For the few to win, the majority must lose

The betting exchange revolution has empowered the punter opening up a new world of opportunities, however, for there to be winners there has to be losers. The fact that the odds available on betting exchanges are normally much better than regular bookies does not change the fact that the majority of members still end up losing.

The danger of internet betting

Betting on the internet whether on exchanges or with regular bookie sites can be extremely dangerous for many people who lack self control. If you are used to betting at your local high street bookie you are used to betting with cash from your pocket. This places a very definite limit to your losses and ensures that you never lose sight of the value of the money you are betting with. However, on the internet it is very easy to lose touch with reality and not equate your stakes with real money. This combined with the ability to transfer large sums from your credit card or bank account can result in substantial losses in a very short period of time.

Exchanges can be very dangerous

If anything, exchanges with their superior odds can lull punters into a false sense of security, the greater value tempting players to bet more than they would normally have done. This combined with the vast array of bets on offer can prove to be a disastrous combination for some members. It is also very important never to assume that the person on the other end of your bet is some kind of mug punter. Betting exchanges have attracted some of the sharpest and shrewdest betting brains on the planet, more so, many would say than some of the odds compilers working for the regular bookies. In some markets it is also possible that your opponent is a highly privileged insider with access to information which means he knows he cannot lose.

Some important rules

To ensure that your betting remains the pleasurable pastime that it has been in the past we recommend you follow the following rules:

1. Only bet what you can afford to lose and never forget you are playing with real money.

2. Decide what you want to bet before you go onto the exchange, do not surf the site looking for bets to place.

3. Always check that the odds you are getting are superior to a regular bookie and don't forget to take the commission into consideration.

4. Whenever possible ask for better odds than those available.

5. Discipline is everything. See this article and this article from Bet Exchange News which shows how badly it can go wrong when you lose your discipline.

If you follow these rules you can get the same thrill from your betting that you always have done and you will be protected from excessive losses. If you know your stuff, stay disciplined and have reasonable luck then you stand a better chance of coming out on top than you ever have done before.