What is live betting? In-game sports betting explained

If you’re looking to place bets on events that are already taking place, then live betting is for you! Whether it be that you missed placing a bet on the game before it started, or you’ve spotted a betting market that you like the look of based on the state of the game in-play, live betting provides you with everything you need. With live betting, it’s never too late to get in on the action. This popular form of betting allows you to place a wager after a game has already begun.

Live betting, also known as in-play or in-game betting, enables bettors to wager on events while they’re happening. Unlike traditional betting, where you place your bets before the game begins, live betting lets you adjust your wagers on the fly as the action unfolds. 

This kind of betting has exploded in popularity thanks to having sportsbook apps on mobile phones. Now you can literally bet from your couch while reacting to whatever unexpected event is happening during the game.

You might, for example, see a live wager on Connor McDavid to score the next goal, or Scottie Scheffler to birdie the next hole.

There are plenty of differences when it comes to live betting and pre-game betting, and so you should be aware of these before diving into the action with your chosen sportsbook. Below, the table outlines the key differences between the two. 

Live betting markets shift incredibly fast, and sportsbooks adjust odds within seconds based on momentum shifts. This goes for not just traditional bets like the spread, total, and moneyline, but also player props — short for proposition bets — like pitcher strikeouts or a running back’s rushing total.   

Odds can change based on numerous factors, including team performance, player injuries, tactical changes, and even inclement weather.

Live in-play betting offers opportunities to those who are savvy. If, for example, a favored team falls behind early, its odds to win will increase, potentially offering more value than if they’d been wagered on before the game.

Live betting sites offer a wide variety of betting opportunities, ranging from player props to game-specific outcomes. Here are some of the most common, aside from the widely known moneyline markets. 

Prop bets are wagers on a specific player or team within a game rather than the overall result. NFL bettors, for instance, may have the option of wagering on which player will score the next touchdown or how many passing yards a quarterback will wind up totaling. In the NBA, you can wager funds on how many points, assists, rebounds, steals, and turnovers a player will make in a game. While in soccer matches from the Premier League, you can place bets on statistical-based markets such as how many shots, passes, or tackles a player or team will make.

There are many different game-specific markets available across sportsbooks, and so you won’t be short of live betting opportunities throughout the year. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular amongst punters. 

🏈 Football: If you’re keen on live betting on football, you’ll be pleased to hear there are plenty of betting markets to explore. You can wager on the results of each quarter or half, the outcome of each drive, and whether a team will achieve a first down on its next possession.

🏀 Basketball: Given the fast-paced nature of basketball, it won’t be too surprising to hear that live odds on this sport fluctuate more than any other sport. Bettors can bet on markets such as the next team to score points, or which team will hit a specific points total before the other, which is also known as ‘Race To’ bets.

🎾 Tennis: In tennis live betting, you’ll be able to place bets on many different events. Whether it be specific points, games, or sets, the best sportsbooks have you covered with plenty of depth when it comes to live betting on this sport. Events take place throughout the year so you won’t be short of live betting opportunities on tennis. 

⚽️ Soccer: The next team to score or be awarded a corner kick is a popular live soccer bet.  

🏎️ Formula 1: In the F1 scene, you can bet on markets such as podium finish or race winner, whilst the race is taking place. You’ll have to be quick to react to any odds change, though, as they can rise or drop in a matter of seconds due to the fast-paced nature of this sport. 

These are short-term bets that will have the outcome settled much quicker than your standard live betting markets, such as moneyline. Baseball, for instance, offers Over/Under bets on the speed of each pitch, while basketball bettors can try to predict whether the next made basket is a conventional 2-pointer or 3-pointer.

In soccer, you can wager funds on which team you think will reach a certain number of corners in the match first, or which team will score the next goal. In the world of tennis, you can bet on specific points in each game, so you can expect the outcome of bets on this market to be settled in a matter of seconds.

If done properly, real-time betting can be very rewarding. Here are some of the biggest advantages.

There are plenty of positives to shout about when it comes to live betting, and with a range of different events and markets being added across sportsbooks, there’s something for everyone. Whether it be in-play esports betting markets or live tennis betting, you can rest assured that you’ll find something that will take your interest.

With live streaming of these events available if the qualifying criteria are met, the live betting experience has become even more entertaining nowadays, and this trend is expected to continue growing stronger moving forward. Remember to gamble responsibly and with funds you can afford, as gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money in your everyday life.