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Pending Markets and Matching

Why Matching Exists​

Beforehand uses a match step so a market only becomes active when there is someone on each side.

This has two benefits:

  1. It prevents a market from going live with only one side
  2. It sets a fair starting point when the first match happens (50/50 split)

Creating a Pending Market​

When you create a market, you must also place an initial trade.

  • Minimum initial trade: $5
  • That initial trade creates a pending market
  • You will see a message like: "Market created once someone matches your $X YES position"

Matching Rules​

To match a pending market:

  • The match must be exact 1 to 1
  • The match must be on the opposite side

Examples​

  • Creator posts $5 on YES → A matcher must post $5 on NO
  • Creator posts $20 on NO → A matcher must post $20 on YES

Creator Restriction​

warning

You cannot match your own market. As the creator, you see a disabled state that says "you cannot match your own position."

What Other Users See​

Other users see a match call to action. It matches the required amount on the opposite side.

What Happens After a Match​

Once a market is matched:

  • The market activates
  • The starting split is 50 percent YES and 50 percent NO because the pools start equal
  • After that, the market becomes fully pari mutuel
  • Anyone can add to either side until trading closes
  • The displayed percentages change as money enters either pool

Pending Market Expiration​

If a pending market is not matched within 24 hours, it auto cancels and the creator is refunded.

Deleting a Pending Market​

A creator can delete a pending market any time before it is matched. Markets cannot be edited.