deconstructing Matchbook

[Ganchrow]

Has anyone had any luck in deconstructing the inner workings of Matchbook's AJAX or is aware of their offering an SDK?

It's a pretty product but it would seem there's much that could be done client-side.

[rake922]

I don't understand the question and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one.

AJAX and SDK means?

[Ganchrow]

I don't understand the question and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one.

AJAX and SDK means?

With no disrespect intended this question was really meant for those who do.

In brief:

AJAX stands for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML and refers to a web programming methodology where relatively small amounts of data are continually passed between server and client to enhance interactivity. Matchbook, the Pinnacle dynamic lines display, and SBR Odds all utilize AJAX.

SDK stands for Software Development Kit and refers to a set of programming libraries and objects intended for use by programmers in accessing an existing software environment. For example, the NASDAQ has an SDK it releases to market makers so they can interface with the NASDAQ exchange.

[pico]

if you're not working for matchbook, is there a point deconstructing MB? are you trying to build a trading bot, ganch?

[chemist]

Has anyone had any luck in deconstructing the inner workings of Matchbook's AJAX or is aware of their offering an SDK?

It's a pretty product but it would seem there's much that could be done client-side.

That's something I'm going to get back to. The API makes setting bets in multiple markets a PITA. The prices in the XML feed seem to be delayed or filtered. ie I wrote a script to query a market then put some small offers up at the front of the market, and what I got back in the XML was unchanged!

[hacmuli]

Great!!
I really want to do that (but failed)... I Just need to know, What is built for running odds.

[Ganchrow]

Great!!
I really want to do that (but failed)... I Just need to know, What is built for running odds.

Send a requenst to api@matchbook.com and they'll hook you in to the API and/or the XML feed.

A few cautions about the XML feed:

1. It's only updated once every 30 seconds.
2. It doesn't show market depth or size (omitting offers of less than $100).
3. It only shows the primary markets for each event (so no alternate run lines or totals, for example).

[hacmuli]

Send a requenst to api@matchbook.com and they'll hook you in to the API and/or the XML feed.

A few cautions about the XML feed:

1. It's only updated once every 30 seconds.
2. It doesn't show market depth or size (omitting offers of less than $100).
3. It only shows the primary markets for each event (so no alternate run lines or totals, for example).

Thanks MOD

[xyz]

Send a requenst to api@matchbook.com and they'll hook you in to the API and/or the XML feed.

A few cautions about the XML feed:

1. It's only updated once every 30 seconds.
2. It doesn't show market depth or size (omitting offers of less than $100).
3. It only shows the primary markets for each event (so no alternate run lines or totals, for example).

What are some other books that offer feeds, either live or delayed? Thanks.

[MonkeyF0cker]

Has anyone had any luck in deconstructing the inner workings of Matchbook's AJAX or is aware of their offering an SDK?

It's a pretty product but it would seem there's much that could be done client-side.

I have. I'm not aware of any SDK, although I didn't really bother to ask since I was writing a VB scraper for multiple sites anyway.

[MonkeyF0cker]

I think their AJAX implementation is supposed to be a deterrent to client-side automation.

[xyz]

For the ones that have used the Matchbook API, what kind of functionalities does it have? Can you place a bet through the API? I have also sent an email to api@matchbook.com to request more info. Thanks.

[Ganchrow]

I think their AJAX implementation is supposed to be a deterrent to client-side automation.

It certainly shouldn't be -- except for trhe fact that the Matchbook API is actually much easier to use.

[Ganchrow]

For the ones that have used the Matchbook API, what kind of functionalities does it have? Can you place a bet through the API? I have also sent an email to api@matchbook.com to request more info. Thanks.

You can do pretty much everything through the API that you can do through their HTML front-end (except you can't pull rot numbers, so I just get these from their XML feed).

[Ganchrow]

What are some other books that offer feeds, either live or delayed? Thanks.

Pinnacle, BetCris, 5Dimes, BetFair, Canbet, Betfred, Centrebet, Eurobet, Gamebookers, Intertops, Tradesports/[SBRFORUM]Intrade[/SBRFORUM], and [SBRFORUM]Betdaq[/SBRFORUM] to name but a few.

If the XML feed isn;t clearly linked from the site, just e-mail support and ask. Many books will offer you XML feeds if you're going to be giving them sizable business.

Quite frequently, however, scraped lines are a better way to go.

[MonkeyF0cker]

It certainly shouldn't be -- except for the fact that the Matchbook API is actually much easier to use.

I agree, but the way they alter the tables dynamically every time there is a line change (in totals or sides) makes it pretty difficult to extract the data from the <TD>'s since the same data ends up in a different location each time there's a change. It also becomes pretty cumbersome when they add live betting into the mix. It certainly isn't impossible but not plausible for the casual market maker or programmer.

[pico]

for pinnacle, you don't have to ask. just go and cut and paste their xml code