Matched betting, also known as Lay betting, is a method of gambling in which players lay bets on the outcome of sporting events and those bets are matched by the bookmaker. The aim is for the player to gain an edge over the bookmaker and consequently win money. So what exactly is matched betting and how can you make quick cash online?
How Does It Work?
Matched betting is easily one of the more popular gambling trends of recent years, due largely to the introduction of mobile betting platforms. Mobile betting makes it much easier to place bets, regardless of where you are located, which in turn creates a greater appeal. Nowadays, you can bet from the comfort of your smartphone, with many bookmakers offering a fully featured mobile client. The simplicity of placing a wager from one’s phone has greatly streamlined the betting process and appealed to the masses.
The beauty of mobile betting is that you can place any bet you like, from a single team winning to the opposite. This is known as “partial” or “mini” betting, and it is one of the main attractions of the service. It also means that no matter where you are, you can always place a bet. Even if you are in a public park, surrounded by strangers, you can place a bet with a stranger nearby. Imagine how amazing that would be!
The downside to mobile betting is that, due to the increased accessibility, a large number of people are now able to gamble, even if they should not. In fact, the UK Gambling Commission’s 2018 report identified mobile betting as the fastest-growing segment of the sports betting market and predicts that the industry value will more than double in the next five years.
With more people gambling, comes the risk of increasing problem gambling. According to the same report, around one in ten adults in the UK now engages in some form of gambling, with around 15% of adults experiencing problem gambling. There are various warning signs that you should look out for, but if you do decide to give mobile betting a go, it’s important that you understand the nature of the activity. Gambling is a form of entertainment, but it can also be a way of life that leads to problems for some people. If you think that you or someone you know may be struggling with gambling, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. The UK Gambling Commission’s established “no win, no fee” policy means that if you do lose money, then they will not ask you to pay it back. If you’re in need of financial assistance due to gambling, then the commission will provide assistance. The government funds the work of the Commission through the Responsibility to Protect budget, which is available for individuals and communities to access.
Even outside of the UK, there are similar initiatives, such as the Responsible Gambling Treatment Services (RGTS) in Australia. In the UK, GamCare operates a national 24-hour telephone counselling service for people who have difficulties controlling their gambling. If you’re having problems or just want to know more, then this may be the option for you. In order to access this service, you will need to make a call. Do remember, though, that not all problem gamblers benefit from counselling, as it may not be the right solution for everyone. In such cases, you may need to try something different. For those not sure whether or not counselling is the right choice, there is also a local gambling treatment service that they can access.
In the meantime, while you’re waiting for the results of your call, you can place some bets to earn money. Remember that for most bookmakers, place your bets before the match ends, as the odds may change as the game goes on. That is also when the sportsbooks are most open to accepting wagers, so make sure you check their odds before you place your bets. Once the game ends and the result is in, your winnings will be matched by the bookmaker. You then have the option of either keeping the winnings or reimbursing the bet with a small amount of money. This is to encourage you to bet on sporting events and also to reduce the risk of you losing all of your earnings. It’s a fairly straightforward process and one that many people are enjoying while also generating a bit of extra cash.
It’s important to note here that not all bookmakers will offer this service. However, if you are searching for a way to make quick cash, then this may be the option for you. Before you begin using this strategy, it’s important to research the best matched betting sites, as well as the sportsbooks that are accepting memberships. This will ensure that you are betting on the most suitable events and the best odds available. It can also be a way for problem gamblers to get some relief, as the bookmaker will absorb some of the potential financial losses. This strategy has the potential to generate significant sums of money, but it comes with risks, so make sure you understand those as well.
Where Can I Place My Bets?
Matched betting has been around for many years, with some British bookmakers even offering the service as far back as the 1800s. However, it was not until the early 1900s that people began placing and settling bets on sports events, as it was considered “high-risk” gambling. Back in those days, people were not sure which games would be picked up by a betting exchange or sportsbook, so they avoided placing bets on those games altogether. It was not until the development of the radio and the television that sports betting began to take off. This was largely due to the fact that people could now follow the events that they were betting on, as opposed to having to focus on the results of football (soccer) matches, which were often reported in the newspapers days later, by which time most people would have forgotten what happened in the game.
With the increased popularity of esports and competitive gaming, placing bets on those activities has become considerably easier, as there are many online platforms that people can use. Some of the more popular esports betting sites include:
- Betway (UK)
- Betatome (Germany)
- BetChain (UK)
- Interwetten (Germany)
- Pinnacle (USA)
- Rivalry (Netherlands)
- William Hill (UK)
Of course, if you wish to make quick cash using this method, then it is advisable to avoid sites that are not regulated. In terms of UK bookmakers, there are some highly recommended sites that you can use, such as:
- Bet365 (UK)
- 888Sport (UK)
- Paddy Power (UK)
- SkyBet (UK)
- BetVictor (UK)
- William Hill (UK)
If authenticity is important to you, then make sure you check the BetterBusinessBureau.com to ensure that the site you are considering using is legitimate. In terms of registering an account, most bookmakers require that you provide only your email address and password, with no further information required. This ensures that your personal data is not compromised and that you can keep your account and relevant information safe. In some cases, you may have to validate your email address by clicking on a validation link that is sent to you via email.
There, now you know everything you need to know about matched betting. Remember to be smart about your gambling and keep things fun. However, if you or someone you know is showing signs of potential problem gambling, then seek help as soon as possible. With the right support, you can find a way to enjoy gambling despite your finances. What are your thoughts on matched betting? Let us know in the comments section below!