What is Live Betting?

Contrary to popular belief, once the whistle blows, the betting opportunities at your favorite sportsbooks aren’t over. You can still place bets of all types while a game is ongoing, which is commonly referred to as live or ‘in-play’ betting. Live betting gives you the excellent opportunity to see how a game is unfolding before you react with your wallet.

Consider this page our comprehensive guide to all things live betting. Not only will you learn what live betting is, but also look through some examples of it in action, as well as some helpful tips to get you started on the right track.

How Does Live Betting Work?

Live betting, sometimes referred to as in-play betting, allows gamblers to place bets on a sporting event while it’s in progress. Unlike traditional betting, where you lock in your wagers before the game starts, live betting enables you to make bets as the game unfolds. The odds are continuously updated based on the current state of the game, including the score, time remaining, and other relevant factors.

One of the significant advantages of live betting is that it lets you assess the game’s dynamics before making a bet. You can react to in-game developments, such as a team gaining momentum or a star player getting injured, to make more informed wagers.

Live betting offers various bet types, including moneyline bets, over/under bets, and team/player props, providing a more engaging way to enjoy sports betting.

How to Read Live Odds

Live betting odds are typically displayed in the American format, which uses plus and minus signs (+/-) to indicate underdogs and favorites, respectively. The number associated with these signs represents the amount you can win or need to wager.

For underdogs represented with a plus sign (+), the number signifies the profit you’d earn on a $100 bet. So, if you see +150, you’d make a $150 profit on a $100 wager if your bet is successful.

Favorites are marked with a minus sign (-), and the number indicates the amount you must bet to win $100. If you encounter -200, you’d need to wager $200 to win $100 in profit if your bet wins.

Is Live Betting a Form of Hedging?

Hedging your bets involves placing additional wagers to reduce or offset potential losses on an existing bet. While live betting itself is not a form of hedging, it can be a valuable tool for bettors looking to hedge their initial wagers.

Let’s say you’ve placed a pre-game bet on an NFL game, predicting that a specific wide receiver will accumulate 50+ yards. However, as the game unfolds, you notice that the receiver isn’t getting many targets, and your bet looks uncertain. This is where live betting comes into play.

Live betting allows you to adapt to changing circumstances. In this scenario, you might decide to hedge your original bet by placing a live bet on a different outcome, such as a tight end who seems to be heavily involved in the game. By doing so, you can reduce the potential loss from your initial wager or even secure a profit.

Why is Live Betting Only Available on Certain Matchups?

Live betting availability varies across sportsbooks and depends on the popularity and coverage of the sport or event. Sportsbooks need real-time data to offer live betting, including updated scores, player statistics, and game dynamics.

For major American sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, live betting is widely available because these leagues receive extensive coverage, and data is readily accessible. However, live betting options may be limited for more obscure sports or foreign leagues where sportsbooks lack the necessary data sources to set accurate odds in real-time. Sportsbooks prioritize offering live betting where they can provide accurate and reliable information to ensure a fair and engaging betting experience for customers.

What Types of Bets are Available Once the Game Starts?

Live betting opens up a world of wagering possibilities once a game begins. It allows you to bet on various aspects of the game as it unfolds, and virtually all types of bets become available in real time, except for futures bets. Here, we’ll explore some of the most popular live betting options.

Live Moneyline Bets

Live moneyline bets are a favorite among many bettors, particularly those who relish the excitement of spotting potential comebacks or game-changing shifts before they happen.

Here’s how they work: As a game unfolds, sportsbooks continuously adjust the moneyline odds to reflect the ongoing action. These updated odds allow you to make real-time predictions about which team will win, without relying solely on pre-game assessments.

This form of betting is especially appealing because it provides a glimpse of how the teams genuinely match up on the field, beyond what’s evident on paper. For instance, in a live NFL game, if the underdog starts mounting an unexpected comeback, their live moneyline odds may improve significantly.

Live Spread Bets

Live spread bets offer an engaging way to participate in in-play betting. Point spreads, akin to handicaps in golf, serve as the equalizer between teams of varying skill levels, making matchups more competitive.

Here’s the gist: The point spread continually adjusts during a game, allowing you to bet on which team will cover the spread. Even in games that appear lopsided or during blowouts, live spread betting remains available, as sportsbooks update the spread line to keep the action interesting. This means you can place bets throughout a game, regardless of the score, as long as the game is still in progress.

Live Player Prop Bets

Live player prop bets bring a unique dimension to in-game betting. Unlike traditional wagers that focus on the game’s final outcome, prop bets center on specific player performances during the event. For instance, in a basketball game, you can bet on individual player statistics such as points scored, assists, or three-pointers made.

With live player props, you can observe how each player is performing in real-time before placing your bet. This extra layer of information empowers you to make more informed decisions. For example, if a basketball player is having a hot shooting night, you might decide to bet on them exceeding their points total. On the flip side, if a player is struggling, you could bet against them reaching a particular milestone.

Live Over/Under Bets

Live over/under bets, often abbreviated as “O/U,” are a popular and straightforward form of wagering. Rather than predicting the game’s outcome, these bets revolve around estimating the total points, goals, or runs scored during the sporting event.

The central focus of over/under betting is to determine whether the actual total will surpass or fall short of a specific number set by the sportsbook. In live betting, having the opportunity to watch part of the game beforehand provides invaluable insights. You can observe how each team is playing, their strategies, and their offensive and defensive capabilities.

