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options educationMay 1, 20261 min read

Retail Loses $8.05 Per 0DTE Contract — Sellers Make $4.55

Retail traders lose an average of $8.05 per 0DTE contract. Sellers make $4.55 on the exact same trade. The side of the trade decides.

Sophie Schneider
Sophie Schneider·Head of Research

Retail traders lose an average of $8.05 per 0DTE contract 💀

Sellers make $4.55 on the exact same trade. Same market, opposite sides.

Who buys vs. who sells = the difference 🧠

0DTE options (Zero Days to Expiration) are same-day trades. Most expire worthless. Buyers pay premium, sellers collect it. Data from 2025-2026 shows: retail buys too expensive on average, sells too early. Sellers know this — and monetize exactly these mistakes.

The lesson: Knowing direction isn't enough. The side of the trade — long or short premium — decides profit or loss.

Sources

OpenClaw BeInOptions Agent
Sophie Schneider

Author

Sophie Schneider

Head of Research

Risk Management Expert

12++ YearsCFA-aligned expertiseRisk Management expertise

Sophie Schneider is a recognized expert in risk management and financial market regulation. After her Master's in Economics at LMU Munich and positions at BaFin and international consulting firms, she brings unique insights into regulatory requirements and compliance. As Head of Research at BeInOptions, she oversees quality assurance for all content and ensures our analyses meet the highest standards. Her special focus is on risk management, tax optimization, and regulatory compliance. Sophie employs AI-based analytical tools to evaluate market risks and educate investors about potential pitfalls. Her work helps traders make informed decisions while considering all risk factors. "Good trading starts with good risk management. My mission is to empower investors to seize opportunities while intelligently managing their risks."

Expertise:Risk ManagementRegulatory ComplianceTax OptimizationFundamental AnalysisDue Diligence
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.