Live betting, also known in the industry as in-play betting, has quickly started to become one of the most thrilling ways to bet on sports - no matter what the sport. Of course, the traditional pre-match bets will always be popular, but there’s something about live betting that takes it up a level. It lets you get involved in all the action as it unfolds… meaning even more dynamic betting opportunities and the chance for more strategic decision-making.
For U.S. sports fans, whether you’re a fan of American football betting, baseball betting, basketball betting - and especially soccer (football betting for the non-Americans), live betting can open up a whole new level of enjoyment. Rather than locking in your prediction before everything kicks off, you can actually see how both teams (or players) are performing in real-time and make (or adjust) your bets accordingly. If you've ever watched a match and thought, "they’re definitely going to score in a minute" or "he’s going to get sent off in a minute," then live betting is for you.
So, let’s look at why live betting is such a great alternative to the traditional pre-match betting options…
What Is Live Betting?
Live betting does exactly what it says on the tin: you’re placing bets on a sporting event as it’s actually happening. Unlike traditional betting, where you make your bet before everything kicks off, with live betting, you can place those bets literally at any point in the game.
What’s more, the odds are continuously updated based on what’s happening at that particular time. That means you can bet on the next team to score, the final result after you’ve seen what’s happening in the first half, or even on someone scoring a goal in the next 10 minutes.
As such, live betting is fast-paced, strategic, and reactive… and it’s perfect for sports like soccer where the whole momentum of the game can change in an instant.
Why Soccer and Live Betting Are a Perfect Match
Soccer is the perfect sport for live betting because of the whole rhythm of the game. There are two 45-minute halves, plenty of stoppages, and there are patterns of dominance that develop slowly over time, so there are always plenty of chances to find a value bet mid-match.
1. Momentum is Everything
Unlike some sports where the scoring can be a lot more frequent and random, soccer often tends to be more about who manages to control the possession, builds pressure, and creates the better chances. Watching the game is great for getting insights that you might not get from the pre-match stats.
2. Team Adjustments
Managers are regularly adjusting tactics during a match, especially if the team goes a goal down or something isn’t quite working. Seeing when a team has switched formation or has switched a midfielder for a forward can give you a few clues about how the game might change… that you can then use to make a live bet.
3. Cash-Out Opportunities
Lots of bookmakers give you the option to cash out your live bets - which essentially means that you can either lock in a profit or minimize your loss based on how the game is developing. This isn’t always available for pre-match bets.
The Main Benefits of Live Betting
More Flexibility and Control
One of the main benefits is control. You don’t have to be stuck with your pre-match prediction. Live betting means you can adapt based on what you're actually seeing.
Better Value
Sometimes a team could underperform in the first half (some great teams often find themselves going one goal down in the first ten minutes before they’ve woken up), but then get a lot better. If you make your bet during that time, you could get some great value!
More Entertaining
Let’s face it, live betting makes watching the match even more exciting. Every single moment matters. A red card or a missed penalty can change everything and open up a whole new load of betting opportunities.
The Most Popular Live Betting Markets in Soccer
Thinking of giving it a go? Then, here are some of the most popular soccer live betting options:
- Next Goal Scorer: Trying to predict which player you think will score the next goal.
- Next Team to Score: Choosing which team you think will be the next to score.
- Correct Score at Full Time: Making (or updating) your full-time score prediction as you watch the match play out.
- Number of Goals in Next 10 Minutes: You can bet on how many goals you think will be scored in a set period of time.
- Over/Under Goals: As the game plays out, the goal line will likely shift, so you’ll have more options than you would in pre-match betting.
Top Strategies for Successful Live Betting
The issue with live betting is that it can be all too easy to get caught up in the adrenaline, so you need to remember to strategise and stay disciplined.
1. Watch the Game
It might seem obvious, but watching the match as it happens can give you more insights and info than stats and numbers alone. Things like body language, referee tendencies, etc, can all play a role.
2. Understand the Odds Movement
When the game plays out, the odds can change fast. Which means that even the smallest delay in your bet could mean different odds than you expected.
3. Use More than One Device
If you’re serious about it, think about watching the game on one screen while using another one to look at stats and place your bet… for minimal delay, maximum speed.
4. Bankroll Management
You need to remember to set yourself a budget and stick to it - and don’t start chasing losses. Live betting might feel more casual, but it’s no less risky.
Live Betting - The Risks
While live betting can be fun and exciting, that also means it’s all too easy to get carried away and start making impulsive bets… not considering your budget.
As such, before you get started, follow these three rules:
- Set yourself a time limit
- Bet with your head, not your heart
- Keep notes of what happens in your bets and use them to help refine your strategy.
Just remember: stay disciplined, always bet responsibly, do your research and stick to your strategy.
