Passive Bet Delays on Betfair
Betfair has quietly rolled out a change to how in-play betting works on certain markets, called Passive Bet Delays.
If you bet or trade in-play, this is one of those changes that matters far more in practice than it sounds on paper.
Let us explain what passive bet delays are, why Betfair has introduced them, and how they change the experience for bettors and traders — without getting into technical or API-level detail.
What Are Passive Bet Delays?
Traditionally, when you place a bet in-play on Betfair, it is subject to a bet delay.
That delay — often between 1 and 8 seconds depending on the sport — exists to protect the market from people betting with faster information.
A passive bet delay changes how that delay is applied.
Instead of every bet being delayed, Betfair distinguishes between:
- Aggressive bets – bets that take an existing price
- Passive bets – bets that add liquidity by offering a new price
With passive bet delays enabled, passive bets are no longer delayed, while aggressive bets still are.
In short:
If you offer a price, your bet can be matched immediately.
If you take a price, the delay still applies.
Why Has Betfair Introduced This?
Betfair’s exchange only works well when there is plenty of money available at different prices.
In fast-moving in-play markets — especially football and tennis — delays discourage people from offering prices. Many traders simply wait, react late, or avoid certain situations altogether.
Passive bet delays are designed to:
- Encourage more liquidity
- Improve price depth
- Keep markets active during in-play moments
- Reduce the “everyone waits” problem caused by delays
From Betfair’s point of view, more active markets mean a better exchange overall.
How Does This Change In-Play Betting?
For most casual bettors, the change may feel subtle at first.
For regular in-play bettors and traders, it can be very noticeable.
Here’s how it alters behaviour.
You Can Get Matched Faster — If You Offer Value
If you place a passive bet at a sensible price, it can now be matched instantly, even in-play.
That means:
- Less frustration waiting for confirmation
- Fewer cancelled or lapsed bets
- More control over entry prices
This is especially noticeable in sports like football and tennis, where momentum changes quickly.
Taking Prices Is Still Slower
Nothing changes if you are clicking to take what’s already there.
Those bets are still delayed, which means:
- You can still be caught by quick market moves
- The price you see isn’t guaranteed
- In volatile moments, results can be unpredictable
So the advantage shifts slightly toward people who are prepared to set prices, not chase them.
Markets Can Feel Fairer and More Stable
One side effect of passive bet delays is that markets can feel less “jumpy”.
Because more people are willing to offer prices:
- The spread between prices can tighten
- Large gaps are filled more quickly
- Liquidity often looks healthier
This benefits both bettors and traders, even if they never consciously think about why.
Does This Favour Traders Over Bettors?
Not necessarily — but it does reward better behaviour.
Passive bet delays favour people who:
- Think ahead
- Anticipate price movement
- Are comfortable offering prices instead of reacting late
That can include traders, but it can also include disciplined bettors who understand market timing.
What it does not favour is blindly clicking the top price in fast-moving situations and hoping for the best.
Is This Being Used Everywhere on Betfair?
No. Passive bet delays are being tested and rolled out gradually, sport by sport and competition by competition.
Some markets may have them enabled, others may not, and Betfair can change this over time based on results.
So experiences may differ depending on what you are betting on.
What Should In-Play Bettors Take Away From This?
The key takeaway is simple:
Offering prices in-play is becoming more powerful than taking them.
If you are used to reacting late and clicking what’s available, passive bet delays won’t help much.
If you are prepared to think in advance and place sensible offers, they can make in-play betting smoother and more predictable.
You don’t need new tools or complex strategies — just a better understanding of how Betfair now treats different types of bets.
Final Thoughts
Passive bet delays are a meaningful shift in how Betfair handles in-play betting.
They don’t remove risk, they don’t guarantee profit, and they don’t eliminate delays entirely — but they reward patience and good pricing, which is exactly how an exchange is supposed to work.
Over time, this change is likely to influence how people bet in-play far more than many realise.