Online betting has truly evolved in recent years. Roughly three decades ago, the only way you could bet on your favourite sporting event was by visiting a betting house or placing bets through the telephone. With the invention of the internet came a new era of online sportsbooks where players could easily bet on a number of sports from the comfort of their homes.
But as online betting grew in popularity, so did another form of sports gambling: live betting. This signalled the end of an era where players could only bet on pre-match odds. With live betting, players can take their betting experience to the next level by placing bets on sporting events even after they’ve already started.
However, with the high number of live betting options available online today, it can be difficult to find the best sites. Not to worry though, as in this detailed guide, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about the best live betting options available in {year}. Here, you’ll learn vital tips on identifying the top live betting sites that offer the best live odds, free bet promos, live streaming services, quality in-play betting markets, and lots more!
What Is Live Betting?
There are two options available to you when you want to wager on sporting events on betting sites in the UK: the pre-match bet or the live bet. The pre-match bet is placed before the start of the game, and the odds and market options are mostly stable. For example, you are into football betting and want to bet on a weekend game between Manchester United and Chelsea. Any bet you place on this game before kickoff is called a pre-game bet.
Live betting, on the other hand, are bets placed after the game has already begun. Just like in pre-match betting, live sports betting allows you to wager on a wide range of market options like who would win the game, how many goals will be scored, and possible goal scorers. The live betting market is special because it allows you to make real-time decisions based on unfolding events in the game.
For example, Manchester United could be leading by a goal going into the half, but Chelsea’s performance suggests that they might be winners at full-time. With live UK betting, you could bet on Chelsea to eventually win the game while you watch and also place live bets on the number of goals you think they might score and the player you believe is more likely to score.
Live bookmakers also offer live betting odds on a wide range of sports like basketball, hockey, tennis, and even horse racing.
How to Identify the Best Live Betting Sites?
Since live betting was introduced more than a decade ago, there’s been an increasing number of sites that offer in-play bet odds on different sports. With dozens of in-play betting sites now available online, it’s important to play at only the top sites because it can truly define your live betting experience. We want the best for you, and that’s why below, we’ll be sharing vital tips on identifying the best in-play betting sites.
Navigation of the Page
One of the reasons why new UK customers and players from around the world enjoy live betting is because of its fast-paced nature. The odds change based on unfolding events in the game, and you’ll need to be alert so you don’t miss your chance. It all starts with the online bookmaker offering the odds.
The site has to be designed in a way that’s easy to navigate. The sports betting site must be user-friendly, fast, dependable, and responsive. When it comes to live betting, every second matters, and you don’t want to waste precious time finding the best odds, navigating the market or searching for in-play betting options.
So ultimately, only play at live online sports betting sites with easy navigation, friendly user interface, and responsive features.
Availability Of In-Play Betting On Mobile Site/App
It’s no secret that we spend more time on our mobile phones than any of our other devices. It’s important that any betting platform we choose to bet on is perfectly optimized for mobile usage. All of the live sports betting site features must be fully and easily accessible on mobile phones. This includes the odds sections, the bet builder, cashout, deposit and withdrawal section, customer support, and live streaming. This could either be on the platform’s betting app or mobile site; whichever, you should be able to get the full desktop experience on your mobile.
Live Streaming
Live streaming is a live betting feature that you’ll find at only the best sites. These live-streaming betting sites allow you to watch your favourite games live on their site or app. So you can place a bet on the platform while watching the game there. When searching for the best live betting sites, you should also consider the range of sports that the site live streams. There should be a wide variety of sports ranging from football, basketball, horse racing, tennis, and ice hockey.
It’s also important that they cover lesser mainstream sports like darts, motorsports, and esports. But in addition to variety, the betting site should also offer quality live streams. You should be able to play and watch them clearly on any device without lags or delays.
