This ain't what the Poster was asking.
Everybody is entitled, and really should be compelled to seek the best price available.

All your points made were valid and I wish I could fully understand the immense Power of those points.I'm sure I would have second thoughts of the placing of small casual bets, just for the sake of having a bet.

The Poster wanted more than just the best price freely available.

I'm a bit confused moeee...originally you asked 'does it really matter' but you also regard it as important enough for every punter to seek the best available price.

I still don't get your problem with seeking the best possible price.

Nonetheless the only thing I take is that you don't want to take a approach like mine but happily take what's on offer to all. That's cool.

Cheers Bhagwan will take another look at Betfair, last time I did the small pools were a bit of an issue - especially with the lesser midweek metro races where I bet a bit.

Have to agree with Bhagwan that you can get some fabulous prices on Betfair - way above what is being offered elsewhere. Often a genuine 8/1 you can get 12/1 or better.

That said sometimes you will get significantly under if you are not careful. Lay odds can be far too long and small pools may affect placing bets - generally you have to wait until the last one or two minutes to get on with the most 'true' markets. Also you have to be prepared to 'pull' you bet if you cant get the price you are after - and place it elsewhere.

Clearly there are also bookies with Betfair accounts - as these betting exchange markets represent a very convenient way to lay off.

Example from Sandown today -


Race 5 Sandown - Philda - final prices Betfair 4.65 * IAS 3.80.

The Betfair price was 16.67 % higher than totes.

However Betfair final prices can be misleading as they dont represent the range of odds available while the market is 'buidling'.

Race 8 Sandown - Prevaricate - final prices Betfair 16.76 * IAS 14.00.

In this case the Betfair price was 10.40% lower than totes.

The IAS prices are shown for comparison and also they have similar considerations - i.e. the price changes during betting.

For what its worth
I saw a TAB 90.00 winner on Tues 22/7/09 get up & it was 300.00 on Betfair.
That's a 330% difference.

I have seen some huge layoffs on the last 30 secs.

One comes to mind where $30,000 was laid to lose in one bet .
It was a short priced Fav which went from 2.10 to 2.90
In a 6 horse field in a midweek meeting of low importance.
It got snaffled up by the punters remarkably quick.

It fell over.

__________________
Cheers.

That's why I use STab for my bets for prices over $12.00
At least 90% of the time I get better prices and get fully matched!

I had $17.20 for Prevaricate yesterday!