Sports Editor
Live betting sites take the thrill of sports to the next level, letting you bet in real-time as the action unfolds. This lets you wager on your read of the game as it happens.
We review the best in play betting sites out there and include some expert tips to help you cash in at the right time.
Top In Play Betting Sites
Best Live Betting Sites Reviewed
There are plenty of trustworthy in-play betting sites out there but they don’t all deliver the same features when it comes to live bets. We’ve spent our time trying out what’s available to bring you a comprehensive look at what you can expect. Below are reviews of what we rate as the top live betting sites in the US.
Best In-Play Betting Site – BetOnline
Welcome Bonus: $250 in Free Bets- Promo Code: FREE250
- Minimum Deposit: $5
Welcome Bonus: $250 in Free Bets- Sports Covered: 25+
- Live Betting: Yes
- Average Payout Time: 24 Hours
Features
All the features you’d expect from live sportsbooks are available, including live streaming. There are tons of banking options available here, including Visa, MasterCard, and Amex. Crypto players will enjoy BetOnline, as it accepts many different cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- 30+ sports available for in-play betting
- Parlay options and props builder tool
- Generous live bets welcome offer
- VIP and reward scheme
Cons
- Few ongoing promos for live bets
- No live stats available
Our Verdict
BetOnline is a great all-rounder with fantastic sports coverage and lots of markets. In-play stats would have rounded things off nicely, but with competitive odds, live streaming, and innovative tools there’s a lot to love.
[bm_offer id=”69487″ CTA=”BET NOW”]Best Live Betting Site for Promos – BetNow
- Welcome Bonus: 200% up to $1,000
- Promo Code: CRYPTO200
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Sports Covered: 25+
- Live Betting: Yes
- Average Payout Time: 24 Hours
Features
Smart features on this betting site make it convenient to use. For example, pop-up boxes showing the min/max bets and your available balance mean you can see at a glance, while an alert warns about changing odds before a bet is confirmed.
Pros
- Lots of features and tools available
- Clear and simple site design
- Competitive for US sports
- Unusual promos and boosters
- Excellent choice of props bets
Cons
- Slow withdrawal processing times
- Not many markets/sports
Our Verdict
BetNow doesn’t have the largest sportsbook, but there are quite a few unusual features that make it thoroughly enjoyable. They’ve clearly thought about the user experience and included some nifty little features we liked. It also earns a spot on our list of the sports betting apps for live props, since not all in-play betting sites cover those markets as well.
[bm_offer id=”69493″ CTA=”BET NOW”]Best Live Betting Site for Cashouts – BUSR
- Welcome Bonus: 125% up to $2,000
- Promo Code: JOIN125
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Sports Covered: 25+
- Live Betting: Yes
- Average Payout Time: 24 Hours
Features
We found features galore, making it a fun way to put together live bets. We especially enjoyed the prop builder and the parlay tools. If you’re signing up for the first time, the welcome bonus is great and can be used for in-play betting. For existing players, the loyalty program delivers generous boosts and rewards.
Pros
- Great market depth for live bets
- Full range of live betting features
- Live bets rewards and boosters
- Innovative tools for building bets
- Exceptional site design with easy navigation
Cons
- Not many withdrawal methods available
- Credit card fees up to 15.9%
Our Verdict
BUSR was one of the most pleasurable live betting apps we found thanks to the clear and well-structured layout. The in-play betting area was loaded with features and it tempted us to try out new options because of the available tools.
[bm_offer id=”69507″ CTA=”BET NOW”]Best Live Betting Sites Compared
Looking for a quick and dirty comparison of the best live betting apps? We’ve got you covered.
| Live Betting Site | Live Streaming | In-Play Stats | Instant Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| BetNow | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Everygame | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BUSR | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
How We Choose the Best In Play Betting Sites
There’s a ton of live betting sites out there, but we know from experience that they’re not all created equal. We’re pretty careful about where we play, and base our decision on the following criteria.
Licensing and Security – Whether it’s a state-licensed or offshore bookmakers, look for licensing and security measures. This includes using recognized payment providers and fully encrypted software.- Live Betting Markets & Odds – We don’t expect a live betting site to be competitive across every market, so we look for the ones that we’re interested in. Competitive odds and a diverse range of markets to bet on is what gets us excited.
