Can You Get Banned for Matched Betting? Tips to Stay Safe and Spread Risk

What is matched betting? It has recently gained popularity among bettors who are looking for a risk-free way to make profit from bookmakers’ promotions. It is completely legal, but your account can be restricted or banned if bookmakers detect a specific pattern.

The key with matched betting is to manage your activity wisely and spread the risk across as many betting sites as possible. This way, you reduce the chances of getting limited by a bookie and make the most of betting sites with best welcome bonuses.

For those of you that are new to sports betting, using multiple bookmakers to spread your bets can help you stay in the clear and not get on the radar of bookies who are looking for such activity.

Why Do Bookmakers Ban Matched Bettors?

Bookmakers create promotions and bonuses to attract casual and new bettors to the platform, not players who are consistently on the hunt to make the most of these offers. When a bettor’s account is flagged, some bookmakers may take action against the account. Here’s what you have to look out for:

·       Constantly taking advantage of promotions or welcome bonuses without placing bets regularly

·       Betting specific amounts is another red flag as this is a common matched betting strategy

·       If you make large or frequent withdrawals from your account, that is another trigger for bookmakers to look at your account.

It is important to understand that all bookmakers reserve the right to limit or close anyone’s account to limit exposure to matched betting.

What Does a Banned or Gubbed Account Look Like?

Some bookmakers will impose restrictions on accounts that are matched betting, instead of an outright ban. This is most commonly referred to as “gubbing.”

A gubbed account could face the following restrictions:

·   Your betting limits will be reduced, making it harder to place any meaningful bets.

·   Your account will no longer be served promotions so you can no longer profit from those bonuses.

·   Your stakes will be limited on specific bets, restricting how much you can wage on a bet and ultimately, earn.

While a full ban is rare, bookmakers can determine if a player is only using their platform to make matched bets and ban you entirely.

How to Avoid Getting Banned for Matched Betting

As mentioned earlier, bookmakers have stringent policies to detect matched betting but there are some ways you can reduce your risk of being flagged.

Diversify Across Multiple Betting Sites

A smart way to reduce your risk of getting flagged for matched betting is to use multiple betting sites to spread your betting activity.

Place Mug Bets

If you only make use of promotions or bonuses without actually betting, you will be flagged, so be sure to place bets on markets that are not related to these promotions. Bet on other casino or sport markets so your account will look like a casual bettor instead.

Vary Bet Types and Amounts

Placing bets with specific amounts all the time is a major red flag so be sure to vary your bet amounts and types. Mix up your stakes and be sure to try different markets to make your activity more unpredictable.

Manage Withdrawals Cautiously

Constantly making large withdrawals while not placing bets can be a signal to bookmakers that you are matched betting. Be sure to leave some funds in your account and also make the occasional deposit to make it look like your account is like every other betting account out there.

Are Betting Exchanges a Safer Option?

It certainly is a safer option as betting exchanges operate much differently compared to the average bookmaker.

Exchanges do not set odd themselves, rather they match bets between users, so they have no incentive to ban matched bettors. They make profit but earning commission on winnings, so they welcome all types of bettors!

You can use exchanges more strategically for lay bets to complement your matched betting without any fear of getting restricted.

Conclusion: Stay Smart, Stay Safe

While matched betting is a profitable strategy and you can earn well from it, it is important to stay under the radar for long-term success. By diversifying your accounts with bookmakers, placing mug bets, varying your bet amount and managing your withdrawals, you can stay out of sight and not be part of the usual betting patterns that bookmakers are on the lookout for.