According to Ricardo Santos, founder of Fulltrader Sports, bettors need to adapt to this reality, incorporating the uncertainty that accompanies each VAR review into their methodologies.
How does VAR change betting strategies?
During a game, bettors often buy and sell bets in real time, based on events such as a goal being scored.
According to Ricardo Santos, a data scientist specializing in statistical analysis for sports betting in football and founder of Fulltrader Sports, a leading Latin American company in Saas Software for the End of Sports Trade, the introduction of VAR could change the outcome of these events, significantly impacting open bets.
“If a goal is scored and a bettor, who bet against the team that scored the goal, decides to withdraw his bet assuming an imminent loss, VAR intervention can cancel this score, reversing the situation. Thus, what previously seemed like a defeat for the bettor turns into a potentially winning position,” he reveals.
According to the expert, bookmakers and exchanges have implemented specific policies to deal with the interruptions caused by VAR.
“Normally, bets placed during the VAR review may be canceled if the initial result is changed by the referee's decision following the review. This is due to the fact that the uncertainty generated by VAR affects the integrity and fairness of bets placed during or immediately after critical events,” he points out.
Most recommended strategies during VAR
Bettors should consider new strategies to mitigate the risks associated with VAR. A practice suggested by the founder of Fulltrader is to wait for final confirmation of critical events before closing a betting position.
“This wait can avoid losses caused by reverse VAR decisions, ensuring that bets are placed based on confirmed results. This period allows the market to stabilize and reduces the risk of hasty decisions based on emotions, such as anxiety or fear of missing out,” he states.
Ricardo believes that VAR has added a complex layer to the dynamics of sports betting.
“Bookmakers and bettors need to adapt to this reality, incorporating the uncertainty that accompanies each VAR review into their strategies. For the most anxious, the secret is patience and caution, avoiding hasty decisions that could be negatively affected by changes in the field. The in-depth understanding of how VAR works and its implications has become a competitive differentiator in the world of sports betting,” he concludes.
Source: GMB
