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Writer's pictureGreg Kajewski

Peer Betting vs Traditional Sportsbooks: Pros and Cons

Looking to understand peer-to-peer betting vs traditional sportsbooks? Here's what you need to know:


Quick Overview: P2P betting lets you bet directly with other users, while sportsbooks are the traditional "house" that takes your bets.

Feature

P2P Betting

Sportsbooks

Fees

1-2% commission

10% house cut

Odds

You set them

House sets them

Speed

Need matching, but can be instant

Instant bets

Markets

All Major sports

All sports

Bonuses

None

$200-1,000+ offers

Availability

45+ states

30+ states

P2P Betting Makes Sense If You Want:

  • Lower fees (1-2% vs 10%)

  • Control over odds

  • To bet against other players

  • Access in more states


Use Sportsbooks If You Need:

  • More betting options

  • Parlay bets

  • Brick and Mortar Experience


The sports betting market hit $119.84 billion in 2023, up 27.5% from 2022. Four companies control 90% of U.S. sports betting:

This guide breaks down everything about both betting types, helping you pick the right platform for your needs.

Related video from YouTube




What is Peer-to-Peer Betting?

P2P betting is like eBay for sports bets - instead of betting against a sportsbook, you bet directly with other people.

It's pretty simple: You post a bet you want to make, and someone else takes the other side. No bookmaker needed.


How P2P Betting Works

The concept is straightforward:

  • You can make bets OR take bets from others

  • YOU set the odds (not a sportsbook)

  • Platforms only take a small cut from winners

  • You're betting against real people

Here's a real example from Smarkets: Let's say you want Cowboys -3. You post your bet at -113 odds. Another bettor takes Eagles +3 at -107. When someone wins, Smarkets just takes 2%.


The Betting Process

Step

What You Do

1. Sign Up

Enter your info and create an account

2. Pick Event

Find the game you want to bet on

3. Set or Take Terms

Choose your odds and bet amount

4. Post Bet

Wait for another bettor to match you

5. Match Found

Bet locks when someone takes it

6. Get Paid

Platform sends money to winner

Popular P2P Platforms

  • No Vig

  • Covers NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA, MLS, NCAA Football, NCAA Basketball, EPL, NASCAR, & UFC

  • Works in 45+ states

  • Has social features built-in

  • Includes bet tracking for easy analysis on where to win more

Smarkets

  • Takes 2% from winners

  • $15+ billion in bets handled

  • Running since 2010

  • Big in the UK

  • Started in 2018

  • Works outside US/Canada/Europe

  • Set your own odds

  • Has iOS and Android apps


P2P betting isn't slowing down. Numbers show it'll hit $200 billion in bets by 2027. That's why new platforms keep popping up - bettors want to skip the middleman and bet directly with each other.


How Sportsbooks Work

Sportsbooks operate like casinos - you bet against the house, not other players. The house sets the odds and handles all bets directly.


What is a Sportsbook?

A sportsbook's business model is simple:

  • Takes bets on sports

  • Controls the odds

  • Pays winners

  • Makes money from losing bets

Here's the key point: Every bet you make is with the house, NOT other bettors.


How Sportsbooks Make Money

Every bet includes a hidden fee called "vig" or "juice". Here's what it looks like:

Bet Amount

Potential Win

Vig/Juice

House Profit

$110

$100

-110 odds

$10

$220

$200

-110 odds

$20

$550

$500

-110 odds

$50

Let me break this down:

If two people bet $110 on opposite sides, the house:

  • Gets $220 total

  • Pays out $210 to the winner

  • Pockets $10 profit


The numbers don't lie. Since mid-2018, US sportsbooks have:

  • Handled $92.5 billion in bets

  • Made $6.8 billion (7.4%) in revenue


What the House Does

The house stays profitable by managing these key areas:

Action

Purpose

Setting odds

Control potential payouts

Adjusting lines

Balance betting on both sides

Managing limits

Control maximum bet sizes

Offering markets

Decide which events to cover

Here's a real example: If too many people bet on the Eagles at -6.5, the house might move it to -7 or change -110 odds to -120. This helps protect their position.

