How to Stop Your UK Matched Betting Accounts from Getting Banned/Gubbed
Matched betting is a great way to make risk-free profits, but bookmakers actively monitor accounts for betting and arbitrage patterns, often resulting in "gubbing"—a restriction on your account that limits or removes access to bonuses, promotions, or certain bet stakes. While it’s hard to avoid gubbing entirely, there are steps you can take to keep your accounts open for as long as possible and continue making money.
Here’s how gubbing works, why bookmakers watch out for it, and some strategies to delay it.
Why Do Bookmakers Ban Matched Bettors?
The reason matched bettors get banned or gubbed is that bookmakers see them as unprofitable. In matched betting, you consistently take value from the bookmaker. "Value" here means placing bets that match or exceed fair market odds found on exchanges, minimising the bookmaker’s edge. Bookmakers rely on this edge to make profits, so if they spot users consistently placing value bets—often by comparing prices with exchanges like Betfair or Smarkets—they’ll see a potential loss and act on it.
Bookmakers are equipped to detect value-taking behaviour by monitoring exchange prices and using algorithms that flag accounts placing consistently favourable bets. Being aware of this surveillance can help you extend the lifespan of your accounts.
Strategies to Extend Your Betting Accounts
Although no strategy can guarantee immunity from gubbing, the following techniques may help delay restrictions and extend your betting accounts.
1. Bet on High-Profile Markets
Avoid focusing only on niche or low-liquidity markets, as these can appear as obvious choices for professional or matched bettors. High-profile markets, like Premier League football, NBA games, and major horse racing events, are more commonly wagered on by recreational bettors, making it harder for bookmakers to detect matched betting behaviour. By betting on these popular events, you blend in better with casual bettors.
Example: Rather than betting on lower-league football with high odds on an underdog, place bets on more popular Premier League matches where your behaviour is less likely to be flagged.
2. Avoid Obvious Arbitrage Opportunities
Arbitrage betting involves placing bets that guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome by taking advantage of odds differences between bookmakers and exchanges. While tempting, accounts that frequently place bets on obvious arbitrage opportunities are quickly noticed by bookmakers. Stick to small margins and avoid extreme odds differences to reduce suspicion.
3. Occasionally Place "Mug Bets" to Alter Your Pattern
One effective way to disguise matched betting activity is to occasionally place small, random bets that you don’t intend to lay off. Known as "mug betting," this tactic makes it appear as though you’re betting recreationally, rather than solely for promotion.
Example: Place a small bet on an underdog in a popular football match or a random horse at modest odds—just as a casual bettor might. The key is to look like an average user with varied betting behaviour.
When Gubbing Happens, There’s Still Money to Be Made
Despite your best efforts, most accounts will be gubbed eventually if you continue matched betting. However, a gubbed account doesn’t mean the end of potential profits. Here’s how you can still use restricted accounts:
1. Extra Place Betting
Some bookmakers allow gubbed accounts to participate in extra place offers, particularly in horse racing. With extra place betting, you aim to make a profit by backing a horse each way and securing a lay bet at the same time. If the horse finishes in an “extra place” (e.g., fourth instead of the standard three places), you win both bets.
Example: If the bookmaker pays out on four places and your chosen horse finishes fourth, you’ll win both your back and lay bets, earning a profit.
2. Low-Stakes Arbitrage
Some gubbed accounts allow you to place bets at limited stakes. You can use these accounts for smaller arbitrage bets to earn guaranteed profits. By only betting modest amounts, you may avoid drawing further attention to your account.
3. Leverage Bookmakers Known for Leniency
Some bookmakers are known to be more lenient than others, allowing matched bettors to continue for longer. Bookmakers like Bet365, William Hill, and SkyBet tend to be more tolerant, especially if you disguise your betting activity well. Accounts with these bookmakers can sometimes last longer, even if other sites have already restricted you.
Conclusion: Prepare for the Inevitable but Maximise Earnings While You Can
While there’s no way to avoid gubbing indefinitely, using these strategies can extend the life of your matched betting accounts, allowing you to earn a significant amount before restrictions set in. Eventually, most accounts will be flagged, but that doesn’t mean your matched betting journey has to end. Even gubbed accounts offer value through extra place betting and low-stakes arbitrage.
Remember, the key to sustained matched betting is discretion. By keeping a low profile, mixing up your strategies, and occasionally placing recreational-looking bets, you can avoid detection for longer and continue making the most of the many promotions available across UK bookmakers.
