Fast Cash, Hidden Costs

This interactive exhibition will explore the realities of matched betting and the risks that can lie behind promises of “risk-free” income. Visitors can take part in drop-in activities at any point during the day, including hands-on tasks, visual data displays, myth-busting exercises, and lived experience stories.

Short non-technical talks will also run throughout the day (repeated hourly), explaining what matched betting is, why it’s becoming more popular, and what research tells us about its potential harms. The space is designed to be informal and supportive, encouraging open discussion rather than a lecture-style atmosphere.

Matched betting is often advertised as a “safe side hustle” for making quick money online. But is it really as risk-free and profitable as it seems?

This event looks at how financial pressures, insecure work, and the rise of hustle culture are pushing people — especially young adults — towards options like matched betting. While it may appear attractive, research highlights a range of hidden costs, from time pressures and mental fatigue to increased exposure to gambling advertising, harmful behaviours, and financial instability.

Through interactive activities, short talks, and real-life stories, this event challenges common misconceptions about matched betting and invites attendees to reflect on what “safe” really means in a digital world full of side hustle hype.

This event is run by the Bournemouth University Gambling Research Group.

• Dr Reece Bush-Evans, Senior Lecturer in Psychology
• Dr Elvira Bolat, Associate Professor in Digital Marketing
• Dr Emily Arden Close, Principal Academic in Psychology
• Dr Ruijie Wang, Senior Lecturer in Psychology
• Dr Constantina Panourgia, Principal Academic in Psychology
• Professor John McAlaney, Professor in Psychology

(All are members of the Gambling Research Group at Bournemouth University.)

With input from partners: GamCare, Ara Recovery for All, and Good Money Tribe.

Young people (16–25) and adults (25+)

Young people aged 16–25 not in higher education, and working adults aged 25 and over.

This is a drop-in session - no booking required.