Stages of matched betting
1. Qualifying bet: This is the first stage,
usually bookmakers require you to bet with your own money first to unlock a free bet. So you want to find odds to back and lay, that will result in breaking even.
2. Unlocked Free bet: The second stage of is after you have unlocked your free bet by completing a qualifying bet. You need to find another matched betting opportunity, you want to find odds that will allow you to back and lay an outcome resulting in a profit. There are three types of free bet that you need to consider: stake returned, stake not returned and wager requirement and each type of free bet needs slightly different calculations.
The process of matched betting
The matched betting process stays the same, however depending on what stage you are, calculations will vary.
1. Search for an opportunity to mathematically back and lay simultaneously. This means the odds to both back and lay are suitable. Use a matched betting calculator to help you.
2. Place your back bet
3. Place your lay bet
4. If carried out correctly you should dnabet have rendered the outcome neutral, either breaking even or making a profit.
Example of the process of matched betting (qualifying bet)
In this example I will assume we are in the qualifying bet stage of matched betting.
1. I’ve found a matched betting opportunity: the back odds are 3 and the lay odds are 2.9 (note the odds are expressed in decimal format). I will use a matched betting calculator to figure out how much I need to bet.
2. The free bet I am targeting is £10 so this means my stake is £10. I place a back bet of £10 on odds of 3 (decimal). If I win I receive £20 profit (£10 stake multiplied by odds of 3 minus £10 stake = £20), if I lose I will lose £10.