Could a pHp Programmer build an Odds Comparison Site?

[Revolution99]

Unfortunately, I am not a pHp programmer, only having done some pretty basic web design.

I would like to build a website, or have a website built that compares odds from the websites of Bookmakers, and then uses those odds to perform a calculation.

I have already seen a site that does something similair, does anyone think it would be possible to hire a pHp programmer, explain to then what I want, and have such a site built?

[brotherhood of LAN]

The short answer is yes.

1. Method to collect odds as and when required
2. Storage system (Most PHP Programmers are familiar with a database system that would be suitable)
3. Public Output
4. Any admin functions you require

[Revolution99]

That's really encouraging. Where would you recommend looking for a programmer, are freelance sites generally any good? I know that's a broad question, but I'm talking about the likes of elance, rentacoder etc etc - or does this site have a section where you can hire people?

[brotherhood of LAN]

You may want to try the commercial exchange [webmasterworld.com] forum on this site, otherwise we tend to avoid commercial solicitation on the forum to keep discussions on a general basis.

As for hiring someone on sites like e-lance, remember the programmer will likely not have a clue or insight about your requirements. You may want to discuss with/hire a programmer just to get an idea of the size and scope of your project, before you outsource the project to be built.

[Frank_Rizzo]

This is very easy to do. A website would not be needed - just run an app on your pc.

Only advantage of a website is that it can run 24/7 in a remote location and gather data / place bets for you.

There are many coders out there who have already written similar apps for others. If you are looking at this from a betting angle it won't be unique and you won't have an edge (assuming your intention is to arb).

Some of the sites mentioned so far will have coders already tuned up for this work.

If you want to work on a diy solution the Betfair developers site would be a good place to start.

[Revolution99]

Thanks Frank.

Yes, the intention is to set up an Arb application. It doesn't have to be unique, but the purpose of it would be to speed up looking for combinations bets, and also there would be the fact that I could specify bet combinations that I favour.

[Frank_Rizzo]

Setting up the app will be the easiest task. Placing transactions on those arbs will be the hardest.

Bookies will attempt to limit your bets near enough immediately once you are identified as an arber.

You can try dynamic IP, cookie / flash cookie blocking and such but it's not going to be easy to make it work in the long run.