Cricket betting exchanges: back, lay and liability explained

How is an exchange different from a bookmaker?

A bookmaker sets the prices and takes the other side of your bet. On an exchange, bettors take opposite sides against each other, so you can lay as well as back. Among the sites we review, StumpsUp runs a betting exchange aimed at experienced bettors.

What is the difference between backing and laying?

Backing works like a normal bet: you win if your team or outcome succeeds. Laying reverses it. You take the bookmaker's role and win if the outcome fails. The same number means something different in each column, so check which one you are tapping before you confirm.

How is lay liability worked out?

Liability equals the lay stake multiplied by the odds minus one. Lay ₹100 at 3.0 and your liability is ₹200. If the outcome fails, you keep the ₹100. If it happens, you pay ₹200.

Which cricket markets appear on an exchange?

• Match winner, settled on the official result, including a DLS result when that rule applies.
• Toss winner, which closes as the coin is tossed.
• Innings or match totals. Check the rule on extras.
• Session or over markets, live only, where in-play pricing matters most.
• Player runs or wickets, once the XI is confirmed and the name is listed.

How do exchange prices move during a match?

• Before the toss, prices move on team news, pitch reports and weather.
• After the toss, conditions such as dew are priced in within seconds.
• In play, wickets and big overs cause the sharpest moves, and session prices update every ball.
• Markets pause after big moments and reopen at new prices, so a price from ten minutes ago is gone.

How can backing and laying lock in a position?

If you back a team at a high price and it later shortens, laying the same team at the lower price can secure a result whichever side wins. This is called trading, and it only works if the price moves your way. Cash-out does something similar where a site offers it.

What should you check before an exchange bet?

• Whether you are in the back column or the lay column.
• Your liability, if you are laying.
• Whether the market is pre-match or live.
• The settlement rules for ties, Super Overs, rain and abandoned games.
• A screenshot of the confirmation, so you can compare it with your bet history later.