Back to basics: a guide to matched betting

Michael Bush

5 Feb 2016

Updated: 11 Nov 2023

Matched bets are a complicated business - we know this here at Profit Accumulator. It's exactly why we built our comprehensive online platform that enables people just like you, who may otherwise have little involvement in sports betting other than the occasional punt, to cash out literally thousands of pounds every month with little effort.

But of course, matched betting isn't witchcraft - it's based on real principles that actually work. So, here's our true 'crash course' guide to matched bets for the complete beginner.

One thing that matched betting isn't: gambling!

Probably the most important thing to know about matched betting is that there is no gambling or chance involved. Instead, it is based on a mathematical equation that guarantees you results, just as long as you apply its principles in the right way.

In a nutshell, matched betting eliminates the risks associated with traditional betting by placing bets on opposing outcomes, so that you don't miss out either way.

It all sounds very easy, except - of course - that you would struggle to make much profit with this strategy if the bookmakers didn't also happen to offer all manner of free bet offers to those signing up with them. It is the use of these free bets that makes it possible for you to truly start generating consistent funds.

So, what does an actual matched bet involve?

Again, we must emphasise that matched betting is complicated, and difficult to sum up. But the process goes something like this...

First of all, because no successful bookmaker is stupid, you will almost certainly need to place a 'qualifying bet' with that bookmaker to gain access to their free bet offer. This means that you will need to use your own money - but don't worry, you'll more than recoup that cash later.

Find a sporting event that you would like to bet on - for instance, between Manchester United and Arsenal. Place a bet on Manchester United to win at the first bookmaker, but place a bet on Manchester United not to win the same match at a different, second bookmaker. This latter bet is known as a lay bet, and effectively covers you against all outcomes.

But guess what... whatever the match result, because you fulfilled the free bet requirements at the first bookmaker, you now have a free bet to use on a different sporting event. Again, you place separate bets at different bookmakers on opposing outcomes, except that this time - because half of your bet was done with the first bookmaker's free bet offer - you are guaranteed to make a profit.

Still confused? Don't worry!

Many of our new members here at Profit Accumulator still don't fully understand everything even once they have had the above explained to them - but don't fret! Even not grasping the exact mechanics behind the process doesn't affect your ability to make money from betting with us.

As a matter of fact, as we have done all of the hard work in setting up such an easy-to-use platform that allows you to take immediate advantage of the latest and most lucrative offers, you will barely have any work to do at all. But don't just take our word for it - sign up at Profit Accumulator today to begin discovering one of the most reliable ways to make money online.