The main goal? Get equal money on both sides. This lets them use losing bets to pay winners while keeping their fee.


Limiting Bettors

The more the bettor wins, the more likely they are to get limited, take it from a conversation with Scott Pritchard, professional sports bettor for 31+ years.




Key Features Compared

Let's break down how peer betting stacks up against traditional sportsbooks. Here's what you need to know:


Placing Your Bets

Peer betting lets you call the shots - you set your odds and wait for someone to take your bet. With sportsbooks? Just pick from their menu and you're done.

Feature

Peer Betting

Sportsbooks

Bet Creation

You make the rules

Pick from what's offered

Matching

Need other bettors

Instant bets

Bet Types

Basic user-to-user

Full range + parlays

Odds Control

You negotiate

House sets everything

What It Costs

The money side is pretty simple:

Platform

How They Charge

What You Pay

Sportsbooks

Hidden in -110 odds

$10 for every $110 bet

Peer Betting

Small win fee

1-2% when you win

Platform Experience

Feature

Peer Betting

Sportsbooks

Interface

Simple matching system

Full betting suite

Live Updates

Basic

Everything in real-time

Mobile Apps

Hit or miss

Solid apps everywhere

Support

Great Support

Round-the-clock team

What You Can Bet On

Category

Peer Betting

Sportsbooks

Major Sports

✓

✓

Minor Leagues

Some

Most

International

Some

Most

Live Betting

Basic

Everything live

Money Management

Feature

Peer Betting

Sportsbooks

Deposits

Basic options

Lots of choices

Withdrawals

Quick and Easy

Quick and regulated

Betting Limits

Based on User Interest in Game

House rules

Payment Options

Fewer choices

All major methods

Quick Compare

Feature

Peer Betting

Sportsbooks

Odds Value

Usually better

House takes cut

Bet Speed

Need matches

Instant bets

Market Size

Smaller

Big and busy

Bonuses

Not common

$200-1,000 offers

State Access

45+ states

30+ states

Mobile Apps

Basic stuff

Full package

Getting Paid

Varies

Fast, regulated

Help When Needed

Basic

Always there

Benefits of Peer Betting

P2P betting changes the game by cutting out traditional sportsbooks. Here's what makes it different:


No House Cut

The math is simple: you keep more of your winnings with peer betting. Check out the difference:

Bet Amount

Sportsbook (-110 odds)

Peer Betting (1% fee)

$100

$90.90 profit

$99 profit

$500

$454.50 profit

$495 profit

$1000

$909 profit

$990 profit

Want to make money? You'll need a 52.4% win rate at sportsbooks. With peer betting? Just 50.25% does the job.


Betting Your Way

P2P betting puts YOU in control. Make bets how you want, when you want, with who you want. Set your odds, pick your terms, and create bets that make sense to you.


Better Odds

Two big ways peer betting gives you an edge:

Feature

How It Works

Your Benefit

Market-Based Odds

Players set prices

Better deals

No Hidden Fees

1-2% win fee only

More profit

Even Money Lines

+100 both sides

No house edge

More Options

P2P platforms open up new doors:

Option

What You Can Do

Custom Bets

Make your own lines

Lay Betting

Bet against outcomes

Price Setting

Pick your odds

Market Making

Set your lines

Social Betting

Platforms like BettorEdge make betting social:

  • See what others bet on

  • Join betting contests

  • Track hot bets

  • Share with friends

Plus, you can bet in 45+ states - that's MORE than traditional sportsbooks (30+ states).




