Discover odds trading with betfair

What exactly is a betting exchange?

In a traditional betting system, the bookmaker sets the odds himself and ensures a constant profit, thanks to a rate of redistribution of the winnings. In the same way, he allows himself a certain margin of error on the odds, so as not to lose out. This little reminder will help you understand the principle of the betting exchange.

Betting platforms such as Betfair offer sports betting without that margin of error that puts punters at a disadvantage, and are content to be there for you to organise your own predictions. Bettors can define the sports bets and odds themselves, under the control of the platform, which generally earns fee on bettors' winnings.

The betting exchange is based on the principle of supply and demand, just like a stock market. It is based on two main functions: Back (Buy) & Lay (Sell), which represent the two betting options available to you.

Back: This feature consists of buying odds, as in a classic bet, in order to multiply your initial stake. Back allows you to bet on a classic match outcome (win, draw or defeat for a given team). While the principle is the same with a bookmaker, the advantage here is that the odds are more attractive, as the betting exchange platform does not apply a margin of error or a payout rate.
Lay: Here, you take the place of the bookmaker and set your own bet and odds. To win the bet, you have to come up with a prediction that contradicts that of another bettor who has bought your odds. If, on the other hand, he wins, you have to pay him his winnings.

Trading bets is interesting for those who want to make a profit on all possible outcomes or improve their position for a given bet. For example, you place a bet first, then back the same bet shortly afterwards at a higher price, guaranteeing a profit whatever the outcome. It's like buying a house at one price, then selling it later at a higher price.

In addition, the betting exchange at Betfair gives you the opportunity to secure your winnings with the "Cashout" function. This allows you to resell a bet that has been badly placed, depending on odds fluctuations, in order to reduce losses.
When you know that, whatever the sport, the odds change a lot during matches, depending on the score in progress, it's easy to see why many of the events offered on Betfair's betting exchange are more like live bets than pre-match bets.

Betfair is the leading exchange site, offering its players competitive and stable odds. Technically, the platform is at the top and the range of sports (the market) on offer is enormous.

Access to Betfair for all punters

Unfortunately, the operator is not licensed in all countries, and some even refuse to allow their nationals to use exchange platforms. This unfair situation can be remedied:

You won't be able to access the Betfair site, but a clone called Orbit Exchange.

Access to Orbit is private, but by using the professional tool that is the sports betting broker, you will have unlimited access.

A broker is an intermediary who provides many tools for professional punters. Registration is free, but you will need to use an electronic wallet such as Neteller or Skrill to deposit (and retrieve) money.

I recommend these two sports betting brokers: