Best Live Betting Guide Written by Experts
More and more sports betting fans are opting to place in-play wagers. This is a great way of adding an extra level of excitement to your sports watching experience. And, it can also be a great way of finding excellent value in the markets.
Our aim is to make sure you get the most out of your in-play betting. This short guide to in-play betting systems will help you to put together your very own in-play betting strategy. We will look at the pros and cons of betting in-play and give you some expert tips for your in-play betting.
In-play betting: Meaning
Before we go on to outline some in-play
betting strategies
it is important to give you a firm understanding of the in-play betting meaning.
In-play betting refers to placing bets on an event whilst it is in progress. The odds on in-play markets change rapidly, as the oddsmakers take into account the way the event is progressing.
Many in-play betting markets are the same as for pre-game betting, but there are a few markets that are only applicable for in-play betting – for example ‘next team/player to score’.
What is the best in-play betting strategy?
There are many in-play betting systems and strategies. All have their merits, but what we have selected are going to focus on three in-play betting strategies that can be applied to a wide variety of sports.
Bet on the favorite
This might sound slightly obvious and not very profitable, but if done correctly, betting on the favorite can be an extremely astute in-play betting strategy. Here is how you can make betting on the favorite work for you:
Place a bet if the favorite goes behind
Let’s say that the Dallas Cowboys are playing the New York Giants. Pre-game, the moneyline is:
- Cowboys: -190
- Giants: +180
At the start of the game, the Giants score a touchdown on the opening possession of the game and take a 7-0 lead. Because of this, the prices change to:
- Cowboys: -100
- Giants: +90
Whilst the Giants have a points advantage, the reality is that the Cowboys have over three quarters to turn the game around, they have the next possession (as well as receiving the ball at the start of the second half) and they are the superior team. Essentially, they still have an excellent chance of winning the game, but the odds of them doing so are more preferential.
Of course, should the Giants extend their lead then the odds will change again. If that happens, you need to decide the best time to place your bet on the Cowboys. But bear in mind that if the Giants have a good-sized lead late in the game (or there are other factors such as injuries) they may well upset the form book and win the game.
This principle can be applied to many other sports – such as tennis, soccer, basketball and baseball. You place a bet on the favorite after the odds have lengthened, but they still have plenty of time to win the event.
Bet on the favorite late in a close game
To use the same example, let’s say that the Giants and Cowboys are locked at 17-17 heading into the final quarter. It is effectively a one quarter game and the in-play moneyline is:
The Cowboys are now a much more appealing price than they were at the start of the game, but they still have a fantastic chance of winning. Again, you need to factor in any injuries or other on-field issues that are occurring in the game, but in many cases betting on the favorite late on in a close game can be a very astute strategy.
Hedge your bets
Of course, sport can be wildly unpredictable and upsets are commonplace. If you do bet on the favorite, but the game does not swing in their favor, then you can recoup some (or occasionally all) of your expected losses by betting on the other team/player.
For example, you place an early in-play bet on Andy Murray to beat Grigor Dimitrov in a five set game. The game goes to a fifth set but Murray is clearly carrying an injury, so Dimitrov is now the big favorite to win. If you now place a bet on Dimitrov, you will incur a much smaller loss on your Murray bet. But if Murray wins, your profit will be much smaller due to the fact you have hedged your bet.
In all of the above scenarios, you need to carefully think about whether the favorite is still the value bet and how much you want to wager. We will give you some top tips relating to this further on in the article.
What are the pros and cons of the in-play betting system?
Now let’s look at the relative advantages and disadvantages of placing in-play bets using the above systems.
In-play betting system pros
- The favorite regularly wins
Oddsmakers know what they are doing. So when they set a team/player as the favorite, they will have done a lot of research in order to form that opinion. As such, there is an excellent chance that the event will back up their prediction and the favorite will prevail.
- You can find preferential odds
As the examples in the previous section show, the in-play betting system of choosing the favorite often leads to preferential odds because of what happens in the early stages. Live odds change extremely rapidly, so by keeping a close eye on the event you can spot the optimum time to place your bet.
- You can make informed decisions
Betting in-play means that you can see some of the action before placing your bet. This enables you to get insights into how the event is progressing and subsequently make informed decisions.
In-play betting system cons
Upsets are regular occurrences in all sports, which means that your bet on the favorite is never a guaranteed winner. As with all sports bets, an in-play bet on the favorite is not a guaranteed winner.
- You need to pay close attention
Sports events and live odds both change rapidly. In order to find the optimum time to place your bet, you need to pay very close attention to what is happening. If you are multitasking whilst watching the game, this could present a big problem.
