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Back and Lay Betting

Numerous betting strategies and techniques are currently being used by punters worldwide. One popular and unique form of sports wagering is back and lay betting. It's unlike any other on the market and it can be profitable if you know how to use it. Luckily for you, here we'll explain its key details and show you how it works.

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Table of Contents

    Back and Lay Betting Explained

    Before we start, you should know that this technique is only available at certain reputable betting exchanges. Now, a back bet means placing funds on an outcome to happen. For instance, a sports team, player, or a horse to win an event.

    On the other hand, a lay bet represents wagering on something not to occur. For example, a team, player, or horse not winning an event. In football, your lay bet wins if the featured club loses or draws the match. This puts two out of three potential outcomes in your favour.

    Betpack Back and Lay Betting promotional banner with stadium background. Betpack Back and Lay Betting promotional banner with stadium background.

    Back and Lay Betting Markets

    Back and lay betting are two different types of wagers, but only back bets are available at traditional bookmakers. Lay bets, on the other hand, are placed on betting exchanges, where you can bet against an outcome instead of for it. 

    Back Market

    The back market lets you gamble on a positive outcome for a team, player, or horse during an event. For example, let's say we want to place such a bet on Arsenal against Man City. Now, the bookmaker will provide certain back odds that multiply with our stake to get us a potential profit. To collect our payout, Arsenal would have to win the match, regardless of the number of goals. Additionally, you can also use a back bet on outrights, which are occurrences in the future. For instance, gambling that Man City wins the EPL this season.

    Lay Market

    With the lay bet option, you get to wager on an occurrence not happening. This means that you'll get a payout if a specific team, player, or horse doesn't win the event. In our example, your lay bet loses if Arsenal wins the match against Man City. But, you'll collect your winnings if the team ends up drawing or losing the game. When you place a lay bet, you'll find the back and lay odds right next to each other. Here, You'll notice that the lay options feature lower odds than the opposite market.

    How to Use Back and Lay Betting Strategy

    Back and lay betting might appear a bit complicated to some, but in reality, it's a really simple concept. It's very similar to traditional betting, as you can check in our step-by-step guide.

    • Estimated Time Needed: 10:00
    • Tools Needed: PC or Mobile Phone
    • Supplies Needed: Time, Money
    Find and Join a Good Betting Site Step 1

    Find and Join a Good Betting Site

    Explore our hand-picked and thoroughly-tested betting site. Pick the one you like and register a betting account. You can now deposit some funds and apply for bookmaker offers.

    Explore the Available Matches Step 2

    Explore the Available Matches

    Go to the "Sports" section and check out the matches that have back and lay markets. You can also find these betting options among outright bets. Don't forget to analyse the teams before making a choice.

    Decide Whether to Back or Lay Step 3

    Decide Whether to Back or Lay

    After evaluating the teams and players, now you have to decide whether to use the back or lay bet. You can also pick more than one selection on your bet slip. To select an option, simply click on its odds.

    Type an Amount and Place the Bet Step 4

    Type an Amount and Place the Bet

    Lastly, type an amount that you're willing to spend, based on your budget. You should then confirm the bet and wait for the event to begin. Now, it's time to see if your predictions are right or not.

    Sportsbooks for Back and Lay Betting

    Bookmaker Name
    Country
    Bonus
    1
    United States
    200% Bonus on Deposit!
    18+ | Gamble responsibly
    2
    United States
    100% up to $1,000
    18+ | Gamble responsibly
    3
    United States
    125% up to $3,125
    18+ | Gamble responsibly
    4
    United States
    100% up to 1 BTC / 30,000 USDT + 100 FS
    18+ | Gamble responsibly
    5
    United States
    100% up to $100
    18+ | Gamble responsibly

    Strategies and Tips for Back and Lay Betting

    We would like to provide some betting strategy tips for back and lay betting so that you can master this form of wagering. Following them can also maximise your winnings and minimise your losses.

    Learn and Use Matched Betting

    This is a strategy that lets you make a profit by using certain betting bonuses. It requires backing an outcome at a sportsbook with a free bet or other incentive. Next, you should lay the same occurrence at a betting exchange. According to the strategy, this way you'll get a guaranteed profit.

    Use a Lay Bet Calculator

    Before you place bets with lay options, we suggest you to use a special lay bet calculator. That way, you'll get to know the liability, return, commission, and potential winnings. You can also use it to learn how much you can earn if you're wagering with a free bet.

    Always Analyse Events Before Betting

    It's crucial to evaluate the teams and players before using back or lay bets. The same goes when you're gambling on horse racing and greyhound. Take all factors into consideration and combine the information to make the best decision.

    Conclusion

    Back and lay betting is a type of sports wagering where you bet on whether an event will happen or not. The back option allows you to bet on a team to win a match, while the lay option allows you to bet on the opposite outcome, such as a team not winning.

    In other words, you act as a punter when placing a back bet and as a bookmaker when placing a lay bet. This unique betting option is not available at traditional bookmakers but can be found at reputable betting exchanges.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How Does Back and Lay Betting Work?

    For back betting, you bet on something to happen, like a team winning. If it happens, you win and get paid based on the odds. For lay betting, you bet on something not to happen. You’re betting against the outcome. If the team or player doesn’t win, you win.

    In Which Sporting Events Can I Use Back and Lay Betting?

    You'll find these markets usually at events that can have two outcomes, leaving out the draw. However, top betting exchanges include them in football as well as in greyhounds and horse racing events.

    Can You Make Money from Lay Betting?

    Yes, you can make money from lay betting. You win if the event doesn’t happen (e.g., a team loses or draws). However, lay betting carries risks because if the event does happen, you could lose your stake. Managing your stakes and understanding the odds is key to making money from lay betting.

    What's the Difference Between Traditional Bookmakers and Betting Exchanges?

    Betting exchanges allow punters to bet against each other using bet and lay bets. Traditional sportsbooks will let you use only back bets at odds set by them.

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