Can I Make a Parlay Live?

Yes, you can create live same-game parlays! These work similarly to traditional same-game parlay wagers, with one key difference: you’re placing your bets at updated odds based on the game’s progress.

To assemble a live same-game parlay, visit your preferred sportsbook and navigate to the game you want to bet on. You’ll find the same array of betting options you would for pre-game parlays. You can combine bets on various aspects of the game, such as player props, point spreads, and totals, all while taking advantage of live odds that reflect the real-time action.

How Do You Know When to Make an In-Play Bet?

The timing of making an in-play bet is entirely at your discretion, provided you have a solid rationale.

In-play betting offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides real-time information about a game. You can observe how teams perform, track individual player form, and factor in weather conditions, all as the action unfurls. This real-time data can be invaluable for making informed bets.

Moreover, in-play betting allows for adaptability. You can adjust your wagers based on what you’re witnessing during the game. For example, if you notice a shift in momentum or if a key player gets injured, you can act accordingly to maximize your chances of winning.

Another perk of in-play betting is enhanced entertainment. It adds an extra layer of excitement to watching sports, as you can actively engage with the game in real time.

However, there are also some downsides to consider. Live betting is fast-paced, requiring quick decision-making. This rapid pace can be challenging, especially for beginners who may not be accustomed to making split-second choices.

Live Wagering Examples in Sports Betting

Live betting can come in many different forms, so it’s important to examine how each of these live bet types can look in practice.

Below, we’ve come up with some unique live betting scenarios across all the most popular American sports leagues. Take a moment to think about what sports you want to bet on and check out the examples that are relevant to you.

NFL

In the NFL, live betting can present incredible opportunities, especially when you spot nuances in a game. Picture a matchup between two marquee teams. At halftime, one team leads 28-7. However, upon closer inspection, you’ve noticed that their lead was somewhat inflated by fortunate plays, and their defense has been shaky. In this scenario, you decide to take action and place a live bet on the trailing team to make a comeback, despite the odds stacked against them.

NBA

Consider an NBA game between the LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics. Early in the first quarter, Kristaps Porzingis, a key player for the Celtics, exits the game due to injury. This unexpected turn of events could create opportunities, especially for a player prop bet. You decide to place a live bet on Boston’s center, Robert Williams, to surpass the over on rebounds. Your quick thinking in response to changing circumstances might give you the edge in this wager.

MLB

Baseball, with its unpredictability, offers intriguing live betting prospects. Imagine a game featuring Aaron Judge of the NY Yankees facing off against the Toronto Blue Jays. Judge has gone 0-3, but you’ve noticed that he came dangerously close to hitting multiple home runs. You decide to take a calculated risk and place a small player prop bet on Judge to hit a home run in one of his final at-bats. Sometimes, seizing these timely opportunities can lead to rewarding outcomes.

NHL

Live betting in the NHL can be thrilling, particularly when you observe high-scoring affairs. Picture the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers going head-to-head. Both offenses are firing on all cylinders, generating a flurry of shots on target. This presents an ideal scenario for making an over/under bet on the total goals in the game.

Soccer

For soccer betting, let’s take the iconic El Clásico matchup between Real Madrid and Barcelona, tied 1-1 at halftime. However, a sudden shift in weather has brought heavy rainfall onto the field. Recognizing that these waterlogged conditions could drastically impact gameplay, you decide to make a strategic move. Placing a bet on neither team to score for the rest of the match under such challenging weather conditions might just prove to be a smart choice.

Combat Sports

Live betting in combat sports demands astute observation. Picture a UFC showdown between two prominent fighters. After the first round, it becomes evident that neither fighter is adopting an aggressive approach, both opting for a more cautious strategy. Recognizing this pattern, you decide to place a modest live bet on the fight going the distance.

Tennis

In tennis, live betting offers plenty of intriguing opportunities tied to player performance. Consider a match featuring a top-tier tennis player like Carlos Alcaraz. Early in the game, you notice that their serve is exceptionally strong, consistently delivering aces. Recognizing this advantage, you decide to bet on the over for the number of aces they’ll achieve.

Live Betting Tips

You have the basics down and have a few examples under your belt, but before you start putting your live betting strategy to the test, let’s take a moment to go over a couple of nuggets of wisdom. These live betting tips aren’t guaranteed money-makers, but they certainly will help you to make informed and well-researched decisions as you start out with this exciting new bet type.

Don’t Wing It

In the realm of live betting, impulse decisions can lead to hasty and often regrettable outcomes. The allure of a single spectacular play can sometimes cloud judgment. For instance, betting on a wide receiver to have a monumental night just because they snagged one deep pass is a common pitfall.

Instead, stay composed and focused. Look for consistent strategic shifts by a team, key injuries, or significant changes in playstyle that could signal a genuine live betting opportunity. Thoughtful analysis, rather than impulsive betting, is the path to success.

Injuries are Opportunities

While injuries are unfortunate for the athletes involved, they can create intriguing openings for astute live bettors. When a player limps off the field or court due to injury, it’s essential to consider the potential implications. Think about who might step up to replace their impact within their team or which opponent could benefit the most from their absence. These moments of transition can offer potentially lucrative live betting opportunities, provided you’re quick to recognize and act on them.