AsianConnect and SportMarket are two of the four major betting brokers operating in the professional betting market. Both have established reputations, both provide access to Pinnacle and the Asian book suite, and both accept registrations from Ireland, resolving the country restriction problem that prevents direct access to the sharpest markets.
The comparison between them matters because the broker you choose has a direct impact on your commission costs at scale, the secondary books you can access, and the execution quality on large orders. This page covers what you need to know to make the right choice.
AsianConnect and SportMarket at a Glance
AsianConnect
The most widely recommended betting broker for Pinnacle access and Asian Handicap markets. Stake-based commission at approximately 1% standard, with volume discounts. Accepts Irish registrations. Strong reputation in the professional betting community for transparent pricing, market depth, and Pinnacle-specific access. Ranked #1 in our broker comparison.
SportMarket
One of the longest-established brokers in the professional betting space. Broad book access including Pinnacle and Asian books, with a commission range of 1–2% depending on market and volume. Accepts Irish registrations. Well-regarded by experienced professional bettors with a multi-year track record in the institutional broker market.
AsianConnect vs SportMarket : Full Comparison
| Criterion | AsianConnect | SportMarket |
|---|---|---|
| Commission model | Stake-based (~1%) | Stake-based (1–2%) |
| Volume discounts | Yes (higher volume, lower rate) | Available |
| Pinnacle access | Yes | Yes |
| SBO/ISN/MaxBet | Yes | Yes |
| Exchange access | Yes (select exchanges) | Yes (select) |
| Ireland accepted | Yes | Yes |
| Account restrictions | None (institutional model) | None (institutional model) |
| Asian Handicap markets | Full (leading AH broker reputation) | Full suite |
| Deposit methods | Bank transfer (SEPA/SWIFT) | Bank transfer (SEPA/SWIFT) |
| Community reputation | Highest-rated for Pinnacle/AH focus | Long-established, experienced operator |
| Best for | Pinnacle + AH-focused bettors, Irish access | Broad access, experienced professional operators |
Commission at Scale : The Real Annual Cost Difference
AsianConnect at ~1% is likely to be cheaper than SportMarket at standard rates. How much cheaper depends on what rate SportMarket actually offers for your activity level:
| Annual Stakes | AsianConnect @ 1% | SportMarket @ 1% | SportMarket @ 1.5% | SportMarket @ 2% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €50,000 | €500 | €500 | €750 | €1,000 |
| €100,000 | €1,000 | €1,000 | €1,500 | €2,000 |
| €250,000 | €2,500 | €2,500 | €3,750 | €5,000 |
At €250,000 per year in stakes, the difference between AsianConnect at 1% and SportMarket at 2% is €2,500 annually. For a bettor with genuine edge, this is a meaningful difference in net profitability. At negotiated SportMarket rates of 1%, the cost is identical.
The comparison always needs to account for one more factor: the odds quality on the underlying bookmakers. A broker with 0.5% lower commission but slightly worse execution or fill rates may deliver worse overall economics. Commission is the visible cost, and execution quality on large orders is harder to quantify but equally real.
Who Should Choose AsianConnect and Who Should Choose SportMarket?
Choose AsianConnect If...
- You want the most widely recommended broker for Pinnacle access
- Asian Handicap markets are a primary focus of your betting
- You are based in Ireland and need Pinnacle access
- You want transparent, predictable ~1% commission from day one
- You prefer the broker with the strongest community reputation in the professional betting space
Choose SportMarket If...
- You value a broker with a very long track record in professional betting
- You intend to operate at high volume and can negotiate rates to 1%
- You want a second broker alongside AsianConnect or BetInAsia
- You want access to a potentially broader secondary book list
- You have existing experience with broker accounts and are diversifying
The Bottom Line : AsianConnect vs SportMarket
For most professional bettors coming to the broker market for the first time (particularly Irish bettors seeking Pinnacle access and Asian Handicap markets), AsianConnect is the default recommendation. It has the clearest positioning, the most transparent commission structure, and the strongest reputation specifically for Pinnacle and Asian book access.
SportMarket is a credible choice for experienced operators, particularly those who want a broad broker with a long track record and are able to negotiate commission rates. It is also a logical second account if you are already established with AsianConnect or BetInAsia and want to compare execution across brokers.
For a complete comparison of all four brokers, see best betting brokers in 2026. For the AsianConnect vs BetInAsia comparison (the two most commonly compared brokers), see AsianConnect vs BetInAsia.
Frequently Asked Questions : AsianConnect vs SportMarket
What is the main difference between AsianConnect and SportMarket?
AsianConnect is widely regarded as the leading broker for Pinnacle and Asian book access, with a strong reputation in the professional betting community and transparent commission pricing. SportMarket is one of the longest-established brokers in the professional betting space, with a broad book access list and a track record spanning many years. Both provide access to Pinnacle and the core Asian suite. The difference is primarily in commission structure, depth of secondary book access, and community standing among professional bettors.
Which broker is cheaper, AsianConnect or SportMarket?
AsianConnect operates at approximately 1% of stakes as a standard rate, with volume discounts for high-volume accounts. SportMarket operates at 1–2% depending on market and volume. At standard rates, AsianConnect is typically the lower-commission option. At high volume with negotiated SportMarket rates, the gap may narrow. For most bettors at moderate volume, AsianConnect is the lower-cost option.
Does AsianConnect accept Irish registrations?
Yes. AsianConnect accepts registrations from Ireland and provides access to Pinnacle and other Asian books that do not accept Irish accounts directly. This is one of the primary reasons AsianConnect is recommended for Irish professional bettors: it provides access to the sharpest markets without the country restriction wall.
Is SportMarket better for experienced professional bettors?
SportMarket has a long history in the professional betting community and is well-regarded by experienced operators who have been using brokers for many years. AsianConnect is also widely used by professional bettors and is particularly well-regarded for Pinnacle-focused operations. Experience level is not the defining factor: both are professional-grade brokers. The choice comes down to commission rate, specific book access, and operational preference.
Can I use AsianConnect and SportMarket simultaneously?
Yes. You can open and operate accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Some professional bettors use multiple brokers to access different secondary books, compare execution quality, or test commission rates in practice. The overhead is maintaining funded balances in multiple accounts. Most bettors start with one broker (typically AsianConnect or BetInAsia) and add a second if a specific need arises.
Which broker is best for Asian Handicap betting?
Both AsianConnect and SportMarket provide access to Asian Handicap markets via Pinnacle, SBO, ISN, and other Asian books. AsianConnect has a particularly strong reputation for Asian Handicap access and is often cited specifically by AH-focused bettors. The practical AH market depth depends on which underlying books the broker provides access to, and both provide the core set. For AH-specific use, AsianConnect is generally the first recommendation.