- Bonuses and Promotions – There’s not a punter in this world who doesn’t get excited by a freebie! Look out for regular bonuses and promotions that can be used in-play betting, and don’t have restrictive clauses.
- Speed and Reliability – Live betting is all about nipping in quickly and placing your bet within a short window. The live betting site needs to be stable and reliable; a lagging site will cost you serious money.
- Live Streaming Features – OK, it’s not an absolute essential as it’s possible to stream elsewhere, but it certainly makes life a lot easier. Live streaming is always high up our wish list when it comes to the best live sports betting sites.
- Mobile Compatibility – Most people bet using their phones and we’re no exception. We want in play betting sites that is mobile-compatible but also has an interface that is intuitive to use on a smaller screen.
- Payment Options – Not everyone prefers the same payment options so a variety of methods is a big plus. We prioritize fast payout betting sites that offer trusted, recognizable payment methods with no fees for deposits or withdrawals. Crypto bettors will appreciate our selection of crypto betting sites that offer top-tier features and benefits.
- Customer Support – It’s always good to know that help is at hand when you need it. We prefer in-play betting sites with customer service round the clock. Instant messaging is an advantage but phone support is even better.
Licensing and Security – Whether it’s a state-licensed or In-Play Betting Explained
Live betting is also known as in play betting and allows you to place bets on sports that are in progress. If you’re watching a game and think you know what’s going to happen, you can place a bet on your prediction. This might be a short-term bet for the next play in an NFL game, or a longer bet based on the outcome of the whole match.
Live sports betting allows you to judge the event you’re watching and make an informed decision. Whether it’s the performance of a player or the form of a team, live bets provide a more dynamic way to bet in response to what you’re seeing.
Benefits of Online In-Play Betting Sites
If you’re a sports fan, there’s nothing better than in-play betting. Below is a list of just some of the benefits you’ll enjoy by using a live betting website.
Real-Time Betting Opportunities
Adapt to the game as it happens, placing bets in response to tactical changes or key game events.
Dynamic and Changing Odds
The odds in live betting are constantly changing to reflect what’s happening in the game. This allows you to get the best value by spotting odds which offer potential. For example, if a team is trailing but you know they tend to perform better in the second half, you could take advantage of the bigger odds which reflect the current score.
Diverse In-Play Markets
You’ll often find lots of live markets beyond the basic moneyline. Live bet sites give you the chance to bet on many aspects of the game such as total points or next touchdown. Some of these live markets aren’t possible with traditional pre-match betting.
Cash Out or Lock In a Profit
If you’ve currently got a winning bet but are worried that there may be a late change, you can opt to cash out, lock in your profit either way (by betting the other team), or you can protect your stake. Cashing out means that you collect your current winnings regardless of anything else that happens.
Increased Excitement and Engagement
The opportunity to bet in play as it happens, placing new bets in response to what you’re seeing is exhilarating. The ability to respond directly to the action makes you feel more connected to the game, making it an interactive experience.
Better Decision-Making with Live Data
In the world of betting, data is king and there’s nothing better for this than in-play betting. Get your hands on the latest stats to figure out your next move and power up your decision-making potential.
Ideal for Late Starters
If you’re always running late and didn’t have time to get your bet in before the match started, there’s never a problem with live bets.
Limit Liabilities
Live bets allow you to hedge your bets if you’ve made a duff decision earlier in the game. By betting on the opposite outcome you can limit your losses and effectively manage your liabilities.
Pros
- Interactive form of betting
- Better use of sports knowledge
- Access to more recent data
- Limit losses by countering bets
- Greater chance to find value bets
- Huge range of markets
Cons
- Fast-moving odds that can change swiftly
- Limited betting windows
- Requires fast connection with no lag
- More time-consuming than pre-match betting
Live Betting vs. Pre-Match Betting
Pre-match betting is the more traditional type of betting where bets are placed before the game starts. There’s nothing wrong with this, but if there are some unexpected developments in the game, you can be left on the back foot. That’s why the best online sportsbooks now offer in-play betting options, giving you the chance to react in real time.
Live betting provides the opportunity to respond to things as they happen. Whether that’s a team performing uncharacteristically poorly, or a player getting injured. Live betting allows you to read a game and place a corresponding bet when you find odds that offer value.
