Saturday, November 2, 2024

Live Betting – How In-Play Bets Work & The Best Live Bookmakers in 2023

SoccerNews in Editorial 8 Sep 2023

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Live betting, otherwise known as in-play betting, is a form of online sports wagering that happens while the sporting event is taking place. In other words, in-play bets are placed and settled as the action unfolds in a game.

In-play bets emerged as a notable trend with the advent of online sportsbooks. They have since become a fan-favourite, and most punters these days consider them to be an essential part of every online bookmaker’s offer.

This article contains all the info you’ll need to start betting live. We’ll cover what in-play betting is and how it works, and provide a list of the best live betting sites and apps available today.
 

Best Live Betting Sites in 2023

Best Live Bookmakers 2023

View all 24 bookmakers
  • 888Sport

    Bonus: Bet 10 Get 40

    * New Customers Only. 18+. T&C's Apply. Gamble Responsibly.

    • Danish
    • English
    • French
    • German
    • Italian
    • Russian
    • Spanish
    • Jurisdicion: ................ Gibraltar
    • UK License: ...................................
    • Mobile App: ..................................
    • Live Streaming: ............................
    • Early Cashout: ..............................
    • Casino Available: ..........................
    • WHATS HOT?
    • Sponsoring world class events & sport clubs
    • Listed on the London Stock Exchange
    • 888 Group boasts award winning casino products
    • Good live betting and high limits
  • Mr Green

    Bonus: £10

    * New Customers Only. 18+. T&C's Apply. Gamble Responsibly.

    • Czech
    • English
    • Finnish
    • German
    • Norwegian
    • Polish
    • Swedish
    • Jurisdicion: ................ Malta & UK
    • UK License: ...................................
    • Mobile App: ..................................
    • Live Streaming: ............................
    • Early Cashout: ..............................
    • Casino Available: ..........................
    • WHATS HOT?
    • All-new Sportsbook 2.0 Version
    • Excellent coverage of sporting events
    • Innovative Bet Assist Feature
    • Top notch live betting
    • Powered by Kambi platform
  • BetUS

    Bonus: $Up to $2,500

    * New Customers Only. 18+. T&C's Apply. Gamble Responsibly.

    • English
    • Jurisdicion: ................ Curacao
    • UK License: ...................................
    • Mobile App: ..................................
    • Live Streaming: ............................
    • Early Cashout: ..............................
    • Casino Available: ..........................
    • WHATS HOT?
    • Leading betting platform focusing on the US market
    • Great selection of spreads, odds, and gaming services
    • 125% welcome deposit bonus up to $2,5000
  • Zetbet

    Bonus: £Up to €100

    * New Customers Only. 18+. T&C's Apply. Gamble Responsibly.

    • English
    • French
    • Spanish
    • Jurisdicion: ................ Malta, Ireland & UK
    • UK License: ...................................
    • Mobile App: ..................................
    • Live Streaming: ............................
    • Early Cashout: ..............................
    • Casino Available: ..........................
    • WHATS HOT?
    • Innovative, feature-heavy interface
    • 100+ in-play markets for select games
    • UKGC licensed
  • 1xBet

    Bonus: €Up to €130

    * New Customers Only. 18+. T&C's Apply. Gamble Responsibly.

    • Bulgarian
    • Chinese
    • Croatian
    • Czech
    • Danish
    • Dutch
    • English
    • Estonian
    • Finnish
    • French
    • German
    • Greek
    • Hungarian
    • Italian
    • Japanese
    • Korean
    • Latvian
    • Norwegian
    • Polish
    • Portuguese
    • Romanian
    • Russian
    • Slovenian
    • Spanish
    • Swedish
    • Thai
    • Turkish
    • Ukrainian
    • Vietnamese
    • Jurisdicion: ................ Curacao
    • UK License: ...................................
    • Mobile App: ..................................
    • Live Streaming: ............................
    • Early Cashout: ..............................
    • Casino Available: ..........................
    • WHATS HOT?
    • Massive sportsbook & online casino
    • Huge number of sports, events, markets, etc.
    • Great localisation options

 
The first thing anyone interested in betting live will need is a good online bookmaker.

