The top live betting sites for in-play betting
Below, we’ll explain the mechanics of live sports betting in detail, share professional strategies to sharpen your edge, and answer your most pressing FAQs.
Ready to get started? Consult our curated list of top-rated live betting sites and select the expert-verified platform that fits your style today.
| Sportsbook logo | Rating | Bonus | Go-to-sportsbook button | Show more | T&C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
Time2play's choice
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96/100
Sports and markets rating
by Paul P.
91%
Playscore
based on
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Up to 200,000 Gold Coins + 9 Sweeps Coins
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Play now |
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2
|
100/100
Sports and markets rating
by Paul P.
86%
Playscore
based on
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250 Virtual Credits
|
Play now |
|
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3
|
91/100
Sports and markets rating
by Paul P.
86%
Playscore
based on
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Second Chance Bet of up to $500
|
Play now |
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4
|
82/100
Sports and markets rating
by Lisa S.
81%
Playscore
based on
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Receive $150 in Bonus Bets if your 1st bet wins
|
Play now |
|
To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in a Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, CO, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. |
5
|
81/100
Sports and markets rating
by Jack B.
89%
Playscore
based on
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Second Chance Bet of up to $500
|
Play now |
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6
|
85/100
Sports and markets rating
by Denise M.
88%
Playscore
based on
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10,000 B. Coins + 5 B. Cash
|
Play now |
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7
|
76/100
Sports and markets rating
by Jack B.
91%
Playscore
based on
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Get $350 back in Bonus Bets
|
Play now |
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8
|
75/100
Sports and markets rating
by Jack B.
83%
Playscore
based on
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100% up to $100 FC
|
Play now |
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9
|
75/100
Sports and markets rating
by Paul P.
83%
Playscore
based on
|
100% up to $100 BC
|
Play now |
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10
|
75/100
Sports and markets rating
by Alexander T.
84%
Playscore
based on
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Two $100 No Sweat Tokens, up to $200 back
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Play now |
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This list was compiled with the best in-play betting sites in mind. While the expert opinion is a valuable tool for gauging a sportsbook’s overall quality, we paid specific attention to each sportsbook’s live betting features to compile this list. That’s why the operator with the highest expert score or play score may not necessarily hold the top spot on this list.
Why are these picks the best live betting sites?
Choosing the best sportsbooks for in-play betting involves more than simply looking at who offers the most live betting opportunities. There are other factors like sports odds, bonuses/promotions, and safety.
Let’s break down the specific criteria we used for this best live betting sites list.
Odds
Live betting odds tend to be a tad bit lower than the odds for other types of wagers. The range you’ll typically find for in-play betting is 93-96%. But don’t judge a sportsbook solely on this one category, though. For example, FanDuel’s live odds can dip to the lower end at times, but it’s still a solid bookie with a very fast refresh speed. In fact, we counted an average of sub-3 second update speed between what is happening live and the betting odds. This is a crucial element to ensure that the odds you see are as close to stadium reality as possible.
Live streaming availability
Being able to watch a game streamed directly into your betting app will give you an edge for in front of those watching in on TV or satellite. There is a 10-15 minute lag on TV vs real-time, and this can cost you a valuable goal. Watching a game real time, gives you details that you could otherwise miss out on: seeing a player limping or catching the possession percentage can give you more control on your live bets.
Sports and markets
How many different sports does each sportsbook offer? Obviously, we like to see as many different sports offerings as possible. Additionally, we look at the number of markets available for each event, game, contest, etc. We pay special attention to the amount of in-play betting markets available, but we also consider the overall amount on an online gambling site. Some sportsbooks offer hundreds of markets in total, while some (like SugarHouse) offer around a thousand. That’s a lot.
Mobile interface/apps
While most sportsbooks offer a mobile-responsive website, I favor platforms that provide native iOS and Android betting apps. These apps are built specifically for your device’s hardware, offering distinct advantages like biometric security, push notifications with alerts for you target, or reduced data overload.
Live betting bonuses
Live betting bonuses can be quite rare, but some sportsbooks do offer bonuses and promotions tied specifically to in-play betting. BetMGM is a great place to go if you’re looking for live wagering-specific bonuses, as they offer these from time to time. Any live betting promotions available will land a bookie extra points in this category.