Match Stats
To excel at live betting, you must be able to properly follow an ongoing game and predict the turn of events. You can either follow the game by watching the live event or by following the match stats. Match stats show you the statistical detailed data of how things are unfolding in the game. For example, football match stats will show you the team with more possession of the ball, attempts on goals, and expected goals; this can help you make better decisions.
The best sites offer real-time match stats, allowing you to keep up with the game and place your bets accordingly. These stats should be displayed in a way that’s easy to find and understand.
Live Betting Odds
When looking for the best live betting sites, always check to see their live betting odds. This is the most important aspect of any live bookmaker because it directly affects the size of your payout.
Live betting offers players a chance to bet on odds higher than what they’d get on pre-game betting. This is mainly because, in pre-game betting, the online betting site considers many factors when setting the odds for the game. With live betting, they might offer higher odds since they are not entirely certain of how the game might go. You can take advantage of these uncertainties and fluctuations to win big.
Always visit different platforms and compare the best odds when looking for sites to bet in-play games.
Enhanced Odds
Enhanced or boosted odds are special promotional features that some live betting sites offer. With enhanced odds, the betting site increases the odds or potential payout of a specific event during a specific period. Betting on that event at that time will result in a higher potential payout than usual. When surfing through the list of the best live betting platforms, you should consider the quality and frequency of their enhanced odds promotions.
One-Click Betting
The live betting section of any betting platform should offer players the ability to bet on live events as quickly as possible. Things happen very quickly in sports, so the betting site should eliminate any need for long procedures when placing a live bet. With one-click betting, players can quickly make their picks and wager on it without having to navigate multiple screens and forms. The best live betting sites ensure that this option is available on all betting markets.
Live Betting Accumulators
Like with pre-game betting, live betting online offers players the chance to add more than one game in a single bet slip. A good live betting site should make combo betting easy for the player, allowing them to capitalize on multiple betting opportunities. Players should also be able to add different live sports odds to their in-play parlay. This means players can bet on a live NBA basketball game, Premier League fixture, and ice hockey game at the same time without stress. Also, the best live betting sites will offer higher odds for live accumulator bets than single bets.
Cash Out
Many live betting fans still debate the possibility of cash out in live betting. The answer to that question is yes; the best live sports betting sites offer players the chance to cash out while betting on live games. This is especially useful in live betting online, where you can see how the game is going and get the most out of your winnings or minimize the extent of your losses.
Many experienced live betting punters use the cash out feature to maximize their profits. For example, if you placed a bet on Arsenal to draw Liverpool based on how bland the teams were playing in the opening stages of the game, you could cash out to get your stake if you noticed that one of the sides are heavily pushing to score in the latter stages of the match.
You could also use the cash out feature to protect your winnings when the team you backed to win a game are leading by a goal in the 85th minute. While this might mean you lose a chunk of your potential winnings, it guarantees that you don’t walk away with nothing.
Sorting Matches
Top live platforms offer markets on a wide range of sports; however, as a player, you might only be interested in betting on a few. That’s why it’s important that the betting platform allows you to sort and organize live events based on your preferences. With this, you can easily locate your favourite events and place your bets without having to navigate through the dozens of betting markets available.
The best live betting platforms will allow you to personalize and sort your options based on specific markets, bet types, odds, and the likes. Plus, there should be customizable options to highlight popular sport events or games just to keep the player engaged.
Creating Your Own Collection of Matches
Unlike pre-game betting, where you have lots of time to research on various games before you wager, live betting happens very quickly, and it might be difficult to keep tabs on multiple games. That’s why the best betting sites and apps offer players the ability to customize and keep track of their own collection of live matches. This will allow them to focus on the specific set of live events they want to bet on.
Live Statistics and Score
In sports, things happen very quickly, and that’s why the best betting site should offer live statistics and scores so players can stay updated. A player who is updated can make better decisions and predictions. When considering a platform to bet on a range of live market options, it’s important that the site offers live statistics and scores that are easily accessible, especially in high-scoring sports like basketball, where things happen every minute.
