Starting with matched betting can feel intimidating, since you might worry about making mistakes. But one of its biggest advantages is that, done correctly, it carries no real risk. Please ensure that you follow the instructions correctly. So what if you make a mistake?
Even if you slip up, in most cases you can fix the error—so there’s usually no reason to stress. Still, prevention is best. By knowing where beginners often trip up, you can avoid problems altogether.
Here are common Matched Betting mistakes. We explain what they are, why they matter, and how to avoid them. Platforms like 20Bet are great for beginners. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of these mistakes before you begin.
The Most Common Matched Betting Mistakes
1. Placing your lay bet before your back bet
A lot of newcomers question why this matters. After all, the whole idea is that one bet cancels out the other—so what difference does it make?
Not really. You usually start with a stake, like £5 on a qualifying bet or a £5 free bet. Then, you calculate your lay stake to balance it perfectly with the odds.
Odds can change quickly. The tricky part is that the odds can move in the time between placing your back bet and your lay bet.
When you make your back bet first, changing the lay odds is easy. Just update them in the calculator and move on. Starting with the lay bet makes it trickier to adjust the back bet. You risk unnecessary losses that way.
Tip: Always begin with the back bet.
2. Overlooking the offer’s terms and conditions
Bookies often set limits on their offers. You should know these terms before placing bets.
People often skip important details like the minimum odds needed. They may also overlook how many selections are required in a builder or accumulator. Additionally, the payment method is key; usually, it must be a debit card.
It sounds straightforward to read the terms, but it’s surprisingly easy to miss a small detail when you’re rushing. I once signed up for a snooker deal. Feeling confident, I placed a qualifying bet on darts. Later, I wondered why my free bet wasn’t credited.
There may be strict limits on promotion dates or a need to place your qualifying (or free) bet on a specific event. By staying alert, you can make sure everything lines up correctly.
Tip: Take a moment to review the offer rules carefully before placing your qualifying bet.
3. Mixing up the names of events/competitors
Always double-check the event and the competitor you’re betting on. This is crucial, especially in horse racing.
On race days, each track hosts several events, so it’s easy to mistake a 15:45 race for a 17:45 one. You could even confuse lookalike courses, such as Newbury and Newmarket. I know I’ve done that before!
With so many horses competing, you’ll also find names that sound alike, which can cause mix-ups.
Make sure the horse’s name and the odds line up exactly with what you intended before you place the bet.
Tip: Review every detail of your bet slip carefully to avoid betting on the wrong selection.
4. Forgetting to switch the calculator from Normal to Free Bet mode can cause issues. Also, using the wrong calculator can lead to mistakes.
Before betting, double-check which mode the calculator is set to. If it’s wrong, the loss or profit numbers will look strange. So, it’s wise to double-check.
Know why advanced calculators are made before using them. New users should start with simpler options first. This builds their confidence. Once they feel ready, they can try the tougher offers that need advanced calculators.
Tools like Racing Refund, Bonus Lock-in, and Refund If calculators help in similar situations. Knowing when to use each one makes it easier. So, it’s important to know how they differ. Make sure you go through the full instructions for each calculator before using it. We highly recommend it.
Tip: Get into the habit of selecting the calculator mode every time. Even if “Normal” appears by default, this helps you remember to switch modes when needed.
5. Overlooking exchange liquidity
When you spot a close match with good odds, it’s easy to rush. Sometimes people jump in and place the back bet first without checking if there’s enough money in the exchange market.
It’s frustrating to discover that when you go to lay, there’s only a couple of pounds available at the odds you wanted. This forces you to accept worse odds and lower profits, which could have been easily avoided.
To prevent small issues, use the ‘Availability’ filter in the Oddsmatching tool. Set it a bit higher than the amount you want to lay. Availability may drop while you bet, especially on popular events. This issue is much less common when the market has strong liquidity.
Tip: Use the “Availability” filter in Oddsmatcher so you’re only shown options with enough liquidity behind them.
Conclusion
If you stay methodical, matched betting can be an excellent way to earn consistent profits. But small mistakes can quickly reduce your profits. Avoid common pitfalls and double-check your bets. This way, you’ll reduce stress and protect your bankroll.