PointsBet Matched Betting Guide (2026): How to Turn the PointsBet Bonus Into Guaranteed Profit
- Adam Small
- Mar 10
- 11 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Sportsbook promotions are one of the most powerful opportunities available to matched bettors.
As the online sports betting industry expands across the United States, sportsbooks compete aggressively for new customers. In order to stand out in a crowded market, companies frequently offer generous signup bonuses designed to attract bettors to their platforms.
These promotions often include offers such as:
Bet and get bonuses
Risk-free bets
Free bet credits
Deposit match offers
For casual bettors, these promotions simply provide additional betting opportunities.
However, experienced bettors understand that these offers can be used in a completely different way.
Instead of gambling with sportsbook bonuses, they can be converted into predictable profit using a strategy known as matched betting.
Matched betting removes the risk from sports betting by placing bets on both sides of the same event. When done correctly, the outcome of the game becomes irrelevant.
Instead of gambling on the result of a sporting event, the bettor simply extracts the value of the sportsbook bonus.
This strategy has become increasingly popular as sportsbooks continue launching across North America.
One sportsbook that frequently offers promotions suitable for matched betting is PointsBet.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how the PointsBet welcome bonus works and how matched bettors can convert it into guaranteed profit.
If you're completely new to the concept of matched betting, it’s recommended that you start with The Ultimate Guide to Matched Betting (Beginner Tutorial) before continuing with this article.
What Is PointsBet?
PointsBet is an international sportsbook operator that has expanded rapidly into the North American sports betting market.
The company originally launched in Australia before entering the United States as sports betting legalization began spreading across multiple states.
Since its expansion, PointsBet has established itself as a well-known sportsbook brand offering a wide range of betting markets and promotional offers.
The platform provides betting markets across major sports including:
NFL
NBA
MLB
NHL
college football
college basketball
soccer
tennis
golf
MMA and boxing
In addition to traditional fixed-odds betting, PointsBet is known for its unique PointsBetting format, which allows bettors to win or lose more depending on how correct their prediction is.
However, most matched bettors focus exclusively on the traditional fixed-odds markets.
These markets function similarly to those found on other sportsbooks and are ideal for matched betting strategies.
Like most major sportsbooks, PointsBet frequently offers signup promotions to attract new customers.
These promotions are designed to encourage new users to place their first bets on the platform.
For traditional bettors, these promotions offer additional betting opportunities.
For matched bettors, they represent something much more valuable — a predictable profit opportunity.
To better understand how sportsbook bonuses work in general, see The Complete Guide to Sportsbook Bonuses (2026).
What Is Matched Betting?
Matched betting is a strategy that removes the risk normally associated with sports betting.
Instead of betting on a single outcome and hoping it wins, matched bettors place two opposite bets on the same event.
These bets are placed on two different platforms:
A sportsbook
A betting exchange
At the sportsbook, you place a back bet.
A back bet is the traditional bet most people are familiar with. It wins if the event happens.
At the betting exchange, you place a lay bet.
A lay bet is the opposite of a back bet. It wins if the event does not happen.
By placing both bets at the same time, you create a situation where the outcome of the event no longer matters.
If the team wins, your sportsbook bet wins.
If the team loses, your exchange bet wins.
Because both outcomes are covered, the risk is effectively removed.
Instead of gambling on the result of the game, the bettor is simply using the sportsbook promotion to generate profit.
This is why matched betting is fundamentally different from traditional sports betting.
If you'd like a deeper explanation of betting exchanges and how they work, read:
These guides explain the mechanics behind exchanges and why they are essential for matched betting strategies.
Why Sportsbook Bonuses Work for Matched Betting
Sportsbook bonuses exist because sportsbooks want to attract new customers.
The industry is extremely competitive, and companies spend significant amounts of money trying to acquire new users.
Signup promotions are one of the most effective ways to accomplish this.
However, sportsbooks design these promotions under the assumption that most users will gamble with them.
Matched bettors take advantage of this by using the promotion strategically rather than gambling with it.
The typical structure of a sportsbook welcome bonus looks something like this:
Bet $X → Get $X in bonus bets.
For example:
Bet $100 → Get $100 in bonus bets.
The bettor must place a qualifying bet in order to unlock the bonus bet.
Matched bettors simply hedge this qualifying bet with an opposing bet on a betting exchange.
Although the qualifying bet usually produces a small loss, the bonus bet that follows can be converted into profit.
This is where the real value of the promotion lies.
Understanding the PointsBet Welcome Bonus
PointsBet typically offers promotions that fall into one of two categories:
Bet & Get bonuses
Risk-free bets
The most common structure is a Bet & Get promotion.
These offers typically work like this:
Bet $100 → Get $100 in bonus bets.
The bettor places a qualifying wager.
Once the bet settles, the sportsbook awards a bonus bet.
Importantly, the bonus bet is usually awarded regardless of whether the qualifying bet wins or loses.
