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Information Aggregation and Beliefs in Experimental Parimutuel Betting Markets

Author

Listed:
  • Frederic Koessler

    (THEMA (CNRS), Universite de Cergy-Pontoise)

  • Charles Noussair

    (Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Tilburg University)

  • Anthony Ziegelmeyer

    (Max Planck Institute of Economics, Strategic Interaction Group)

Abstract

We study sequential parimutuel betting markets with asymmetrically informed bettors, using an experimental approach. In one treatment, groups of eight participants play twenty repetitions of a sequential betting game. The second treatment is identical, except that bettors are observed by other participants who assess the winning probabilities of each potential outcome. In the third treatment, the same individuals make bets and assess the winning probabilities of the outcomes. A favorite-longshot bias is observed in the first and second treatments, but does not exist in the third treatment. Information aggregation is better in the third than in the other two treatments, and contrarian betting is almost completely eliminated by the belief elicitation procedure. Making bets improves the accuracy of stated beliefs. We propose a theoretical model, the Adaptive Model, to describe individual behavior and we find that it effectively explains betting decisions, especially in the third treatment.

Suggested Citation

  • Frederic Koessler & Charles Noussair & Anthony Ziegelmeyer, 2007. "Information Aggregation and Beliefs in Experimental Parimutuel Betting Markets," Jena Economics Research Papers 2007-033, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
    • Handle: RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2007-033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jianying Qiu, 2007. "Loss aversion and mental accounting: the favorite longshot bias in parimutuel betting," Jena Economics Research Papers 2007-017, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
    2. Koessler, Frédéric & Noussair, Charles & Ziegelmeyer, Anthony, 2008. "Parimutuel betting under asymmetric information," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 44(7-8), pages 733-744, July.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Parimutuel betting; Information aggregation; Elicited beliefs; Experimental economics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design

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