What is courtsiding? (how it works + how to protect your bet)
Quick summary
This article explains what courtsiding is, how it works, and how it can put your bets at risk. We compare courtsiding with match-fixing, highlighting the key differences, and provide tips on how to spot courtsiding and protect your bets from insider tricks. For more articles like this, visit our blog, The Advantage.
Want to guard your bets against insider tricks?
Have you ever seen the odds change before the play even shows up on your screen? That could be courtsiding. It happens when someone at the game sends updates to others faster than the sportsbooks can react, giving them an unfair edge and putting your bets at risk.
In this guide, we’ll break down what courtsiding is, how it works, and most importantly, how you can protect your bets from being affected by it.
What is courtsiding?
Courtsiding is a betting fraud that exploits time delays in live sports coverage. Someone inside the stadium sends instant updates to outside bettors, letting them place bets a few seconds before sportsbooks adjust their odds.
It’s most common in tennis and basketball, where each point or basket can quickly change the lines. Unlike match-fixing, courtsiding doesn’t alter the outcome of a game, it simply abuses faster access to information.
How does courtsiding work?
- The play happens live: A point is scored in tennis, or a basket is made in basketball.
- Insider sends updates: Someone in the arena texts or transmits the result instantly to a partner outside.
- Bettor places the wager: The partner places a live bet before the sportsbook adjusts its line to reflect the new play.
- The odds update: By the time sportsbooks and broadcasts catch up, the bet has already been locked in at more favorable odds.
This process doesn’t require players or referees to cheat. It only relies on a few seconds of delay, but that’s enough to tilt the market and put regular bettors at a disadvantage.
Real-world examples of courtsiding
Gerard Joseph Platero Rodriguez courtsiding scandal (2020)
In 2019, Spanish tennis player, Gerard Joseph Platero Rodriguez, was caught courtsiding at an ITF tournament in Pittsburgh. He sent live scoring data to others for betting, placed multiple online bets himself, and later refused to fully cooperate with investigators.
The Tennis Integrity Unit handed down his punishment in 2020. Rodriguez was suspended from the sport for four years and fined $15,000 for his role in the scheme.
US Open spectators ejected for courtsiding (2016)
In 2016, at least 20 spectators were caught courtsiding during the US Open, transmitting match information to give outside bettors an unfair advantage. As a result, they were banned from attending future tournaments for up to 20 years.
Courtsiding vs match-fixing (key differences)
Feature | Courtsiding | Match-fixing |
Goal | To gain an advantage by betting before sportsbooks adjust odds | To rig the outcome of the game so bets are influenced |
Involvement | Relies on insider information but doesn’t affect the game outcome | Involves changing the outcome of a game, often with players or officials involved |
Impact on the game | Does not change the result of the game itself | Directly alters the outcome of the game |
Common in | Sports like tennis and basketball, where points change frequently | Any sport, but more common in team sports with fixed results. |
Legal consequences | Banned by sportsbooks and leagues, often with fines or bans | Can lead to criminal charges, lifetime bans, and imprisonment |
How to spot courtsiding
- Unusual betting patterns: A sudden increase in live bets on a specific game or player, especially in smaller markets, can signal insider information.
- Fast changes in the odds: Quick shifts in betting lines right after a play or point may indicate courtsiding, where someone has inside knowledge.
- Sudden performance inconsistencies: A player’s unexpected drop in performance, particularly when it only affects the spread, might suggest courtsiding is at play.
- Watch for media reports: If a game is flagged for suspicious activity or under investigation, avoid betting on it until it’s cleared.
Tips for protecting yourself from courtsiding
- Bet with licensed sportsbooks: Stick to regulated platforms that monitor betting activity and have security measures in place to detect suspicious behavior.
- Avoid live betting on high-risk games: If you’re betting on a less-publicized event or one with limited coverage, it may be more vulnerable to courtsiding.
- Be cautious of insider tips: Don’t trust shady “insider” tips or information from strangers as they can often be linked to courtsiding.
- Diversify your bets: Spread your wagers across different markets, so one rigged game doesn’t affect your entire strategy.
- Stay updated on integrity reports: Keep an eye on news or sports integrity announcements to be aware of potential investigations and avoid betting on flagged games.
Conclusion
Courtsiding remains a serious issue for bettors, as it allows insiders to gain an unfair advantage by exploiting timing delays in live sports coverage. By understanding how courtsiding works, spotting the warning signs, and following smart betting strategies, you can protect your wagers from this kind of fraud.
Frequently asked questions
Is courtsiding legal?
The legality of courtsiding depends on where you are. In some places, it is considered breaking a contract or a civil issue, while in others, it is illegal under gambling laws.
What sports are most affected by courtsiding?
Tennis and basketball are most affected because points are scored often, and the betting odds change quickly during the game.
What are the consequences of courtsiding?
If caught, people can face lifetime bans from sports events, fines, or even jail time, depending on local laws.
Can courtsiding be prevented?
It is hard to fully stop, but banning electronics at games and watching betting patterns closely can help reduce it.
How does courtsiding differ from match-fixing?
Courtsiding is about taking advantage of timing delays to place bets based on live information, while match-fixing is when the outcome of the game is deliberately changed to affect the bets.