Live Betting on Sports: How to Place Bets During a Match

Live sports betting is popular among customers of bookmakers, as it allows for assessing the prospects of teams and placing bets in real time. Live streams, statistical facts, head-to-head match histories, and tournament standings help players analyse the course of the game and choose a suitable strategy.

Playing online comes with increased risk since decisions on outcomes and bet amounts need to be made within limited time constraints.

Live betting refers to placing bets during a match. The dynamic nature of the odds depends on the flow of the game, and there may be intervals where bets are not accepted. Observers suspend the acceptance of live bets if they observe a dangerous moment or a situation that could potentially impact the match's outcome.

Advantages of live sports betting:

1. Quick profit opportunities.
2. Ability to bet on events with high odds.
3. Additional analysis through live streaming and statistics.
4. Variety of betting strategies.

Disadvantages:

1. The increased temptation for impulsive betting due to the fast-paced nature of live betting.
2. Higher margins compared to pre-match betting.
3. Lower betting limits.

Different bookmakers offer varying odds and limits for live betting. Bet365, Bet9ja, and Melbet are among the top choices regarding the range of outcomes, odds, and limits available for live betting.

To place an online live bet:

1. Select a match of your choice.
2. Open the detailed event listing and click on the odds for the outcome you are interested in. The selected event will be added to your bet slip or coupon.
3. Enter the amount you wish to bet and confirm your wager.

In your account settings, you may have options to configure how the bookmaker handles odds changes:

• Accept the bet only if the odds increase.
• Accept the bet for any changes in the odds.
• Do not accept bets with changed odds.

Mobile betting applications offered by bookmakers are convenient for live betting due to their high line update speed and the availability of the "One-Click Bet" feature, allowing you to place bets quickly with just a single tap.

Sharp fluctuations in odds in the live betting line are influenced by events occurring during the match, such as:

• Goals scored
• Player ejections
• Player injuries, and so on.

Bookmakers' scouts closely monitor the dynamics of the match and adjust the odds accordingly, either raising or lowering them.

In live betting, it is possible to find opportunities to place bets at higher odds by simultaneously monitoring the odds offered by multiple bookmakers.

Calculation Rules: Understanding How Bets Are Settled

New odds in live betting do not always accurately reflect the actual chances of an event occurring, and this presents opportunities for players to make profitable bets.

For example, in a match from the Spanish football championship between Getafe and Atletico Madrid, the odds for an Atletico victory at the bookmaker 1xBet were initially 1.70. However, during the halftime break, Getafe scored a goal, causing the bookmaker to adjust the odds for an Atletico victory to 2.80. By the 70th minute, the odds had risen to 4.30.

A live bet in the second half on an Atletico victory with odds above 3.0 resulted in a customer win. This was because Luis Suarez equalised the score in the 78th minute, and in the 90th minute, he secured the victory for Diego Simeone's team.

Placing a live bet was more than twice as profitable as a pre-match bet. It was easy to anticipate that Atletico would be able to come back because they created dangerous opportunities and appeared much more robust than their opponents in the second half.

Bet Refunds

Bookmakers have the right to void a bet and settle it at odds of 1.00. Bets are returned in case of match cancellation or when the match is determined to be fixed.

Suppose a customer consistently wins on similar outcomes. In that case, the bookmaker may suspect that the player is placing bets on events already occurring at the stadium before being reflected in the odds.

A refund is issued to confirm the customer bet on the outcome before the information reaches the bookmaker's analytical department.

Gambling organisers establish rules for bet settlement and voiding, detailed in the bookmaker's Terms and Conditions.

Betting in live mode is available in sports where the competition consists of distinct periods or segments that yield results, such as:

• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Baseball
• Football
• Ice Hockey
• Basketball
• Esports

In football, basketball, and ice hockey, bets can be placed on intervals of 5-10 minutes, while in esports, bets can be placed on individual maps or rounds.

Live Betting Strategies

The choice and application of strategies in live betting are closely tied to the specific sport and can vary based on the match's progress, team dynamics, and events unfolding during the game.

