What is Sports Trading?

Sports trading, also simply known as Trading, is backing and laying odds for a profit before the end of an event. We have identified Trading as a smart gambling type among others.

This is the riskiest type. It is widely accepted that the rate of return which the smart gambler should aim for is proportionate to the degree of risk he is willing to take. We have a different opinion.

The rate of return sought should depend, rather, on the amount of intelligent effort the smart gambler is willing and able to bring to his task. The minimum return will go to the semi-pro bettor, who asks for both safety and freedom from concern. The maximum return will be achieved by the alert professional gambler who exercises maximum intelligence and skill. Trading is the smart gambling type that requires maximum intelligence and skill.

Sports trading on a betting exchange

You can trade on sports (or horses, or any other event) on a betting exchange. At the moment there are only 4 reliable exchanges, namely Betfair, Betdaq, Matchbook, and Smarkets. Each and every one of them varies in terms of characteristics and market focus. Unfortunately, some of these exchanges, flooded by greed, have implemented premium charges that winning players must pay.

In reality, some of these exchanges believe that they co-own your business, which is a long way from just requesting a small service fee. This is one of the reasons why exchanges are decaying and Asian-style bookmakers are gaining a greater market share.

2 Types of trading

We have identified 2 types of Trading, pre-game and in-play. One could blend both types but this does not really happen very often. Like in the stock market, a sports trader tries to predict the fluctuations of the odds of a betting event. He buys low to sell higher (not necessarily in this order) in order to secure a profit regardless of the result. This is not an easy task as there are a number of factors that could go against the player. However, a sports trader’s task is not to be successful in every trade he makes.

More heads than tails example

Imagine a coin flipping contest where everyone has to flip a coin and the prize goes to the guy who gets more heads than the others. A sports trader doesn’t have to be that guy, but he has to have more heads than tails. If he manages to constantly have 51 heads and 49 tales, he will be a long time winner.

More experienced traders have a 52-48 or 53-47 edge and so on. To get that 51-49 edge a trader must trade successfully within his circle of competence. That is why traders specialize in a small number of events and sports.

Journey, not the destination

Sports trading requires nerves of steel and a strong heart. Our opinion is that practising trading is an unhealthy habit that only a small percentage of gifted smart gamblers can practice for long. It should be considered as the end of a long smart gambling journey and not as a stopover. It is the journey and not the destination that matters.