| Millions of pounds profit is made each year by the | | | | You might fall into this category, maybe you have a |
| bookmakers. They make most of this money simply | | | | unique method for choosing that hot horse in a race, or |
| by taking back bets from people who think that the | | | | maybe you study the statistics relating to football |
| outcome of an event will win. This is known as the | | | | before you make that all important back bet. If so, then |
| traditional way of 'back' betting. The bookmaker keeps | | | | you have done extremely well and I wish you luck, but |
| your stake money if the bet loses. If the bet wins the | | | | you are very much in the minority. |
| bookmaker pays you your winnings. You become the | | | | The lay bet - typical 'layers' attitude ... |
| 'backer'. | | | | There is one very important thing that most 'backers' |
| A 'layer' is the complete opposite of a 'backer', it's | | | | and 'layers' are likely to have in common - they both |
| basically the same as playing the role of the | | | | want to make as much money as possible in the |
| bookmaker. Since the introduction of betting | | | | shortest possible amount of time. This fact is |
| exchanges such as Betfair, you now have the unique | | | | undoubtedly true, but with some important differences. |
| opportunity to lay bets in the same way as a | | | | The 'layer' will not be expecting to make a killing from |
| bookmaker. If the outcome of the event that you lay | | | | just one lay bet, therefore is likely to be more patient |
| bet does indeed lose, then you get to keep the stake | | | | and better prepared, safe in the knowledge that the |
| money just like the bookmaker. You become the | | | | Betfair lay bet is readily available. |
| 'layer'. | | | | Patience will play a big part in all successful 'layers', |
| As the saying goes "you rarely see a poor bookie". | | | | their attitude to risk will be much better adjusted, |
| Therefore, you may ask the following question:- | | | | knowing that their profit will come over a period of |
| If you can make money from lay betting in the same | | | | time by strictly following a good staking plan, they will |
| way as a bookie, by being a 'layer', why would anyone | | | | only lay bet when their system indicates a strong lay |
| want to be a 'backer'? | | | | betting opportunity. |
| The answer depends mainly on your own personality | | | | Now we all know that it's much more difficult to pick a |
| and what your expectations from lay betting and | | | | winner, than it is to pick a loser. Therefore, unlike the |
| gambling are. Let me explain ... | | | | 'backer', the odds are stacked very much in the 'layers' |
| The back bet - typical 'backers' attitude ... | | | | favour as far as the probability of a successful lay bet |
| Someone looking for a 'quick fix', knowing that each | | | | is concerned. |
| time they make a back bet the odds are stacked | | | | However, the inexperienced 'layer' needs to be careful |
| firmly against them, they are lured into 'backing' based | | | | that they don't become over confident, by making lay |
| purely on a hunch, or a betting tip, maybe from a mate | | | | bets on events that they know absolutely nothing |
| at work. For handing over a relatively small amount of | | | | about, or by falling into the trap of thinking that lay |
| cash,combined with the exciting prospect of a possible | | | | betting is easy. |
| good win looming, the temptation can be simply too | | | | On the other hand, the modern clued up 'layer' will stick |
| much to resist. | | | | rigidly to what they know and will only lay bet when |
| If you enter a bookmaker's premises you will often | | | | they feel completely confident in their selection |
| observe many 'gamblers' with their lists of lucky | | | | process. They will never lay bet with money that is |
| numbers, betting tips, hot tips etc, going about the | | | | needed for other important things like household bills, |
| same routine always used to make their selections. A | | | | only using money that is set aside purely for their lay |
| couple of minutes before each race, they hurriedly | | | | betting activities. Sticking rigidly to a good solid staking |
| glance through the race card, make their selection then | | | | plan they will never over commit themselves. |
| run to the counter to place their back bet, then | | | | If your aim is to be highly successful at lay betting on |
| invariably watch it lose. The strange thing is that they | | | | Betfair, you should be looking to achieve a win rate of |
| follow this same pattern race after race, day after | | | | around 9 times out of 10. This is realistically achievable. |
| day, week in week out - and the bookies love them! | | | | Remember you are looking for losers, not winners. |
| Now, I realise that not everyone fits into the above | | | | I do hope that you have enjoyed reading this article |
| categories. Sometimes, 'backers' will put in that extra | | | | and it helps you to decide whether you are a 'backer' |
| effort needed, to help them arrive at their betting | | | | or a 'layer'. |
| selections, by studying form, analysing stats, or maybe | | | | As you have probably guessed by now, I am definitely |
| you have access to good quality betting tips and | | | | a 'layer'. |
| advice etc. | | | | Which one are you? |