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Matched betting’s a clever way to profit from bookmakers’ free bets without relying on luck, and it’s completely legal in the UK as long as you’re over 18. You cover all outcomes by placing back and lay bets, so there’s no risk of losing both bets. While bookmakers aren’t fans of matched betting, there’s no illegal element to it.
Matched betting is a technique used across different types of sports, and if done correctly, it can minimise the chance of losses. However, the idea of using bookmaker promotions and free bets to potentially create profits sounds too good to be true, especially if you have never heard of matched betting before.
The good news is that matched betting is legal in the UK, meaning if you do partake in matched betting, you are not breaking the law. However, that doesn’t mean placing matched bets consistently won’t create issues. In this blog post, we are going to discuss what can happen when you place matched bets, and how it can affect your betting experience.
Is Matched Betting Legal in the UK?
Yes, no specific UK law prohibits matched betting, as you can use bookmakers’ promotions to place back and lay bets on a sporting event. As with standard sports betting, bettors must be 18 or over and use betting services legally available in the UK.
Matched betting uses the betting services bookmakers and betting exchanges offer, and because betting exchanges are recognised under UK gambling regulations, it is a legitimate form of betting. Whilst value betting is slightly different from matched betting, both techniques use tools available on legitimate sites.
So, whilst matched betting might be seen as an unusual form of betting, no laws are being broken if you do place matched bets. However, we are going to look at what happens if bookmakers find out you are placing matched bets.
Do Bookmakers Allow Matched Betting?
Things get slightly more complicated, as matched betting may be legal, but that doesn’t mean bookmakers have to welcome it. Bookmakers set their own terms and conditions for promotions, and some include restrictions designed to prevent customers from repeatedly exploiting promotional offers or abusing bonuses.
Bookmakers have been known to restrict or close accounts if they believe customers are using promotions in ways that violate their terms and conditions. However, being restricted by a bookmaker does not mean that matched betting is an illegal way to make money online.
The key is to always read and follow the terms and conditions attached to an offer, as trying to work around them could result in the offer being cancelled or your account being restricted.
Is Matched Betting Risk-Free?
While matched betting is designed to reduce the risk associated with traditional betting, it is incorrect to say it is risk-free.
The maths behind a correctly placed matched bet can help protect you from the outcome of the sporting event, but that doesn’t mean mistakes cannot happen. By using a matched betting calculator, you can review bets before placing them, ensuring you understand how much the return may be no matter the outcome of a matched bet.
Another important factor is that odds can move between placing your back and lay bets, meaning you could end up in an unmatched position with greater exposure than expected.
So, calling matched betting risk-free would be misleading; it makes more sense to say matched betting is designed to minimise risk, but it does not eliminate it completely.
Conclusion
While matched betting might not be completely risk-free, it is one of the many side hustles in the UK that is legal for adults aged 18 and over.
It involves using legitimate bookmaker promotions alongside opposing bets, and the fact that matched betting takes advantage of bookmaker promotions does not make the strategy illegal. The key point is that the legality of matched betting does not make it risk-free or guaranteed, as you could be restricted, or the matched bet could be placed incorrectly.
If you are new to matched betting, we have a dedicated matched betting blog full of guides, tips and other useful resources.
FAQs
Do You Have To Be 18 To Do Matched Betting?
Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to partake in matched betting in the UK, as you will require a betting account.
Is Matched Betting a Scam?
No, matched betting is not a scam, as it involves using bookmaker promotions in an unconventional way that is completely legit. If you are going to place matched bets, make sure you do so with established services.
Is Matched Betting Considered Gambling?
Matched betting involves placing bets, so it falls within the gambling environment and would be considered gambling. However, unlike traditional betting, it aims to minimise risk, not eliminate it; therefore, matched betting is gambling.
Can Bookmakers Ban You For Matched Betting?
Yes, even though matched betting is legal, bookmakers can restrict or close accounts under their terms and conditions.
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