
Hi, I'm Jen! I'm a personal finance expert and money coach aiming to help you take control of your money. I went from being broke to a six-figure net worth and am now on track to be financially independent at age 40. Discover Jen's story
Matched betting is a great side hustle, but it is not for everyone. If you don’t want to do matched betting, try the alternatives listed below to make money.
Why Not to Do Matched Betting
Matched betting is a great side hustle. However, it is not better than other side hustles. There is no need to feel disappointed if you cannot do matched betting. You can make the same amount of money or more.
The advantage of matched betting is that it is accessible. You do not need much to start and can make money immediately. This is why matched betting may seem like the perfect side hustle.
The downsides are often overlooked. Firstly, matched betting has risks, even if it is advertised as risk free. Secondly, matched betting is not a way to build real wealth.
You will make money, but you won’t create assets. If you establish a business, it will have value, and you can sell it. When you stop placing bets, you stop making money and will have nothing left. The cons of matched betting sometimes outweigh the pros.
Alternatives to Matched Betting
1. Proofreading
Proofreading may be for you if you are good at spotting grammar and spelling mistakes. As a freelancer, you can set your hours and work whenever you like as long as you meet your deadlines.
Proofreading vs Matched Betting
Proofreading is similar to matched betting because you do not need much money to start. You can start making money quickly. Unlike matched betting, you will not make much money when you start. In return, you can establish a much more reliable income stream.
2. Drop-shipping
Drop-shipping lets you sell products and have them shipped from the manufacturer. As a result, you do not need a stock or have contact with the product.
Drop-shipping vs Matched Betting
Drop-shipping does not have much in common with matched betting. Drop-shipping may take time to make money. Yet, once you do, you can exceed the earnings of a matched bettor. Plus, you will have a business you can develop or sell.
3. Reselling
Resellers buy items from charity shops, car boot sales, or online marketplaces. Then, they sell household items for a higher price on platforms like eBay.
Reselling vs Matched Betting
You can start with a low budget by selling unwanted items you own. Buying and selling items is like placing and laying bets with no real value added to society.
Reselling doesn’t depend on offers like in matched betting. There are more charity shops, car boot sales, etc., than bookmakers. You can expect always to find something you can re-sell.
4. Blogging
Blogging is my favourite side hustle, and I have replaced matched betting with it. Bloggers post about topics they are passionate about and help inform their readers.
Blogging vs Matched Betting
Blogging is one of the best ways to make money. It may take a few months to have consistent earnings. I would allow a year until you get a reasonable income.
Once you do, blogging is more rewarding than matched betting. You are not only helping other people, but you also build an asset capable of generating passive income in the form of affiliate marketing.
5. Completing Free Offers
Completing free offers is similar to doing matched betting. With the abundance of offers, I think completing free offers deserves to be called a side hustle. It is also a great way to make money as starting capital for your real side hustle. Here are great offers you can start with:
- Make regular money with Freecash.com (Freecash.com review).
- Save money on your phone bill with Airtime Rewards (Airtime Rewards review).
See my list of free money offers in the UK for more inspiration.
Completing Free Offers vs Matched Betting
Completing free offers is the most similar alternative to matched betting. It is an active side hustle that does not involve creating an asset.
6. Social Media Influencing
As a social media influencer, your job is similar to blogging. You inspire others, teach your passions, and improve other people’s lives. You can interact with your followers and find friends. Social media influencers do not need to be celebrities. As a mother, you can post about motherhood, your life, your children, etc. Or you could post about something you are passionate about.
Social Media Influencing vs Matched Betting
Compared with matched betting, your income is harder to predict. You could be making thousands, not see a penny for your effort, or land anywhere in between.
If you want to be a social media influencer, you need passion to inspire others. Passion also keeps you motivated during the initial period without earnings. Once you have made it, you can make more money from social media than matched betting. It is also more rewarding because you build a brand.
7. Selling Your Expertise and Skills
If you are good at something, there is no reason you should not make a profit from it. You can sell your skills on websites like Fiverr, offer consulting, or develop a course.
Selling Your Expertise and Skills vs Matched Betting
Like matched betting, this is active work. You stop earning as soon as you stop working. You may also see seasonal highs and lows, as with matched betting.
On the bright side, selling your expertise means you invest in yourself. Unlike other side hustles, you are the asset. The more experienced you become, the more you can earn.
Alternatives to Matched Betting Summary
Matched betting is a great side hustle but has major downsides, including a lack of assets and dependency on offers. Alternatives to matched betting help you make as much money as a matched bettor or more, including:
- Proofreading
- Drop shipping
- Reselling
- Blogging
- Completing free offers
- Social media influencing
- Selling your expertise and skills
This is not an exhaustive list but a starting point to show that matched bettors are not the only ones who can make money online.
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