Question about Betfair vs Matchbook/Mansion?

why does betfair offer Back & Lay markets for each bet?

for example, with Matchbook and Mansion if you are looking to bet on the Celtics @ raptors tonight, you have two options.

Option A: Click on Toronto -9 and input the odds you want.
Option B: Click on Boston +9 and input the odds you want.

simple enough.

with Betfair and other euro exchanges however, there are 4 options:

Option A: Click to "BACK" Toronto -9 (you are saying they will cover)
Option B: Click to "Lay" Toronto -9 (You are saying Toronto will not cover)

Option C: Click to "Back" Boston +9 (You are saying boston will cover)
Option D: Click to "Lay" Boston + 9 (You are saying boston will not cover"



For those who have played at both, they understand what I mean, my question is, what is the advantage of introducing the extra market?

Does this not hurt the liquidity since there are 2 extra options introduced?

i love it, in 3 way things, like draw as well, u can lay the home win, or the draw, etc... Its great, and liquidity only has to be there in 1 selection, backing 1 or laying it is enough in small markets

SportSavant said:

Does this not hurt the liquidity since there are 2 extra options introduced?

Click to expand...

I used to think it was for the betting impaired, who prefer to either bet or lay.

Now I think it could benefit big players and those who pay little commission since the two markets might move out of sync allowing scalps.

bump for more opinions on this