This makes the promotion ideal for matched betting.
Instead of gambling with the qualifying bet, matched bettors hedge it using a betting exchange.
The bonus bet then becomes the main source of profit.
Step-By-Step Guide to Matched Betting the PointsBet Bonus
Now let’s walk through the full process step by step.
Step 1: Create Your PointsBet Account
First, sign up for a PointsBet account and claim the welcome promotion.
After registering, you’ll need to verify your identity and deposit the amount required to place the qualifying bet.
Once your deposit is confirmed, you’ll be ready to place the qualifying wager.
Step 2: Place the Qualifying Bet
The qualifying bet is required in order to unlock the bonus bet.
Matched bettors do not place this bet normally.
Instead, they place a matched pair of bets.
For example:
You might bet $100 on an NFL team at PointsBet.
At the same time, you place a lay bet against that team on a betting exchange.
Because the odds between the sportsbook and the exchange will not match perfectly, the qualifying bet usually produces a small loss.
Most qualifying losses fall between $2 and $6.
However, this small loss unlocks the much more valuable bonus bet.
To understand exactly how these calculations work, read The Matched Betting Calculator Guide: How to Guarantee Profit on Every Bet.
Step 3: Receive the Bonus Bet
After the qualifying bet settles, PointsBet issues the bonus bet.
This bonus bet is the key to generating profit.
However, bonus bets behave differently from normal wagers.
If the bonus bet wins, the sportsbook returns only the profit, not the stake.
Because of this, the bonus bet must be converted strategically.
This process is known as free bet conversion.
To learn how this works in detail, read Free Bet Conversion: How to Turn Free Bets Into Cash (Complete Guide).
Step 4: Convert the Bonus Bet Into Cash
To convert the bonus bet into guaranteed profit, matched bettors once again place two opposing bets:
A back bet using the bonus bet at PointsBet
A lay bet on a betting exchange
Because the stake is not returned on a bonus bet, the conversion rate typically falls between 70% and 80%.
This means that a $100 bonus bet can usually be converted into $70–$80 in real profit.
Example PointsBet Matched Betting Walkthrough
Let’s look at a simplified example.
Step 1 — Qualifying Bet
Deposit: $100
Place qualifying bet.
Expected qualifying loss:
$4
Step 2 — Receive Bonus Bet
Bonus bet received:
$100
Step 3 — Convert Bonus Bet
Convert bonus bet using matched betting.
Expected profit from conversion:
$75
Final Result
Bonus conversion profit: $75
Qualifying loss: -$4
Total guaranteed profit:
$71
This is why matched bettors focus on sportsbook promotions rather than traditional betting strategies.
Best Sports for PointsBet Matched Betting
One of the most important factors in successful matched betting is finding closely matched odds between sportsbooks and betting exchanges.
The closer the odds are between the back bet and lay bet, the smaller the qualifying loss will be.
Large sports markets typically provide the best opportunities because they attract the highest betting volume. When more people are betting on an event, sportsbooks and exchanges tend to offer very similar odds.
This makes it easier to find efficient matched betting opportunities.
Some of the best sports for matched betting include:
NFL
The NFL is one of the most heavily bet sports in the United States.
Because of the enormous betting volume, odds between sportsbooks and exchanges are often extremely competitive. This makes NFL games one of the best places to find low qualifying losses.
NBA
NBA games are played almost every day during the season, providing frequent betting opportunities.
Like the NFL, NBA markets are extremely liquid, which means odds are usually very close between sportsbooks and exchanges.
MLB
Baseball offers hundreds of games each season, giving matched bettors a constant stream of potential betting opportunities.
MLB moneyline markets are often particularly good for matched betting because the odds are simple and widely available.
NHL
Hockey is another strong market for matched betting, especially during the regular season and playoffs.
Soccer
Major soccer leagues such as the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League attract enormous betting volume worldwide.
These markets often produce some of the best odds matches available.
If you want a deeper explanation of how to find ideal markets, read The Best Sports for Matched Betting.
How to Find the Best PointsBet Matched Betting Opportunities
Although sportsbook bonuses provide the primary source of profit, the efficiency of each bet depends heavily on the odds you choose.
Matched bettors typically look for opportunities where the odds between the sportsbook and the betting exchange are as close as possible.
The closer the odds match, the smaller the qualifying loss will be.
There are several ways to find these opportunities.
Compare odds across sportsbooks
Many matched bettors compare odds across multiple sportsbooks before placing bets.
When one sportsbook offers slightly better odds than others, it may create a good matched betting opportunity.
Use matched betting calculators
Matched betting calculators make it much easier to determine the correct stake sizes.
These tools allow bettors to enter the odds for both the back bet and lay bet, then automatically calculate the correct stake to balance the position.
For a full walkthrough of these tools, see The Matched Betting Calculator Guide: How to Guarantee Profit on Every Bet.
Look for high-liquidity events
Events with high betting volume tend to produce the best odds matches.
