The benefits of Tennis Matched Betting are widely recognized by many punters across the globe. Similar to Arbitrage Betting, this system guarantees profits by covering both possible outcomes of tennis matches at different operators. Some even do not think of both techniques as gambling, as they involve practically no risks. There are differences though between the two, which we will further investigate in the current publication.

Tennis lends itself ideally to Matched Betting, however, the system can be applied equally successfully to other sports as well, such as football. To implement this system efficiently, punters need to back one of the possible outcomes of a tennis match at a bookmaker by making use of a particular promotional offer, and then lay this outcome at a betting exchange.

This article elaborates on the concepts of backing and laying outcomes of tennis matches, the differences between bookmakers and betting exchanges, as well as the types of promotional offers suitable for Matched Betting. We also cover the risks associated with this system. Although considered a risk-free betting technique, there are certain limitations that bettors need to be aware of.

Promotional Offers of Sportsbooks

As many punters probably already know, Arbitrage Betting requires finding disparity in the odds offered by different operators. For an Arbitrage Betting opportunity to arise, bettors should detect odds that differ and are sufficiently high. Should they find a suitable Arb opportunity, the total stake is to be proportionately distributed across the two sportsbooks offering the disparity. These occasions might be hard to detect, however, they do happen.

To implement the Matched Betting technique, bettors do not need to search for a disparity of odds across bookmakers. Instead, they generate guaranteed profits by exploiting free bet promotional offers that bookies put forward. Whether it is a Sign-up offer, a free bet or a reload bonus that punters intend to make use of, they can use it for the purposes of Matched Betting.

Bookies utilize different types of bonuses as a marketing strategy to attract new customers and retain the current ones. The promotional offers vary in terms of types, sizes, and conditions, and bettors are advised to read the fine print attached before claiming them. Whether it is a Sign-up Bonus or a free bet, they should familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions of the offer. Making use of these bonuses is an essential part of the Matched Betting technique. To be eligible for particular bonuses, for example, punters need to make deposits by using certain payment methods.

Bettors not familiar with this system might be wondering where to start. To apply this system to their tennis betting, they should choose a competition and a match to bet on. The next step would be to open an account at a bookmaker, and then go on to fund it. By depositing, let’s say, €50, bettors are most commonly awarded a bonus, matching the amount. Besides the Welcome Bonuses, which are one-off promo offers, bettors can take advantage of other incentives such as Reload bonuses, and other current promotions.

Most promotional offers come with certain wagering requirements. In other words, to claim the funds from a free bet, punters should wager its value several times. So, they are supposed to go through the wagering process as many times as mentioned in the terms and conditions, and once they complete the roll-over requirements, they will be able to withdraw any potential winnings.

Using a Betting Exchange

As already established, Matched Betting works by matching a free back bet at a conventional sportsbook with a lay bet at a betting exchange. By doing so, punters eliminate the risks associated with the conventional way of wagering at a single operator. It is also essential to highlight that Matched Betting is perfectly applicable for two-way wagers, or ones having only two possible outcomes. Considering the lack of a draw in tennis matches, they are ideally suited for this betting system.

To implement the Matched Betting technique, punters need to make a clear distinction between backing a bet and laying a bet. At conventional sportsbooks, punters are enabled to back their selections or to bet that something will happen. At a betting exchange, however, they can both back and lay bets. In other words, they can also choose to bet that something will not occur. Furthermore, bettors should make sure that the value of odds at the bookmaker is as close as possible to the value of odds of the lay bet at the betting exchange.

Example of Tennis Matched Betting and Related Calculations

Punters should closely follow the rules of Matched Betting to avoid losing money over it. With Matched Betting, they bet on the two possible outcomes of tennis matches, to ensure a profit no matter what the actual result of the match is. By doing so, they eliminate the risks, and either the back bet at the bookmaker wins or the lay bet at the betting exchange. Betting on the two possible outcomes of tennis matches at a single sportsbook cannot generate profits due to the built-in profit margins into the odds.

There are Matched Betting calculators available online that can help punters a great deal in the mathematical computations associated with the system. Once punters find such a tool, they need to select the type of promotional offer utilized, and then enter the stake and odds of the back bet, as well as the lay odds and the commission of the betting exchange. The calculator makes the necessary computations for the required lay stake, the amount of the liability at the exchange, and the relevant amounts if the lay bet wins or loses.

