What will you find in this article?
- What is a punter
- What is a trader
- What are the differences between being a punter and a trader
- What are the similarities
- Being a Punter or a Trader: which is better
- What is a punter?
- What is a trader?
- What are the differences between punters and traders?
- What are the best bookmakers for punters?
First of all, we will start by answering the question "What is a punter". Then, of course, we will also talk about what is a trader. Once we have come to these conclusions, we will then explain the differences and similarities between them.
Is it possible to determine which is better, being a punter or a trader? Given the differences between the two, it all depends on the investment you want to make in sports betting, but you can read more about it in this article.
To make sure you don't miss anything, here you can also get to know the best bookmakers for traders and punters.
Read on to learn all about the differences between being a punter and being a trader.
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What is a punter?
A phrase that is often used to understand the concept of punter is that this type of bettor plays against the bookmaker. Traders are the ones who play against each other and not against bookmakers, which is one of the key differences between being a punter and a trader, but we will talk more about this below.
Thus, at sportsbooks, a punter is a bettor who usually makes pre-event bets,i.e. before the matches start. It is possible for a punter to place live bets, yes, but it is not that common. They bet at so-called Sportsbook bookmakers, as opposed to the betting exchanges areas used by traders.
This is because punters are not bettors who invest as much time as traders. Even so, they also study and analyse the matches in order to choose the best betting options. Here at the Betting Academy, punters can read previews and tips on how to best prepare their bets.
Another thing about punters is that they are always looking for the best odds. As they usually place pre-event bets, this allows them to find the most favourable odds. They are often registered with different bookmakers to find the best possible value for their bets.
The fact that they bet before matches start also allows them to explore more markets and leagues. Of course, a trader can do this to, but usually focuses on live betting and remains focused on what is happening in specific matches and in its most advantageous markets.
What is a trader?
If a punter bets against the house, the trader bets against other traders. How? Through so-called "Betting Exchanges", such as Betfair, which are betting exchanges that serve as a platform for the exchange of such bets.
Have you ever heard the terms "back" and "lay"? These terms are the most common in sports betting trading. "Back" means that the player bets in favour of a certain event occurring and "lay" against that outcome occurring. Of course, the money of the opponents is taken by those who get the bet right.
While the punter acts a lot in pre-live, that is, before the event starts, the trader works during live matches and that is one of the main differences. That is why traders tend to be people with more time to dedicate to betting, because they can follow the matches and try to predict what is going to happen.
In this sense, it is possible for the trader to place many bets on the same event. Let's say he focuses on goal markets: if he bets that a goal will be scored and he is right, it is very likely that he will keep watching and analysing the match to try to enter the market again with more bets.
Of course, as you have probably already understood, traders must be experienced players. There is no point in placing "back" and "lay" bets if the bettor does not know the sport very well. We are talking about something that is complex and should only be done by experts.
It should also be noted that the complexity is such that traders make extensive use of trading software, another difference between punters and traders.
What are the differences between being a punter and a trader?
With the previous topics, you will have already understood some of the differences between being a punter and a trader. Nevertheless, we have prepared a summary of some of the key points regarding the differences.
- Bets
A punter is more likely to place pre-live bets, whereas a trader works mainly on live bets, i.e. on the events as they unfold. So, although a punter may bet live, he remains active with few bets. The trader, on the other hand, is always looking for new bets during the matches. However, despite the differences between punters and traders, determining the fair odds is always essential in either case.
- Analysis
While it is clear that both analyse data before the match starts, the punter does not usually continue to do so during the course of the match. On the contrary, as mentioned above, the trader analyses and keeps a close eye on the development of the game in order to be able to open and close various live bets.
- Use of software
The punter can use betting software, but they will be basic and with simple information that allows him to see teams, results and statistics. The trader, on the other hand, uses so-called trading software, such as BangBangBets.
- Experience and expertise
Of course, a punter can be a very experienced bettor with a lot of sports knowledge. However, it is the trader who is really required to be an expert, so that he can make good live analysis while looking to open and close bets quickly.
- Bookmakers
Punters use more common betting sites, i.e., bookmakers such as bet365. Traders, on the other hand, look for betting exchanges such as the popular Betfair.
What are the similarities?
Of course, there are also several similarities between punters and traders. In this topic, we will discuss the three main ones:
- Analysis
We said above, when we talked about the differences between being a punter and a trader, that the latter can do more analysis than the former, especially live. Despite this, there is still a similarity: both are attentive to all the details of each team involved in each match. In that sense, in the Academy they have the possibility to read previews or consult statistics.
- Value bets
Of course, both are looking to determine fair odds on any bet they place. It makes no sense to always place bets with negative expected value, because it is not profitable in the long run. So, despite the differences between punters and traders, both are looking for the best odds.
- Bank management
Whether in betting or even in a casino, controlling spending and splitting the bankroll is a very important detail for any bettor. Read our article on what is bankroll management in sports betting to find out more.
Being a Punter or a Trader: which is better?
It cannot be said that being a punter is better than being a trader or vice versa. It is not a question of advantages or disadvantages, nor of the differences between being a punter and being a trader: in the end, it all depends on the profile of each individual.
Of course, if you are inexperienced, it is certainly better to start by being a punter. For the more experienced, trading may be a good option, but even that is no guarantee of success.
Being a trader requires a lot of dedication. For example, it takes a lot of time to follow the matches. Even if he works with a single match, the trader has to be attentive to all 90 minutes, in the case of a football match. The punter does not work much live and therefore does not have so many worries in that sense.
Emotional control, for example, is also essential for traders, as they have to remain mentally steady while closing and opening bets. This is one of the most talked about factors in sports trading, but it can also affect punters.
The conclusion is that there is no one better or worse than the other. It all depends on your profile and experience and the dedication with which you want to invest.
Get to know the Sports Betting Course by Paulo Rebelo
Finally, you should understand that a good punter is always looking for the best odds. It is therefore a good idea to be registered at different bookmakers, because this way you can take advantage of the best odds.
✅ What is a punter in sports betting?
✅ What is a sports betting trader?
✅ What are the differences between being a punter and a trader?
✅ Which is the best betting exchange for traders?
✅ What is the best bookmaker for a punter?
