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Markowitz portfolio theory for soccer spread betting

Fitt, Alistair D. (2009) Markowitz portfolio theory for soccer spread betting. IMA Journal of Management Mathematics, 20, (2), 167-184. (doi:10.1093/imaman/dpn028)

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/imaman/dpn028

Description/Abstract

Soccer spread betting is analysed using standard probabilistic methods assuming that goals are scored in a match according to Poisson distributions with constant means. A number of different possible forms of ‘edge’ (betting advantage) is identified. It is shown how the centre spreads of the more common bets in the ‘bet universe’ may be calculated. A more general question is then addressed, namely, how a punter should invest if they take a view that the online bookmakers have fixed the goal means incorrectly or some other edge is in their favour. It is shown that a Markowitz portfolio theory framework may be set up in such cases. This leads to the definitions of an ‘efficient betting frontier’ and an ‘optimal bet portfolio’. Examples are used throughout to illustrate the theory that is developed.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:1471-678 (print)
Uncontrolled Keywords:spread betting, portfolio theory, soccer betting, arbitrage, sports betting
Related URLs:http://www.soton.ac.uk/~adf/pu.../pub80.pdf
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/imaman/dpn028
Subjects:G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure
Q Science > QA Mathematics
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD61 Risk Management
Divisions:University Structure - Pre August 2011 > School of Mathematics > Applied Mathematics
ePrint ID:65942
Deposited On:03 Apr 2009
Last Modified:01 Jun 2011 06:14

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