Another MB question sorry

[potwash]

After finally getting enough money together to make starting matched betting a possibility, I have run up against a problem. I read that some betting sites ask for photo ID not being a driver nor a current passport holder I have none. Is it possible to make a start before running up against these sites or am I better forgetting about it for now and using the money to get a new passport before starting the venture?

Thank you, everyone who takes the time to read this.

 

[chorleydave]

I haven't been matched betting for very long (about three months) but the one real gripe I have is that the bookies are happy to take our money without asking for any proof of who we are, but as soon as we win some money or try to make a withdrawal the email comes asking for verification. This usually involves uploading photo ID (Passport or Driving Licence) presumably to check age and a Bank Statement or Utility Bill dated within the last three months, presumably to check we live where we say we do. I would like to see legislation to prevent these bookies from accepting a deposit until the verification steps are complete.

Forgive me for self indulging in a rant! To answer your question, most bookies including the easiest bookie to start with, Coral, behave as above and I wouldn't attempt to start without either a Passport or Driving Licence to complete their one-sided verification procedures.

 

[Fred Craig]

Hi

I did matched betting for a few months at the beginning of this year. I signed up with Profit Accumulator, and worked through all of their beginners offers, as well as quite a few of the advanced offers. Altogether, over a 4 month period, I made about £450. I've not bothered for a while, as I'm quite busy with other stuff at the moment, and haven't got the time to devote to it.

I didn't find a problem with any of the bookies that I registered with. Certainly all of the big ones like Wm Hill, Ladbrokes etc., didn't want a photo ID. There was one of the advanced offer ones which did (can't remember which one). And yes, it is annoying that it was only when I came to withdraw my winnings that they asked me to verify my ID!

I would advise if you're going to do it, to go via one of the sites such as Profit Accumulator; I found their advice invaluable, and wouldn't have attempted it otherwise. If you follow their guidance, you will make money. I just found it quite time-consuming in terms of matching the odds, as well as checking and re-checking that I'd got it right (I've never been into betting, so wasn't confident about it at first). I'll probably return to it later in the year when I've got a bit more time.

 

[Arika]

[member=2408]potwash[/member] - I was in your position. I wanted to get into matched betting - had the money to start. But then I decided to renew my passport for peace of mind. I didn't want to be at the mercy of the likelihood of a site asking me for ID when I go to withdraw.

As it happens, Betfair asked me for ID when I tried to reopen my account with them. I think that was part of what made me press ahead with my passport renewal.

At the time, a Betfair rep told me that if I had a birth certificate, it would suffice with another document (can't remember which), but I'm not sure most sites do that; I'm not sure it's something they make common knowledge. In any case, my birth certificate is really worn anyway, so there are details that are hard to see.

You might hardly get asked for ID, but you have to decide if you'll be OK with the chance that you might.