Overall rating
We’d never leave safety off of the list. That also goes for customer support and payments. This category covers those things and anything else we feel deserves to be addressed. A sportsbook can rack up points here for offering 24/7 customer support, lots of payment methods, quick withdrawal times, and safety features that protect you and your money.
In-play betting on the best sports and markets
Baseball may be America’s pastime, but on the gridiron is where you’ll find America’s game. Football is America’s favorite sport to watch, according to Gallup. A whopping 37% of Americans named the sport as their favorite to watch in a 2018 poll. The NFL regular season generates substantial live football betting action in the US, with college football also enjoying extreme popularity with sports bettors.
It stands to reason that football would be the go-to sport for in-play bettors as well. It makes sense that many players would prefer to place live wagers on football, given the way the games are structured: two halves, four quarters. It’s ridiculously easy to break a football game down into several small contests.
Basketball is another popular sport that is easy to in-play bet on. Similar to football, NBA basketball is broken down into two halves and four quarters. It’s fairly simple to learn the basic rules of basketball, and the wagering possibilities are endless. NCAA basketball, especially when it comes to March Madness, is a favorite for live bettors as well.
The following are the most popular sporting events for in-play betting in the US:
- Super Bowl
- NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
- NBA Championship
It shouldn’t be surprising that the Super Bowl is one of the biggest events for live wagering in the US. According to CBS News, roughly one in six Americans had money riding on Super Bowl LIII in 2019. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and NBA Championship round out the top three sporting events for in-play betting in the US.
Other sports that are popular picks for live wagering in the US include hockey, tennis, and soccer. We’ve highlighted some unique markets offered by some of the live betting sites on this list.
| Sport | Market | Where to bet? |
|---|---|---|
| Football | Fourth Touchdown Scorer | Sportzino sportsbook |
| Basketball | Will the final score be odd or even? | BetMGM sportsbook |
| Hockey | Will both teams score 4 or more goals in regular time? | Borgata sportsbook |
| Baseball | NRFI – No run first inning | FunDuel sportsbook |
| Soccer | Map winner | BetMGM sportsbook |
Live betting by sport
Each sport comes with its own challenges when you decide to play live, and understanding the differences can help you get ahead. Here’s what I think are the most important live betting markets by sport:
Football
Thanks to its structured nature, with multiple pauses between timeouts and plays, you have enough time to analyze the betting markets.
Some of the most popular live bets in football are next play type, next drive result and adjusted point spreads after a fast start. Sportzino is a great platform to bet on football, specifically for its market diversity.
Basketball
On the opposing side you have basketball, which, thanks to it’s fast-paced rhythm, it allows you to capitalize on momentum.
This opens for many more live betting markets, with the most beginner friendly being: race to X points, next field goal type or total points by quarter.
FanDuel is one of the best places to bet on basketball, the platform being recognized for its fast odd refreshes, which is so important for sports where the score changes every 20 seconds.
Baseball
Similar to football, baseball offers many chances to analyze and decide on the next most likely move on the field.
Popular live betting markets include pitch result, plate appearance result or no run first inning, after seeing a pitcher’s early-game performance.
I recommend BetMGM for baseball live bets, as they include lots of statistical overlays, which makes it easier to see which pitchers are starting to fade.
Soccer
Soccer is different because there is no break in the game, and so you must pay attention to the game and assess the then power dynamics before choosing to place a live bet.
Popular live bets on soccer include: next team to score a goal, or total corners or next team to get a yellow card.
Any platform with a live betting scream will do for live soccer bets, so once again FanDuel would be a great choice here.
Hockey
In hockey, a single power play can completely flip the outcome of a play, rewarding players who react very quickly to such dynamics. Perhaps not as fit for beginners if you’re not familiar with the rules.
But if you do decide to take a chance, popular live bets on hockey include: next goal scorer, period winner, or both teams to score X goals.
Borgata sports betting offer a great NHL market dive, particularly when it comes to period over period outcomes.
Esports
Esports like Valorant or League of Legends are very much dependent on economy and objectives. Whoever has better weapons is more likely to get ahead. That is why, popular esports live bets include: first blood or map winner, after seeing the draft or the agent picks.
