Matched betting has become an incredibly popular and lucrative strategy for making a profit from bookmakers’ promotions and offers. One such promotion that can significantly boost your earnings is the extra places offer. Extra places give you an advantage by increasing the number of places paid out on each-way bets in horse racing events. In this ultimate guide, we will delve into the world of extra places for matched betting, providing you with essential information and tips to maximise your profits.

What are Extra Places?

Extra places are a promotional offer provided by bookmakers in horse racing events. In standard each-way bets, bookmakers pay out on a specific number of places, typically 2, 3, or 4, depending on the number of runners in a race. However, with the extra places offer, bookmakers extend the pay out places beyond the standard number. For example, if the standard each-way terms offer a pay out for the top three places, the extra places offer might pay out for the top four or even five places.

How to Identify Extra Places Offers:

1. Bookmaker Websites: Visit the websites of various bookmakers and look for their promotions or offers section. Many bookmakers will advertise extra places offers prominently, especially during popular horse racing events.

2. Matched Betting Forums: Online forums dedicated to matched betting are an excellent resource for finding extra places offers. Members of these forums often share information about the latest offers they come across, including extra places promotions.

3. Odds Comparison Websites: Some odds comparison websites provide specific sections highlighting bookmakers offering extra places for upcoming races. These platforms can help you quickly identify the bookmakers providing the best extra places offers.

Maximizing Profits with Extra Places:

1. Each-Way Betting: Extra places are most commonly applied to each-way bets. With an each-way bet, you are essentially placing two bets: one for the horse to win and one for it to place (usually in the top two, three, or four). By taking advantage of extra places, you increase your chances of winning both bets or at least the place portion, leading to more consistent profits.

2. Lay Betting: To maximize your profits further, you can use a betting exchange to lay off the place portion of your each-way bet. By laying the place, you can ensure a profit regardless of whether the horse finishes in the extra places or not. This strategy minimizes your risk and locks in a profit.

3. Research & Selection: As with any form of betting, research and selection are crucial. Focus on races with a large number of runners, as bookmakers are more likely to offer extra places in these events. Analyse the form, track conditions, and other factors that can influence a horse’s performance. This research will help you identify value bets and increase your overall success rate.

4. Promotions Timing: Bookmakers usually announce extra places offers a day or two before the race. Make sure to stay updated with the latest offers and plan your bets accordingly. Keep an eye out for major horse racing festivals and events, as they often attract more extra places promotions.

Extra places offers provide an excellent opportunity for matched bettors to increase their profits by taking advantage of bookmakers’ promotions. By identifying these offers, understanding each-way betting, and utilizing lay betting strategies, you can maximize your earnings while minimizing the associated risks. Remember to conduct thorough research, select races wisely, and stay updated with the latest promotions to make the most of these lucrative opportunities. Matched betting with extra places is a powerful tool in your arsenal, offering an exciting way to generate consistent profits in the world of sports betting.

Happy Matched Betting!