Drawbacks of Peer Betting

P2P betting comes with some key limitations. Let's look at what you should know:


Finding Matching Bets

The biggest headache can be getting your bets matched. Here's what you're up against:

Problem

Why It Matters

Not Enough Users

Hard to find betting partners on smaller games

Limited Markets

Most matches only on big games

Long Wait Times

Could take an hour or two to match a bet

Getting Started

P2P betting isn't as simple as regular sportsbooks:

Challenge

Description

Setting Odds

You either need to know your number or use their tools to help

Basic Platform

Can be Less user-friendly than big books

No Free Money

Less welcome bonuses as not known for free money

Fewer Betting Options

P2P platforms can't match sportsbook variety:

Feature

Sportsbooks

P2P Betting

Sports Options

30+ sports

Major leagues or custom markets

Bet Types

Tons of choices

Basic bets and main prop markets

Live Betting

Full service

Usually Spread/Total/Overs

Props/Parlays

Always there

Mostly Available for Main Players

Benefits of Sportsbooks

Here's what makes standard sportsbooks the go-to choice for most bettors:

Core Features

What You Get

Why It Matters

Fast Payouts

Money hits your account right after wins

Licensed Platform

Your funds stay safe and protected

Set Odds

See exact prices before you bet

Mobile Access

Bet from your phone, anywhere

Quick Betting

Place bets in seconds:

Feature

What It Does

Always Open

Bet whenever you want

Full Markets

Pick any game on the board

In-Game Action

Bet while games are live

Instant Lock-in

Your bet's confirmed right away

Customer Support

Get help when you need it:

Type

What You Get

Non-Stop Help

Support team ready 24/7

How-To Guides

Learn betting basics fast

Account Support

Fix money issues quickly

Guaranteed Pay

House backs your winnings

Bonus Money

Top sportsbooks give you extra cash:

Book

New Player Offer

BetMGM

Up to $1,500 bonus bets

Caesars

$1,000 first bet insurance

FanDuel

Bet $5, get $150 bonus

DraftKings

Bet $5, get $200 bonus

$1,000 first bet reset

Sports Selection

More options than P2P sites:

Type

What's Available

Big Leagues

NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, Soccer

Other Sports

Golf, Tennis, MMA, Boxing

Ways to Bet

Props, Parlays, Live Action

Special Events

Playoffs, Drafts, Awards

"We pack everything a bettor needs into one spot - live streams, bet builders, the works." - BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt

That's why sportsbooks stay on top: they give bettors a complete package that just works.

Drawbacks of Sportsbooks

Here's what you need to know about sportsbook limitations:

House Fees Impact

The house always takes its cut - and it's bigger than you might think:

Fee Type

How It Affects You

Vigorish (Vig)

Takes 10% from most bets

Parlay Markup

Higher fees on multi-game bets

Hidden Costs

Extra charges for withdrawals

Payout Limits

Max win caps, often 75% of potential

Account Restrictions

Sportsbooks don't like when you win too much. Here's what they do about it:

Limit Type

What Happens

Bet Size Caps

Max bet drops (e.g., $200 to $13)

Complete Bans

No more bets allowed

Partial Limits

Smaller bets only

Live Bet Delays

Forced waiting period

"We just couldn't get the states to adopt it." - Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, on pushing for better consumer protections

Fixed Odds Issues

The house sets the rules - and they're NOT in your favor:

Problem

Impact

House Control

Can't negotiate better prices

Market Gaps

Missing odds on some events

Price Shifts

Odds change without warning

Value Loss

House edge built into every bet

Winner Restrictions

Just 4 sportsbooks control 90% of the U.S. market. Here's how they treat winners:

Action

Example

Account Reviews

After winning streaks (8-2, 7-3)

Lower Limits

Cut max bets after $1,900 profit

Platform Bans

FanDuel: lighter limits


DraftKings: heavy restrictions

The numbers tell the story: U.S. bettors placed $220 billion in bets since May 2018. Between May 2022 and April 2023, they bet $90 billion - up 22% from the previous year. But more betting doesn't mean better odds of winning. Instead, sportsbooks keep tightening their grip on how much - and how often - you can bet.


