Almost every sportsbook on the planet offers some variation of in-play betting throughout a multitude of sports. Live betting has become incredibly popular amongst sports bettors as it can position you [the bettor] with the most advantageous wagering moments, thus resulting in more substantial long-term profits.
In today’s article, we’ll discuss how live odds work and some of the most utilized strategies when approaching the in-play betting markets.
The Inner Workings of Live Betting Odds
In any sport, whether solo or team-based, oddsmakers instantly adjust their prices once a game has begun. This applies to all betting markets, from sides, totals, as well as player and team props.
For the most part, live betting odds won’t shift dramatically to begin with. However, as time passes, odds will adjust according to how the athletes or teams perform. Should a team display a noticeable advantage or a change within the game presents a scenario to favor one side over the other, odds will freeze and then fluctuate or decline. When these new odds are released, bettors can place bets before another moment in the event impacts the pricing.
Shopping for the Best In-Play Odds
One of the most crucial tactics when placing bets is to use multiple betting sites UK. Referred to as ‘line shopping,’ having a choice of differing odds is imperative. As sportsbooks won’t offer the same price on specific events, you’ll want to seek out the best available profit point, which reigns true for both pre-game and in-play betting.
Watch the Games Live for an Advantage
Of course, you can place a live bet and go about your daily business. Although, it’s highly recommended to watch a game in real-time instead of taking a gamble on the unknown. Following the live game action allows a bettor to gather knowledge on the event and use it to predict what will happen next.
Bet on Favourites Underperforming Early
Bookmakers are renowned for overreactions early in a game, particularly when the favorable team or athlete starts slow.
The English Premier League is an excellent example of where you can capitalize on a sportsbook’s overreaction to early underdog leagues. For example, a game between Arsenal and Brighton may involve a first-half goal and an early lead for the latter. This allows us to wager on a greater-priced set of odds on the original favorites – Arsenal – now that the bookmakers have adjusted the value to match the current scenario.
Fade High Totals Early
When games begin fast and provide a lot of scoring, totals will rise to match a higher score that’s now expected. However, in many sports, the scoring frenzy will settle as the game progresses.
A noteworthy live betting tip is approaching high-scoring games early by wagering on the under, especially with elite-level teams and players who’re savvy in adjusting their defensive strategy. This tactic can also be applied to the over, where a low-scoring first half or quarter provides a greater mid-point betting opportunity where a potential high-scoring second half of the game is presented.
Consider Hedging Your Bet
Large wagers on outcomes that later gain a significantly higher probability of losing than before can be salvaged by “Hedging” your bet. This approach is common with future bets and parlays and simply involves the bettor in wagering on the opposite result of a bet they’ve already placed.
Hedging is perfect for in-play betting because the odds can change and present situations where both the original wager and the live bet result in two winning tickets – known as “Middling.” For example, if you bet a Manchester United moneyline pre-game, but they begin slow against Crystal Palace, and you bet a +1.5 handicap on Palace at the half. Should United still win the game by 1 goal, you cash both bets.
Avoid Chasing Losses
In-play betting can become highly lucrative when approached with a viable and thought-out strategy. But it can be problematic for those attempting to chase their losses. It’s important to disassociate yourself from any emotions attached to the game, team, or players.
A great methodology to implement is to study the betting lines during the week and review how the live odds change. The comparison of live betting lines to pre-game odds can assist you in identifying potential pricing mistakes made by bookmakers.
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