This is why major sports such as NFL, NBA, and soccer are often the best choices for matched betting.
Advanced Matched Betting Tips for PointsBet
Once you understand the basics of matched betting, there are several strategies that can help increase your profits.
Use multiple sportsbooks
The real power of matched betting comes from repeating the same strategy across multiple sportsbooks.
Each platform offers different promotions, and working through several of them can generate significant profit.
Track your bets carefully
As you begin placing bets across multiple sportsbooks, it becomes essential to keep track of everything.
Many experienced matched bettors maintain detailed spreadsheets showing:
qualifying bets
bonus bets
exchange bets
profit totals
If you'd like to create your own tracking system, see Matched Betting Spreadsheet:
Focus on bonus conversions
While qualifying bets are necessary to unlock promotions, the majority of your profit comes from converting bonus bets efficiently.
Learning how to maximize free bet conversion rates can significantly increase your total profit.
For a deeper explanation, see Free Bet Conversion: How to Turn Free Bets Into Cash (Complete Guide).
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Many beginners make simple mistakes when they first start matched betting.
Avoiding these mistakes can save both time and money.
Not using a calculator
Trying to calculate matched betting stakes manually often leads to errors.
Dedicated calculators make the process much easier and eliminate the risk of incorrect stake sizes.
Choosing poor odds matches
If the odds between the sportsbook and exchange are too far apart, the qualifying loss becomes larger.
Always try to find the closest possible odds match.
Forgetting that bonus bets don't return the stake
This is one of the most common mistakes beginners make.
When a bonus bet wins, the stake is not returned — only the profit.
This is why the conversion process is necessary.
Can Sportsbooks Limit Matched Bettors?
Sportsbooks sometimes limit accounts that consistently take advantage of promotional offers.
This practice is commonly referred to as gubbing.
When a sportsbook restricts an account, it may limit the types of bets that can be placed or reduce the maximum stake size.
However, this usually happens only after a large number of promotions have been used.
Most beginners can work through several sportsbook bonuses before encountering any restrictions.
If you'd like to learn how to minimize the risk of limitations, see:
Comparing Sportsbook Bonuses for Matched Betting
Matched betting works best when you take advantage of multiple sportsbook promotions. Each sportsbook offers different types of bonuses, and experienced matched bettors often work through several offers to maximize their profits.
If you'd like a deeper explanation of how sportsbook promotions work, see The Complete Guide to Sportsbook Bonuses (2026).
Popular Sportsbook Bonuses for Matched Betting
Sportsbook | Type of Bonus | Typical Profit From Matched Betting |
Bet & Get Bonus | $80–$120 | |
Bet & Get Bonus | $70–$110 | |
First Bet Insurance | $90–$140 | |
Risk-Free Bet | $80–$130 | |
Bet Credits | $60–$100 | |
Bet & Get Bonus | $60–$110 | |
Bet & Get Bonus | $60–$110 | |
Bet & Get Bonus | $60–$110 | |
Bet & Get Bonus | $60–$110 | |
Bet & Get Bonus | $60–$100 |
Each of these sportsbooks offers promotions that can be converted into guaranteed profit using matched betting strategies.
PointsBet Matched Betting FAQ
Can you really make money from the PointsBet welcome bonus?
Yes. When used with matched betting, sportsbook bonuses can be converted into predictable profit by placing bets on both sides of a sporting event.
How much can you make from the PointsBet bonus?
Most matched bettors earn between $60 and $110 depending on the size of the promotion and the efficiency of the bonus bet conversion.
Is matched betting legal?
Matched betting is legal in most jurisdictions because it simply involves placing bets on both sides of an event.
For more details, see Is Matched Betting Legal in the US, UK, and Canada?
Do you need a betting exchange for matched betting?
Yes. Betting exchanges allow bettors to place lay bets, which are essential for hedging sportsbook wagers.
To understand how exchanges work, read The Complete Guide to Betting Exchanges (2026).
Other Sportsbook Bonuses You Can Profit From
Betway is just one of many sportsbooks offering promotions that can be converted into guaranteed profit through matched betting.
Some of the most popular opportunities include:
Working through multiple sportsbook bonuses is how many beginners generate their first several hundred dollars with matched betting.
Start Making Money With Matched Betting
Sportsbook promotions like the PointsBet welcome bonus are only the beginning.
Once you understand how matched betting works, you can repeat the same process across dozens of sportsbooks and promotions to generate consistent profit.
The key to doing this efficiently is using the right tools to find profitable bets, calculate stakes, and track your progress.
If you're ready to start making money with matched betting OddsMatched has everything you need to be successful.
With OddsMatched you can:
• Find the best matched betting opportunities
• Use powerful matched betting calculators
• Track your profits across sportsbooks
• Learn proven strategies used by experienced matched bettors
If you're ready to start making money:
written by: Adam Small - Matched betting expert @ OddsMatched.com
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