THE RISE & RISE OF BETTING EXCHANGES

What is a Betting Exchange?
A Betting Exchange enables punters, or customers, to bet against each other rather than with a conventional bookmaker.  This is also called person-to-person, P2P betting.  This means that as well as being able to back an event, you can also act as a bookie and ‘lay’ odds.  For example, if you thought the favourite was unlikely to win, you could lay odds and collect other people’s money if you are right.    

Betfair.com was the first exchange to hit the scene in mid 2000.  It's growth has been phenomenal; at just 3 years old it’s matching £50m worth of bets per week!    Swedish site Betsson is one of the newest Exchanges.  This has become a worldwide phenomena with Asian and American interest booming.

What do they cost?
The exchange matches the backers with the layers at live or pre-agreed prices.  The cost of this service is between 2-5% of your winnings - nothing if you lose the bet.  However, the odds on Betting Exchanges are often up to 20% better than traditional bookies so don’t be put off by the charge.

Benefits to you:
 

	Better odds for your bet - and you can choose your odds
	Ability to lay odds
	Hedging to lock-in profits across your gambling accounts

As Exchanges become a mass market success story take full advantage by browsing these sites (look out for opening promotions too).