Picking one is not difficult at first, but finding the perfect site can define your entire experience. Beginners are often not familiar with the inner workings of online bookmakers, however, which makes the whole task seem more daunting.

In contrast, this list was made by experienced punters and betting veterans with decades in the industry between them. We know exactly what to look for, what industry standards look like, and which offers truly stand out from the crowd.

In our book, it’s not enough for a bookie to merely offer in-bet plays – that’s the bare minimum in this day and age. Instead, we look for sites that truly excel in this form of gaming service. Be it through exceptionally wide and diverse offers, strong odds, or in-play-friendly bonuses and promotions, the sites we recommend are truly outstanding in their field.

Without further ado, here are the best sites and bookmakers for live betting in 2023.

  • 888sport – Best overall ✔️
  • Mr Green – Best for beginners ✔️
  • BetUS – Best US live betting site ✔️
  • ZetBet – Best UK live betting site ✔️
  • 1xBet – Best international live betting site ✔️

Now we’re going to provide you with more information about each of these leading bookies, what they offer, and what makes them good enough to deserve a top spot in these in-play betting site rankings.

The goal is to showcase not just which live bookmakers are the best, but why we consider them the best as well.
 


 

888Sport

1. 888sport live betting

  • 888Sport

    Bonus: Bet 10 Get 40

    * New Customers Only. 18+. T&C's Apply. Gamble Responsibly.

    • Danish
    • English
    • French
    • German
    • Italian
    • Russian
    • Spanish
    • Jurisdicion: ................ Gibraltar
    • UK License: ...................................
    • Mobile App: ..................................
    • Live Streaming: ............................
    • Early Cashout: ..............................
    • Casino Available: ..........................
    • WHATS HOT?
    • Sponsoring world class events & sport clubs
    • Listed on the London Stock Exchange
    • 888 Group boasts award winning casino products
    • Good live betting and high limits

We’ll start our list off with a safe, beginner-friendly option that can benefit pretty much anyone. If you’re completely new to in-play betting and online sports wagering in general, you can’t go wrong with 888Sport.

The 888Sport sportsbook is one of the biggest and most successful betting platforms to date. The 888 brand is generally considered a powerhouse in the industry, and most of that renown comes from the vast highly-rated sports section.

Offering thousands of fixed-odds bets covering dozens of different sports and categories, this bookie sets a high standard for its competitors. Better yet, odds are offered at competitive prices and with enough diversity to satisfy even the pickiest of punters.

Moreover, the platform itself boasts more bonuses, freebies, and promotions than you could ask for. From odds boosts to special accumulator bonuses and tournaments, there’s always some new prize to keep players interested.

In short, 888sport is a massive, well-rounded betting site that excels in pretty much every facet of online gaming.

Why Is 888Sport Good for Live Betting?

This bookie shines in many ways, but the dedicated in-play betting section is by far one of its biggest strengths.

First of all, the sleek live betting interface can be used as a benchmark for an intuitive, handy UI. It offers detailed play-by-play information about the action on the pitch, allowing you to easily keep track of your posted bets. It also does a good job of highlighting new opportunities as they come up.

Live betting odds on 888sport are competitive, but we wouldn’t call them the best in the industry. Specialized sites can beat these prices – but few would be as consistent or as user-friendly as 888.

Moreover, all 888sport promotions apply to live wagers as well. This gives you ample opportunity to win free bets and odds boosts even if you’re exclusively betting in-play.

888Sport – Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 15,000+ events covered live per month
  • Up to 30+ in-play markets
  • Competitive odds with a 94%+ payout rate
  • In-play-friendly bonuses and promos
  • Outstanding interface and site design

Cons

  • Relatively slow live bet acceptance
  • Slow withdrawal times
  • Not best-in-class when it comes to pre-match betting

 


 

Mr Green

2. Mr Green live betting

  • Mr Green

    Bonus: £10

    * New Customers Only. 18+. T&C's Apply. Gamble Responsibly.

