no risk matched betting example
Matched betting is a strategy that allows you to take advantage of free bets and bonuses offered by bookmakers without incurring any risk. This method involves placing two bets: one with a traditional bookmaker and one with a betting exchange. By hedging your bets, you can guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome. Below is an example to illustrate how no risk matched betting works.
Step-by-Step Example
1. Identify a Free Bet Offer
Assume you find a bookmaker offering a £20 free bet if you place a £20 bet on a football match.
2. Choose a Market
Select a football match with odds that allow you to cover all possible outcomes. For this example, let’s consider the following odds:
- Team A to win: 2.5
- Draw: 3.5
- Team B to win: 4.0
3. Place Your Initial Bet
Place a £20 bet on Team A to win with the bookmaker offering the free bet. The potential returns from this bet are:
4. Lay the Bet on a Betting Exchange
Now, go to a betting exchange and lay Team A to win. Laying means betting against Team A winning. You need to calculate the lay stake to ensure you cover your initial bet and the free bet.
Calculating the Lay Stake
Use a matched betting calculator to determine the lay stake. For simplicity, let’s assume the lay odds are 2.6. The calculator will give you the lay stake, which in this case is approximately £19.23.
5. Place the Lay Bet
Place the £19.23 lay bet on Team A to lose at odds of 2.6 on the betting exchange. The potential liability from this bet is:
- £19.23 * (2.6 - 1) = £30.77
6. Analyze the Outcomes
Now, let’s analyze the potential outcomes:
Scenario 1: Team A Wins
- Bookmaker: You win £50 (£20 * 2.5)
- Betting Exchange: You lose £30.77 (£19.23 * (2.6 - 1))
- Net Profit: £50 - £30.77 = £19.23
Scenario 2: Team A Loses or Draws
- Bookmaker: You lose £20 (initial bet)
- Betting Exchange: You win £19.23 (lay bet)
- Net Loss: £20 - £19.23 = £0.77
7. Use the Free Bet
Now that you have used your initial bet, you can use the £20 free bet. Repeat the process by placing a bet on another outcome (e.g., Team B to win) and lay it on the betting exchange.
8. Final Outcome
By using the free bet, you can guarantee a profit. For example, if you bet £20 on Team B to win at odds of 4.0 and lay it at odds of 4.1, your potential profit from the free bet would be approximately £18.
Summary
Matched betting allows you to leverage free bets and bonuses without risking your own money. By carefully selecting markets and using a matched betting calculator, you can ensure a guaranteed profit. This example demonstrates how to execute a no risk matched betting strategy, providing a clear path to profiting from bookmaker promotions.