- There is no time to research
Research is a key part of sports betting, but if you are betting in-play you have very little time with which to conduct any meaningful research. Both the odds and the event can change instantly, so placing bets needs to be more instinctive than when you place pre-game bets.
Our favorite bookmakers
1.
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
3.
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days
Bet now
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
4.
10 x $100 bet match in FanCash
Bet now
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
5.
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
Best Alternative
Open FanDuel
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Top 5 tips for using your in-play betting strategy
Placing in-play bets requires plenty of thought and plenty of skill. To help you out, our betting experts have put together their five ultimate tips for your in-play betting:
Do your pre-game research
Whilst you won’t be placing your bet pre-game, it is still imperative that you research your bets as if you are. That will enable you to spot value in the markets and establish a clear idea of who you think will win. That will come in very useful when you are looking at in-play markets.
Pay close attention to the event
The in-play betting strategy of betting on the favorite in a close game is a solid one, unless there are factors which will significantly change the likelihood of the favorite winning. For instance, an injury to a key player or weather conditions that favor the underdog. By paying close attention to the game you can make informed decisions on if and when to back the favorite.
Look at a wide variety of games
In reality, there are many fixtures that do not provide suitable in-play betting opportunities. Rather than placing a bet on these fixtures, you should move on to another game and look for value there. Do not place a bet, just for the sake of it. Be patient and look at a variety of fixtures in order to find the best value.
Most online sportsbooks offer you a cash out function on in-play bets. Whilst cashing out of your bet will not give you the full value of your potential win, it does mean that you can lock in a profit, and not incur a loss if the bet is unsuccessful. Pay close attention to the cash out value of the bets you place and try to identify when the cash out options represents good value.
Use safer gambling controls
This important tip applies to all forms of online betting. When you join a sportsbook, you will have the option of using a safer gambling tool. This tool allows you to set limits on the amount of time and money you spend using an operator. We highly recommend that you always use this tool when you sign up for a sports betting operator. It will help ensure you do not incur any uncomfortable losses whilst in-play betting, meaning you can stay in control of your budget.
What other betting strategies are available?
In-lay betting is a strategy used by many sports betting fans, but there are a number of other potential profitable betting strategies available to players. Here are just three of them:
Matched betting
This involves both backing and laying the same bet in order to take advantage of promotions offered by operators. It is a very low risk method betting strategy and effectively removes the gambling aspect of sports betting.
Pick Three
A Pick Three betting strategy involves placing a bet on the winner of three consecutive horse races. To win your Pick Three bet, all three of your horses must win their race. A Pick Three strategy that works often offers some of the best value you will find in sports betting.
Arbitrage
Arbitrage betting takes advantage of the odds discrepancies between sportsbook operators. By placing bets on all possible market outcomes using a variety of different operators, you can often guarantee yourself a small profit regardless of the outcome.
In-play betting system: Conclusion
An in-play betting system can be a fantastic way of enhancing your sports betting experience. But you need to stick to a few important rules.
Only place in-play bets if you are closely following the event. Betting in-play when you do not have a full picture of what is happening in an event can lead to poor decisions. Also, make sure you still conduct your extensive pre-game research. You will not have any time to do much research whilst the event is taking place, so give yourself as much information as possible before the event begins.
Finally, in-play betting is an exciting way of wagering, but it still has the same risks as pre-game betting. So ensure you stick to your budget, set safer gambling controls and only bet with amounts you would be comfortable losing. Looking for more guides? We’ve got tried and tested
soccer betting strategies
right here.
Our favorite bonuses
1.
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
Wagering (WR): New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Min. Deposit: $5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
3.
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days
Min. Deposit: 5
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
4.
10 x $100 bet match in FanCash
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
5.
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit
Best Alternative
Open FanDuel
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
In-play betting system FAQ
👮Is in-play betting legal?
Yes as long as you are at least 21 years of age and located in a state where gambling is legal. Although state gambling laws are constantly under review and subject to alteration. Please regularly check our guides for the latest legal situation in your state.
🏅What is the best betting strategy?
That comes down to the individual. You need to consider your budget, how risk-averse you are and a number of other factors. Read our guides to each betting strategy such as our
pick 3 strategy guide
to learn more.
🏑What is the best sport for in-play betting?
Again, this is an individual choice, but generally speaking, the longer a sport lasts the easier it is to place in-play bets. Sports like horse racing are very difficult to place in-play bets on as the action moves extremely fast and typically only lasts a couple of minutes. On the other hand, sports like golf and cricket are ideal for in-play betting as the markets are much slower moving and you have more time to assess the value. You can find out more about betting strategies for individual sports by reading guides such as our look at
football betting strategies.
