions on Matched Betting<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Is Matched Betting Legal?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Yes, absolutely. As long as you are 18+ and have the legal right to open a betting account, it is okay to engage in matched betting. Moreover, some betting industry professionals have spoken on the topic and confirmed that they don\u2019t object to such use of free bets.<\/span><\/p>\n

      How To Get Started with Matched Betting?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      You need to be 18 or above. To start matched betting, you\u2019ll need a bookmaker account and a betting exchange account. Always make sure to check the conditions they offer. Once you\u2019ve set up both accounts, you can start matched betting. For detailed instructions, read our <\/span>matched betting blog above.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

      Does Matched Betting Require Sports or Betting Knowledge?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      No, it doesn\u2019t. Matched betting is based on finding closely matching betting odds on two sites. However, it still requires some skills, so take your time to <\/span>learn matched betting before you venture into more complex betting.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

      Does Matched Betting Work With Football?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      When mentioning <\/span>matched betting, football is the first sport that comes to mind. While some <\/span>other sports<\/span><\/a> work with matched betting too, the fact that there can be more than two outcomes to a football game, makes this sport a great fit for matched betting.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

      Betting is only available to participants above 18 years. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Matched betting is a technique bettors use to utilize\u00a0 free bets and other incentives they get from bookmakers. At its<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":13782,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[477],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13781","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-betting"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is Matched Betting? Full Guide - 7bet.co.uk<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about matched betting, how it works, and how to use free bets with our comprehensive guide. 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