The rise of online sportsbooks has revolutionized sports betting, offering bettors the chance to place wagers on games as they unfold.

Known as live betting or in-play betting, this method allows you to capitalize on the dynamics of a game in real time.

Whether you’re looking to hedge a pre-game bet, take advantage of shifts in momentum, or engage more deeply with the action, live betting can be both exhilarating and profitable.

Here’s an in-depth look at how live betting works, what strategies can help you succeed, and the key points to keep in mind when betting on sports events after they’ve started.

1. What Is Live Betting?

Live betting refers to the process of wagering on a game already in progress.

Unlike traditional betting, where wagers are placed before the game begins, live betting allows bettors to react to in-game events, team dynamics, and momentum shifts.

Thanks to mobile apps and online sportsbooks, you can place live bets from anywhere without needing to visit a physical sportsbook.

When a game kicks off, oddsmakers establish initial lines based on pre-game analysis.

As the game progresses, sportsbooks update these odds based on the current score, remaining game time, player performance, and other factors.

Many sportsbooks, such as DraftKings and BetMGM, even offer live prop bets on individual player stats or specific events.

While live betting does differ from traditional pre-game betting, the general principles and odds remain consistent.

2. Understanding Live Betting Odds

Once a game begins, sportsbooks start adjusting their closing lines based on real-time developments.

Initially, the live odds may remain close to the pre-game odds, but as teams score, gain leads, or experience turnovers, these odds begin to fluctuate.

For instance, a favorite trailing early in the game may see their odds increase, presenting a potentially profitable opportunity for those who believe in a comeback.

However, live odds often freeze briefly following major plays such as a touchdown or a sudden lead change allowing oddsmakers to recalibrate before reopening betting lines.

For savvy bettors, this brief pause offers a chance to assess the updated lines and predict the next play.

3. Types of Live Bets You Can Place

Several types of live bets are commonly available across sportsbooks. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:

• Moneyline: A wager on which team will win the game. The favorite will have negative odds (e.g., -150), indicating the amount you need to wager to win $100. The underdog has positive odds (e.g., +200), representing the amount won from a $100 bet.

• Point Spread: A bet on the winning margin for the favorite or losing margin for the underdog, even out by the oddsmakers. For example, if a team is a 7-point favorite, they must win by more than 7 points to cover the spread.

• Total (Over/Under): This wager focuses on the combined score of both teams. For example, in an NBA game with a total set at 220 points, betting on the “over” wins if the combined score is 221 or more.

• Props: Prop bets focus on specific events within the game, such as a player achieving a certain number of points or whether a particular team will score first.

• Futures: Although futures bets are typically placed before the season begins, some sportsbooks allow live betting on season-long outcomes, such as predicting the Super Bowl winner mid-season.

4. Shopping for the Best Live Lines

One of the best strategies for live bettors is to shop around for the most favorable odds across different sportsbooks.

While differences in odds between platforms may seem minor, they can accumulate into significant savings or earnings over time.

Bettors should consider opening accounts with multiple sportsbooks and splitting their bankroll among them to gain access to varied odds.

For example, if one sportsbook offers the Chicago Bulls at +250 and another at +275 when trailing by 10 points, selecting the higher odds offers a more substantial potential payout for the same wager.

5. Watching the Game as You Bet

Live betting is most effective when you’re actively watching the game.

Observing player performance, team dynamics, and momentum shifts in real time can offer insights that oddsmakers may miss, especially in the early stages of a game.

This “eye test” gives bettors the ability to act on gut instincts and quickly spot trends that could sway the outcome.

In contrast, betting without watching is akin to guessing outcomes, diminishing your ability to make educated decisions.

6. Betting on Favorites When They’re Trailing Early

One of the most popular live betting strategies is to wager on a favored team that falls behind early in the game.

Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Los Angeles Lakers may start slow, but if their roster is healthy and the deficit is manageable, it can be profitable to bet on them making a comeback.

This strategy is particularly effective in the NFL and NBA, where key players can impact the game significantly.

Oddsmakers have become more cautious about overreacting to early deficits for elite teams, but value can still be found on both the moneyline and adjusted point spreads for live bettors looking to bet on favorites.

7. Fading the Total Score Trend

Games that start with fast, high-scoring quarters often see the live total rise dramatically.

For bettors who anticipate a defensive adjustment or a slowdown in scoring, betting the live “under” can offer value.

Conversely, games that start low-scoring can offer value on the “over,” as the pace of play often picks up in later quarters.

This strategy is particularly effective in NBA games, where scoring momentum frequently shifts.

8. Using Live Bets to Hedge

Many bettors use live betting to hedge pre-game bets, especially when wagering on outcomes over an entire season or when holding a large stake.

For example, a bettor might place a futures bet on an underdog team to win the championship and later hedge by placing a live bet on the favored team during crucial moments.

This strategy, known as “middling,” allows the bettor to profit from both the original and live bet if the final outcome aligns within a specific margin.

9. Waiting for Value in Live Odds

Sometimes, bettors can secure better odds by waiting until live odds stabilize midway through a game.

This tactic is especially useful in high-profile matchups where public betting can drive up the total.

For example, if the total on a Packers vs. Vikings game closes at 54.5 points, but the score remains low at halftime, the live total may drop, offering value to bettors who expect a high-scoring second half.

However, this approach carries some risk: if the game takes an unexpected turn, the desired live odds may never appear, potentially missing out on the original opportunity.

10. Avoid Chasing Losses

While live betting can be exciting, it’s essential not to let emotions drive your decisions, especially when chasing losses.

This is often a pitfall for bettors who attempt to win back pre-game losses by placing additional live bets.

It’s better to hedge than to chase, as chasing often leads to more losses and poor decision-making.

Keeping a cool head and sticking to your strategy will help you remain profitable in the long run.

11. Live Betting by Sport: Unique Factors to Consider

NFL Live Betting

NFL live betting requires quick decision-making, as oddsmakers frequently freeze lines following significant plays, such as touchdowns or turnovers.

Key numbers in NFL betting, like 3 or 7-point spreads, hold particular significance, as moving even half a point off these numbers can dramatically affect outcomes.

NBA Live Betting

Basketball is known for its momentum shifts, with teams frequently going on scoring runs that can shift a game’s direction. Live betting on basketball is most effective when you capitalize on these runs and bet on a favorite after a slow start.

MLB Live Betting

Live betting on MLB requires patience, as the pace is slower and reliant on pitching matchups. Betting on totals can be tricky, but researching a team’s bullpen performance can offer an edge.

NHL Live Betting

The NHL has unique aspects, such as the possibility of empty-net goals when a trailing team pulls their goalie. Bettors can take advantage of this by betting on the leading team’s puck line in the final minutes.

Conclusion

Live betting has revolutionized sports betting by allowing bettors to react and adjust in real time.

From understanding fluctuating odds to using strategies tailored to each sport, live betting offers dynamic opportunities to profit.

As with all betting, maintaining discipline, managing your bankroll, and approaching live betting with a strategic mindset are the keys to long-term success.