Choosing a Platform

Here's what you need to know about betting platforms - broken down for both new and experienced bettors.


New Bettor Guide

Starting out? Here's a quick comparison of your main options:

Feature

Sportsbook

P2P Platform

Min Deposit

$10-50

$25-50

Interface

Simple menus

User Friendly

Support

24/7 help

Daytime Support

Markets

All major sports

Less options on Deep Player Market

Bonuses

Sign-up offers

Fewer bonuses

Want free bets? Here's what the big names offer:

  • FanDuel: Put down $5, get $300 in bonus bets

  • DraftKings: Bet $5, receive $200 bonus

  • BetMGM: First bet loses? Get up to $1,500 back


Expert Bettor Guide

If you've been around the block, here's what matters:

Priority

Sportsbook

P2P Platform

Odds

Fixed by house

Market-driven

Fees

10% vig

1-2% commission

Limits

Strict caps

Based on liquidity

Strategy

Standard bets

Back/lay options

Max Deposits

$500-15,000

Varies by platform

Using Both Options

Smart money uses multiple platforms. Here's why:

Goal

Platform Choice

Quick Bets

Sportsbooks

Best Odds

P2P for popular events

Large Wagers

Split across platforms

Promotions

Sportsbooks

Social Betting

P2P platforms

"The decision between bookmakers and betting exchanges should be based on what offers the most value for your individual goals." - Toby, Creator & Writer of Punter2Pro

Where to Bet:

Where It's Legal:

  • Sportsbooks: 30+ states and counting

  • P2P betting: 40+ states and counting


What's Next

The sports betting world is changing fast. Let's look at what's happening:


Industry Changes

The numbers tell the story: Sports betting hit $11 billion in 2023 - that's a 44% jump from 2022.

Change

Impact

P2P Growth

SX Bet hit $350M in trading volume since 2019

Cost Cuts

P2P platforms cost 90% less than sportsbooks

Mobile Focus

70%+ of U.S. bets happen on phones

Market Size

iGaming set to reach $30B by 2025

New Technology

P2P betting isn't just cheaper - it's getting smarter:

Feature

How It Works

AI Odds

Prices update in real-time using AI

Bet Mining

Win bets, earn tokens

API Access

Create your own betting tools

VR/AR

Watch games in virtual stadiums

Social Tools

Talk and trade with other bettors

Here's what SX Bet's CEO Andrew Young thinks about it:

"We think it's time for a revolution. It's time to make sports betting more equitable, accessible, and rewarding for all sports bettors out there."

Summary

Here's a clear breakdown of P2P betting vs traditional sportsbooks:

Factor

P2P Betting

Traditional Sportsbooks

Fees

1-2% commission

Up to 10% house cut

Odds

Market-driven, better prices

Fixed by bookmaker

Liquidity

Better for Large Events

High across all markets

Features

Social betting, custom odds

Parlays, instant bets

Coverage

Main sports only

Wide range of events

Getting Started

More complex

User-friendly

P2P Betting Makes Sense If You Want:

  • To pay WAY less in fees (1-2% vs 10%)

  • Better odds across the board

  • To set your own betting terms

  • To bet against other players


Sportsbooks Work Better If You Need:

  • A simple betting process

  • Bets that match right away

  • Lots of different sports to bet on

  • To make parlay bets

"The simplest answer is bookmakers are better for recreational punters and betting exchanges are better for serious punters." - Wes Burns, Co-Founder / Gambling Industry Expert

The Numbers Tell The Story:

  • P2P betting costs 90% less than sportsbooks

  • The betting market hit $89 billion in 2021

  • It's headed to $144.34 billion by 2023

  • You can bet through P2P in 45+ states using platforms like BettorEdge


Here's the bottom line: You don't have to pick just one. Use P2P betting for major sports where you want better odds. Switch to sportsbooks when you need more options or want to bet on smaller events.

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