Betting Exchanges
The
introduction of the betting exchanges caused something of a
stir in the betting world especially among the traditional high
street bookmakers.
Betting exchanges have increased in
popularity as the volume of matched bets has increased to
billions a month. Betting exchange trading has blossomed thanks
to increased liquidity, no transaction charges and the
ability to profit without any knowledge or open risk on the
underlying sports event.
The main
advantages of the betting exchanges are as follows
Better
odds
The odds on
the betting exchanges are up to 20% higher than those of a
traditional bookmaker this is because there is no bookies
margin built in and the odds are determined by other users. You
can also ask for better odds than those that are currently on
offer.
Laying
With the
betting exchanges came the option of Laying when you place a
lay bet you are betting against that outcome
happening.
In-play
betting
The betting
exchanges gave us the opportunity to place bets while
an event is actually taking place this is known as an
in-play or in-running market.
No
penalties
With a
traditional bookmaker consistently winning would lead to your
account being closed but this will never happen with
the betting exchanges as they will continue to make money
regardless of how often you win.
Betting
exchange trading
By placing a
combination of a back bet and a lay bet on the same event we
can lock in a guaranteed risk free profit regardless of the
eventual result. This is known as trading as we are trading the
odds on the betting exchange much in the same way that someone
might trade the stock exchange.
Betfair

Launched in
2000 Betfair is recognized as the largest of the betting
exchanges and has the most liquidity therefore is
the betting exchange of choice for most exchange
traders.
Betdaq
Launched in 2001 Betdaq is
the 2nd largest betting exchange and while it does not have
quite as much liquidity as Betfair it continues to
grow.
Mansion

Launched in September 2004
Mansion is a relative newcomer to the industry but provides
good liquidity.
iBetX
iBetX is an International Betting
Exchange (particularly useful for US residents)
and has been established since March 2003 and
has swiftly built up a reputation of being a major
player within the industry.

|