    • Czech
    • English
    • Finnish
    • German
    • Norwegian
    • Polish
    • Swedish
    • Jurisdicion: ................ Malta & UK
    • UK License: ...................................
    • Mobile App: ..................................
    • Live Streaming: ............................
    • Early Cashout: ..............................
    • Casino Available: ..........................
    • WHATS HOT?
    • All-new Sportsbook 2.0 Version
    • Excellent coverage of sporting events
    • Innovative Bet Assist Feature
    • Top notch live betting
    • Powered by Kambi platform

Our next pic for top in-play betting sites is another major gaming brand – Mr Green.

At first glance, this platform may seem like it’s focused on the online casino side of the business. However, scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a world-class sportsbook with some surprisingly strong offers. Especially when it comes to betting live on sports.

For starters, the Mr Green sports betting section cycles through more than 250,000 events per year. Those are impressive numbers by any measure, even though many of those aren’t really available for in-play wagering.

Better yet, Mr Green supports this core offer by offering a huge number of payment options and withdrawal methods. The multi-award-winning mobile apps are another big selling point, allowing you to bet wherever and however you want.

Why Is Mr Green Good for Live Betting?

Most of the advantages of this betting site come in the form of quality-of-life features that you may not immediately appreciate.

Don’t get us wrong – Mr Green’s live betting odds are certainly competitive and the offer is broad and varied. However, many other sites can say the same. The top-notch apps and favourable payment terms are what truly set this platform apart from the crowd.

The promotions also tend to be quite generous and can boost your start with a 100% welcome bonus and other goodies.

That said, Mr Green is restricted in many countries due to its multiple operating licenses and strict policies.

All in all, Mr Green excels in almost every aspect of its service, from online slots to in-play bets. That versatility is arguably its greatest asset.

Mr Green – Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 000+ monthly events available for in-play betting
  • 60+ in-play markets for top football leagues
  • 95%+ payout rate in major events and popular markets
  • Award-winning live betting apps
  • Well-rounded sportsbook and casino offer

Cons

  • Limited early cashout options
  • Many country restrictions
  • No live streaming of games

 


 

BetUS

3. BetUS live betting

  • BetUS

    Bonus: $Up to $2,500

    * New Customers Only. 18+. T&C's Apply. Gamble Responsibly.

    • English
    • Jurisdicion: ................ Curacao
    • UK License: ...................................
    • Mobile App: ..................................
    • Live Streaming: ............................
    • Early Cashout: ..............................
    • Casino Available: ..........................
    • WHATS HOT?
    • Leading betting platform focusing on the US market
    • Great selection of spreads, odds, and gaming services
    • 125% welcome deposit bonus up to $2,5000

The United States occupy a unique position in the online sports betting scene. For starters, both federal and state-specific gambling regulations render the US market separate from the rest of the world. Moreover, high interest in leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB means that American bettors have different expectations from their bookies.

Thankfully, there’s a perfect site to fill those expectations, and then some. The BetUS online sportsbook offers premium-quality fixtures for both pre-match and live betting. It sportsbook can be accessed from anywhere in the world, but it’s quite obvious it targets a very specific audience.

As such, if you’re looking to bet live on NFL games or other sports popular in North America, there’s no better place to do it. It’s a massive betting site that covers pretty much every event an American sports fan would want. Better yet, these events are covered with sufficient depth to give bettors a lot of choice with diverse point spreads, lines, and even niche markets.

One little caveat is that working in the US severely limits withdrawal options. Most have to be done through cheques or cryptocurrencies – neither of which are ideal.

Still, the site itself is a great showcase of the advantages of modern online sports books. It’s intuitive, responsive, and allows you to easily post and edit your bets on the fly.

Why Is BetUS Good for Live Betting?

After decades of successful business, BetUS has established itself as the leading i-gaming brand in the USA. The site comes with a lot of features that competing brands simply cannot match.

For starters, most operators of this size and scale simply do not offer their services in the country. Those that do are often limited to a few states or jurisdictions.

BetUS does not let this dominance affect its high standards, though. The available live betting odds are some of the best on the market when it comes to American Football, basketball, and hockey.

Moreover, the brand itself has an interesting and intimate relationship with its players. For example, the platform hosts a TV-style show that features highlights, predictions, and tips for upcoming matches.

