Gambling.Now!

While the [tag]betting exchanges[/tag] continue to have a major impact upon the world of online gambling, they have also opened up a new industry – In Play betting. This is an industry which has grown massively over the last couple of years, with more and more events now available “In Play”. Traditionally it had been the likes of football which were most popular amongst [tag]In Play[/tag] gamblers, but there is also a major customer base in the horse racing, [tag]cricket[/tag] and [tag]tennis[/tag] [tag]betting[/tag] markets.

Is It Safe?

While In Play betting can move very quickly, especially in the likes of horse racing when a horse may unseat its rider or fall at a fence, for those with the time to study the markets, and in possession of a broadband connection (ever more vital for In Play betting), it can be very lucrative. However, it can also be a big big gamble, with many taking very small odds to increase their “pot” on “dead certs”. There is no such thing as a dead cert in any sport!

The major market for such In Play events is the arm chair viewer, who like to have a gamble as they are watching the event unfold. This does have dangers, especially in the horse racing industry!

It is a little known fact that there is actually a time delay of a few seconds between the horse race being filmed, and replayed on the TV, so those advertised as “live” are very often not. While this may seem like a very small delay, it can be vital for those on the track looking to hedge bets on a tiring horse, or lay bets on a horse which has just fallen, with their odds yet to be updated for a few seconds.

As with any betting event, the customer needs to go in with their eyes open and be fully aware of the possible risks and downfalls. Nothing is ever certain in the betting industry, and even less now, as much of it has moved online!

Over the last few years we have seen a massive explosion in the number of betting exchanges, an industry which seems to be constantly growing.

It is at such a level that it has actually had an effect on the business of the traditional bookmakers,  who are now desperate to protect their own business.  Despite a number of tax changes to try and “level the playing field” it appears that many gamblers are still moving their business to the betting exchanges.

What are the benefits of betting exchanges?

The main benefits of betting exchanges are the improved odds for customers, and the transparency which is available for each and every betting exchange market.  It is now simple to see at a glance any changes in the market, and monitor these real time on the internet.  This has offered the astute and alert gambler the chance to try and “piggy back” trends as and when they happen – with many making a lucrative living from this!

The volume of business on these betting exchanges has grown dramatically over the last couple of years and there are rumours than the traditional bookmakers are using these instruments to actually hedge off their own positions – a suggestion refuted by the industry. 

Are their any negative aspects about betting exchanges?

Unfortunately betting exchanges have opened up a whole new market to the public, betting AGAINST horses – i.e. laying off bets.  While this is a legitimate market, there have been recent instances of organised gangs using this method to bet on “fixed” events, with many earning millions of pounds in the process. 

There have been a number of suspensions, court actions and investigations and the betting exchanges have now agreed to flag any “suspicious” activity, and also pass over the details of these accounts as and when the authorities require them.

All in all betting exchanges are set to grow and grow over the coming years, although the traditional bookmakers are sure to continue their constant battle to protect their own markets.  Who is your money on?

TWENTY QUESTIONS

1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did [tag]gambling[/tag] affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Did you ever [tag]gamble[/tag] longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?