Have a go at esports on Caesar’s sportsbook, there is enough diversity to cover most beginner-friendly live bets.
Gambling on the go: a look at live betting apps
Who isn’t using a mobile device to place sports bets these days? Having an app that allows bettors to place the same wagers available on a desktop can be a make-or-break feature for a sportsbook. Ideally, a sportsbook’s app will mirror the desktop version by featuring the exact same bonuses, markets, odds updates, etc. you’d find on your mac or pc.
It should come as no surprise that every sportsbook on our list has an app. But which live sports betting app is worth your time? Here are a few things to consider when deciding:
- How well the desktop version’s graphics translate to the app
- Reliability of the app’s live odds ticker/updates
- Overall ease and smoothness of app’s navigation
- Availability of same live betting features found on desktop version
A beginner’s guide to live betting
Live betting is a popular way for sports bettors to place wagers on matches that are already underway. A bettor simply chooses a live market, and places a wager on the market after the game has begun. This type of betting has grown in popularity as online sportsbooks have begun to offer more live betting opportunities, and there’s no sign that in-play betting will slow down anytime soon.
Pros
Get a feel for the game’s momentum before wagering
Can take advantage of defining events (such as injuries) before odds adjust
Added level of excitement when betting in real time
Cons
Decreased time to make calculated decisions
Momentum can shift quickly
Less enjoyment of the actual game due to focusing on wager(s) placed
What is live betting?
Live betting (or in-play betting) is exactly what it sounds like: wagering on games that are happening as the odds change in real time. Traditionally, bettors were only able to place moneyline, point spread, prop bets, etc. well before a game was underway. However, bookies realized that many bettors would enjoy wagering on the action as it unfolds before them. The popularity of in-play betting has grown, especially with the rise of online sports betting.
Live betting isn’t necessarily better than traditional pre-game betting, but it does add another exciting element to sports wagering. As a gamer, you’ll have to determine which type of betting is best for you.
How does live betting work?
Typically, the same traditional pre-game bets can be placed with in-play betting. Some sportsbooks even offer additional markets specifically for live betting. The main difference is, of course, that in-play bets are made after the opening whistle blows. The odds will be going up and down, depending on the score and other factors.
How to place a live bet:
- Find a bookie that offers live or in-play betting.
- Determine which game you’d like to wager on.
- Wait for the event to begin, and choose a market.
- Pay close attention to the changing real-time odds.
- Cross your fingers, place your bet, and await the outcome.
Some operators offer a litany of in-play prop bets that make live betting all the more interesting; examples include betting on who will be ahead at halftime, which player will be next to score, and whether the final score will be odd or even.
What are some types of live bets?
Most of the traditional sports bets you’re accustomed to placing translate pretty seamlessly to live betting. Of course, the exact types of in-play bets you can place will vary depending on the bookie you’re using.
Here are some of the types of live bets you can make:
- Moneyline
- Over/under
- Parlay
- Point spread
- Prop
Again, some online sportsbooks will offer more live betting markets than others. BetMGM, for example, offers a lot of different prop bets for in-play wagering while Caesars only offers the basics like moneyline, spread, and over/under.
Where is live betting legal?
You can place online in-play sports bets in Washington, D.C. and the following states:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
As with any type of online sports wagering, check your particular state for any rules and restrictions regarding in-play betting. The legal age for live sports betting is generally 21, though this can change according to state law.
Live betting vs pre-game betting
So the biggest differences between the two types of betting approaches are definitely the betting types and odds sizes. Presumably, it is more difficult to make a prediction way before the game, as opposed to what assessing the action live.
| Pre-game betting | In-play betting |
|---|---|
| Bet placed minutes or days before the event starts | Bet placed any time after the event has commenced |
| Low pressure, plenty of time for deep analysis | High pressure, requires split-second reactions |
| Odds move slowly based on news, statistics | Odds shift instantly with every play, goal, or foul |
| Available data based on stats, head-to-head records, and lineups | Available data based on real-time momentum and current form |
| Betting markets are standard: moneyline, spread, game totals | Betting markets next drive result, next basket, next team to score |
| Set it and forget it until the game ends | Keeps you glued to every play of the match |
Live betting tips and strategies
It’s never a good idea to rely on gambling as a means to make money. You should only risk that which you can afford to lose and gamble strictly for the fun of it. But, let’s not kid ourselves; it’s always better to win than to lose. When placing live or in-play wagers, there are a few live bets tips to keep in mind to increase your odds of winning.