While not without its quirks and issues, the BetUS platform fills a specific niche and does so incredibly well. If you happen to fall into that niche, you’ve found the perfect bookie.

BetUS – Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Complete coverage of US sports and events
  • Industry-leading odds for NFL and NBA matches
  • Dozens of in-play markets per event
  • Acclaimed Locker Room feature with top picks, news, and predictions
  • Award-winning customer service

Cons

  • Limited withdrawal options
  • Outclassed by other sites if you’re not interested in US-specific sports
  • Harsh terms and conditions for bonuses

 


 

ZetBet

4. ZetBet live betting

  • Zetbet

    Bonus: £Up to €100

    * New Customers Only. 18+. T&C's Apply. Gamble Responsibly.

    • English
    • French
    • Spanish
    • Jurisdicion: ................ Malta, Ireland & UK
    • UK License: ...................................
    • Mobile App: ..................................
    • Live Streaming: ............................
    • Early Cashout: ..............................
    • Casino Available: ..........................
    • WHATS HOT?
    • Innovative, feature-heavy interface
    • 100+ in-play markets for select games
    • UKGC licensed

Zet Bet is a breath of fresh air in the sports betting scene, despite being a relative newcomer. Its innovative and feature-rich interface sets it apart, making it a joy to navigate. With over 100 in-play markets for select games, you’ll always have plenty of options to explore. And rest easy, as Zet Bet is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring a safe and secure betting environment.

This bookmaker provides comprehensive coverage of over 25 sports and a staggering 150 different soccer leagues. With more than 200 different wagers available for top-flight leagues and popular games, you’ll have a wealth of in-play betting opportunities to choose from. With thousands of events happening each month, boredom is not on the menu here.

One of the standout features of Zet Bet is its competitive odds and margins. While they may vary depending on the event and market, Zet Bet generally holds its own against the competition. Notably, payout rates consistently exceed 96% for football, tennis, and other major categories, ensuring you get your money’s worth.

Why Is ZetBet Good for Live Betting?

When it comes to in-play betting, Zet Bet shines brightly. This bookie may have chosen quality over quantity in regards to live bets, but the results are impressive. While not every sport receives live coverage, those that do offer dozens of markets and daily events to keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re into the fast-paced action of football, the strategic play of tennis, or any other sport in the spotlight, Zet Bet ensures that your live betting options are both diverse and exciting.

Furthermore, Zet Bet doesn’t just stop at providing a wide array of in-play markets; they understand the importance of control. That’s why Zet Bet offers the convenience of an early cash-out feature for most wagers. This feature empowers you to take control of your bets in real-time. Whether you want to lock in profits, minimize losses, or adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of a live match, the early cash-out feature puts you firmly in the driver’s seat of your betting journey.

ZetBEt is a user-focused bookmaker. Its intuitive mobile interface ensures that you can seamlessly navigate through the in-play markets, making split-second decisions with ease. Whether you’re using a smartphone or tablet, the Zet Bet mobile experience is designed for convenience. In addition to easy navigation, Zet Bet’s mobile platform is fully optimized for in-play wagering.

Live events are updated in real-time, and markets are readily accessible, so you won’t miss a beat of the action. The responsive design ensures that you can place bets swiftly, even during fast-paced matches. Zet Bet’s commitment to providing a smooth mobile experience for in-play betting means that you’re always just a tap away from enjoying the thrill of live wagering, no matter where you are.

Zet Bet – Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Extensive international sports coverage
  • Competitive odds with over 96% payout rate
  • Quality over quantity in in-play betting
  • Early cash-out feature available
  • UKGC licensed for peace of mind

Cons

  • Not as many live sports covered compared to pre-match betting
  • Newcomer to the global sports betting scene

 


 

1xBet

5. 1xBet live betting

  • 1xBet

    Bonus: €Up to €130

    * New Customers Only. 18+. T&C's Apply. Gamble Responsibly.

