Is It Illegal to Bet on Both Teams? Betting Explained
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can back both sides of a football match or another event, you’re not alone. It comes up a lot, especially for those getting started and finding their feet with how markets work.
With so many options at UK bookmakers, it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s allowed.
By the end, you’ll know how bookmakers view this approach, why some people try it, and what the numbers could actually mean for your potential balance. Read on to learn more.
Can You Bet on Both Teams in the Same Match?
It’s perfectly legal in the UK to place bets on each side of the same event when using a bookmaker that holds a valid UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)-licence. The regulator oversees operators to ensure clear terms and fair presentation of markets.
Some punters try to cover more outcomes by backing both teams or adding the draw. In practice, the odds and site rules determine whether that makes sense. Prices vary between bookmakers, stake limits can apply, and some markets have specific conditions that affect returns. It might be wise to read the key terms before staking money, especially if you plan to place related bets on the same match.
If you do decide to try your hand at sports betting, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Why Do Some Punters Bet on Both Sides?
The main reason is to manage their payroll. Someone might back one team early in the week, then later place a smaller bet on the other side to soften the impact of new team news or a price move. Others look for price gaps across different sites to create a margin. That is often called hedging or, when done systematically across bookmakers, arbitrage.
None of this removes risk entirely. Odds move, markets suspend, and limits vary. An in-play market might change rapidly after a red card or goal, leaving one half of a plan unplaced or at a worse price than expected. Even when the maths appears sound, execution can get in the way. With that in mind, it could help to understand how bookmakers assess this behaviour.
How Do Bookmakers View Betting on Both Teams?
Bookmakers do not mind you choosing any side or market you prefer. Their prices include a built-in margin, which is how they run a sustainable book. Placing separate bets on different outcomes of the same event is generally fine, so long as it follows the site’s rules.
When It’s Considered Arbitrage or Bonus Abuse
If someone consistently covers every outcome across multiple operators to remove most of the risk, that can be flagged as arbitrage. Many sites state in their terms that they may limit stakes or take action against accounts built around this pattern.
Bonus terms are another area to watch. Promotions usually include conditions such as minimum odds, wagering requirements, and restrictions on opposing bets. Using bonus funds to cover all outcomes of the same event can fall foul of those rules. Operators set out what is permitted and can cancel a bonus, withhold related winnings, or restrict an account if the terms are not followed.
Does Betting on Both Teams Guarantee a Profit?
It does not. The prices include an overround, meaning the combined implied probabilities add up to more than 100 percent. That margin is why covering every outcome usually returns slightly less than the total stake.
Let’s take a look at a simple example. If you place £10 on Team A at 2.0 and £10 on Team B at 2.0, you stake £20 and get £20 back if either wins, leaving no gain. In reality, one side might be 1.91 and the other 2.05. Backing both with £10 each would see a £19.10 or £20.50 return against a £20 total stake, resulting in a small loss either way.
Other practical factors also matter. Price movements, stake limits, account restrictions, and timing can all affect whether a plan works as intended. Even when a rare price gap looks promising, perfect execution is hard to achieve and the edge can disappear quickly.
Explore Sports Betting At Mr Luck
If you’re interested in sports betting, Mr Luck offers a clear and easy way to explore markets across football, horse racing, tennis, and more. You can browse fixtures, see current odds at a glance, and read the key terms before you decide whether to place a bet.
Everything on our site is presented transparently, with helpful information alongside each event. Registration is free for those aged 18 and over, and our support team is available if you need a hand. You can also set deposit limits and use account tools designed to help you manage your play in line with your preferences and budget.
If you want to take a look around, create an account and browse at your own pace. Understanding how betting on both teams works could make it easier to make informed choices, and we’re here to provide a straightforward place to do just that. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.