Bonuses and Promotions at In Play Betting Sites
Everyone loves a freebie, and you’ll find plenty of offers to claim on the best in-play betting apps. But it’s essential to understand the terms of the bonus you’re claiming fully, and any restrictions that might apply from the individual live betting bookmakers.
Here’s a look at some of the most common types of in-play betting promos you’re likely to find.
Welcome Bonuses
This is the type of bonus you’ll receive when you sign up to in play betting sites for the first time. Welcome bonuses are the most common type of promotion. They are also very generous as they’re designed to attract new players to the site.
Reload Bonuses
A reload bonus gives you an extra top-up on your subsequent deposits and is the bookmaker’s way of rewarding your loyalty. Like a welcome bonus, the reload bonus can take many different forms but are usually offered regularly to existing players.
In-Play Free Bets
In-play free bets work like any type of free bet, except that they’re intended to be used whilst the event is taking place. There may be specific games that you can bet on, so you’ll need to check the terms carefully.
If you win a free bet you’ll only receive the winnings. Unlike a regular bet, you won’t receive the stake back. For example at Everygame, players can claim up to four $100 free bets to be used during the NFL regular season. These free bets are flexible as they can be used on both pre-game wagering, and live sports betting markets.
Live Odds Boosts
For a limited time, you might be able to claim a live odds bet boost. This is an excellent way of getting value on a bet because it increases the odds beyond what would normally be offered.
Cashback Offers
What’s better than getting a second chance? With a cashback bonus, that’s exactly what you get. Place a qualifying bet, and if it doesn’t win, you’ll receive some or all of your stake back—either as credit in your account or as a free bet.
Loyalty and VIP Rewards
In play betting sites like to reward players who return. This is normally done by reload bonuses and/or a loyalty scheme. The more you play, the greater the rewards which can be anything from game credits to exclusive bonuses.
At BUSR, for example, there is a Rewards program that includes cashback offers on live bets. The more rewards you earn, the greater the amount of cashback that’s available. Other benefits include swapping reward points for cash credits.
Live Betting Site Markets
The beauty of live betting is that you can take advantage of a wide range of markets, using real-time game action. Below we’ve detailed some of the most popular types of markets available on in-play betting websites.
Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets, sometimes called Match Winner, appeal to those who want to keep it simple. You’ll be betting on which team or player is going to win the game. The benefit of using a moneyline bet for in play betting is that you can get a feel for the game first before wagering any cash.
Point Spreads
Point spreads (or handicap betting) are more complex as the favored team will need to cover the points spread for you to get a payout. Your job is to look at the spread offered and decide whether you think the favorite will win by more than they’re predicting.
For example, the Detroit Lions might be -7.5 favorites on the main spread, which means they would have to win by eight points or more for you to collect. Conversely, a bet on the underdog at +7.5 means they can still lose by up to seven points and you will still be paid out as a winner.
Totals (Over/Under)
Over/Under or Totals bets aren’t based on which team wins or loses. Instead, you’ll only be betting on whether you think the score totals will be higher than predicted by the betting site. Being able to place a live Totals bet is handy, as you’ll be able to judge whether teams are setting out defensively and whether it’s likely to be a high-scoring game.
Player Props
A props bet doesn’t have anything to do with the final outcome of the match. Instead, it’s based on the specific bet you place. For example, a player prop might consider how many yards an NFL player runs, or how many points an NBA player will score.
Team Props
This is the team version of a player props bet, and in this case the bet is made at team level. For example, this could be the number of points scored in a quarter or how many rushing yards they notch up.
Next Play or Event Bets
You’ll only find this kind of bet available in live betting. It means you are betting on the outcome of the next action in the gameplay. This could mean the outcome of the next play, or the next team to score. The exact nature will depend on the sport, but the principle is the same.
Parlays & Accumulators
If you want to place multiple bets, there’s the option to bundle them up together in what’s known as a parlay, accumulator, or acca. You’ll only get a payout if all your selections win, so they’re harder – but the odds are much higher. A parlay is a good way of bundling up lower-risk bets that might not be worth making on their own.
Futures in Live Betting
As the name suggests, a futures bet is about an event in the future. A popular example would be betting on who’s likely to win the Super Bowl. This may sound counterintuitive to in-play betting, but there could be something that happens during a game that changes the odds of a future event.
For example, a key player could pick up a season-long injury or a team could lose a vital match. Futures are just as relevant to live sports betting as they are to regular pre-match betting.