    • Bulgarian
    • Chinese
    • Croatian
    • Czech
    • Danish
    • Dutch
    • English
    • Estonian
    • Finnish
    • French
    • German
    • Greek
    • Hungarian
    • Italian
    • Japanese
    • Korean
    • Latvian
    • Norwegian
    • Polish
    • Portuguese
    • Romanian
    • Russian
    • Slovenian
    • Spanish
    • Swedish
    • Thai
    • Turkish
    • Ukrainian
    • Vietnamese
    • Jurisdicion: ................ Curacao
    • UK License: ...................................
    • Mobile App: ..................................
    • Live Streaming: ............................
    • Early Cashout: ..............................
    • Casino Available: ..........................
    • WHATS HOT?
    • Massive sportsbook & online casino
    • Huge number of sports, events, markets, etc.
    • Great localisation options

The next entry to our list is a massive international brand that caters to pretty much all corners of the gambling industry. Available to almost everyone and pretty much anywhere, 1xBet is a jack-of-all-trades kind of platform with plenty to love.

Translated into more than 30 languages, this bookie prides itself in having no “target market”. Most importantly, this means that even minor leagues and competitions from across the globe are covered with enthusiasm. If you follow more than just the biggest matches and teams, this diversity can be a great advantage.

This “one size fits all” approach to things is reflected in pretty much every part of 1xBet’s service. From the massive casino and detailed sportsbook to dozens of withdrawal options, no part of the website leaves you strapped for choices.

The only downside is that the mere sight of all of these features can be daunting for beginners. Once you’re familiar with the platform, though, there’s nothing 1xBet can’t do.

Why Is 1xBet Good for Live Betting?

On average, the 1xBet live betting section covers no less than 1,000 events per day. That’s a staggering number when you think about it, and we’re not sure even its biggest competitors could really match up to it.

As for available in-play markets, your mileage may vary based on which sports and leagues you enjoy. More noteworthy games boast a few dozen at least, though this isn’t necessarily true for more obscure national leagues or sports. Still, we doubt anyone will be disappointed, as the total number of betting options leaves very little to be desired.

As a cherry on top, 1xBet bonuses and promotions can further enhance your time with in-play sports betting. Free bets, deposit bonuses, and a robust loyalty program are just a few of the many incentives players have to keep coming back.

1xBet – Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Average of 1,000+ live events daily
  • Covers even smaller leagues and competitions from around the world
  • Available in 30+ languages with non-English customer support
  • 97%+ payout rate across the board
  • Hundreds of payment options with fast withdrawals

Cons

  • Lacks strong licensing
  • Cluttered website
  • Limits wagers if you win too much

 


 

Why Some Sportsbooks Are Better for Live In-Play Betting

So what exactly made us choose the above sites as the best bookmakers for live betting? Wouldn’t any of the all-around great bookies simply be the best for everything anyway?

Yes, but there are a few important things to keep in mind here.

It’s true that any good bookie could offer a decent in-play experience. However, the online bookmaking business is incredibly saturated with sites of all shapes and sizes. This healthy competition means that you can miss out on a lot if you don’t pick carefully. Opting for a good site is not enough – you want the very best.

To save you from a nasty case of buyer’s remorse, here are a few reasons why some sportsbooks are better for live bets than others.

  • Wagering options available pre-match are not necessarily available live. Top in-play sites stand out because they allow you to bet on more games and markets live.
  • Speed and responsiveness are absolutely crucial for this form of sports wager. Mere seconds can impact odds dramatically, so it’s important to find a good interface.
  • Many bookies restrict the use of bonuses and free bets after the game starts. The ones on our list do not.
  • Considering how odds work with live betting, keeping track of statistics on the fly can be extremely helpful. Finding a bookie that keeps you informed can be a great advantage.
  • Most operators have much bigger margins for live bets than for pre-match ones. Finding good in-play betting odds can be a challenge.

Live In-Play Betting Explained

As noted above, live betting refers to any type of sports wager placed after the match in question begins. That’s why it’s often referred to as “in-play” – because it happens while the game is played.

The live nature of this form of gambling makes it a uniquely exciting experience. Live betting opportunities emerge as the action happens, which leads to wagers that would not be possible otherwise.