Here are a couple lists of tips, one for beginners and one for more seasoned sports bettors, that will help you beat the bookies and come away a winner on the best betting sites.
Beginner tips
Familiarize yourself with the sport(s) you’d like to bet on
You don’t have to be an NFL rules expert to place live bets on your hometown football team, but it helps to understand the way the game’s played and which teams are currently in contention. Be sure to gain at least a basic understanding of the sports you’re betting on so you can make informed decisions. Many sportsbooks will even offer data from previous games to help you out.
Understand the different types of in-play bets
If you’re familiar with traditional sports betting, you already have a leg up when it comes to placing live bets. Moneylines, over/unders, spreads, etc. mean the same thing for in-play wagers as they do for traditional ones. If you’re new to live sports betting, it’s best to learn the basics before you bet.
Find a good live betting sportsbook
Check out our top live betting sites to find a sportsbook that offers good odds and features for in-play betting. Some even offer signup bonuses for new bettors and promotions tied specifically to live betting.
Gamble responsibly
Don’t get lost in the excitement of live sports betting. Make sure to manage your bankroll by setting limits for yourself, and feel free to use any of the Responsible Gambling (RG) tools the site provides. If you notice any signs of problem behavior, talk to friends and family and seek help.
Advanced tips
Know your odds
All sportsbooks are not created equal. Find an online live betting site that offers good odds, bonuses, and features related specifically to in-play wagering. Our list is a great place to start. Who knows, you may find a new favorite bookie.
Take advantage of parlays
Parlays are an excellent way to heighten the excitement of in-play betting. You may have placed previous parlay wagers when betting on sports in the traditional manner; did you know that many sportsbooks offer live betting parlays as well? Hitting the right parlay can lead to massive payouts.
Bet with your head, not your heart
There is a good deal of analytics to consider when making an informed sports bet. When live betting, it’s especially easy to get swept up in small momentum changes and make poor decisions. Be sure you’re betting intelligently and not just wagering in the moment.
Live betting mistakes you should avoid
Live betting is an activity that inherently requires speed, and while the fast-paced rhythm is part of the thrill, it can also lead to impulsive decisions. This can drain your bank very fast.
Here are some mistakes to watch out for at your next in-play betting session:
Chasing losses
By far the most dangerous trap to fall into in gambling of any kind, as in the heat of the moment, you are led by emotion. As a rule, if you lose a live break, put the phone down and take a 5 minute break.
Betting on every available market
Betting at online sportsbooks has suddenly opened a large market and you are spoilt for choice. But spreading your attention too thin can deteriorate the quality of your analysis. As a rule, try to focus on only one, or maximum two games at once. Ideally, from different sports.
Ignoring game context
As a rule, never bet live on a game you are not currently watching or tracking via HD live stream. As for example, a basketball team might be leading by 10 points, but if their star player has just been benched, the momentum is likely against the leader.
Placing bets without a plan
The speed of live betting can make you feel like you are watching a video game rather than managing your real money. As a rule, a plan should include an upper bet limit and even when to pull the lever and cashout.
FAQs
What is a live bet?
A live bet (also called an in-play or in-game bet) is a wager that is placed after a contest has started and while it is still happening.
Can you parlay live bets?
It is possible to parlay in-play bets at many of the top live betting sites. Check with your preferred bookie to see if you’re allowed to parlay live bets.
What is the best live betting site?
Our number one pick is FanDuel. Just because it’s our top choice, however, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best for your style of play. That’s for you to decide.
How does live betting work?
You simply choose a reputable sportsbook that offers in-play betting, find a live betting market, and place your wager after the game has started.
Which sports are good for live betting?
Pretty much any sport that is good for traditional pre-game wagering is good for in-play betting as well. Football, basketball, soccer, and hockey are popular options here in the US.
