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So you’ve found out about matched betting, but you think it sounds too good to be true.
While matched betting is not exactly illegal, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
If it wasn’t already obvious, bookies don’t like losing money. So, they will do anything they can to prevent it from happening.
But how? Let’s dive in.
The Terms and Conditions
If you’re going to get involved in matched betting, you need to have your lawyer’s license ready.
Just joking… But really, it’s good practice always to read the terms of the sportsbook you intend to play on. Most bookies don’t allow matched betting.
Do Bookies Work Together to Prevent Matched Betting?
The worst part? Let me fill you in on a little insider secret. Many of the casinos work together in a way.
While they are competitors, none of them likes to lose money, so they have systems that let them inform each other of risky players. How do I know? Let’s just say I have contacts from within the betting industry.
Ever heard of accounts getting limited? Limited means that you can’t place big bets; you can just place ridiculously small bets. Normally, when you get limited with one casino, you will get limited with dozens of other casinos shortly after.
Reduced Odds
Another drawback of being a profitable bettor is that bookies can downregulate your odds to give you less edge. But this practice is more often applied to bettors who have shown to be profitable over time, and arbitrage bettors. It can be worth keeping in mind, though.
Gubbing
If a bookie starts to suspect you’re involved in matched betting, they can gub your account.
Gubbing means you won’t be getting any promotions, and your stakes are reduced to a point where it no longer makes sense for you to bet there. In short, gubbing ensures you won’t be profitable at that sportsbook.
How Is This Fair?
All this limitation, gubbing, restriction, how is any of it fair?
When you sign up with a sportsbook, you agree to their terms.
Their terms ensure they will be profitable as a business should be.
Their idea is that sports betting should be for recreational players and not professionals.
So if their systems detect you’re a profitable player or a player involved in arbing or matched betting, you will have restrictions put against you.
So, How Can I Do Matched Betting Without Getting Gubbed?
Stick to popular matches to prevent being the black sheep and getting noticed.
1. Don’t Deposit Exact Amounts To Just Cover the Promotion
Don’t bet on a third-league Bolivian soccer match; stick to the Premier League, MLS, and the NBA. These are the matches “everyone” bets on, and you will have an easier time blending in.
2. Don’t Deposit Exact Amounts To Just Cover the Promotion
If the bookie gives you a $25 free bet for a minimum of $25, don’t bet just $25. Instead, bet a bit over, maybe $50.
This won’t set off any alarms that you’re only after the free bet.
