I'd like to re-state that although this is bad for me, I don't object. I'm stating the problems because people are raising questions and because I'd like to discuss it, but if this comes across as complaining then please forgive me, I'm not complaining.

Ultimately I agree with Brendan that what we're facing is a better player- or a player who has a colossal advantage at any rate. Ultimately it's Betfair's exchange and they can rig it any way they like as long as they're transparent about it - which they have been. I entirely understand why they've done this and I would definitely do the same (and much more besides) in their shoes. I've been dining out on Betfair for a couple of years now and it's been fantastic. I intend to do the same for some time to come but if it does end for any reason then that's life and I don't intend to b1tch about it.

Maybe you should take that halo off once in a while aye robot. Sure it's betfairs exchange and sure we'd all do something similar if we owned it. Doesn't mean it's right though, basically we now have betfair seeding their own markets with our bets without passing on any of the real benefits x matching should bring the users betting on here.

GJ- I just don't want to be a winger. We all know the rules and choose whether to play or not.

haha brendan.

I mean moved on from whining about it (much) and accepted that profits have taken a hit and learned to deal with it... unlike the PC which is still an ongoing concern.

Aye robot, complaining and whingeing aren't necessarily the same thing. People on here will make snap judgements about everyones motives so it's really not worth the effort trying to convince them otherwise.

Muqbil

History has shown us the fast pic players are the first to complain when something starts to affect their bottom line.

although bf are the big rakers of this change - the fast pic gang will get better bet execution than before. No way will bf look to level the pic playing field - they have shareholders to look after !!

the times they get it right to the times they get it wrong - will overall increase their profit

BF win major part  - fast pic (low margin) players win slightly more than normal - the total of this is what the bot layer (that robot describes) loses as a result of this change - now that computes

When was cross matching in football introduced?

It was while ago dont know when. Problably at same time as wiljons thread would imagine. will have a look

wiljons actual example in his first post is Match Odds - Football

I see, thanks. So it was here before I started betting here.

I don't usually bet in Match Odds but find plenty of large spreads elsewhere.

If you cant price the market within a few precent ie a regular punter have to admit its a good thing for them. Since money goes round longer betfair take more + the skim bit, so good for them

For the handful of very good players not 100% sure they arent hedging from elsewhere anyway. The "middle classes" get hit, 

There is the swedish company in football and non racing markets, maybe racing will be bit better as they dont have to deal with a very big and very good player already.

all in my opinion, just guessing really, just speculating for fun

According the the GC's report they started out 18 Feb 2008 , dunno what date they admiited to it though, rocket

http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/gh-media/latest_news/2008/betfair_limited_betfair_and.aspx

Cross matching was introduced without informing customers in advance. BGB made revenues of approximately £300,000 from the inception of cross matching until the end of March 2008.

They made £300K from 18/2/08 to 31/03/08 and I doubt they were live over many markets during that initial period.

By: Ghetto Joe
Date Joined: 24 Jan 05 Add contact | Send message When: 29 Nov 10 19:53 Pre-play racing cross-matching trial Betfair Customer Services

Following the successful launch of cross-matching on in-play racing markets, there will be a trial of cross-matching on pre-play racing markets.

On Tuesday 30th November, cross-matching will be turned on in all of the win markets at Lingfield Park. It will be switched on at around 8am and should remain on until the end of the race.

We don’t expect customers to notice any material difference in the way the markets operate at Lingfield Park.


There has been no announcement yet whether this was successful or whether this will be going ahead in the future?  I assume the non-runner issue isn't that great a problem if they are trialling (don't fully understand implications - I need to put some thought in) but I am not expecting we will get much notice of pending "going live" (for a change lol).

has this cross-matching been done on the horse racing place markets as well? because that would be an even more extreme example of gaps in the prices it seems to me and where betfair would like to increase liquidity.

Pre-Play I doubt they make much, few pence here and their ,Markets
are too quiet early on

I think the risk outweighs the reward , Just takes an outsider
to refuse to go into the stalls 0% Reduction & Lay side would have
a big red

Non Runners not in line with the reduction factor could be costly

In-Play must be a massive earner though

Lori that is true, I am perhaps penny pinching as this is the only sport I bet on which has numerous runners/selections.  I.e., The Investor explained earlier (on this thread I think or 100k one?) how he tries to ensure he gets best execution by placing one side of the bet before the other. I do something similar but in markets with more than about 3 possible outcomes it becomes extremely difficult to do that kind of execution if you wish to stake to a certain amount.

I've seen two people say that now, can you direct me to the post where it says it please as I appear to be being rather dumb

Thanks al.

Fairly obvious in hindsight, although I'm betting on the Ashes and there's no announcement in cricket OR in service.

Got it now.