It's important to adapt your strategies and make informed decisions based on evolving circumstances to maximise your chances of success in live betting. Factors such as momentum shifts, key player performances, injuries, weather conditions, and game tactics can all influence the outcome. They should be taken into account when formulating your live betting strategy.

Flexibility and the ability to quickly assess and react to changing situations are critical skills for successful live betting.

Placing Live Bets on Football

The live strategy you mentioned, placing a bet on over (0.5) goals with odds not lower than 2.00 in a match that is 0-0 after the 75th minute, is based on the objective assumption that players tend to have less energy and focus towards the end of the game.

This can lead to more mistakes and an increased likelihood of random factors influencing the outcome. By placing this bet, you are taking advantage of the potential for a late goal to be scored, which can result from defensive errors or attacking desperation.

The strategy can be particularly effective if the home team, who may have an advantage in familiarity with the surroundings, is considered the clear favourite. However, it's important to note that no strategy can guarantee success in live betting, as the outcome of a match can still be unpredictable.

Placing Live Bets on Basketball

Placing a bet on the solid team to win in the final quarter with a handicap (-5.5) and odds ranging from 1.60 to 1.80 can be a successful strategy in a scenario where the underdog won the first half of the match. Still, the favourite caught up or took the lead in the third quarter.

In such a situation, it can be challenging for the trailing team to withstand the strong opponent in the closing quarter, especially when the favourite is in good form and has an advantage. A difference of 5 or more points by the end of the match can be pretty significant, and a bet on the favourite to win with a handicap can result in a win. However, it's important to remember that sports events can be unpredictable, and outcomes may differ from expectations.

Placing Live Bets on Tennis

An effective strategy in tennis betting is placing a bet on the favourite to win a game after losing their first service game. The odds of the victory of a strong tennis player tend to increase from 1.20-1.30 to 1.50-1.60 in such situations.

It is worth noting that male tennis players typically have a higher rate of holding their serves compared to female players. This strategy takes advantage of the momentum shift that can occur after a highly ranked player loses their first service game, providing an opportunity for bettors to capitalise on improved odds.

However, it is essential to consider various factors such as player form, playing conditions, and head-to-head records before placing any bets.

Placing Live Bets on Esports

In Dota 2, matches are played in a best-of-three format consisting of three maps or rounds. If, on the first map, one of the evenly matched teams emerged victorious with fewer kills, it can be a viable strategy to bet on their opponents to win the second map with odds ranging from 1.70 to 2.00.

Even though the team won the previous round, their opponents had more kills, indicating their dominance throughout the game. In the next round, the dominant team will likely strive to replicate their superiority in kills and solidify their advantage by securing a victory on the map. 

This strategy considers the potential adjustment and gameplay strategies that teams may employ to turn the tide in their favour in subsequent maps. However, it is important to consider other factors, such as team composition, recent performance, and overall gameplay dynamics, before placing any bets.

Placing Live Bets on Hockey

In a match with a one-goal difference by the last minute of the game, a bet can be placed on the condition that at least one more goal will be scored. The odds for this outcome typically range from 2.20 to 2.30.

This strategy relies on the expectation that both teams will push for another goal to secure a victory or equalise the score. The high odds reflect the increased uncertainty in predicting the specific outcome, as it depends on various factors such as team strategies, player performance, and game dynamics. When making such a bet, it is essential to consider the teams' offensive capabilities, defensive strategies, and recent performance.

Low odds do not guarantee a higher chance of winning, so playing with higher odds can be more effective. Look for value bets where the odds are higher than you believe they should be based on your analysis.

Betting on preserving the score in the final stages of a match is only sometimes a wise choice. Many decisive actions and goals often occur during this period, increasing the unpredictability of the outcome. Consider the game dynamics and teams' strategies before placing such bets.

Arbitrage opportunities or bets on situations where the bookmaker has made an erroneous line can sometimes be identified. However, bookmakers may void or cancel such bets if they detect an obvious error.

Have a plan for the upcoming game day, and stay updated on the matches you have analysed. This will increase your chances of success and better prepare you for various outcomes during the game.

Always exercise proper bankroll management and make informed decisions based on thorough analysis and knowledge of the sport.