How are betting exchanges different from Standard betting sites?

Exchange betting has developed progressively over the last few years and are becoming a very popular alternative for betting punters. With betting exchanges, you do not bet against the bookmaker, but instead against other sports betting fans. The odds are roughly 20-25% better than with a traditional bookmaker, and there are no bookie fees, as there is no middle man. Small commission fees do apply but  are only paid if you win – commission vary between 2% and 5%.


So How Does Betting Exchange Compare to Other Bookmakers?

The customer does not bet directly with a Betting Exchange provider. It basically a central meeting place that connects similar minded gamblers together with reciprocal views on the outcome of an event. Think of it as a place to exchange betting outcomes.

Betting exchanges offer the opportunity to lay, which is to bet that something will not occur.  For example, you could bet that England will not win the world cup or even the General election.

An exchange will only accept a bet if it is matched by another customer.

With a Betting exchange a customer can “lay” a football team – back the team to lose – as well as back it to win or draw.

Odds are expressed in decimal terms (eg 5.1) and not in the traditional way (eg 6-4). 5.1 means that for every pound staked you receive a return of £5.10 which includes the pound stake.


Here’s a Betting Exchange example and scenario:

1. Mark thinks England will win against Russia and is prepared to bet £10

2. Boris thinks Russia will lose and offers odds of 5.0 (4-1). He is effectively risking £50

3. A Betting exchange will then automatically match punters who want to buy into this wager. Mark’s bet is accepted and matched with Boris’s offer bet.

4. Whoever wins, money is transferred from one account to the other. The Betting exchange earns commission from the winner’s takings

5. For the sake of argument, lets say England win, then Boris will have to pay £50 to Mark. Mark wins and walks away with the money. Boris walks away £50 lighter.

Tips for Betting Exchange Beginners

a. Start small until you get familiar with the betting system and odds
b. Look for free promotional offers to lower your risk and allowing you to test for free.
c. Look on forums and talk to other people and get their experiences.

Where Can I Exchange Bets with Other Punters?

The best betting exchanges are:


(1) BetFair

(2) Betdaq

(3) Betsson

(4) WBX – World Bet Exchange