Betfair Exchange Inplay Delay
When you’re trading on Betfair, there are two states to market conditions that you see.
There is the pre-off period, the period before an event has started and then in-play, when the sport you are trading is underway. Sometimes this is called in-running, but the industry seems to have popularised it as in-play.
When you bet pre-off you just put your bet in the market and it’s accepted instantly. But in-play a delay is applied to your bet.
In this article we explore why that exists and what people have done to try and beat it and get an edge.
Pre-off vs In-play
The pre-off trading period is determined purely by opinion. Barring unexpected events, the market tends to move in a nice smooth pattern.
In horse racing, the pre-race period means the period where horses get saddled up, parade then go to post. People change their opinion on how the horse is behaving and lock in a profit by trading on that basis.
On football matches, the team is announced one hour before the match starts and people may change their opinion at the point. But other than this. It’s fairly quiet in comparison to a horse race.
When betting inplay then a number of factors determine what happens, but predominatley the underlying state of the sport determines the pricing.
On horse racing the horses just run as fast as they can do the finishing post and therefore if it’s in the lead it’s price will shorten quickly. On Football, Tennis or other sports it’s all down to the score and how much time is left.
Where is there an in-play delay?
If you’re diving into Betfair trading In-Play, understanding the in-play delay is crucial. This delay, ranging from just one second to as long as nine seconds, can make or break your trading strategy. But why does this delay exist, and how does it impact your betting decisions?
The introduction of the in-play delay on betting exchanges was designed to overcome the transmission lag inherent in broadcasting sports events. Let’s break it down:
Imagine you’re watching a live sports event. At the venue, an outside broadcast unit captures the action, sending the raw feed to a satellite. This feed then travels to a studio, where producers decide which shots to broadcast. The refined footage is then sent back out, either via the Internet or through another satellite transmission, before reaching your device. This intricate journey involves numerous steps, each adding a fraction of a second to the transmission time.
No matter how you’re watching—be it on your phone, tablet, PC, or TV—this transmission process introduces a delay. You’ve likely experienced this firsthand during major sports events, where the neighbour’s cheers might precede the action on your screen. It’s all down to the time it takes for those pictures to reach you.
The in-play delay was designed to level the playing field, preventing those at the event from gaining an advantage with faster updates. By ensuring everyone has the same transmission time, it makes it fairer for all bettors, whether they’re at home or in the stands.
In-play trading on Betfair requires you to account for this delay in your strategy. Understanding and anticipating these few seconds can be the difference between a successful trade and a missed opportunity.
Beating the in-play delay
When you’re involved in Betfair trading, understanding the in-play delay is more than just a technicality—it’s a key part of your strategy. This delay, though designed for fairness, can create opportunities and challenges in equal measure.
Why is it crucial to be aware of this delay? Because somewhere, someone may be seeing the action a few seconds before you do. Whether you’re trading in-play markets for football, tennis, or horse racing, there’s a good chance that another trader is acting on crucial information ahead of you because of this time lag.
In live betting markets, this phenomenon often manifests as if the market “knows” what’s about to happen. People physically present at the event can try to exploit the in-play delay by placing bets based on recent actions or anticipating upcoming events. In essence, they can profit significantly from “seeing the future” just a few seconds ahead of everyone else.
This issue of getting ahead in the game gained attention when tennis tournaments cracked down on people engaging in “court-siding” at matches. While UK events offered minimal advantage due to quick transmission speeds, the story was different in regions like South America and Asia, where longer delays provided a massive edge to those at the event.
Horse racing markets, with their fast-paced action and brief in-play times, have seen individuals attempting to beat the delay since in-play betting began. But this tactic become very public when somebody was arrested at the Australian Open for attempting the same.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone engaging in in-play trading. By being aware of the in-play delay, you can better navigate the markets and position yourself for success.
The amazing lengths people go to beat the in-play delay
When it comes to exploiting in-play betting, horse racing offers a unique set of opportunities. Many racecourses cross public land, making it easier for savvy traders to position themselves for an advantage. Unlike tennis matches, which require entry into secured stadiums, horse racing events often provide more accessible vantage points for those looking to get ahead.
A Notable Tennis Incident: The Case of Dan Dobson
A turning point in the world of tennis courtsiding occurred when Dan Dobson was arrested at the Australian Open in Melbourne. This incident highlighted the risks associated with courtsiding and marked a shift in how tennis authorities handle such situations. Despite the increased risks, people continue to seek an edge by being physically present at events, eager to capitalise on even the slightest time advantage.
Understanding P&L Trends: The Significance of Timing
I always find it fascinating when people post their profit and loss (P&L) statements, as they often reveal key moments where in-play prices can shift dramatically. If someone consistently captures these precise moments, it suggests they’re actively engaged at critical market points. In sports like football, these opportunities are particularly evident, as specific events can cause prices to move significantly. Sometimes people seem to catch these moves, a little too often than chance would suggest.
Unconventional Tactics: The Thirsk Racecourse Incident
Sometimes, traders employ more blatant strategies to gain an advantage. I’ll never forget an image I captured from a TV broadcast of a 1-mile race at Thirsk. In horse racing, a strong start is crucial; a horse that breaks well can dominate the race, leading to shorter odds for traders to exploit.
At Thirsk, a couple of ‘enterprising’ individuals took this concept to new heights—literally. They drove to the start line, set up a ladder, and climbed up to gain a better view of the race’s opening moments. By doing so, they aimed to assess which horses broke the best or worst, allowing them to make informed trades or bets.
These stories illustrate the lengths to which some traders will go to secure an advantage in in-play markets. Whether it’s navigating the challenges of horse racing or overcoming the hurdles of tennis courtsiding, being aware of these tactics is crucial for anyone serious about in-play betting.
