What Is Courtsiding & Is In-Play Tennis Betting Illegal?

Bettors have always been looking for strategies that could potentially give them an edge over bookmakers when they place their bets. One of those strategies is courtsiding, most commonly associated with live tennis. 

In this King Casino blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about courtside betting and whether it is legal or even possible.

What Is Courtsiding In Betting?

The term “courtsiding” relates to tennis as this is the most common sport that experiences it. Courtsiding in betting is when someone relays information from a live tennis match for their financial advantage. 

Information on the game’s outcome is relayed before the bookmakers have updated their odds. This gives the person making a bet a chance to make significant money. Courtsiding takes advantage of bookmakers who offer live in-play tennis betting.

How Does The Courtsiding Strategy Work? 

The courtsiding strategy works by relying on technology. For this strategy to work, reliable technology and communication is required.

Bookmakers rely on the footage to update them with points on a live tennis match. Even though the technology is incredibly quick these days, there is still a slight delay between the actual event happening at the venue and the transmission of the event digitally or by satellite. 

This delay is what gives courtsiders an advantage. Courtsiders quickly make a bet before the bookmakers have a chance to update the odds.

Is Courtsiding Still Possible? 

Nowadays, bookies receive almost instant information about odds due to how quickly modern technology works. 

In the past, it was easier to participate in courtsiding as technology wasn’t as fast, and there were more delays in receiving communication. Now, the delays are so tiny, which makes it very difficult to courtside.

However, there are cases of it still happening. In the 2020 French Open, a Spanish player was suspended and fined after being convicted of courtsiding – the first player to be charged for it.

Is Courtsiding Illegal? 

While courtsiding isn’t illegal in the UK, it is not recommended. Tennis stadiums have strict measures and will do everything they can to prevent courtsiding from taking place. 

If you are spotted courtsiding, you could be kicked out of the event and potentially banned from the venue. This is likely the most severe consequence since you are not breaking the law. Additionally, if the bookies notice a betting pattern that makes them suspicious that you are courtsiding, they could potentially ban you from making any further bets.

Can Courtsiding Be Done In Horse Racing & Football?

Although more common in tennis, courtsiding can be done in other sports such as horse racing and football. Courtside betting in sports takes advantage of the slight time delay between the event happening live and the footage shown on TV or other streams/feeds.