How to Place Bets on Live Sportsbooks
Live betting is the closest thing you can get to physically taking part in the game. You might not be on the field but you’ll be following every move, and will have to make a strategic decision about what to do, and when. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started.
- Log onto your preferred bookmaker site: Choose a trusted live sports betting site and ensure you’ve got a stable internet connection. There’s nothing worse than hitting a lag at the vital moment.
- Navigate to the live betting section: Head to where the current action is taking place and select from the sports which are live right now.
- Decide what type of bet you want to place: Live sports betting provides plenty of options; it’s not just about betting on who’s going to win or lose. Markets such as “who’s going to score next” are unique to live betting and make watching a game more exciting.
- Keep an eye on the odds: In live sports betting the odds aren’t fixed before the game. They move constantly depending on what happens. Hesitate and you could miss out on the most competitive odds – you snooze, you lose!
- Place your bet: When you see odds that appeal, jump right in and place your bet.
- Consider your next move: In-play betting is dynamic so you don’t have to give in if you’ve made a bum bet. Live streaming betting sites will constantly change the odds as the game develops so if there’s a move in your favor, grab it.
Top Sports for Live Betting
Some sports are particularly well-suited to in-play betting. This might be due to the fact that they’re fast-paced, giving lots of opportunities to place bets with the change in play. Other sports are high-scoring or especially strategic.
Football
Football is very stop/start, which means there are plenty of chances to bet on the next period of play. The pauses in action provide a chance to review your strategy and tweak things where needed.
There are a huge number of markets within football, giving you the chance to focus on your area of expertise. Some of the common bets include player stats, such as touchdowns or passing yards, total points, outright winner, and points spread.
Key strategies for NFL betting sites include checking up-to-date information about injuries and form, as well as knowing the head-to-head record. Look out for defensive collapses during the match or teams that are playing aggressively for the best value.
Basketball
Basketball is one of the fastest sports out there, making it ideally suited for live betting. There are few pauses in the action so you’ll need to be quick to capitalize on the best odds.
The speed of the game means there can be rapid and frequent swings in momentum. Popular bets include winning margin, next team/player to score, and total points.
Baseball
The slower pace of baseball provides plenty of time to change your strategy and place new bets. Bets on each innings, the next to bat, or total runs can all be made.
Factors to consider include the form of the starting pitcher, the batting team’s performance against the opposing bullpen, weather conditions, and whether a team starts or finishes well.
Hockey
There are few sports that are as high-octane as hockey. This makes live bets thrilling with sudden swings in momentum, power plays and unexpected goals galore. There’s plenty of choice for live bets including the next player to score, first scorer, total score, and the spread.
Similar to other sports, recent form is a big indicator in ice hockey. Look also for strategic moves which are likely to be utilized such as pulling the goalkeeper and deploying penalty kill units.
Soccer
Soccer has few breaks in play and, compared to other sports, is usually a relatively low-scoring game. This makes in-play betting more strategic but you’ll need to move quickly at key points in the game such as free kicks or when a penalty is awarded.
Home advantage is usually significant in soccer, together with recent form. Look out for key players that are injured or suspended, and whether squad players have been brought in. Popular bets include next scorer, total goals, and match result.
Tennis
Tennis can often throw up unexpected results so it’s got great potential for in play betting. Some players excel on certain surfaces or do well against certain playing styles. That means you should look for a track record and head-to-head results that are specific to the surface being played on.
Shorter markets are easier to bet on in tennis, such as the winner of the next game or set. It’s not uncommon for a player to bounce back after losing a set. Live bets could include the score of the next set, or total games played.
Golf
Golf is a sport that takes it slow and easy, so there’s lots of time to reconsider your tactics and review the stats. Potential live bets include the player’s performance at the next hole, or a head-to-head bet between two competitors.
The weather plays a huge role in golf, as does the type of course. Some players have a track record for performing better on certain types of course or coping better with poor weather conditions.
Esports
Esports are perfectly matched to live betting thanks to their fast-paced and unpredictable nature. Games such as Dota 2, League of Legends, and CS:GO are particularly well-suited, and you’ll find plenty of action at the top esports betting apps.
Bet on the winning player or team, the winner of a specific map, total kills, or at the start, who’s going to get the first kill in the game. Look out for recent game updates affecting player strategy, head-to-head records, and any dips in form.