Moreover, live betting odds change according to the current circumstances in the game. For example, if a team is currently leading, the odds of them winning will decrease to reflect the increased probability of victory. Perceptive and quick-minded bettors can use this fact to their advantage.

Betting live has become increasingly popular over the past two decades or so. Sportsbook operators often promote it heavily because the bookmaker margins tend to be wider than with pre-match betting. However, you can still bet in-play effectively if you know what you’re doing. That’s one of the reasons this guide exists – to help you understand live betting and its pros and cons.

What Sports Can I Bet on Live?

Nowadays, players can bet in-play on a wide variety of sports. Available sports typically include football, basketball, tennis, and even relatively less popular options such as darts or volleyball. American sports leagues such as the NFL, NHL, and MLB are also popular picks, especially in North America.

Coverage of live matches typically depends on the bookmaker, as do the available markets. However, top online bookies often offer dozens of sports with numerous markets for each match. Of course, the bigger and more popular a certain event is, the more likely you are to see detailed coverage and varied markets.

This live betting guide will mostly focus on football because it’s by far the most popular. Just remember that it’s far from being your only option.

If you want more information about how live betting works and the types of wagers and markets it offers, you can find it further down in this guide. For now, provide you with an expert-made list of the best sites for live betting.

How to Bet In-play

The very notion of placing a bet during a match sometimes seems strange to beginners. The non-fixed odds, new markets, and overall interactivity can seem complicated even to experienced punters.

Fear not – our live betting guide will explain everything you need to know, down to the smallest detail.

We’ll start with a basic how-to guide that explains how to bet live in the first place. We’ll then move on to more complex topics such as how live betting odds work and other strategy tips.

Step-by-Step Guide to Live Football Betting

We’ll go through the process of placing a bet live, step by step. You can simply follow along if you need help getting your bearings.

For our example, we’ll use the 888sport betting app. There’s a reason we placed it at the top of our list, after all. You can use any bookie you want, of course. The process and most common sportsbook features should be similar. Just make sure you have an active, verified account and enough funds deposited to wager.

It’s slim pickings on the humble Thursday we chose to write this guide, so the match we’ll be using is a Europa Conference League showdown between Aberdeen and BK Hacken.

Step 1 – Find a Suitable Match

Pick an upcoming game that will be available for live betting.

Our example is poised to be an exciting game – Hacken are favourites, but not overwhelmingly so. The outcome of this match determines Europa qualifications, so the stakes are there as well.

Step 2 – Pick a Betting Market

You can scroll down the interface to see all available options. The availability of certain markets depends on your bookie, the match, and other factors.

Our suggestion is to keep it simple, especially if you’re a beginner. For our example, we’ll stick with the good old Full Time Result.

Step 3 – Wait For the Right Moment to Place Your Bet

Real-time betting is all about picking the right moment. You can use this to increase odds or reduce risks.

In our example, we’ll go with the latter option. After a 14th-minute goal, Hacken are in the lead and their victory seems highly probable despite the early stages of the game. As such, we’ll go with an Away Win at odds of 1.60 – not the biggest payday, but it’s almost a sure win at this point.

Step 4 – Tap on the Bet You Wish to Make

Tap on the odds of the wager you wish to make to add it to your betting slip. Keep in mind that odds in live betting can change in seconds.

If you’re planning on betting, you’ll want to be quick. If you’re betting on the favourite like we are, the odds (and our payout) are reducing as time goes by.

Step 5 – Set Your Stake and Hit Confirm

As soon as you add a bet to a slip, you’ll be asked to set your stake. Type in the amount you wish to bet in the field next to your selection. Then, hit the big ‘Confirm’ button at the bottom of the screen. Your bet will be confirmed in seconds, and we can later view it on the ‘My Bets’ screen.

This screen can also be used to cash out early if the bookie allows it.

Step 6 – Wait for the Bet to Settle

Now you need to wait for your bet to settle, one way or the other. In our Full Time Result example, bets settle as soon as the match ends at minute 90. Fast forward a bit, and we can see that Hacken have only increased their lead to 1:3 in minute 84.

Looks like our bet is about to win!

Step 7 – Collect Your Winnings

Your bet is now considered settled, and any winnings will be instantly available in your account.

