Sharp bookmakers vs soft bookmakers
Some of you may be new to the concept of sharp and soft bookmakers so in this guide we’ll look at what they mean, what the difference is and which you should use for your betting in 2019.
Let’s get straight into it and check out what soft bookmakers are.
What are soft bookmakers?
Soft bookmakers are online betting websites designed for casual punters looking to place the occasional bet. These bookmakers are so-called soft, as their odds do not always represent the true market price.
Here are some key characteristics of soft bookmakers:
- Slow to alter odds
- Account restrictions more likely
- Aimed at the casual punter
Let’s check out these in more detail.
Slow to adjust odds
Soft bookmakers change their odds more slowly than sharp bookmakers meaning there is often a discrepancy in odds between the two different types.
Let’s say that Harry Kane pulled out of an England game 5 hours before kick-off due to an unforeseen injury. This may have an impact on the game and is likely to change the probability of different outcomes.
A soft bookmaker is unlikely to change the odds immediately, therefore meaning the odds don’t reflect the true market price.
A soft bookmaker may take a couple of minutes or longer to alter their odds whereas a sharp bookmaker may change their odds every second.
But why do soft bookmakers do this?
Here’s the thing, casual punters are not that bothered about having the odds updated every second. They just want good value from their bets. They’re not interested in a price moving by a couple of decimal points. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not going to change that much.
Account restrictions more likely
Account restrictions and bans are likely to happen more quickly and often at soft bookmakers. Despite soft bookmakers having many advantages, this is certainly not one of them.
It’s common knowledge that many bookmakers don’t want their punters to be too successful. If certain punter accounts negatively affect their bottom line, bookies will add stake restrictions and potentially even account bans.
Whilst you can understand the logic behind this, it’s very annoying for punters. The only way to completely avoid account restrictions and bans is by using betting sites like Smarkets or betconnect.
Soft bookmakers know they’re generally offering greater value than sharp bookies. That attracts a greater number of bettors but it also opens the way for abusers to take advantage. It’s generally this kind of bettor that has their account gubbed or restricted in some way.
Soft bookmakers are aimed at the casual punter
As I mentioned earlier in the article, soft bookmakers are designed to appeal to casual punters looking to place bets for fun. There’s no need for bookies to keep changing the odds if punters don’t require it. It’s just an added cost.
As you’d imagine, soft bookmakers appeal to a wide range of punters. There are far more casual bettors than there are professional punters which is why you see so many adverts on TV.
Examples of soft bookmakers
So which bookies class as soft bookmakers?
Most of your high-street bookies and common online bookmakers are classed as soft bookmakers. Here are some of the most well-known soft bookmakers:
- Bet365
- Coral
- Ladbrokes
So what are sharp bookmakers in comparison?
What are sharp bookmakers?
Sharp bookmakers are the opposite of soft bookmakers and they’re designed for serious punters and professionals. They’re called sharp as the odds are often the most up to date in the marketplace.
They are very quick to react to changes in the marketplace meaning their odds are often correctly priced.
Here are some of the key characteristics:
- Quick to alter odds and react to market changes
- Accept traders and arbitrage bettors
- Aimed at professional gamblers
Quick to alter odds
As opposed to soft bookmakers, sharp bookies alter their odds very quickly. If a key player is suddenly injured before a game, a sharp bookmaker would change their odds within a few seconds of the announcement.
Therefore, the odds are generally the true market price. You can’t always find as much value at sharp bookmakers as you can at soft bookmakers but they also have their benefits as we’ll find out next.
Accept traders and arbitrage bettors
Sharp bookmakers accept all kinds of bettors on their platforms. If you take part in trading or arbitrage betting, sharp bookies are a perfect match for you.
You’re very unlikely to get banned or restricted at these bookmakers ultimately increasing your long term profitability.
As we saw earlier, traders and arbitrage bettors are not very popular in the eyes of soft bookmakers.
Aimed at professional gamblers
Sharp bookmakers are built with serious and professional gamblers in mind. Casual punters are less likely to find much value from these bookies.
Examples of sharp bookmakers
There are far less sharp than soft bookmakers in the betting industry due to the demand. However, here are just a few examples of sharp bookmakers:
- Smarkets
- betconnect
- Pinnacle
Soft or sharp bookmakers – Which should you use?
So now you know the difference between sharp and soft bookmakers, which type is best for your betting in 2019?
As with most things, your decision will depend on your circumstances and what you want to use your betting for.
Using sharp bookmakers is ideal for arbitrage betting and trading. Whilst there is great value in using soft bookmakers for this purpose, your accounts are likely to be gubbed or restricted very early. Having said that, you should definitely take as much value as you can from soft bookmakers.
In most betting scenarios you’ll be looking to take advantage of a difference in price between two bookmakers. The biggest differences in price often occur between soft and sharp bookmakers meaning it’s important to use both.
Let me know which type of bookmaker you prefer to use by leaving a comment below right now.