In-Play Football Betting Tips

In-play football betting is one of the most exciting types of sports betting, but it can be overwhelming. The risks from in-play bets can result in significant losses. So why make in-play bets at all?

If you know the right strategies for in-play betting, you can actually use them to your advantage.

We also outline the pros and cons of in-play betting, so you can better understand this betting option.

What Is In-Play Sports Betting?

In-play betting or live betting allows you to stake throughout the game. This type of betting is popular in horse racing, cricket, and football.

Whether you’re planning to bet on the La Liga, the Champions League, or the Bundesliga, you can stake on your favorite team or player even while the game is happening.

Don’t confuse in-play bets with in-game sports bets.

In-game bets are the stakes you make during the game. Their odds only change during a timeout, half-time, or each quarter of the game.

Meanwhile, sportsbooks or bookmakers set and change the in-play odds from the start to the end of the game, generating these odds through a computer algorithm. This can mean a change of odds after every possession or play.

You can choose from different play markets to start your wager.

In-play betting markets include game results, point totals, and goalscorers. These markets can vary from half-time scores, first goalscorer, and the next team to score.

One bookie may offer a betting market for the player who will score first. Others may offer a betting market for the total score of the game.

Note that a betting market closes once the outcome in question has happened or the opportunity has passed. For example, if there’s an opportunity for an in-play bet on the first half of the Premier League football match, the opportunity closes once the second half starts.

Best Football In-Play Betting Tips

The different markets available for in-play betting can give you plenty of betting opportunities. But there is no guaranteed path to making money from in-play betting. You need a solid betting system to give you an edge.

Here are some in-play football betting tips and recommended football betting strategies for you to maximize your live football game betting experience.

1. Manage Your Bankroll

You run a risk of betting too much on live games because of the various play markets constantly opening for in-play betting. So don’t forget to properly manage your bankroll. Remember to only stake what you can afford to lose.

2. Bet on the Favorite

During the first half of the game, it’s usually wise to only bet on the favorite because these high-caliber teams find ways to win the game. You may also lock in better odds if you wait for them to concede first.

Let’s say that you want to bet on Arsenal in the Premier League. The pre-match odds may be listed at 1.5, but they may rise even higher as the game progresses.

In-play betting on the favorite during football games can also work to your advantage when you’re well into the game and neither team has scored a goal. You need to identify the potential winning markets for the teams. At this point in the game, the draw market may become the favorite.

Since the odds for the initial underdog during this time may at least be at 2.5 or higher, this situation may give you an ideal opportunity to bet a small stake with a higher potential return. There is still a risk that the football prediction may end in a draw, however, and you’ll need to be prepared for that.

3. Optimize the Cash-Out Feature

Bettors often mistakenly assume that online sportsbooks only offer cash-out features for pre-match markets. Fortunately, this feature is also available for in-play betting. When you log into your account and place your money on in-play bets, many sportsbooks still offer cash-outs.

If you use this feature, you can win an in-play bet and immediately cash out your profits. Remember that not all bookies offer this feature.

4. Consider the Substitute as a Goal Scorer

With this strategy, you need to wait for a substitute player to enter the game. Preferably, the substitute player scored a goal after entering the game. Of course, the odds of this happening depend on the situation and timing of the substitute. That’s why knowing the players is an advantage with in-play bets.

Pros and Cons of In-Play Bets

Although in-play or live bets can be thrilling, they offer advantages and disadvantages to novice and pro bettors alike.

Soccer predictions in the market aren’t always accurate, so consider these pros and cons before placing an in-play bet.

Pros

• Strategizing helps, but nothing is set in stone. This makes in-play bets exciting. No matter how prepared you are for a pre-match bet, there are no sure results in sports. When making in-play bets, you should consider real-time factors, like injuries and unexpected plays from the underdogs. These game elements are critical, especially when betting parlays or accumulators.
• Watching the games live while you bet can help you predict changes to the odds and back the best betting opportunities in the market.
• Live bets can be an advantage when betting on fast-paced and action-packed games like football. They add to the thrill as you stake on an unpredictable game.

Cons

• One of your biggest enemies as an in-play punter is the coverage delay. You can’t make efficient betting decisions once you miss out on great betting opportunities.
• Other factors are at play as you make your in-play bets. Some can influence your judgment, like emotions, alcohol, and adrenaline.
• Wagering on live games demands concentration. Unlike pre-match bets, in-play bets require you to focus on the play throughout the game and check the results every time.

Understanding In-Play Betting Better

• Can I place in-play bets from my mobile device?

Yes, you can make in-play bets from your phone. Just download your sportsbook’s mobile app to start betting.