Smarkets or BetFair? Go back a couple of years and that's the kind of question that would be laughed out of town. Smarkets (along with BetDaq, MatchBook and WBX) have always been considered the poor cousins to the big boy that is BetFair. Now? Well if you're into matched betting it's probably a question you're asking yourself quite frequently as there's not as much between them as there used to be. |
BetFair have a standard 5% commission, and it takes a hell of a lot of betting to get it down.
Smarkets? That's a flat 2% commission.
Begs the question, why would you use BetFair at all? Well we know that liquidity can be an issue everywhere, but it's certainly normally better at BetFair. In terms of the odds you're going to do as well at Smarkets as you are at BetFair, especially once you've factored in the reduced commission.
Yes there are some issues with Smarkets, certain sections of the site are far from intuitive to navigate or translate, but again, you're getting the service for less than you pay elsewhere.
In matched betting and advantage play you're constantly looking for the little extras that can give you an edge, and that reduced commission is a major factor in making those fine margins pay in your favour.
There are some that have completely washed their hands of BetFair and use Smarkets constantly. If you were a big player at BetFair (turning over large sums and creating lots of commission) then you'd be welcomed with open arms at Smarkets and treated very well by their VIP department as well.
Really you need an account at each, and it's horses for courses when you would use each, but the smart matched bettor has money stashed in Smarkets for those moments when BetFair can't give you what you need.
If you need further incentive, there's sign up bonuses at each site, so you'd be foolish to not open a Smarkets account right now.