What is In-Play Betting?

In-play betting or live betting is a major growing trend in the world of online UK sports wagering.  In-play betting is exactly what it sounds like.  It refers to wagering that takes place while an event is in progress, as opposed to a wager put down before the event begins.  If you are betting on horse racing, it is called “in-running” betting, but it is the exact same thing.  The growth of online betting sites has made it easy to wager in-play.  Mobile technology in particular has fed into the growth of this trend.  When you can bet anywhere, you can bet anytime. 

Why bet live?  Well, first of all, it is fun and exciting!  There is nothing quite like being right there in the middle of the action, making calls based on what is taking place on the field.  There is a practical benefit too, though, and that is that you are actually watching the event as it unfolds, which provides you with critical knowledge for that specific event and for future events.  The more in-play betting you participate in, the more your knowledge of a sport will grow.

Let’s say for example that you are betting on football.  One team has a clear advantage on the other and has a really strong offense.  Once you see that, you can wager that team will score a goal early on in the match.  Before the match started, you might not have been able to make that call. 

If you are planning on backing the underdog instead of the favourite, there is also a chance you will get some excellent prices wagering in-play.  If things are looking increasingly bad for the underdog but you still feel sure they will pull it through, you could get a massive payout when the match turns around in the underdog’s favour.

You may also find yourself with more to bet on.  Instead of simply wagering on the outcome of a match, you may be able to bet on specific events that take place on the field during the course of the game.  This gives you more opportunities to make money. 

What else should you know about live betting?  First off, in-play betting is offered on most major sporting events, so no matter what sports you like to follow, it is something you can get involved in.  Bets are placed with a brief delay, usually around 5 seconds.  Odds are updated regularly over the course of an event, usually every 30-60 seconds.  You should also be aware that suspensions may occur while you are betting in-play.  Suspensions may happen anytime something major takes place during a match, like a red card or a fast lead or turnaround. 

If you are planning on betting in-play instead of before a match, you should always do the following:

1. Have a smart, conservative money management strategy in place.  Come up with some rules in advance for how many wagers you will place during a single event.
2. Do your research and have a sound betting strategy going in. 
3. Test yourself on paper before you bet with real money.  Betting in-play is a very different experience than betting pre-match!  You may be surprised at the added pressures that come with the fast pacing and the excitement of the moment.  Psychologically, this can take some getting                used to.
4. Make sure you will have a stable connection and will be able to watch the event and monitor all your bets live.  You want as little lag as possible, and preferably no disconnects! 

Betting live can be very exciting, and it can also be a great way to make money.  Most of the best practices for in-play betting are the same as those you follow for pre-match wagering.  Be smart and have fun!