In Play Betting: The inside track & tactics of Live Betting
What is in-play betting?
In-play betting, also known as live betting or run betting, is the process of placing a bet during an event. It occurs after a game has started and allows the viewers to place bets throughout the game rather than only before its start, causing the odds to change in response to what’s happening during the game.
This could be, for example, during a football match, horse race, golf tournament, or any event that carries a betting market.
Unlike traditional betting where a bet is being placed before an event begins and the odds are fixed, in-play betting lets the user to react to the unfolding action and make bets as the game progresses. This means one can assess the performance of the teams or players in real-time and adjust the bets accordingly. It adds an extra layer of excitement to betting as the person can engage with the action as it unfolds.
Live Betting vs. Pre-Match Betting
Pre-Match Betting |
Live Betting |
| Preparation: With pre-match betting, you have time to research and analyze the teams or players before placing the bets. Factors that should be considered are: form, statistics, injuries, and other relevant information. | Real-Time Information: Live betting allows you to react to the unfolding action as it happens. You can assess the momentum, performance, and other dynamics of the game before making a decision. |
| Fixed Odds: The odds for pre-match betting are set before the game starts and generally remain unchanged throughout the match. This means you know exactly what potential pay-out to expect if the bet wins. | Dynamic Odds: Odds for live betting constantly changes based on the current state of the game. This means you may find opportunities for potentially more favourable odds compared to pre-match betting, especially if you can identify trends or momentum shifts. |
| Less Time Pressure: There’s no rush to make decisions, allowing for more thoughtful consideration of the bets. You can take the time to assess the available options and place the wagers accordingly. | Increased Engagement: Live betting keeps you engaged throughout the game, as you actively participate in the betting process based on the evolving circumstances. |
| Limited to Pre-Game Information: Pre-match betting relies solely on information available before the game begins. While you can make educated predictions, unexpected developments during the game may impact the outcome. | Opportunities for Hedging: Live betting provides opportunities to hedge pre-match bets or adjust your strategy based on the unfolding events, potentially minimising losses or maximising profits. If the situation changes during the match and it seems like your initial bet might not win, you can place additional bets to minimise potential losses or even guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome. |
Ultimately, the choice between live betting and pre-match betting depends on your preferences, risk tolerance, and approach to sports betting. Some bettors prefer the careful analysis and fixed odds of pre-match betting, while others enjoy the excitement and flexibility of live betting.
Who Sets the Odds in live betting?
In live betting, odds are typically set by the sports-book or the bookmaker offering the betting market. These bookmakers employ odds compilers or traders who analyse various factors related to the ongoing events and adjust the odds in real-time based on their assessment of the situation.
The odds compilers consider factors such as the current score, the time remaining in the game, the performance of the teams or players, any injuries or suspensions, and other relevant information. They aim to set odds that attract a balanced amount of betting action on both sides of the wager, thereby ensuring profitability for the sports-book regardless of the outcome.
As the game progresses and new information becomes available, such as goals scored, momentum shifts, or other developments, the odds may change rapidly to reflect the evolving situation. This dynamic adjustment of odds allows the sports-book to manage its risk and offer competitive betting markets to customers interested in live betting.
Techniques of live betting
Several techniques can be employed in live betting to enhance your chances of success:
- Back the Favourite After Conceding: If a strong team concedes a goal early in the game, their odds to win may lengthen. However, if you believe they have the capability to come back and win, this could present a value betting opportunity.
- Lay the Underdog After Scoring: Conversely, if the underdog scores first, their odds to win may shorten temporarily. If you don’t believe they can maintain their lead, consider laying (betting against) them to win, as the odds may drift back out in your favour.
- Bet on Momentum Shifts: Watch for momentum shifts during the game. If a team is dominating play or putting significant pressure on their opponent without scoring, they may be more likely to find a breakthrough soon. Betting on the team with momentum can be a profitable strategy.
- Monitor In-Game Statistics: Pay attention to in-game statistics such as possession, shots on target, and corner kicks. These can provide insights into which team is controlling the game and may help inform your betting decisions.
- Take Advantage of Tactical Changes: When a manager makes a substitution or changes tactics during the game, it can impact the flow of play and the likely outcome. Consider how these changes may affect the dynamics of the match and adjust your bets accordingly.
