Live or “in-play” betting has become one of the most popular forms of betting in the United States and a key feature of any decent online sportsbooks. In addition, you will see promos attached to this form of betting – something the books have started to promote extensively in recent months.
If you haven’t tried live betting yet, give it a go. It’s extremely exciting as you feel like you are part of the game and not just a spectator (although your bets probably don’t change the course of the game, really, even though it might feel like it).
So, if you are keen to try in-play betting, we put together these quick tips that you can use to help with your live or in-play bets.
#1. Have a Plan in Place
The first thing that you want to do is have a plan in place before the games even begin. This is the most important step because it will allow you to react appropriately.
Make a list of games that you want to keep your eye on throughout the day, and have these pulled up on your phone or another mobile device. You want to look for games that seem to have odds that don’t make sense or games that you think could go in one distinct direction.
If you don’t have a plan in place, then the other four tips won’t matter.
#2. Watch the Games (duh!)
The next tip is to watch the games that you have picked out when you have created your plan. If you are unable to actually watch the games, then you should at least be following along somehow. Radio, maybe?
It’s important to have a feel of how the games are going if you are planning on making a live or in-play bet. You don’t ever want to make this type of bet without having a good feeling about how the games are headed.
#3. React Quickly
The odds change quickly when it comes to live betting, and that means that you have to react quickly. You need to be ready to make a wager as soon as the time is right, and that means that you need to have the app open and ready to go.
Sportsbooks might even change the odds while you are in the middle of placing the bet, and you will have the option to accept the new odds. Make sure that you are comfortable with this change, but it could even benefit you if the odds are adjusted.
#4. Hedge Your Bets
Another great option when it comes to in-play betting is to hedge your bets that you made pre-game. This is one of the best ways to use an in-play bet, especially if you have a large parlay wager going.
In order to hedge your bets, you will need to be paying attention to when the odds will allow you to cover any potential losses. Avoid playing an in-play bet in an effort to “double-down” as that could ultimately lead to some additional losses.
#5. Show Some Restraint
Finally, you also want to show some restraint when it comes to live or in-play betting. This is a great betting tip for all forms of sports betting but can be even more important when it comes to this betting type.
If games are not going in the direction that you expected, then it is best to simply show some restraint and let the game pass by. Not every game is going to be a great betting opportunity, and you need to be able to recognize when that is the case.
Showing restraint and waiting for another day is a much better strategy than making a poor wager.
