The Perks of In-Play Betting: All You Need to Know to Become a Pro
Throughout the previous few decades, online sports betting became a mainstream activity for millions of punters worldwide.
Some punters like to place their bets far in advance and then sit back and relax until they see the final outcome. Others can’t make up their minds before they see at least a bit of the action and want to have the option to change their strategy on the go.
Today, there are numerous possibilities for each type of punter to enjoy. A very popular one is in-play betting, which can be found in various sports, including horse racing, football, basketball, golf, etc. If you wish to learn more about this type of betting, scroll down as we have prepared a brief guide especially for you.
What Is It, and How Does It Work?
Although you’ve probably heard about this type of betting already, let’s start with some basics. This betting type is also known as live betting, and here’s why. It allows punters to place bets after an event has started and change their minds based on what’s happening in the match. The most interesting thing about betting in-play is the odds that can change with almost every possession or play during the game.
These odds may differ among different bookmakers, which is why you should always check which one gives the best ones. The odds are calculated based on the probability of the in-play event occurring, which is determined by a specific algorithm. During the game, they are consistently updated, making it easy for the players to keep track of any changes, and some bookies even allow them to choose how they wish the odds to be displayed. Odds can be shown in the decimal, fractional, or American style.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Live Betting
Now that we’ve answered the question “What is in-play betting,” let’s discuss its advantages and disadvantages a little.
The Thrill
A key advantage and one of the main elements that engage bettors in live betting in the first place is the excitement it brings. Live bets are the most unpredictable and thrilling form of betting, everything happens so fast, and punters get to change their minds as often as they like while enjoying watching their favourite teams battle their opponents.
Constantly Changing Odds
We already mentioned how odds play a significant part in any in-play bet and change as the game evolves. That is why live betting is particularly interesting in games that involve a lot of action, such as the NBA and ice-hockey matches or the Premier League selections.
Better Chances
Live betting allows you to bet as you are watching the game, which significantly increases your chances of making a good decision. As you get to see the team formations and tactics and get a feel for the game’s flow as it progresses, you will have better chances of predicting the final outcome and placing a winning bet. If, say, one of the key players sustains an injury or gets a red card, the team’s chances to win the match notably decrease. That said, the odds will change to reflect such an event, too.
No Time to Think About Strategy
While you can greatly benefit if you decide to bet in-play, it isn’t always as simple as it may seem. If you’re one of those bettors whose decision-making process takes time and who like to do a detailed analysis first, live betting might not be your cup of tea. It requires you to make quick decisions based on the game development, as the time is limited. Remember that the odds quickly change, so even if your changed bet goes through, it may not be worth much if you end up betting on an obvious result.
It Requires Dedication
With regular sports betting markets, once you place your bet, you can run some errands or finish some other tasks you had to do without having to watch the game itself. If you don’t have the time to turn on your TV or computer to follow the match, you can check the results later on, on your mobile device. With live betting, you have to watch the game carefully and pay attention to every detail, which can be highly time-consuming.
Possible Streaming Delays
Here’s another thing that can mess up your in-play betting strategy. When watching a stream online, there’s a chance to experience some delay, either when placing bets or in the stream itself, which can be frustrating if you’re live betting. You might need to give it a few seconds before you’re able to place a bet, and sometimes even the odds might be blocked if something important is happening on the field. At these times, all you have to do is be patient and stay focused.
How to Place a Live Bet
Placing live bets does not differ much from placing traditional ones. You should start by checking a few options and choosing a sportsbook you like the most. As soon as you enter the desktop version of the site or its mobile app, you will see all the events with live betting options available. Once you choose the betting market you’re interested in, you will be able to see the list of all live sporting events that offer in-play betting. One of the most crucial in-play betting tips we have for you is to always deposit money into your account on time because, with live betting, things tend to change quickly, and you need to act fast as you don’t want to miss your chance.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know all the basics about live betting and the way it works, you can decide if you wish to give it a shot. If you’re a newcomer in the betting scene or a slow bettor in general, you should probably take some time to think about your strategy and stick to the minimum bet stakes until you learn how to bet-in play better. Make sure to bet only with trustworthy sites, and check if you have a reliable internet connection to avoid any delays during the match.
FAQ
Does half-time count as in-play?
Half-time counts as in-play. In fact, it is probably the best time to place your bet, as that’s when the odds won’t be moving around like crazy. There is also no chance for anybody to score a goal, making it a safer time to place bets.
Is in-play betting profitable?
Live betting usually brings more profit and offers more opportunities than other forms of betting simply because it has better odds. Unlike with pre-match markets, in live betting, bookies don’t have the time to set their prices based on thorough research, and they offer better odds to attract players. That said, if a team scores a goal, placing a bet on them winning that match will result in lower payouts than if you predicted that result at 0-0.
What is a live in-play wager?
An in-play wager is the one you are placing once the game has already started. With other bet types, all action is closed as soon as the game begins, which is not the case with in-play betting. You can place your bets throughout the whole game and change your mind anytime the odds change, which is what makes this type of bet so exciting.