- Bet on In-Game Events: In addition to traditional markets like match winner and total goals, many sports-books offer a wide range of in-game betting options, such as next goal scorer, next team to score, and specific player props. These markets can provide additional opportunities for profit if you have insights into specific aspects of the game.
- Arbitrage Opportunities: Occasionally, discrepancies in odds between different bookmakers may occur during live betting. By comparing odds across multiple betting sites, you may find arbitrage opportunities where you can bet on all possible outcomes of an event and guarantee a profit regardless of the result.
- Cash Out at the Right Time: Many betting platforms offer a cash-out feature during live betting, allowing you to settle your bet early for a reduced pay-out or to minimise potential losses. Use this feature wisely by assessing the current situation in the game and deciding whether to cash out or let your bet ride.
These techniques require careful observation, analysis, and quick decision-making, but they can help you capitalize on opportunities and make profitable live bets. It’s essential to remain disciplined and only place bets when you believe there is value and a positive expected return.
What are the types of live betting?
Live betting offers a wide variety of betting markets, allowing you to wager on various aspects of the game or match as it unfolds. Here are some common types of live betting markets:
- Match Winner: Betting on which team or player will win the game or match, with odds continuously adjusting based on the current score and momentum.
- Next Goal: Predicting which team will score the next goal, or whether there will be a goal within a specified period of time.
- Total Goals/Points: Betting on the total number of goals, points, or runs scored in the game, with options to bet on over or under a certain number.
- Half-Time/Full-Time Result: Betting on the outcome of the game at both half-time and full-time, with odds changing as the game progresses.
- Correct Score: Wagering on the exact final score of the game, with odds adjusting based on the current scoreline and the likelihood of different outcomes.
- Asian Handicap: Adjusting the point spread or goal handicap in real-time to account for the current scoreline and balance the odds between the two teams.
- Next Scoring Play: Betting on the method of the next score, such as a goal, penalty, free throw, or touchdown.
- Player Props: Betting on individual player performances, such as the next player to score, receive a card, make an assist, or achieve a certain statistical milestone.
- Special Events: Betting on specific in-game events or occurrences, such as the next corner kick, throw-in, or yellow card.
- Live Futures: Betting on outcomes that will be determined later in the game or match, such as the winner of a tournament or series, based on the current state of play.
These are just a few examples of the types of live betting markets available. The exact offerings may vary depending on the sport, the betting platform, and the specific game or match being wagered on.
Pros and Cons of Live Betting
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Real-Time Information: Live betting allows you to make decisions based on real-time information. You can assess the flow of the game, player performance, and other factors as the event unfolds. | Fast-Paced: Live betting can be fast-paced, with odds changing rapidly and limited time to make decisions. This can lead to rushed decisions or impulse betting if you’re not careful. |
| Dynamic Odds: Unlike pre-match betting, odds in live betting are constantly changing based on the developments in the game. This can present opportunities for potentially more favourable odds, especially if you can identify trends or momentum shifts. | Emotional Betting: The excitement of live betting can sometimes lead to emotional decision-making. It’s important to remain disciplined and stick to your strategy, rather than being swayed by the momentum of the game. |
| Flexibility: Live betting offers flexibility in terms of the types of bets you can place and when you can place them. You can adjust your strategy or place new bets at any point during the game. | Technical Issues: Technical glitches or delays in updating odds can occur, especially with online live betting platforms. This can disrupt the betting experience and potentially affect your ability to place bets in a timely manner. |
| Hedging Opportunities: Live betting allows you to hedge your pre-match bets or adjust your strategy based on the unfolding events. This can help minimize losses or lock in profits, depending on the situation. | Limited Information: While live betting provides real-time information, it may not always be comprehensive or accurate. Factors such as injuries or tactical changes may not be immediately apparent, leading to misjudgements in betting decisions. |
| Increased Engagement: Live betting enhances the excitement and engagement of watching a sports event. It keeps you involved throughout the game as you actively participate in the betting process. | Market Volatility: The odds in live betting markets can be volatile, particularly during key moments of the game. This volatility can make it challenging to find value or assess the true probabilities of different outcomes. |
Overall, while live betting offers unique advantages in terms of flexibility and real-time engagement, it also comes with certain challenges that require careful consideration and risk management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, live betting enhances the sports viewing experience by providing real-time engagement, interaction, and strategic opportunities. However, it also poses unique challenges that require careful regulation and responsible participation to ensure the integrity of sports and the well-being of bettors.
