How Bookmakers Set Odds: The Secrets Behind Sports Betting

Behind the Scenes of Sports Betting: How Bookmakers Make Their Odds

If you are a sports bettor, you might have wondered how bookmakers set the odds for different events and outcomes. How do they know what is the most likely scenario? How do they make sure they don’t lose money? How do they adjust the odds when new information comes in? These are some of the questions that we will try to answer in this article. We will explain the basic principles and methods that bookmakers use to create and update their odds, as well as the factors and challenges that influence their decisions. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the secrets behind sports betting and how to use them to your advantage.

The Goal of Bookmakers

The first thing to know is that bookmakers are not in the business of predicting the future. They are in the business of making money. Their goal is to balance the action on both sides of a bet, so that they can collect a commission (also known as the vig or the juice) from the losing side. For example, if a bookmaker offers odds of 1.90 for both teams to win a soccer match, they will make a profit of 5% (0.05 x 100) on every bet, regardless of the outcome. This is because the odds of 1.90 imply a probability of 52.63% (1 / 1.90 x 100) for each team, which adds up to 105.26%. The difference between 100% and 105.26% is the bookmaker’s margin, which is their expected profit.

However, achieving this balance is not easy, as there are many factors that can affect the demand and supply of bets, such as public opinion, media coverage, injuries, weather, and so on. Therefore, bookmakers have to constantly monitor the market and adjust their odds accordingly, to attract more or less bets on either side. They also have to consider their own risk and exposure, as they may have to pay out large sums of money if an unlikely event occurs.

The Methods of Bookmakers

There are different methods that bookmakers use to set and update their odds, depending on the type and popularity of the event, the availability and reliability of the information, and the level of competition and innovation in the industry. Some of the most common methods are:

• Manual oddsmaking: This is the traditional and oldest method, where bookmakers rely on their own expertise and judgment to create the odds. They use various sources of information, such as statistics, historical data, news, and opinions, to estimate the probabilities of different outcomes. They also factor in their own margin and the expected behavior of the bettors. This method is usually used for niche or exotic markets, where there is not enough data or demand to automate the process.
• Automated oddsmaking: This is the modern and most widely used method, where bookmakers use software and algorithms to create the odds. They use mathematical models and formulas, such as the Poisson distribution, the Kelly criterion, and the Monte Carlo simulation, to calculate the probabilities of different outcomes. They also use data feeds and APIs, such as Sportradar, Betgenius, and Betfair, to access real-time information and market prices. This method is usually used for mainstream or popular markets, where there is a lot of data and demand to optimize the process.
• Copying oddsmaking: This is a simple and common method, where bookmakers copy the odds from other bookmakers, either partially or completely. They do this to save time and resources, to avoid being out of line with the market, and to reduce their risk and exposure. They usually follow the lead of the major or influential bookmakers, such as Pinnacle, Bet365, and William Hill, who have a reputation for setting the market prices. This method is usually used for secondary or less important markets, where there is not enough incentive or differentiation to create their own odds.

The Factors and Challenges of Bookmakers

There are many factors and challenges that bookmakers have to deal with when setting and updating their odds, such as:

• Information asymmetry: This is when one party has more or better information than the other party, which gives them an advantage in making decisions. For example, a bettor may have insider information or a personal connection with a player or a coach, which gives them an edge over the bookmaker. Bookmakers have to try to minimize this gap by gathering as much information as possible, and by being alert and responsive to any changes or signals in the market.
• Market efficiency: This is when the market prices reflect all the available information and expectations, which means that there are no arbitrage opportunities or mispriced bets. For example, if a bookmaker offers odds of 2.00 for a coin toss, they will lose money in the long run, as the true odds should be 2.05 (1 / 0.5 x 100). Bookmakers have to try to maximize this efficiency by using accurate and reliable data and models, and by being consistent and competitive with their prices.
• Customer segmentation: This is when bookmakers divide their customers into different groups based on their characteristics and behavior, such as their betting frequency, size, style, and preference. For example, a bookmaker may have recreational customers, who bet for fun and entertainment, and professional customers, who bet for profit and advantage. Bookmakers have to try to cater to these different segments by offering different products and services, such as bonuses, promotions, limits, and odds.

Conclusion

Bookmakers set odds by using various methods and factors, with the aim of balancing the action on both sides of a bet and making a profit. They have to constantly monitor and adjust their odds according to the market and the information. They also have to deal with various challenges and risks, such as information asymmetry, market efficiency, and customer segmentation. By understanding how bookmakers set odds, you can gain more insight and confidence in your betting decisions, and you can also spot and exploit any opportunities or mistakes that they may make.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about how bookmakers set odds:

• Q: How do bookmakers make money?

• A: Bookmakers make money by charging a commission (or vig) on every bet they accept, which is usually included in the odds they offer. For example, if a bookmaker offers odds of 1.90 for both teams to win a soccer match, they will make a profit of 5% on every bet, regardless of the outcome. This is because the odds of 1.90 imply a probability of 52.63% for each team, which adds up to 105.26%. The difference between 100% and 105.26% is the bookmaker’s margin, which is their expected profit.

• Q: How do bookmakers adjust their odds?

• A: Bookmakers adjust their odds based on the supply and demand of bets, as well as the new information and events that may affect the probabilities of the outcomes. For example, if a bookmaker receives more bets on one team than the other, they will lower the odds for that team and raise the odds for the other team, to attract more bets on the other side and balance the action. Similarly, if a bookmaker learns that a key player is injured or suspended, they will lower the odds for that team and raise the odds for the other team, to reflect the change in the probabilities.

• Q: How do bookmakers deal with sharp bettors?

• A: Sharp bettors are bettors who have an edge over the bookmaker, either by having more or better information, or by using advanced strategies and techniques. Bookmakers deal with sharp bettors by limiting their bets, closing their accounts, or refusing to accept their bets. Bookmakers also use sharp bettors as a source of information, by tracking their bets and adjusting their odds accordingly.

• Q: How do bookmakers deal with arbitrage bettors?

• A: Arbitrage bettors are bettors who exploit the differences in the odds offered by different bookmakers, by placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event, and guaranteeing a profit regardless of the outcome. Bookmakers deal with arbitrage bettors by limiting their bets, closing their accounts, or refusing to accept their bets. Bookmakers also try to avoid arbitrage opportunities by aligning their odds with the market prices, and by using data feeds and APIs to access real-time information and prices.

• Q: How do bookmakers deal with match-fixing?

• A: Match-fixing is when a match or an outcome is predetermined or influenced by external factors, such as bribery, corruption, or coercion. Bookmakers deal with match-fixing by suspending or canceling the bets, reporting the suspicious activity to the authorities, and cooperating with the investigations. Bookmakers also try to prevent match-fixing by monitoring the market and the information, and by using data analysis and fraud detection tools to identify any anomalies or patterns.