Are you fed up with bookies limiting your betting accounts? It's a common issue, but there are strategies to combat it.
Ever been in a situation where you’ve finally managed to find profitable betting strategy or tipping service, but then the bookies limit your stakes to peanuts?
I know I have and it is frustrating to say the least!
If you keep winning, the bookies are bound to take notice and may start limiting your account to paltry stakes or, worse still, shut it down altogether.
But fear not, as there are ways to keep your account in good standing whilst still making those savvy bets.
In this guide, I'll delve into how bookmakers operate, what they look for, and some clever tricks to help you stay under their radar for longer.
Understanding the Bookmaker's Mindset
First things first - it’s essential to get into the heads of bookmakers.
The fact is, they are not just going to sit back and let you rake in the wins. They have specialised risk traders who scrutinise betting patterns and histories.
If you want to keep your account alive and kicking, understanding what these traders are on the lookout for is key.
Most major bookmakers will closely examine your betting history, particularly during your first set of bets. They’re hunting for patterns that might indicate you’re a keen value bettor rather than just a casual punter.
Here are some key factors in your account history that they consider:
Taking Early Value
Placing bets as soon as a market opens can be an effective strategy for taking advantage of pricing inefficiencies.
However, this approach comes with its own set of risks.
Initially, betting limits are generally lower because there’s less information available in the market, and bookmakers are less confident about their pricing.
In the lead-up to an event, as more information becomes available and opinions from various sources shape the market, liquidity increases significantly.
This is when bookmakers adjust their limits and odds based on how much risk they can accommodate.
Taking early value will certainly grab the trader's attention sooner rather than later.
Beating the Odds
One of the primary indicators that bookmakers look for is whether you consistently beat the closing line or starting price.
Contrary to common belief, it’s not just winning bets that raises red flags, but more what is referred to as “sharp” action.
If you manage to place bets that consistently outperform the market prices from the moment you wager until the event begins, bookmakers will likely suspect that you are a long-term winner.
Bookmakers understand that if you’re consistently beating the market, it suggests you have an edge in your betting strategy. They see this as a threat to their profitability, which is why they might restrict your account.
There’s no straightforward fix if your betting process is sound and you’re spotting genuine value. However, keep an eye on market movements closer to the start of the event.
Occasionally, markets will drift in your favour, presenting an excellent opportunity to place your bet when it becomes a value play.
The Best Odds Around
Sometimes when you are comparing odds, you may come across one particular bookmaker that is offering much better odds than everywhere else.
When you find a bookmaker offering standout prices compared to others, it could mean one of two things. They have either missed something and are slow to correct their prices, or they are super confident in their pricing strategy.
If you come across an obvious discrepancy, like a football team priced at 4/1 when other bookmakers are offering 2/1, you should definitely be cautious.
Bookmakers are vigilant about obvious errors known as “palpable errors.” If they suspect you're taking advantage of these discrepancies consistently, it could lead to account restrictions or closure.
Always scan the market before placing a bet. If multiple bookmakers offer similar best prices, it’s likely safe to proceed.
Alternatively, consider taking the second-best price or an average market price instead of chasing the best odds. This trade-off can help maintain account longevity while still allowing for profitable betting.
Max Stakes
Bookmakers typically set a maximum allowed limit for each market and if their automated system sees that you are betting close to their stake limit, it will likely trigger off some alerts.
Betting at the maximum stake allowed is generally a bad idea.
Smaller leagues and niche markets tend to have lower limits, making it easier for your betting activity to be noticed. Also, sudden increases in your average stake can also raise suspicions.
One solution is to adjust your stakes to remain below the market limit. To do this you should check what the maximum stake is for each market before placing your bet.
Some bookmakers have a "maximum stake" button available on their bet slips.
Use this to determine the limit and then be sure to stake below it. I would aim for a maximum of somewhere between 50-75% of the limit to avoid the bet being flagged.
If prices fluctuate after placing a bet, there may be opportunities to stake again as bookies reset the limits.
The Tipster Effect
Bookies are well aware of the popular tipsters out there. If you're consistently following a well-known tipster, placing bets at the same time as loads of other punters on the same selections, you're likely to get yourself flagged.
The bookie's systems are pretty sharp at spotting these patterns.
Funnily enough, if you happen to be the tipster yourself, the bookies might actually tolerate your bets. They often use tipsters as a sort of marker and their bets show them who else is following their tips.
If you're keen on following tipsters, try to be a bit more random about it. Try mixing up your betting times and throwing in a few bets of your own.
Strategies for Staying Under the Bookie's Radar
Now that I have covered the main things that bookies look for, let’s look at some strategies that can help keep your bookie accounts healthy and thriving.
Prime Your Account
When opening a new bookie account, it’s wise to “prime” it with bets that mimic typical gambler behaviour. This helps you blend in and avoid drawing attention right away.
Consider:
Balance Your Bets
If you’ve had a significant win, or string of wins, it might be wise to place some less profitable bets immediately after. This mimics casual gambling behaviour and helps disguise your true betting strategy.
Avoid Obvious Pricing Errors
Bookmakers will flag accounts that consistently take advantage of pricing errors or discrepancies. If you spot an incredible value bet that seems too good to be true, weigh the risk of account closure against the potential payout.
Combine Your Bets
To avoid reaching stake limits too quickly, consider combining your value bets into accumulators with other more liquid plays in larger markets.
This approach can help keep your average stakes lower and reduce the risk of traders noticing your bets.
Summary
Hopefully, this guide has given you some useful tips on how to stop bookies from limiting your betting accounts.
In summary, keeping your betting account in good standing can be difficult, but it is not impossible. Start by treating your account like a casual bettor and place some laid-back bets that reflect what the average punter might do.
This helps build a profile that doesn’t raise any red flags. Betting on popular events or teams is a great way to blend in with the crowd.
As you keep going, be careful not to make obvious pricing mistakes that could catch the bookmaker’s attention. Stay aware of market differences and avoid chasing wild odds to help keep your account off their radar.
Timing is also key - betting later when the markets are busier can further decrease your chances of being flagged.
Another tip is to mix your value bets with neutral expected value (EV) bets in accumulators. This not only hides your sharper bets but also mimics the behavior of casual gamblers who like to place multiple bets for fun.
Now that you have some ideas, why not check out my "Passed" reviews for the most profitable betting services that I have come across.
By following these strategies, you can enjoy a healthier relationship with your bookmaker while still making informed bets that could lead to profits. Good luck!
