Betfair - Understanding The Odds

When punters first join the Betfair betting exchange probably the most confusing features could be the method in which the possibilities displayed. In the UK conventional bookmakers use fractional odds such as 6/4, 2/1, 100/30 or 33/1. On Betfair a decimal odds system is used 2.5, 3.0,4.3 or sbobet 34.0.

You can certainly convert fractional odds into decimal 6/4 is 6 divided by 4 that gives you 1.5 + your stake which = 1. So 6/4 could be the same as 2.5 about the exchange. If you consider what goes on when you place a wining bet with a bookmaker your supply him with your stake money. He places your bet on the agreed odds, say 4/1. If shipped to you he gives you 4x your stake A�40 as well as your original investment back. On the exchanges there is a constant actually hand over your stake to anyone so naturally no have to be returned.

The odds on the exchanges tend typically to be around 20% greater than those provided by the bookies. On outsiders with larger odds the difference might be considerably greater. Horses costing 33/1 or 50/1 by bookmakers are frequently purchased at three figure odds on the exchanges.

Although the percentages could be better this has to get offset that when your bet or lay is prosperous you'll have to pay 5% commission. His is generally easily offset by the better prices that you simply re getting it's not always true when betting on short priced horses.

Because Betfair win, i.e. have a 5% commission from either the backer or layer, whatever the result unlike bookmakers they don't care the frequency of which shipped to you. This means that if you are successful there isn't any danger of having your money closed.

The betting exchanges are growing in importance all over the world and in case you are thinking about horse racing and betting you then do need to use the internet and please take a look in the exchanges, especially Betfair.