Understanding matched betting: Exploring risks and experiences

Matched betting, often touted as a ‘risk-free’ way to make money, is a method of gambling using mathematical strategies to profit from free bets and promotions offered by online betting platforms. Despite its allure, matched betting isn’t without risks. By combining quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interview) approaches, this project aims to shed light on the popularity and complexities of matched betting, its association with gambling-related harms (i.e., relationships between gambling-related cognitions, wellbeing, exposure to advertising, and levels of gambling), and the experiences and motivation of those involved in matched betting.

The project lead is Dr Reece Bush-Evans (Psychology Department) at Bournemouth University.