Lay betting has become an increasingly popular form of sports betting in recent years. For those unfamiliar with the term, lay betting involves betting against an outcome occurring rather than betting for it to happen. For example, you may “lay” a football team, betting that they will not win their match. Lay betting opens up more possibilities than simply backing outcomes to happen. However, finding the right lay betting sites to place these types of wagers can be tricky. This article will explore what to look for in top lay betting sites in the UK.
Top Betting Sites UK Lay Betting
| Betting Site | Lay Betting Options | Bonus Offer | User Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | Horse Racing, Football, Tennis | £100 in Bet Credits | 4.5 |
| Betfair | Various sports including Horse Racing | £20 Free Bet | 4.8 |
| Ladbrokes | Football, Horse Racing, Greyhounds | Bet £5, Get £20 | 4.3 |
| William Hill | Football, Horse Racing, Tennis | Bet £10, Get £30 | 4.2 |
| BetVictor | Football, Horse Racing, Tennis | Bet £5, Get £30 | 4.6 |
These top betting sites uk offer lay betting options on various sports, allowing bettors to bet against a specific outcome. Be sure to check out their bonus offers and user ratings to make an informed choice.
What is Lay Betting?
Lay betting, also known as lay wagering, is a form of spread betting that involves betting against something to happen. For example, you may believe that a football team will not win their upcoming match. Rather than betting on their opponents to win, known as “backing”, you would place a lay bet against that team. If the team you lay does indeed fail to win the match, your bet wins.
The ability to bet against outcomes gives punters more flexibility. Lay betting also allows you to potentially profit from events not happening. For example, laying a heavily favored horse in a race because you expect it not to win. With traditional betting, you can only back a winner. Lay wagering opens up betting possibilities on outcomes not occurring.
Benefits of Lay Betting
There are several advantages to lay betting:
- Wider range of betting opportunities – You can bet against anything happening, not just back outcomes.
- Hedging bets – Lay betting allows you to hedge bets against potential losses on other wagers.
- Better odds – The odds when laying an outcome are often more favorable than backing an equivalent bet.
- Profit from events not happening – You can earn a return from something not occurring.
- Bookmaker’s edge removed – When laying on exchanges, you remove the bookmaker’s margin.
For these reasons, lay betting is increasing in popularity amongst more advanced punters in the UK. Now let’s examine what to look for in top lay betting sites and exchanges.
Features of the Best Lay Betting Sites
When looking for lay betting sites and exchanges, there are several key factors to consider:
Betting Exchange or Traditional Bookmaker
The first choice is between a betting exchange which facilitates lay bets between punters, or a traditional online bookmaker that allows lay betting. Exchanges connect people wanting to lay wagers with backers. With bookmakers, you lay bets against the house.
Both options are viable, but exchanges often offer better lay odds and more liquidity on unpopular selections. Exchanges charge commission on net winnings rather than build in an edge on every market.
Examples of top betting exchanges that permit lay betting include Betfair, Smarkets and Matchbook.
Range of Lay Betting Markets
A good lay betting site will offer the ability to lay wager across a wide range of sports and markets. At a minimum, all major sports like football, horse racing, tennis and golf should be covered. But the very best sites also permit lay betting on more obscure events too.
In terms of markets, you’ll want access to match odds/win markets at the very least. But additional markets like handicaps and correct score provide greater lay betting opportunities. Some exchanges even offer the ability to lay on financials like stock prices and politics.
Liquidity in Lay Betting Markets
Sufficient liquidity is important on any betting exchange or bookmaker. You want to know you can lay your chosen selection for a reasonable stake, and at a fair price. Exchanges with low liquidity often have large spreads between back and lay prices.
Check lay betting markets of interest at different times to assess liquidity. Liquidity can vary considerably based on the sport, league and timing. Football events on weekends typically see high liquidity for lay betting. But midweek tennis matches may struggle to attract lay wagerers.
Competitive Lay Betting Odds and Prices
As always when sports betting, the odds and prices available will impact your potential returns. Compare lay odds across different betting sites to find the most competitive. Exchanges tend to offer tighter spreads between back and lay prices due to lower margins.
Account for commission rates charged by exchanges too when assessing value. Lower commissions enhance net returns over the long run. Also check whether discounts are offered to high volume punters.
Strong User Interface and Betting Features
A good user interface makes lay betting straightforward. Clear labeling of back and lay odds/prices avoids confusion. One-click betting for swift placement of lay wagers is also a must. Additionally, features like cash-out, live streaming, and mobile compatibility add extra convenience.
Check for intuitive design and powerful features to optimize the lay betting experience. For instance, cash-out lets you lock in returns before the event ends. While live streaming helps make more informed lay decisions during a match.
In closing, lay betting opens up many possibilities for savvy punters to wager against outcomes. With the right lay betting site, you can access extensive markets with sufficient liquidity. Odds and pricing should be competitive, with minimal margins eating into returns. While a slick user interface packed with features improves usability. Following the guidance in this article will steer you towards the best lay betting sites and exchanges in the UK.
Remember as with any form of betting to gamble responsibly. Only wager what you can comfortably afford to lose, and never chase losses. Lay betting is ultimately a form of entertainment, the thrill coming from the unpredictability of sporting outcomes. Maintain perspective and enjoy lay betting on the merits of engaging with live events.
