Why does Matchbook have a wager cutoff time?

[rake922]

Why not just let people wager on games even if the game is in progress?


If two people want to have a bet matched what difference does it make to matchbook if the game has tipped off? They make their commissions regardless.

[chemist]

Why not just let people wager on games even if the game is in progress?


If two people want to have a bet matched what difference does it make to matchbook if the game has tipped off? They make their commissions regardless.

In the interests of fairness (actually in the interests of liquidity). Not everyone knows when the game will start and it discourage people from betting close to the off if they think their counterparty may have already seen the first play. Every exchange I know of regards in play betting as separate, frequently with different rules.