Dutching is betting on all possible outcomes of an event with different bookmakers.
However, we rarely dutch bet on exchanges for several reasons:
- Commission charges.
- Also, the exchange may not have a relevant market available
- Or, there isn’t enough liquidity to match your bet
You can use dutching to find arbitrage bets. However, arbing may lead to gubbing.
2-way dutching
Bookmakers often disagree on the outcome of an event. Bookie A and bookie B offer different prices for each outcome. We can find dutching opportunities in these instances.
The most simple dutches are on sports with two possible outcomes such as darts and snooker. Also, consider football under/over markets.
This is a 2-way dutch.
The above example is the over/under 3.5 goals market for Gillingham versus Peterborough.
- Over 3.5 goals is 5/2 (3.5) at Unibet. A £28 bet returns £70 if over 3.5 goals wins.
- Under 3.5 goals is 2/5 (1.4) at Skybet. A £70 bet returns £28 if under 3.5 goals wins.
Regardless of whether over 3.5 or under 3.5 wins, this dutch results in no profit. The two bets cancel each other out.
You can also dutch an event where there are three possible outcomes. See the 3-way dutching explanation below.
Dutching calculation
To find a risk-free dutch bet, the percentage odds of all possible outcomes must add up to less than 100.
To calculate the percentage odds of a bet:
- 100 divided by the decimal odds = odds percentage.
For example, to work out the percentage odds of a 2/1 (3.0) selection:
- 100 divided by 3.0 = 33.33%.
3-way dutching
Here’s an example of risk-free 3-way dutching on Wolfsberger versus Roma Match Odds.
1). Wolfsberger is 4.4. Bet £23 on Wolfsberger to win at Bwin.
2). The draw is 4.1. Bet £25.00 on the draw at Unibet.
3). Roma is 1.92. Bet £53 on Roma to win at Betsafe.
Use OddsMonkey Dutch Matcher or Trickybet 3-way dutch calculator to calculate bet stakes on each outcome.
- If Wolfsberger win: £101.20 total return (including £23 bet stake) minus losing stakes of £25 on the draw and £53 on Roma = £0.20 net profit.
- The match result is a draw: £102.50 total return (including £25 bet stake) minus losing stakes of £23 on Wolfsberger and £53 on Roma = £1.50 net profit.
- If Roma win: £101.76 total return (including £53 bet stake) minus losing stakes of £23 on Wolfsberger and £25 on the draw = £0.76 net profit.
It’s easiest to use decimal odds when dutching. Input the odds into Trickybet 2-way dutch calculator.
Dutching free bets and bonuses
If your bankroll is small, dutch to qualify for free bets. You don’t need money in your exchange account for lay bets.
Qualify for free bets with dutching
Assuming two different bookies offer a free bet if you bet with your own money first. So, back all outcomes with each bookie.
- Place a bet at bookie A,
- Then place a bet at bookie B on the same event.
You’ll qualify for free bets at both bookies.
Dutching a bonus rollover offer
You can use dutching to complete a bonus rollover offer.
Matched betting at two different bookmakers will minimise your qualifying losses. You’ll avoid paying commission at the exchange.
Dutching every horse in a race
The most advanced form of dutching is backing every horse in a race for extra place offers. Potential pitfalls include non-runners and rule 4 deductions.
Matched bettors dutched the Supreme Novices Hurdle race during Cheltenham festival 2019. William Hill paid 7 places at 1/5 the odds each-way in this 16 runner race.
Summary
So, we’ve learnt about dutching in matched betting.