Smarkets is a low-commission betting exchange offering a sleek interface, competitive odds, and a growing presence in both sports and political markets.
About Smarkets
Founded in 2008, Smarkets is a peer-to-peer betting exchange licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. It enables users to bet directly against each other, resulting in consistently tighter margins and better odds than traditional sportsbooks.
Smarkets was created with the goal of bringing greater transparency, efficiency, and technology to betting exchanges. The platform is built on proprietary technology that allows for fast execution, real-time data feeds, and a clean, modern interface. Unlike many older exchanges, Smarkets has positioned itself more like a fintech company than a traditional gambling brand.
In addition to its low, flat 2% commission, Smarkets has attracted attention for its political and current affairs markets — an area in which it often provides more liquidity and competitive pricing than its rivals. The exchange is also known for strong pricing models across football and racing, making it a popular platform for matched betting and trading strategies.
Smarkets offers API access for advanced users, along with third-party trading tool integration and historical market data. For high-volume traders, Smarkets provides a “Pro Tier” commission rate of 1%, offering further incentives for serious punters.
While Smarkets doesn’t yet match Betfair for liquidity in all markets, its tech-first approach, transparent pricing, and commitment to innovation make it one of the strongest Betfair alternatives available today.
Smarkets offers betting markets on the following sports: Both pre-match and in-play betting options are available, with back and lay functionality on all major sports. Smarkets supports a range of secure and convenient deposit and withdrawal methods for UK and international users. Smarkets applies a straightforward commission structure: Commission is only charged on net winnings; if you lose, there is no fee. Smarkets is not available in certain jurisdictions, including: Always refer to Smarkets’ terms or attempt registration to confirm eligibility in your country.Sports & Markets
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Current Signup Offer
Key Features
Smarkets is built for efficiency and value. With its low commission, sleek interface, and advanced trading capabilities, it offers a modern alternative to traditional bookmakers and legacy exchanges. Here’s what sets it apart:
Low Commission
Smarkets offers a flat 2% commission on net winnings, which is among the lowest in the industry. High-volume users can benefit from an even lower 1% commission rate.
Back & Lay Betting
As a true betting exchange, Smarkets allows users to both back (for) and lay (against) outcomes across all core markets, supporting a range of betting strategies.
Advanced Trading Tools
Smarkets provides API access for custom trading bots and data integrations, along with detailed market depth and real-time price movement information.
In-Play Betting
The platform offers in-play betting on key sports, with rapid odds updates and minimal lag, enabling users to react quickly as events unfold.
User-Friendly Interface
Smarkets’ mobile app (available on iOS and Android) mirrors its desktop functionality with a clean, modern interface, ensuring a smooth and stable user experience across devices.
Security & Licensing
Smarkets is licensed by both the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority, operating under strict regulatory standards. All transactions are protected by SSL encryption, and responsible gambling tools are readily available.
Smarkets FAQ
Smarkets is a licensed peer-to-peer betting exchange where users place bets against one another rather than against a traditional bookmaker, offering better odds and lower margins.
Users can back (bet for) or lay (bet against) outcomes. If another user matches your price, the bet is placed. Liquidity depends on market demand, and Smarkets earns revenue by charging a commission on net winnings.
Smarkets charges a flat 2% commission on net winnings per market. High-volume users may qualify for a reduced 1% commission rate.
Yes, Smarkets offers a cash-out feature on selected markets, allowing users to lock in profits or minimise losses before an event concludes.
Smarkets has limited support for third-party apps compared to other exchanges like Betfair or Matchbook. While it offers an API, access may be restricted and not all trading tools are compatible.
Smarkets is licensed in the UK and Malta but is restricted in some countries, including the USA, France, and Australia. Check local laws or attempt registration to confirm eligibility.
Yes, Smarkets has a mobile app for both iOS and Android, offering full access to the exchange with a clean and functional interface suitable for on-the-go betting.
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