Live Betting Strategy: In-Game Wagering Guide
In-game betting moves fast. Here's how to find value when the odds are changing every minute.
What is Live Betting?
Live betting (or in-play betting) allows you to place wagers while a game is in progress. Odds update in real-time based on the score, game flow, and time remaining.
Why Live Betting Can Offer Value
- Overreaction to scoring — Markets often overreact to early goals/touchdowns
- Momentum bias — The team that just scored gets overvalued
- Information advantage — If you're watching the game, you may see things the algorithm doesn't
- Closing line inefficiency — Live lines are less efficient than pre-game lines
Live Betting Strategies
The Overreaction Play
When a heavy favorite falls behind early, their live moneyline often offers tremendous value. A team that was -300 pre-game might be +150 after giving up an early score — even though the game dynamics haven't fundamentally changed.
The Pace Play
If a game is playing faster/slower than expected, the live total may not adjust quickly enough. If you notice a high-paced game, the live under might still be too low.
The Weather/Injury Play
If you notice a key player limping or weather conditions changing, you may have information before the live odds adjust.
Dangers of Live Betting
- Speed encourages impulse — The fast pace can trigger tilt
- Worse odds — Live lines typically have higher juice
- Bet acceptance delays — Your bet might be rejected if the line moves
- Overtrading — Easy to place too many bets
Rules for Live Betting
- Have a pre-game plan — know what scenarios you're looking for
- Limit yourself to 1-2 live bets per game maximum
- Don't chase pre-game losses with live bets
- Stick to your unit size