You can then withdraw them or re-invest them into a different bet.

How Live Betting Odds Work

Live betting odds dynamically change and adjust based on the situation in the game. They are calculated not just based on what you’re predicting will happen, but when you’re predicting it.

As the match progresses, all sorts of things happen that may affect the result. Time passes, goals are scored, and players are substituted – all of which affect how likely you are to win. With in-play betting, the odds change to reflect that fact.

Betting odds are statistical representations of how likely a certain result is to happen. The more likely a bet is to win, the more you stand to win, and the bigger (longer) the odds are for that bet. Conversely, events that are more likely to win ultimately bring smaller rewards. It’s all about probabilities.

That’s true for all sports betting, and every odds fixture ever offered by a bookie. However, in-play betting odds are unique because they dynamically track how these probabilities change as the action unfolds.

For instance, a team with a 1:0 lead is more likely to win a match than if the scores were tied. If you were to bet that they will win after they took the lead, you would be more likely to win than if you posted your wager before kick-off. This means the odds would be lower and you would win less money.

In-play Odds Example

To illustrate, let’s go with a more concrete example of how odds change and drift during real-time betting.

Let’s go back to our Aberdeen–Hacken example. We’ll focus on our chosen bet of an Away Win in the Full Time Result market.

This first picture shows pre-match odds, which most punters are familiar with. We can see Hacken are deemed favourites at odds of 2.30, though their advantage is dulled by the fact they’re playing away.

As soon as the game kicks off, the odds immediately start to change. For example, we can see that the Away Win odds increased only 3 minutes into the game. As time goes by with a 0:0 score, the chances of Hacken winning arguably decrease, so the odds almost immediately move up to 2.375.

The first major event of the game comes at minute 14, with an exciting goal from Hacken winger Ibrahim Sadiq. The Swedish side are now in the lead, making their eventual triumph much more likely. However, we’re still early in the game, so the odds are priced at 1.60. It’s a fairly safe bet at this point, but there’s always a chance for an upset.

Note that important events in the game may make live bets unavailable. For example, this next picture was taken during a throw-in and a decent goal opportunity for Hacken.

You can see this info in the live feed at the top. Bets are unavailable during this time – and if Hacken went on to score, you would have to wait a few seconds for odds to be re-calculated.

Remember that the time and score aren’t the only things that impact live betting odds.

For instance, we noticed that our Away Win odds are actually increasing even though Hacken are leading and time is passing. However, we can use the Stats tab to see what’s going on. As you can see, Aberdeen are behind on goals but are dominant in terms of possession and have a lot more recorded shots on target. This makes their victory seem more likely.

By half-time, Hacken boast a comfortable 0:2 lead. Considering their victory seems very probable at this point, the odds for an Away Win are a pitiful 1.182.

As we said – there’s always a chance for an upset! Aberdeen manages to score a goal at minute 55, making a Home Win or Draw seem more likely. The Away Win odds increase to 1.40 accordingly.

As things move to a close and Hacken holds a commanding lead at 1:3, we can see odds adjust accordingly. Betting on Hacken at this point brings almost no reward while Aberdeen odds rocket up to over 120.

Types of Live Soccer Bets

In-play betting markets can be just as varied and interesting as their pre-match counterparts.

That said, not all markets you are used to with fixed-odds wagers are available in-play. Conversely, some types of bets are completely unique to the live betting window. Of course, results may also vary on the sport you’re looking at.

For example, common soccer betting markets such as Match Result, Under/Over, and Correct Score are ubiquitous. Every live betting site has them, and they’re generally the most popular picks.

On the other hand, in-play wagers also allow you to predict other things, such as:

  • Who will score the next goal/assist?
  • Which team will win the next half?
  • Will the next corner shot be successful?
  • Which team will receive the next card?

Again, the full list of available types of live bets depends on the bookie you’re using.

Additionally, remember that in-play bets are not persistent. New opportunities to bet pop up as the game progresses, while some wagers may become unavailable.

Also, a market may become unavailable mid-game if its odds need to be suddenly recalculated. For instance, if a team scores, the probabilities of almost every possible outcome are impacted. You may have to wait a few seconds as the odds change to reflect the new probabilities.

