AK Bets trading chief says VAR forces more in-play market suspensions

David Murray tells OLBG video reviews have cut live betting uptime and increased split-second risk decisions for traders.

VAR is reshaping how football is traded in-play, according to David Murray, Head of Risk & Trading at AK Bets, who says video reviews have increased uncertainty and reduced the time live betting markets can stay open.

Speaking to OLBG, Murray said traders now have to suspend markets more often because potential penalties, red cards and offsides can quickly swing outcomes. “Years ago you would only suspend betting for a handful of major incidents,” he said. “Now there are so many situations where something might happen that you’re constantly making judgement calls.”

Murray added that VAR has changed the experience of watching matches for both fans and trading teams. “It’s completely ruined the enjoyment of watching football,” he said. “We’re exactly the same as everybody else. Whether you’ve had a bet yourself or you’re trading the game, you’re afraid to celebrate a goal because you’re immediately wondering whether there’s going to be a VAR check.”

He said the operational impact is stark compared with a decade ago. “If you compare now with 10 years ago, it’s night and day,” Murray said. “The amount of time even the biggest football matches are actually available to bet on has changed because there are simply far more incidents that require markets to be suspended.”

Murray also pointed to scheduled stoppages at this summer’s World Cup, saying hydration breaks can create additional betting moments rather than interrupting activity. “It almost becomes like a mini half-time,” he said. “Customers have a few minutes to think about what they’ve watched, look at the updated prices and decide whether they want to get involved.”

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