Live In-Play Betting Tips, Strategies and Rules

As online sports betting has developed and people are able to place bets at any time due to mobile betting, the number of available in-play markets has increased by a large number. Not so long ago, there were just a handful of markets to bet on in-play on a football match. Now, many bookmakers offer over 150 in-play markets, giving customers an excellent choice of bets and opportunity to find value and make a profit.

Unlike pre-match odds, in-play odds can fluctuate very frequently. This is because a number of factors in the event are constantly affecting the probability of the outcome. For example, if you were betting on the World Cup, a goal by one team would result in an increase in odds for the other team winning. As actions in the game or race are occurring every second, it is harder for the traders at the bookies to keep up to date with the true odds. Also, in-play odds are a lot harder to determine the true odds of which leaves opportunity for knowledgable bettors to take advantage of this and make a profit.

In-Play vs Pre-Match Betting

With pre-match betting, you have a lot of time to do research to determine the best value bets to place. For example, in the week leading up to a Saturday Premier League match, you can look at recent results of the two teams, assess their current form, check the news and club websites for any injury news to key players and more.

With in-play betting, you have to act fast. Like pre-match stats, there are various in-play stats which can help you decide on a bet to place. The majority of bookmakers provide in-play stats for various sports such as football, tennis, basketball, darts and others. For football, you can view in-play stats for corners, shots, red/yellow cards, fouls, tackles and more.

Along with analysing the in-play stats, it is extremely helpful if you are watching the event live. This way you will be able to get a feel for the game and see things which the stats won’t show you. For example, has one team changed formation and are suddenly attacking more? If so, they may be worth a bet for the next goal or for the most corners. Has a star player just got injured? If so, who is on the bench to replace them? If they have a weak replacement then this could have a negative effect on the teams performance.

Spotting these factors in the game and quickly assessing whether or not they could affect the outcome are what can give you the advantage and add value to your bets.

In-Play Cash Out

One big feature of in-play betting is the ability to cash out your bets. Cash out has become an increasingly popular betting feature and can result in a return from your bets even if the outcome isn’t what you backed.

Cashing out your bet allows you to end your bet early and lock in a return. For example, if you bet £10 on Man Utd to win 1-0 and they were 1-0 up with 5 minutes to go, you may wish to cash out your bet and guarantee a profit. If you do cash out then it doesn’t matter what the final score is as your bet has been settled early.

Best Bookmakers For In-Play Bets

Not all bookmakers offer in-play betting on the same events and so if you are looking to bet in-play on lesser-known sports or events not in the top leagues or competitions, it may be a good idea to check that the bookmaker offers in-play betting on them. If you are looking to bet on any of the major football leagues or sporting events then you should not have a problem betting in-play with the vast majority of bookies. Therefore, choosing a bookmaker to place your in-play bets with depends on other factors, one of which being odds.

Betting with the bookmaker which is offering the best odds is usually a good idea as it means you are getting the maximum value for your bet. One bookmaker which stands out in this department is Bet365. You’ll regularly find Bet365 odds at the top of odds comparison sites as they offer excellent value across a wide range of sports.

You can register an account with Bet365 by clicking on the button below. As a new customer, you’ll be able to claim up to £100 in bet credits which is one of the best welcome offers available.

Offer Details

New Customer Offer

Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets

Bookmaker Rating

https://www.whichbookie.co.uk/bookmakers/bet365-review/ ★★★★★

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Open Account Offer. Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. Registration Required #ad

Some bookmakers also offer free bets and other betting offers when placing bets in-play. Betfred are one of these bookies and often run ‘Bet £X in-play and get a £X free bet’. Betfred are one of the best bookies for football free bet offers and if you don’t have an account with them yet, click on the button below to register.

Offer Details

New Customer Offer

Bet £10 Get £50 in Bonuses

Bookmaker Rating

https://www.whichbookie.co.uk/bookmakers/betfred-review/ ★★★★★

Visit Bookmaker

New customers only. Register (excl. 13/04/24) with WELCOME50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get Free Bets: £20 In-Play, £20 Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Free Spins on Fishin’ Frenzy within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. #ad