Why Bet in Real-time?

If you’re still not sold on the idea of wagering while the game takes place, there are still some key factors to consider.

Let’s consider some benefits of live betting while also noting a few reasons you may want to stick to classic fixed odds wagers.

Advantages

We’ll start by listing a few benefits that draw so many people to this style of wagering.

  • Engagement – The ability to actively place bets as your watch is fundamentally exciting to many sports fans.
  • Reactivity – You can edit, adjust, and adapt your betting strategy to the situation in the pitch. Skilled bettors can leverage this.
  • Potential for hedging – Bet hedging is a popular strategy, and in-play action allows you to easily “bet against yourself” to ensure winnings
  • Stat tracking – Any modern sportsbook allows you to get in-depth, live information and statistics. These figures can be quite useful even if you’re not wagering at all.
  • Interesting markets – Some markets are exclusive to in-play bets, giving players an extended range of options.

Disadvantages

Compared to classic pre-match bets, live wagers are not without their faults. It’s fair to also consider a few points as to why you may wish to avoid it.

  • Higher bookmaker margins – On average, bookmaker margins on live bets are higher than with fixed odds markets. This translates to worse odds and lower earnings in the long run.
  • Fewer market options – Although some markets are only available in-play, the total number of wagering options is considerably smaller than before the kick-off.
  • Requires attention – If you want to successfully bet live, you need to pay attention to the game. You need to act fast if you want to take advantage of emerging opportunities, which doesn’t suit everyone.
  • Tunnel vision – Many players end up too focused on a single match, which may not be ideal for your long-term strategy. There are potentially better offers in other games.
  • Limited coverage – Even the most impressive live sportsbooks don’t cover every game live. This is only a problem if you enjoy obscure leagues and sports, but it’s still worth mentioning.

Strategy Tips

Before we wrap up our in-depth live betting guide, we’ll leave you with a few handy strategy tips.

Generally, live betting strategies and best practices carry over from pre-match punting. However, it’s still a unique approach and requires some considerations.

If you’re new to this and want a few pointers, here are some live betting tips and tricks to get you started.

  • Keep your cool – The reason sportsbook operators are promoting their in-play sections so hard is that players tend to get too fired up and start spending too quickly. Always keep your wits about you and never chase losses. Sometimes you just need to cut and run.
  • Do your research – Some may think that preparing for live betting defeats the purpose. However, understanding the team lineups, stats, and histories allows you to understand how impactful events are in a game. If you know what you’re doing, this translates into better and wiser decisions.
  • Adapt to the situation – You need to keep your cool, but you also want to stay quick on your feet. Circumstances may arise to cause you to bet in seemingly strange ways, such as betting against yourself or backing complete underdogs. These things happen in live punting, so be prepared to make unusual decisions.
  • Always keep betting value in mind – All good sports betting strategies are based on expected value. Although calculating value on the fly is not easy, it should become second nature to you as you improve your skills.
  • Watch the games when possible – Live betting stats windows are great and all, but they can never truly replace actually watching the game. We highly advise keeping track of both screens.

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Conclusion

When push comes to shove, we bet because it makes the sports we love more exciting.

That’s the key to understanding why live betting is so popular and why you may wish to try it.

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, watching sports and betting on the result have been wrapped up into a single, seamless experience. It seems like a match made in heaven, though we acquiesce that it’s not for everyone.

Our detailed live sports betting guide provides everything you need to get started right now. Check out one of the recommended bookies above to see what all the fuss is about. But please, remember to gamble responsibly. The sites on our list are fully regulated and licensed bookmakers which provide a safe and secure gambling environment so it’s up to you to adhere to your own limits. In case you need help managing your betting habit, feel free to contact professional services such as BeGambleAware or GamStop


DISCLAIMER: The content presented above is a sponsored post, commissioned and paid for by a third-party sponsor or author. While we are dedicated to providing a diverse range of content to our readers, it is essential to clarify that the opinions, views, and information expressed within this post are solely those of the sponsor or author and do not necessarily reflect the stance or views of SoccerNews.

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