1st things 1st:

Back Bet (Traditional Bet) -

A back bet is what most people think of as a normal bet with a bookmaker.
You are betting for something to happen.

• Example: You place £10 on Manchester United to win at odds of 2.5 (6/4).

• Outcome:

  • If Man Utd win → you win your bet and get paid £25 including your stake.

  • If Man Utd draw or lose → you lose your £10 stake.

Lay Bet -

A lay bet is the opposite — you are betting against something happening.
This is done on a betting exchange like Smarkets, where you are effectively acting like the bookmaker.

• Example: You lay £10 on Manchester United to win at odds of 2.5 (6/4).

• Outcome:

  • If Man Utd do not win (lose or draw) → you win the lay bet and receive the backers stake.

  • If Man Utd win → you have to pay the winnings to the backer.

You use both together to lock in profit:

• Back bet with a bookmaker (often using a free bet or promotion).

• Lay bet on a betting exchange for the same selection to cover all outcomes.

Matched betting is a system where you use bookmaker promotions (like free bets and odds boosts).

Combined with a betting exchange (Smarkets) to eliminate risk. Instead of hoping to win, you cover all outcomes — guaranteeing profit regardless of the result.

Odds Boosts Explained: More value, less risk.

An odds boost is when a bookmaker increases the pay out on a specific bet. Example:

• Standard odds: 2.0

• Boosted odds: 2.5

With matched betting, we pair that boosted bet with a lay bet on an exchange. The extra value from the boost = pure profit, regardless of outcome.

Key tip:

• Always check the boosted odds vs lay odds before committing. A boost isn’t profitable if the gap is too small.

  
  

Want profitable boosts? That’s what we post here.

Example:

We have taken this boost from Skybet. The best boosts are
advertised on your account page.

Using the Oddsmonkey calculator we can work out our
lay stake which includes a 2% commision to Smarkets
(this is only paid if the lay side wins).

Ensure to check the max stake. Abiding by one of our tips not
to bet max stake which in this case is £20 we will be backing
this boost for £15.

















The oddsmonkey calculator (above) indicates a 9.37% profit on the stake. The £1.41 is garunteed and a breakdown below the calculator shows the loss encured within Smarkets if the horse wins the race however outlines how the odds boost on skybet will return a loss on your lay stake and additionly the £1.41 profit that was locked in earlier.

Below is the lay market on Smarkets indicated by the blue boxes (ask). The alternative ask prices alongside our 2.26 is 2.28 and 2.32 these prices can be kept in mind but are not the best and have been put in by other backers. Underneath our 2.26 price is £24 this is the available liquidity/ amount able to be layed which has been put up by the backers side.
Careful to ensure there is enough liquidity if you are layed at an alternative price your profit would be more if the bet loses the event but less if the bet wins the event. In this case the bet is the horse odds boost.




















Common Mistake: Chasing Boosts Without Checking Lay Odds

Don’t get caught out by this boost trap.

Newcomers see boosted odds and assume it’s always value. Wrong.

A boost is only profitable if:

• Boosted odds > Lay odds (after commission)

• Back stake matches liability on exchange

Ignore this and you’ll lock in a loss instead of profit.

Always run boosts through a matched betting calculator (like OddsMonkey’s). Ensure you check smarkets lay markets for a profitable calculation.

Start Risk-Free, Start Today.

You don’t need thousands to begin. Many start matched betting with £50 or less. Here’s how:

• Begin with sign-up offers (free bets)

• Roll profits into reloads and boosts

• Keep detailed records (spreadsheets help!)

In 2–3 weeks, you’ll snowball enough bankroll for multiple offers daily.

We post beginner-friendly boosts and guides daily.

Why Exchanges Matter in Matched Betting

Exchanges are the secret sauce behind risk-free betting.

Bookmakers set boosted odds. Exchanges let you bet against outcomes (lay betting).

By combining the two:

• Bookie = Back bet

• Exchange = Lay bet

You cover all outcomes and lock in profit.

OddsMonkey Calculator

This tool saves hours and maximises profits.

OddsMonkey’s matched betting calculator auto-finds profitable boosts by comparing bookie odds vs exchange lay prices.

Benefits:

• No manual maths

• Shows exact profit

• Filters risk-free promos

FAQ:

“Is matched betting gambling?”

No — here’s why:

• You’re not relying on chance.

• You cover all outcomes using a back + lay strategy.

• Profit comes from bookmaker promotions, not wins/losses.

"Are my profits taxed?"

No -here's why:

• Gambling winnings are seen as a inconsistent form of income.

• In the UK players do not pay tax but the gambling operator does.

Is matched betting legal?

Yes. In the UK and many other countries, matched betting is legal. You are simply using bookmaker offers and placing bets in a strategic way.
However, you must be over 18 years old and betting must be legal in your country.

Do I need to know about sports or betting to start?

Not at all. Matched betting is based on maths, not sporting knowledge. You do not need to predict winners — you just need to follow the steps.

Do bookmakers mind matched betting?

Bookmakers offer promotions to attract and keep customers. However, if they suspect you are only taking advantage of offers without regular betting, they may limit or close your account (“gubbing”).
To reduce this risk, mix in small “mug bets” that look like normal betting activity.

What do I need to get started?

• A device with internet access.

• Accounts with online bookmakers.

• An account with a betting exchange.

• A small starting bankroll (often £50–£100) to place both sides of the bet before you receive the free bet winnings.

Is matched betting risk-free?

When done correctly, the risk is very low.
The main risks are:

• Human error (placing the wrong amount or wrong bet).

• Market movement (odds changing before you place both bets).

• Account restrictions from bookmakers.

Can I do matched betting full-time?

For most people, matched betting is a profitable side hustle, not a full-time job. As you gain experience, you can also use advanced strategies like each-way betting, arbitrage, and casino offers to increase income.