Understanding Courtsiding

What is Courtsiding?

Courtsiding is an activity where two or more people collaborate to exchange real-time data on sports events. This data is then used to place fast bets using an in-play betting platform to take advantage of odds before they are altered. While it has caused some controversy, courtsiding is a legal activity that can help boost profits when used in the right way. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of courtsiding and see how the process works.

📖Courtsiding Defined
💰What's to gain?
🚫What's to lose?
❓Is it legal?
✅Sum it all up

What is Courtsiding and How Does it Work?

Courtsiding is an activity that is done when a person is present at a sporting event and they then relay specific game details and information to another person for the purpose of placing in-play wagers. This process is done to attempt to get bets in before sportsbooks receive updated stats and start to alter the odds. In short, courtsiding is a way to take advantage of technological delays by placing a bet on an outcome that has already occurred before the sportsbook gets that information. While this delay is mere seconds, that is enough time for bettors to take advantage of odds when placing live bets on certain events.

With courtsiding, the person physically attending the event is often just there to report information to bettors. The goal is to deliver information as fast as possible so that bets can be placed before sportsbooks can react and adjust the in-play betting odds. Staying one step ahead of a sportsbook, even if by a single second, can lead to some great wins by taking advantage of favorable odds before they are changed.

In short, courtsiding works in just a few steps:

Gathering Info – By attending live events courtsiders use various tools and techniques to gather details about the progress of a game or match.
Odds Discrepancies – Courtsiders are able to identify discrepancies between the real-time game situation and the odds offered at a sportsbook by analyzing real-time data. If a goal is scored and the sportsbook has not updated the odds, this is a perfect opportunity to place a bet and benefit from the favorable odds.
Place the Bet – After identifying the opportunity, special betting software or even mobile apps are used to place the bets at the same time at multiple betting sites. Speed is essential since there is a very small window of opportunity.

How is Courtsiding Beneficial?

When using courtsiding, there are some great advantages that can help bettors win larger amounts on a single in-play wager. One of the great benefits is that there will be guaranteed wins if the strategy is applied properly. This is largely because bettors know the outcome before the sportsbook does.

Another advantage is that longer odds can be taken advantage of, which will lead to even more wins. By acting quickly, profits can greatly be enhanced. Courtsiding is not limited to just a few sports. It can be done with almost any game or match as long as the selected sportsbook offers in-play betting.

Placing live bets while at an event provides a great edge as bettors will see things happen faster than what is reported by the sportsbook. Those who use courtsiding usually make use of risk management strategies. This can include hedging bets across various betting platforms. This helps to reduce the risks associated with betting.

Courtsiding at a Cost

While there are some super advantages to courtsiding, it is important to also be aware of the drawbacks. Every betting strategy has a positive and negative side. Take a look at some of the pitfalls associated with courtsiding.

At what price?

When courtsiding, many resources will be needed, including access to the live event, special devices or software, and a team of assistants. This can drive costs up, so it is not a good strategy for casual bettors or those with small bankrolls.

Possible Account Closure

Courtsiding is generally considered unfair activity at all of the top US sportsbooks and action will be taken if you're suspected to be taking part in a courtsiding scheme.

Tech Race

Sportsbooks are always becoming aware of tactics used by bettors to gain an edge. Online betting sites invest in technology to ensure they have the best software and most powerful platforms running. The race between technological arms can make it difficult for a courtsider to keep up and maintain that edge.

Is Courtsiding Legal?

The legality of courtsiding has been the focus of some debates in the betting industry. In most countries, there are no laws that ban courtsiding. There is one exception, which is Australia, where the Integrity in Sports Act banned the action of courtsiding. Those found to be engaging in this activity could face jail time. In other areas where it is not technically illegal, authorities will set the rules and limitations of courtsiding.

While not illegal, sportsbooks take time to track the activities of bettors so they can identify those engaging in courtsiding.

There are some sports where spotters are used at live events. This has become quite popular with tennis matches. These spotters have the sole responsibility of identifying courtsiders and removing them from events. In the US, individuals who have been banned from any event may still try to attend. In this case, they could be arrested for trespassing.

While not illegal, sportsbooks take time to track the activities of bettors so they can identify those engaging in courtsiding. If a pattern suggests one may be engaging in this, the betting site has the right to ban the individual and close the account based on their terms of service.

Afterall

Courtsiding is essentially a scheme to take advantage of sportsbooks by placing a bet before they have a chance to change the odds. It isn't uncommon to find courtsiding in elaborate mafia gambling scams. As mentioned, if bettors react faster than the sportsbooks, a profit can be made when placing in-play wagers. Many venues have reacted to this by banning betting at their events. They will even have personnel on the lookout for fans betting from the stadium.

If caught, some sportsbooks may terminate accounts or people may be banned from live events.

The process can be used in most sports, but it is very common with golf, tennis, and cricket. This betting activity does come with a risk. If caught, some sportsbooks may terminate accounts or people may be banned from live events.

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