2026-01-02 08:23:32

Recently, many friends running prediction market Bots have been complaining about infrastructure issues. Based on my recent practical experience, I want to share some common pitfalls that can easily cause failures and possible solutions.

**Connection stability** is the first major pitfall. When collecting historical data or real-time market data, WebSocket (WS) often disconnects suddenly or pushes incomplete data, directly leading to gaps in the order book data. I experienced this myself on a Tokyo server—my Bot placed orders based on incomplete order book data, which greatly increased risk. Later, I thought of using REST API polling as a backup solution, which finally helped control this problem. Of course, this also involves server and program design aspects, and isn't entirely the fault of the platform.

**State machine + multi-source verification** is the hard-earned principle I finally understood. During strategy execution, if the API encounters issues, it can easily cause major failures. Therefore, it’s essential to use a state machine to monitor orders throughout the process (placing order → confirmation → matching → on-chain settlement), with multiple alert layers: if an order is stuck in Pending longer than expected, if the order book suddenly jumps, or if slippage exceeds the threshold, any of these triggers should immediately stop new orders and close risk positions. Additionally, use both WS and API for double verification, combined with on-chain events and The Graph subgraph queries for cross-validation. Only then can you be confident.

**Network latency is the real ceiling**. Some think microsecond-level delays in program logic are the bottleneck, but that’s far from the truth. The real choke point is network and server round-trip latency. I measured over 200 milliseconds between Japanese nodes, and in high-frequency competitive markets, this disadvantage can be fatal.

Overall, prediction market opportunities are indeed plentiful, but the infrastructure is still in the tuning phase. Instead of focusing on aggressive profits, it’s better to prioritize defense—capital preservation is the primary goal, especially considering future airdrop expectations.

GRT3,65%

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

14 Likes

Reward
14
6
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

DefiPlaybook

· 2h ago

Damn, a 200ms latency can blow up an account, and it's even worse on my Southeast Asia node. To put it simply, it's still that same old story: prediction markets are now a red ocean of infrastructure competition, and bots without redundancy are just gambling on luck. Prediction markets aren't as competitive as high-frequency trading, but they've reached another level—every detail can lead to total loss. The guy's solution with a state machine is indeed solid, a thousand times more reliable than some "simple cycle strategy." Another victim of WS's scams, this problem has been widespread for a long time. Honestly, instead of messing around with these, it's better to just earn airdrops honestly. Without stable infrastructure, trying to make money is just gambling. If the infrastructure isn't solid, don't expect to overtake on the curve. The market hasn't been naive enough to think that good strategies alone can make money. Capital preservation first, airdrops second—that's the right approach. Network latency is indeed a ceiling, but honestly, how many retail traders can solve this problem? Big players have the money to rent servers for colocation, but for us, let's just be point farmers.

View OriginalReply0

FarmToRiches

· 12h ago

Oh no, I've also stepped on that pit with the Tokyo server, and the feeling of being liquidated instantly is just incredible. WS disconnections are really unpredictable, but luckily REST API saved the day. That set of state machines really needs to be learned, or else it's a minefield at any time. Wait, is a 200-millisecond delay really that exaggerated? No wonder high-frequency traders have to rent data centers. I agree that capital preservation comes first, airdrops are truly the main course.

View OriginalReply0

StableGenius

· 12h ago

nah the "rest api fallback" trick is just putting a bandaid on a fundamentally broken setup. you're basically admitting the infra sucks and then working around it—which actually, fine, empirically speaking that's the only move that works rn but let's not pretend this is elegant

Reply0

PumpDoctrine

· 12h ago

Brother Liang, this Tokyo server crash really took the cake. No one can avoid WS disconnections. Japanese nodes with 200ms latency still want to run high-frequency? Laughing out loud. That's why I now only do low-frequency arbitrage. The state machine monitoring is so detailed, it feels like a boxing match with the infrastructure. Dual verification is indeed necessary, or else one day you'll get wiped out by slippage. First, preserve capital; airdrops are the real gains this round. Absolutely right. The infrastructure prediction market this time really isn't good. Seems like we need to wait a bit longer. The backup REST API plan is simple but useful, learned from experience. Multi-source verification sounds complicated, but it's basically the idea of multiple firewalls. Network latency is indeed an unavoidable ceiling unless you lay your own fiber optic cable. People only thinking about huge profits should really read this article—it's a bloody lesson. I've also encountered situations where orders are stuck pending; it really tests your mental state. Incomplete WS push notifications are the most insidious killer. I still haven't fully figured out the logic of that state machine; it's a bit complex. The principle of prioritizing defense is really underestimated in crypto.

View OriginalReply0

GasFeeTherapist

· 12h ago

The 200ms in Tokyo I also experienced, it completely broke me haha --- WS disconnection is really the worst, relying solely on REST API polling also introduces latency, a dual approach is more reliable --- The point about the state machine is correct, I don't dare run a Bot without five-layer warnings now --- Network latency is the biggest issue; optimizing program logic alone is actually just a drop in the bucket --- Predictive markets are now really infrastructure hell, staying alive is much more important than making money --- Capital preservation + airdrops is the right way to play; those who are greedy have been pushed out --- I agree with this guy's defensive strategy, but it still depends on which exchange is more stable --- On-chain verification with this combo punch is indeed solid; relying on just one or two data sources is impossible to play --- The phrase "200 milliseconds can be deadly" is so true, microseconds can't even extract such a big advantage

View OriginalReply0

blocksnark

· 12h ago

Tokyo Nabo 200ms latency directly eliminates a large number of people, those who still want to catch the bottom and predict the market are just dreaming --- I've also experienced WS disconnection issues. Relying solely on the official is really not enough; you need to prepare more backup plans to feel secure --- That set of state machines may sound complicated, but it's actually just about staying alive; making money comes later --- Those still obsessing over code optimization are just clueless; the real bottleneck is the network --- Predictive markets now are a game of infrastructure; whoever has a solid defense will survive longer --- This is what I want to see, not some secret to get rich quickly, but the pitfalls I've stepped into --- I’ve learned the REST polling backup trick; it's definitely better than losing everything in one failed attempt

View OriginalReply0