What is matched betting?
Matched betting is when you use free bets and other promotions handed out by online sports betting sites to boost your chances of making real money. The technique relies on you placing opposing bets on the outcome of a match in such a way that you can’t lose.
With me so far? Good, because things are about to get a little trickier as I explain the “back and lay” betting technique on which matched betting relies.
What is back and lay betting?
Back and lay betting is when you place two opposing bets on the outcome of a sporting event. For instance, you may place a back bet on a particular team to win outright, along with a lay bet on the same team to lose. That means all bases are covered and you’ve removed any risk of losing money.
When you combine back and lay betting with the
best sports betting bonuses, you get no risk matched betting. Matched betting with free bets is a powerful way to make the most of the latest sportsbook promotions, of which you’ll find plenty in the banners on this page and elsewhere around the GameChampions site – so keep those eyes peeled.
Check out our top bookies
1.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
Subject to meeting qualifying criteria. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Is matched betting legal?
I get it: not only does matched betting sound a little too good to be true, but also like it could be illegal. Don’t stress, though, as we’d never cover any form of online betting that’s outside the rule of the law.
Matched betting is 100% legal and always has been. Of course, bookmakers don’t exactly like it, but they have no way of stopping customers from using the latest free bets today.
Is matched betting legal in the US?
Matched betting in the USA is perfectly legal, though I will say that it’s not quite as prevalent as it is in Europe. This might have more to do with the fact that there are very few legal sports betting sites in the United States, with state gambling laws prohibiting sports betting in many jurisdictions.
What are the
best matched betting sites?
There are a handful of matched betting sites out there offering enhanced features and functionality that simplify the process of making matched bets. While I’d always recommend checking out our site banners for the very best sportsbook promotions and recommendations, there are a few things to look out for when searching for matched betting services.
Here are a few of those including:
- In-built odds matching to help you find the best back and lay bet odds
- A free bet promotions tracker to make it easier to find the latest free bet bonuses
- Profit tracker so you can keep an eye on those free bet winnings
- Player forums for discussing tips, strategies and new matched betting opportunities
- Training resources and content for improving your matched betting performance
How to place a matched bet
While the process of placing back and lay bets will vary depending on the matched betting site you use, it’s handy to know how this unique type of sports betting works in practice. So, here’s a quick step-by-step on the process.
| Steps | Instructions |
| Step 1: Join a matched betting site | First up, you’ll need to join a matched betting site. This is the easiest way to place back and lay bets, with features including odds matching and free bet promo finders. |
| Step 2: Find free bet promotions | Next, find the latest free bet deals issued by your favourite bookmakers. Free bet promotions are often only available to new customers, so you may need to join a new sportsbook to get the best deals. See our site banners for the best deals, including free football bets. |
| Step 3: Place your back and lay bets | All signed up? Then it’s time to place your back and lay bets. Place your back bet on qualifying odds with the sportsbook, followed by a lay bet on your chosen matched betting site. Don’t forget to read the free bet bonus T&Cs to make sure you place the right type of bet. |
| Step 4: Claim your free bet | Once your bet has settled, you can claim your free bet and essentially carry out the process all over again. Regardless of whether your back bet or your lay bet won, you should have made some profit. |
Pros and cons of matched betting
- Take advantage of free bet bonuses to make a profit
- Remove the risk of sports betting
- Minimal outlay required to get started
- You may have to pay to use the best matched betting sites
Matched betting sites – are they legit?
For anyone looking to turn sports betting into a legitimate side hustle, matched betting could be the way to go. Turning a profit on free bet offers sounds too good to be true, but with the right tools and techniques at your disposal, it’s entirely possible, especially if you are a
free football bets
fan.
Of course, there are plenty of things to consider when approaching matched betting, so it’s important to proceed with caution and read sportsbook T&Cs carefully. Remember, too, that Game Champions features plenty of the latest free bet deals, so check out the banners for more details.
Try these top betting bonuses
1.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
Wagering (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Subject to meeting qualifying criteria. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Matched betting free bets FAQ
🆓 Is matched betting free?
In my experience, you’ll have to pay to use the best match betting sites, but many offer free trials as part of an introductory offer.
🤑 How much profit can I make from matched betting?
That depends on a range of factors, including how much time you devote to placing matched bets and the lay odds available on matched betting exchange sites.
🔒 Is matched betting safe?
It’s generally safe, although I would never say it’s 100% risk-free, since you need to factor in mistakes and human error.
