Laying the draw is probably the most well-known football trading strategy. The standard trading method for laying the draw is to:
- Lay the draw pre-match
- Cashout for a profit, when the first goal is scored
The idea is that, when a goal is scored, the odds of the draw will increase above pre-match levels. Note that the odds of the draw will only increase above pre-match levels, following a goal, if the teams are equally matched or if the favourite scores.
In this post, I will explain how you can achieve the same goal without laying any bets.
A. Dutch both Teams and Back the Draw after a Goal
For example, let’s say Chelsea are playing Tottenham, with the following odds:
| Chelsea | Draw | Tottenham | |
| Odds | 2.6 | 3.4 | 3.0 |
“Dutching” is betting on different outcomes to return the same amount, whatever the result. I discovered sports trading, when I was matched betting.
Most matched bettors bet on something and lay the bet off at a betting exchange. They lose a bit between the 2 bets. However, they release a free bet. They use the same bet and lay strategy to secure money from the free bet.
I never used this method. I dutched all my bets, wherever possible. From the start, I saw the flexibility in using this method.
Example
If you dutch Chelsea and Tottenham and leave the draw uncovered, you are effectively laying the draw.
The way you calculate this is to work out how much you will win from one of the outcomes. Then, you would divide this amount by the odds of each of the other outcomes. For example, if you wanted to dutch the above match, you might start with Chelsea. You decide to put a back bet of £100 on Chelsea at 2.6. This will return £260 (100 x 2.6) if Chelsea wins.
To calculate your back bet stake on Tottenham, you work out 260 divided by 3.0, which is £86.66.
You wouldn’t back the draw until a goal is scored (or until you have reached a previously decided exit point). However, you will carry out the same calculation once a goal is scored – that is, 260 divided by the odds on the draw.
B. Advantages of Dutching
There are several advantages of dutching rather than laying. The main 2 are the following:
1. You can select the best odds from all bookmakers and exchanges.
You can only lay at betting exchanges. Therefore, dutching gives you the option of using bookmakers. You don’t pay commission at bookmakers.
Usually, the exchanges provide the best odds. However, you will often find odds on at least one of the selections that have the same odds as a bookmaker. You can use Oddschecker.com to compare bookmakers’ and betting exchanges’ odds.
If you can find good odds at a bookmaker, you can avoid paying commission on at least part of your bet.
2. Releasing Free Bets
At some bookmakers, you might be able to get a free bet for betting with them. When you open a new account with a bookmaker, you will often be offered some kind of free bet. There are also some bookmakers that have free bet clubs.
Bookmakers often offer free bets for betting on high profile matches, such as Chelsea versus Tottenham. Therefore, you can release these free bets, while effectively laying the draw.