Live Betting Apps
Whether you’re on the go or just chilling at home, it’s much easier to keep up to date with the action on your mobile. Most of us keep our cell phone close to hand, so whether it’s NFL Sunday at the bar or a weeknight NBA game on the couch, the best live sports betting sites are always there.
Almost every live betting site offers mobile compatibility these days. This allows you to keep track of your bets when you’re on the move.
But it’s worth remembering that mobile compatibility doesn’t mean optimal function. Our recommended live betting sites have been designed with the mobile player in mind; they’re not a second-rate version of a desktop site. This means sharp graphics that are optimized for the smaller screen and functions that are easy to access using a smartphone.
Some live betting sites, such as BUSR, offer an app. This can be a great alternative to mobile browsers if you want to access your bets with just a couple of clicks.
Offshore Live Sports Betting Sites vs State-Licensed
State-licensed sites mean that live betting sites have applied for a license to supply its services. It will only be licensed to provide the types of betting that are legal in that state.
State-licensed in play betting sites are available to all players over the legal betting age in that state, unless you’ve self-excluded. The best in-play betting sites have to stick to the high standards that are set out by their license, and they will be monitored to ensure they are fair and transparent.
The only problem is that state-licensed sites are confined by what the state allows. There are some particularly strict rules around the types of bets they offer, and the available markets. This can make the selection of bets fairly narrow, and won’t suit everyone.
Benefits of Offshore In-Play Betting Sites
Offshore betting sites offer an alternative to US-based live sports betting apps. They are usually licensed elsewhere, such as Curacao so they still need to deliver high standards and look after player safety. It’s always advisable to look for a license, even one that’s issued elsewhere.
The benefits of offshore sites is that they rarely have such lengthy checks for new players. This means you won’t have to jump through the usual hoops to meet the KYC (Know Your Customer) criteria, giving you access to no verification betting sites.
You may also find a far wider range of bets, such as player props or college sports. Payment options may be more flexible and crypto is more likely to be on offer.
Live Sports Betting Sites Tips and Strategies
Live betting is a very different beast to pre-match betting and as Liam Neeson might say, you need a very particular set of skills. We’ve put together a few tips on how to make the most of your live bets.
Study the Game Flow – The key to successful live bet sites is spotting trends before it’s reflected in the market odds. Knowledge of the sport combined with an accurate assessment of the flow of the game will allow you to pick up on subtle trends emerging.
As every sports fan knows, there are never any guarantees of a win so it’s not enough just to know what team is the “best”. It’s about how they perform on the day and whether there are any conditions that particularly suit one player or team over another.
Exploit Early Game Data – Early game data is invaluable. By watching how the game starts to unfold it’s possible to spot patterns. For example, are the big players performing well, or is a team struggling unusually?
By using the data from the early part of the game together with your knowledge of the sport, it’s possible to make a well-educated guess about what’s likely to happen. And by doing this early in the game you’ll get ahead of the market, giving you the chance to snap up more competitive odds.
Use Live Streaming to Stay Updated – Live streaming means you can react quickly to any changes in the game, so it’s a useful feature on any betting site. To get the best out of in-play betting you need to watch the action rather than solely keeping an eye on the score.
This is because, as you gain experience, you’ll start to get a feel for when things are starting to change. This gives you a chance to get ahead of the market by placing pre-emptive bets based on your reading of the changes in the game.
Focus on One Sport or Market – With so many opportunities within live betting it can be tempting to jump around. Having in depth knowledge of a particular sport can be a huge advantage and can make the difference between winning and losing. Focusing your time on becoming a real expert in a single sport or market is far more likely to be profitable compared to spreading yourself too thinly.
Take Advantage of Fast-Changing Odds – In live sports betting, the odds change at the speed of light. When you’re betting, keep an eagle eye out for any sudden shift in the odds as it could provide an unexpected opportunity.
For example, if a favorite team concedes early, odds might spike – even if there’s plenty of time for a comeback.
Bet During Breaks – Breaks are the ideal time to take a breath and review the action. The odds will be stable during breaks in play so you won’t need to worry about missing out on fast-changing odds.
You can take the time to review what’s happened and look over your strategy, and consider whether you need to tweak any of your predictions or even cut your losses. Some breaks are shorter than others so use the time well to plan your next move.
