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What are the Matched Betting Risks in 2025?

Matched Betting Risks Explained by the PromoGuys

Has your interest been piqued by the concept of matched betting? We’re here to outline all you need to know about the concept. More specifically, the matched betting risks that are prevalent online.

Get to know all the latest matched betting risks by joining the PromoGuys today so that you know exactly where you stand. The PromoGuys help you to start boosting your bankroll by giving you all of the ins and outs of matched betting in a way that is easy to digest.

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BAD BEAT ALERT - Caleb Love’s miracle 3 at the buzzer costs Iowa State bettors BIG | #shorts

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Understanding matched betting

Matched betting is a concept which has come to the fore with the advent of online betting. Moreover, it’s the availability of free bet bonuses that have really cemented matched betting as a technique adopted by bettors. However, there are a number of matched betting risks that you must be aware of when it comes to this approach. But, first things first – what is matched betting?

It’s the process of claiming free bets in order to back a certain outcome and then lay the exact same outcome. This process is designed to guarantee a profit regardless of the actual outcome. Matched betting takes place on betting exchanges where it is possible to back and lay an outcome. Naturally, the idea is to use free bets to turn a profit without having to wager real money funds. The technique aims to exclude luck in any equation by making sure you bet on all potential outcomes. Let’s take a look at an example.

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Matched betting illustrated

Our guide to matched betting explained works best with a concrete example. Many online sportsbooks will offer a free bet bonus when you deposit and wager a certain amount. Let’s assume that you need to wager $20 in order to get a $20 free bet bonus.

Our example assumes that there is an equal chance of two outcomes occurring. Matched betting will require you to bet on both outcomes with $20 wagers (as per our example).

  • Team wins: $20 stake
  • Team loses: $20 stake

If you back and lay a team, regardless of the outcome,  you’ll end up with $0 profit as one of your bets is successful and the other not. However, you’ll still receive your $20 free bet in the process. Once you have your free bet, you simply apply this betting technique all over again. By receiving a percentage of your free bet, you are able to lock in a profit.

Getting to know the risks - matched betting risks online

There are several matched betting risks. Below, we’ve touched on some of the most prevalent risks that come with matched betting online.

Not reading the terms of the free bet offer

Matched betting risks include forgetting to read the actual T&Cs of the free bet bonus. If you end up making the wrong initial deposit or wager on the incorrect odds then you won’t receive your free bet. If your initial bet loses, then you lose out entirely. Thus, there’s a lot of room for mistakes if you simply don’t read the terms properly. 

Getting excluded from your betting account

As you would expect, online sportsbooks aren’t exactly fond of matched betting. Thus, if you are found to be taking advantage of free bets that are not in the spirit of the sportsbooks ethos, you are likely to be banned. This means that you won’t be able to use your betting account at all. 

Not aligning your back and lay bet

It’s quite possible that you don’t back or lay the same market or outcome as you did for your corresponding wager. If this happens, then you won’t have a matched bet and you will most likely make a loss on your bet once an outcome is finalized (even if you receive your free bet).

Simply adopting a process that is dull

Matched betting is certainly not something that will knock your socks off. It’s a pretty cumbersome process without any room for ingenuity. If you really love betting on sports, then we suggest you make use of a more dynamic betting technique. Plus, you’ll come to find that matched betting is not possible in the US in any case. 

Matched betting isn’t possible in the US

You might have also heard of no risk matched betting in addition to matched betting. However, there is one major caveat. Matched betting is not possible in the US. The main reason for this is that betting exchanges do not exist in the US. Betting operators or platforms must operate within a given state. It’s not possible to offer the same service across state lines. Betting exchanges operate on a large scale and require a deep pool of active bettors. Being constrained to a ‘one-state’ market limits the number of people who bet on an exchange. Thus, betting exchanges simply don’t exist as they do in other countries such as the UK. It’s important to take note of the fact that, even if you do come across an online betting exchange in the US, it is not legally operating within any given market. We dare not speculate on changes to federal gambling laws in the US. Thus, we bring you a fantastic alternative to the matched betting technique.

A useful alternative to matched betting in the US

In the US, we believe that it is best to adopt the EV betting technique as a substitute to matched betting. You’ll be able to avoid matched betting risks and make use of an approach which is actually viable given the current gambling environment.

EV betting (shorthand for expected value) is a technique whereby you identify when a betting site has managed to miss a thing or two in terms of the odds that they have posted. This technique requires you to understand the implied probability inherent in odds and then figuring out whether odds have been undervalued or overvalued. It’s a strategy that you will need to apply over a longer time horizon but will enable you to find great betting options that will help you get the better of online sportsbooks in the US.

Conclusion - matched betting risks today

It’s clear from our guide that there are many matched betting risks. Plus, matched betting in itself is not legal in the US. Even if you were to try to use this technique, there are no betting exchanges for you to sign up with in an effort to do so. Therefore, we suggest that you take the time to familiarize yourself with EV betting instead.

We have crafted a number of betting guides for your convenience. Take a look at what positive EV betting means and how you can benefit from this. It’s never too late, or early, to pick up some new insights!

Pick
1.877
Pick
Wins
898
Wins
ROI
21.5%
ROI

Matched betting risks FAQ

Matched betting is a practice that online bettors use when using betting exchanges. It’s important to find out whether matched betting is at all legal in your country before you attempt to make use of this betting strategy. Use our latest matched betting guide to find out exactly what the matched betting risks are and whether it is legal in the US.

👀Where can I find a good matched betting strategy?

Finding the right strategy means that you need to do research. It’s important to know all you can about online matched betting USA before you jump right in. We can tell you from the outset that there are plenty of matched betting risks. As such, we urge you to take the time to read our latest guide. This will ensure that you know whether matched betting is even a possibility for online betting in the US.

🔮Are there matched betting risks?

It’s vital to realize that there are a number of risks attached to all forms of online betting. Nothing is guaranteed when you wager real money. We suggest that you read our latest guide, that covers all matched betting risks, so that you are fully informed. This way, you can weigh up your options with the necessary knowledge required to make the right decision.

🏈What sports can I bet on using matched betting?

There are a number of sports that you can bet on online. Sportsbooks cover major North American sports as well as a range of global sports. Before you even consider matched betting, you should take a look at our latest coverage. You can find out more about matched betting football as well as matched betting on other sports. Be sure to do your homework before you bet online.

🔄Are there alternatives to matched betting online?

There are plenty of online betting options and strategies. Finding the right approach, which is also legal, will enable you to enhance your experience significantly. We hope that you read our latest guides to find out all you can. There is no doubt that you won’t regret it. If anything, you’ll be in a much better position to bet strategically on your favorite sports.

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