Crypto.com’s 3-Second Betting Delay Sparks Fairness Debate
Crypto.com has ignited controversy with a new three-second delay for retail sports bets, while exempting market makers from the restriction. The policy, filed with the CFTC on July 30, claims to promote liquidity but effectively creates a two-tier system favoring professional traders.
Alfonso Straffon, a former Deutsche Bank sports trader, notes the delay shields market makers from courtsiders—betting ahead of real-time events. Bloomberg estimates the advantage at 3 seconds per trade, raising concerns about skewed odds and unequal access.
The exchange defends the measure as necessary for market stability, but critics argue it undermines crypto’s democratizing ethos. No direct coin or exchange involvement is cited, though the precedent could Ripple through prediction markets.