Quick Bet
This might seem like an obvious feature, but it’s definitely one that’s worth mentioning. Live betting sites should offer players the ability to wager on their live predictions without having to go through multiple screens. Generally, with Quick Bet, players can set default parameters for their bets, like the bet type for a particular event or stake amount. These presets can save lots of time in the form of betting, where odds change rapidly.
How to Make Live Sports Bets
Betting on live sports can be very quick and straightforward. Here are the simple steps to follow.
Step 1: Choose a Live Betting Site
There are dozens of online betting sites that offer live markets; find a suitable one. We’ve already discussed in detail how to identify the best live betting sites, so you should take all those factors into consideration when choosing a platform. Also, ensure that they are fully licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission or any reputable offshore gambling commission.
Step 2: Create Your Account
After settling on a platform to bet on, visit their official website. On the homepage, you should see a register or create account option. Clicking on it will direct you to a page where you’ll be requested to fill in personal details like your name, date of birth, valid email address, and phone number. Ensure you fill in the correct details, as you might need to verify them.
Some platforms might also require you to opt in for any £10 free bet, £30 in free bets, or any other welcome promo during your registration process. After completing all the processes, log in with your username and password.
Step 3: Deposit Money for Live Betting
To bet on live games, you’ll need to fund your betting account with real money. Visit the platform’s cashier page and locate the deposit option. Some betting sites might place the deposit option on the homepage.
On the deposit page, you’ll find a list of payment methods you can use to fund your account. Find one that’s suitable for you and follow the simple instructions. Some payment methods have specific terms like minimum deposit limit and transaction fees. Ensure you read through them before making any deposits.
Step 4: Bet on Sports Live
Once you’ve funded your account, go to the betting site’s live section and browse through the available market options. Choose an event to wager on, choose a bet type, and click on the odd to add it to your bet slip. After making all your picks, go to your bet slip and finalize your bet.
Best Sports For Live Betting
Let’s face it, live betting is fun, but there are just some sports where it doesn’t really fit. Imagine betting live on golf or chess, where’s the excitement? However, there are certain events especially suited for live betting due to their fast-paced nature, complexity, and thrills. Here are some of the best sports for live betting.
In-Play Football Betting
What better sport to start off our list with than the most popular in the world? There’s a reason why football is loved by millions around the world, and this is because of its simple yet exciting nature. The main aim is to outscore the opponent, but in in-play football betting, there are different ways you can win. If you are watching a game and notice the players are being rough, you could bet on the number of fouls, yellow, or red cards that’ll be awarded in the game. You could also bet on the number of goals, likely goalscorer, and lots more.
A football game is very exciting, and the rules are simple to follow, even for beginners and this makes it one of the best sports for live betting.
In-Running Horse Racing Betting
Live horse racing betting provides a level of excitement that you’ll hardly find at any other sport. Horse races typically last a few minutes, and players can see the outcome of their wagers in no time. Plus, with in-running horse racing betting, there’s a variety of betting options. They include trifecta, exacta, show, and lots more.
If a horse starts a race poorly and you notice that the horse is picking up pace and has serious potential, you can place an in-running bet for the horse to finish in the top three. Everything’s happening so fast; even the odds are changing quickly, and you could win big in an instant. If you’ve ever wanted a fast-paced and thrilling gambling experience, in-running horse racing betting might just be for you.
Live Cricket Betting
While cricket might not be as fast-paced as the other sports on our list, it does offer multiple betting opportunities. Its slow nature also allows you to carefully follow the game and plan your bets based on the flow of the game. You can bet on individual performances, innings, number of runs, and various aspects of the game. As a bonus, cricket is a really fun sport to watch.
Live Tennis Betting
Tennis is a great option for live betting because, unlike other sports on our list, you only have to watch two people battle things out. It’s more relaxing and easier to understand. However, the game’s fast-paced nature, especially in Grand Slam events, means you’ll have to be on a steady lookout because things can change very quickly.