Matched betting is a way to turn bookmakers’ free bet offers into real money. They say that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. So is that the case here or is matched betting legal?<\/p>\n
First, let’s take a quick look at how matched betting works.<\/a>\u00a0You’ll find our complete guide to matched betting by clicking that link. But for a quick intro, this article covers the basics.<\/p>\n Bookmakers give out free bets and other offers to attract both new and regular customers. One example of a new customer offer is: Bet \u00a310 and get a \u00a310 free bet. That means, if you bet \u00a310 of your own money, you’ll receive a free \u00a310 bet to use. In traditional betting, or gambling, you rely on luck in order to win. If the first bet loses, you lose \u00a310 of your own money. Yes, you’ll have the free bet to use, but what if that loses too? You have no profit to show.<\/p>\n However, with matched betting you can bet in such a way that you cover all potential outcomes. For example, place your \u00a310 bet as normal at the bookmaker. But place an opposing bet at the betting exchange. So if you bet on England to beat France at the bookmaker, you would bet on England not to win at the exchange. In the case of a football game, the matched bet – known as the ‘lay’ bet – would also cover a draw result.<\/p>\n Matched betting is completely legal. It’s kind of a loophole, which you can use to unlock real profit. In the UK, as long as you are over the minimum gambling age of 18, then matched betting is legal. Whilst matched betting isn’t gambling, you do need to open and use bookmaker accounts, which is why you need to be at least 18.<\/p>\n There are no laws in the UK that prevent the placing of back or lay bets on a sporting event. In fact, matched betting has often been covered and celebrated in the national press.<\/p>\n According to Graham Sharpe<\/a>, former media relations director at William Hill, the sports betting industry doesn’t have a problem with matched betting. \u201cThere\u2019s no illegal element,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a free bet and you can do what you like.” (Source)<\/a><\/p>\n Clive Hawkswood, former CEO of the Remote Gambling Association (RGA), said: \u201cAs long as nobody is breaching the terms and conditions that are attached to free bets then technically they are doing nothing wrong\u201d. (Source<\/a>)<\/p>\n The reality though, is that bookmakers would rather matched betting wasn’t around. They don’t like the idea of anyone beating them. Whilst it is completely legal, you may see reference to “bonus abuse” in their offer T&Cs. So what does this mean?<\/p>\nIs matched betting legal?<\/h2>\n
What do bookmakers think of matched betting?<\/h2>\n
Bonus Abuse<\/h3>\n