In-Play Betting

What Is In-Play Betting?

In-play betting means betting on a sports event that is taking place right now. This could be betting on a football match, tennis match or basketball game while it’s going on.

Some offers requires an in-play bet so it's important to be comfortable with this.

All exchanges allow you to lay in-play bets, so matching a bet in-play is the same as matching a bet pre-match. You can place an in-play bet with a bookie, and lay it with any exchange to qualify for an offer, or use a free bet.

Key Differences With Pre-Match Betting

There are a few differences between in-play bet and pre-match bets.

Small Delay With Bet Confirmation

Placing in-play bets usually has a few seconds delay before your bet is confirmed. This could be 5-10 seconds delay.

Odds may change during this time, so your bet may not get placed. Make sure your bet is confirmed before laying the bet.

Slightly Worse Odds

In-play bets can have worse odds than pre-match bets. This can make finding a close match harder, but it’s still very possible.

Focus on the win-draw-win market, and the over/under goals market. These usually have the closest odds to the exchange.

Odds Move Quickly

The odds for in-play bets can move very quickly by large amounts, especially if a goal is scored. For example, if a game is 0-0, and a team scores, the odds will change dramatically.

In-Play Betting Tips

Top Tip #1: Place In-Play Bets At Half Time

The best time to place an in-play bet is during half time. The odds will not move as much, as there is no chance of a goal. But, if there are no close matches, then there are unlikely to be any close matches for the rest of the half time. However, it is safest to place a bet during this time, even with a poorer match.

Top Tip #2: Calculator At The Ready

Check the odds on the bookie and exchanges from time to time during a game to see if there are any close matches. Have the calculator ready, and enter the odds in as they change until you find a match you are happy with.

Once you place your back bet, wait for the bet confirmation and then lay the bet. If there are no close matches, wait till half time, where the odds should be more stable. Then try to find a close match.

Top Tip #3: What To Do If The Lay Odds Move

What should you do if you have placed your back bet and as you go to place the lay bet, the lay odds change?

If the lay odds decrease - This is a positive outcome. Quickly recalculate your lay bet in the matched betting calculator. Your qualifying loss will now be lower.

Lay odds move upwards - recalculate your lay bet within the matched betting calculator. Place your lay bet at the new higher odds. Your qualifying loss will now be slightly higher.

Top Tip #4: Start With Lower Stake

If you are new to in-play betting, you may want to start with lower stakes. Try to gradually familiarize yourself with in-play betting, and don't worry if you find it tricky at first.

With practice, you'll become an expert at in-play betting.

Got Questions?

There are 3 easy ways to get help:

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