Live betting has become extremely popular over the past decade. At some point, it surpassed pre-match wagering, and more bettors are now using this feature on a regular basis. In this article, we’ll go deep into live betting explained with all its characteristics and features.
What is Live Match Betting?
As the name suggests, it’s placing a bet on events that are ongoing in real time. Most betting sites now offer almost every sport live on their platforms. So, if Inter Miami were playing Atlanta United right now, you’d be able to open a bookie and place a betslip instantly during the game.
Main Differences Between Pre-Match Betting and Live Betting
There are a few differences between live betting and pre-match betting. The first one is timing. Pre-match betting involves placing bets before the game starts, while live betting happens during a match.
The market is also diverse. For instance, you can choose unique options such as the next goal or corner. Lastly, another factor to consider is risk, which plays a significant role. Due to its fast-paced nature, live betting is more unpredictable.
How to Place A Live Bet Correctly?
Here is my guide on how you should place a live bet:
- Head to 20Bet’s live betting section.
- Pick the match and choose your market.
- Make sure you check the odds.
- Click bet and wait to be certain it’s accepted.
Pros of Live Match Betting
Well, people wouldn’t be doing it if there weren’t any positives, right? Let’s take a quick look at the advantages of live betting:
- Improved odds – Live odds fluctuate. If Barcelona had low odds against Espanyol prior to the beginning of the game, and you see they are losing after the first half, you’ll have an increased value in the second half.
- Cash-out option – Thanks to the cash-out feature, you have the flexibility to withdraw your money if your bet is losing.
- Chance to correct pre-match mistakes – If your initial bet is not going well, don’t worry. You have time to react and adjust your strategy to make up for potential losses. If a pre-game bet isn’t going well, you can change your strategy with live bets to balance any possible losses.
Cons of Live Match Betting
Ok, nothing’s perfect. Here are the drawbacks you could face when betting on a live event:
- Fast-paced decision-making – Odds change quickly, requiring fast reactions, and you might make incorrect decisions. It’s like a rush of adrenaline. Not great for the thinkers out there.
- Limited time for research – Unlike pre-match betting, where you can analyze stats and trends, live betting requires immediate action. Though, don’t forgot the pre-match stats.
- Technical issues – Streaming lag or slow sportsbook updates can cause missed opportunities or bad bets due to a lack of or outdated information. Make sure you have a strong internet connection before live betting.
Popular Sports for Live Bets
In my opinion, these are the most popular sports for live bets:
Live Baseball Betting
Although baseball betting engagement may not be as high in other countries as it is in the US, its slow-paced nature makes it great for live betting. Whenever the game is paused, you can analyze the trends and take advantage of pitching opportunities.
Live Football Betting
The NFL is known for its unpredictable outcomes, but it’s a good sport for placing live bets because of the natural breaks between plays. Momentum swings in football are frequent, especially after turnovers, big plays, or coaching adjustments.
Live Soccer Betting
Soccer is also excellent for live betting. Why? The team that’s losing in the final 25 minutes will increase the pressure and take more risks, which can result in goals. It’s intense but so worth the rush!
Live Hockey Betting
Hockey has a lot of variance in bets, but the sole reason I prefer this sport for live betting is the presence of empty-net goals. Like soccer, when a team is falling behind in the final minutes, you can expect more goals in the third period.
Live Basketball Betting
Basketball is a sport with a constantly changing nature. As the scoring runs change frequently, the pace of the game does with it. You can totally take advantage of this opportunity to place over/under bets.
Strategies for Successful Live Match Betting
In everything, you need a proper strategy to make informed decisions. Let’s cover some general tips that you should consider:
- Follow the game live – Choosing proper markets is easier when you watch streams.
- Familiarize yourself with live betting rules – It might sound ridiculous, but many people still don’t understand the restrictions and benefits of live betting.
- Use the cash-out feature – If the match is not going your way, cash out. This way, you will avoid losing all of your money.
- Proper bankroll management – Always have a pre-determined amount of money before you start betting. Never exceed it.
Strategies for MLB
Major League Baseball is the most popular championship in the world. In this sport, I would suggest betting after a pitching change. A new pitcher can significantly change the game’s nature.
For instance, if the New York Yankees are leading 3-2 in the 7th inning, but their starter is fatigued, they bring in a reliever with a high ERA (earned run average). If the opposing team’s top hitters are due up, you can bet on over 0.5 runs in the inning.
Strategies for NFL
I’ve been following the National Football League for quite some time, and in my opinion, the best strategy is to bet on second-half comebacks, especially when a strong team is trailing at halftime.
Here is an example: Let’s say the Kansas City Chiefs are losing 14-3 at halftime, but Patrick Mahomes has moved the ball well, and they had two red-zone turnovers. The live moneyline on the Chiefs jumps to +200. If you believe they will recover, you place a bet on them to win.
Strategies for English Premier League, Canadian Pro League, or Champions League
There are plenty of strategies for soccer, but I think betting on a goal to be scored in the final 15-20 minutes is a great idea. First of all, teams are tired in the second half, and attacking substitutions increase the likelihood of a goal.
Picture this: Real Madrid are playing Bayern in the Champions League. The Spanish side are trailing and need a victory. Of course, they’ll go to the attack with full force, and there is a chance they might concede on a counterattack as well.
Strategies for NHL
The National Hockey League is the most prominent competition in the world. Based on my experience, betting on over 1.5 goals in the third period is an excellent option especially when the game is really close.
Here’s why it can work. Let’s imagine that the Washington Capitals are playing the Edmonton Oilers. The Capitals are losing 2-3. You should expect that they’ll involve a goalie in the offense, and their opponents can take advantage of an empty net.
Strategies for NBA, EuroLeague
For the NBA and EuroLeague, the best tactic would be betting on totals in the first half. As you know, there are four periods in basketball, and teams usually score the most points in the first two periods. You can choose this bet even when the game is live and ongoing.
Live Match Betting at 20Bet
At 20Bet Canada, live betting on different sports is flawless. I thoroughly reviewed the website, and the interface is very user-friendly. There are no visible lags, and you can easily skim through different matches.
Responsible Gambling
You might have a lucky streak, guessing all the predictions and sharing insights with the others. However, this is not going to work all the time. You need your wits about you and strong discipline when you’re on a winning streak. Responsible gambling is the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing your bankroll.
If you notice that your behavior is changing and your bets are getting a little out of hand, contact the live 20Bet customer support. Thanks to self-exclusion tools, it’s possible to take a break from gambling.
