How to use the Betfair Exchange to get better odds on Arsenal vs Spurs

The North London Derby headlines the Premier League this weekend as Arsenal welcome Tottenham to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Unai Emery’s side are third in the table after taking six points from their opening three games, and will be determined to make it three wins from four against their bitter rivals.

Spurs have endured an erratic start to the season with a 2-2 draw at Manchester City followed by a home defeat against Newcastle, and face a daunting task to win an away fixture against Arsenal for just the second time in Premier League history.

Five of the last 10 North London derbies in the league have ended in a draw and Betfair Sportsbook offer 13/5 (3.60) that this fixture is a stalemate. However, bettors can find more value using the Betfair Exchange, where a draw is priced at 11/4 (3.75).

What is the Betfair Exchange?

The Betfair Exchange is the world’s largest sports betting exchange. It follows the model of a stock exchange but replacing share trading with betting odds on events in the world of sport, politics and entertainment. T&Cs apply.

On any betting market, there are two sides of the bet. On one side, there are those who think an event will happen (backers) and on the other, those who think it won’t happen (the layers).

The Betfair Exchange allows customers to bet against each other rather than a traditional bookmaker, meaning players can set their own odds which may be longer than regular sportsbooks.

Backers and layers get bets ‘matched’ as long as they agree on a price (the odds) that an event will or won’t happen.

Arsenal vs Spurs Betting

The North London derby is usually a feisty affair, with both Premier League clashes between the sides last season seeing a red card, along with a total of three penalties awarded.

However, goals themselves are generally at a premium with just one of the last seven games seeing over 2.5 goals, and this weekend the odds for this to happen are 5/4 (2.25) on the Betfair Sportsbook, while the same bet is 7/5 (2.40) on the Betfair Exchange, giving punters extra value on that selection.

How does the Betfair Exchange work?

By matching customers, rather than taking the risk itself, the Exchange provides the option to ‘lay’ - betting on something not to happen.

Betting against other customers removes the need for the margin that fixed-odds bookmakers incorporate into their prices and provides the opportunity for a more efficient marketplace, which is why you can often get better odds on the Betfair Exchange. Instead, customers pay a small commission, but on winnings only.

How do I sign up to the Betfair Exchange?

To sign up, simply follow this link or any of the relevant ones on this page and simply register for an account as usual.