Many punters use Matched Betting software, which facilitates the process to a great extent and makes Matched Betting a less time-consuming occupation. By using an automated Matched Betting service, punters have access to updated lists of current promotional offers, as well as tutorials and calculators. However, to grasp this betting system thoroughly, punters are advised to go through the necessary steps and mathematical formulas.

  1. Open an account at a bookmaker, take advantage of a Bonus offer, and place a back bet

    In a match from the French Open Men’s Singles, John Isner is playing Bernabé Zapata Miralles. We decide to open an account with a bookmaker and as a welcome offer, they match our first deposit up to €100 in bonus bets. So, let us say we deposit €100 to our newly-created account and activate the bonus. As is typical for such offers, the stake is not returned in case the bet wins.

    French Open Men’s Singles
    John Isner vs. Bernabé Zapata Miralles
    John Isner 1.59Bernabé Zapata Miralles 2.38

    We may use our bonus bet and wager €100 to back Bernabé Zapata Miralles at odds of 2.38. This means that if the underdog wins, we will generate a total return of €138. We figure this out by multiplying our stake of €100 by the odds offered (2.38) and then taking out the initial stake from this amount.

  2. Open an account at a betting exchange and place a lay bet on the same outcome

    The next step along the way is signing up for a betting exchange. As we already mentioned, betting exchanges allow punters to either back or lay a specific outcome. At a betting exchange, punters are matching bets of other fellow punters. As far as our example goes, we will have to place a lay bet on Bernabé Zapata Miralles at a betting exchange of our choice, offering lay odds of, let’s say, 2.40. An important factor to take into consideration is that betting exchanges charge commissions on winning bets. Let us assume that the commission, which our selected betting exchange charges, amounts to 5% of the winning bet.

  3. Calculate the optimum amount of the lay stake to ensure an equal profit

    What punters should do next is calculate the optimum amount of the lay stake at the betting exchange to ensure a profit no matter what the actual outcome of the tennis match is.

    Lay stake for an even profit = (back odds – 1) / (lay odds – commission) * free bet size

    Lay Stake = (2.38 – 1) / (2.40 – 0.05) * 100 = €58.72

  4. Calculate the profit if the lay bet wins

    In case the lay bet at the betting exchange wins, i.e. Bernabé Zapata Miralles loses the forthcoming match, we may use the following formula to figure out our profit:

    Profit = lay stake * (1 – commission)

    Profit = 58.72 * (1-0.05) = 58.72 * 0.95 = €55.78

  5. Calculate the profit if the lay bet loses

    The other possible outcome of this Matched Betting scenario would be to lose the lay bet. This means that our back bet at the bookmaker wins.

    Profit = (back odds – 1) * free bet size – (lay odds – 1) * lay stake

    Profit = (2.38 – 1) * 100 – (2.40 – 1) * €58.72 = €55.80

    Furthermore, punters owe the betting exchange a liability in case the lay bet loses. It is figured out with the help of the following formula:

    Liability = (Lay odds * Lay Stake) – Lay Stake = (2.40 * €58.72) – €58.72 = 82.21

Pros and Cons of Matched Betting

Much like any other sports betting system, Matched Betting is characterized by certain advantages and disadvantages. In the table below we have briefly outlined the main pros and cons of the system.

Matched Betting
ProsCons
A great way to generate consistent profits in the long runMatched bettors run the risk of account limitation and suspension if bookies suspect a Matched Betting activity. Although legal, the system is not tolerated by most bookmakers.
Considered a risk-free system, if implemented correctlyBettors may lose money due to miscalculations of stakes
Requires a minimum bankroll to get startedLack of promotional offers to take advantage of
A beginner-friendly system, which does not require extensive knowledge of the sportSome promotional offers have high roll-over requirements

Conclusion

Many tennis betting enthusiasts prefer to cover both outcomes of tennis matches and thus lock in profits regardless of their outcome. What differentiates Matched Betting from Arbitrage Betting is the fact that the first system makes use of bonuses offered by sportsbooks and necessitates opening an account at a betting exchange. So, all that bettors need to start matched betting is an account at a bookmaker, a promotional offer, and an account at a betting exchange.

Profits are guaranteed as long as bettors meet the requirements of the related bonuses and match their bets properly. Despite all the great features of the system, it is not entirely void of flaws. Matched bettors run the risk of account limitations, suspension, and even lack of promotional offers. Nevertheless, Matched Betting is worth exploring and has the potential to generate sizeable returns in the long run.

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