Live Betting: How Placing Bets During a Match Works
What is live betting?
Live wagers are placed after the first referee’s signal, when pre-match ends. A beginner usually tries sports betting before the match, while the odds stay put. In live mode, the prediction is based on what happens during the sports event.
In this case, odds update continuously every minute; they react to important moments like red cards or goals. For example, a bettor sees the home side running out of legs or a change of formation; based on this, the decision should be made.
How odds move
Odds can rise and fall multiple times per event. Let’s take Flora vs Levadia:
Kick-off, 0-0, a Flora win is assessed at 1.90.
In the 35th minute, Flora scores. The odds immediately drop to 1.30 (that’s because the winning probability increases).
Later, Flora’s player gets a red card. As a result, the odds rise again.
The figure can jump up and down frequently and easily. The task is to adjust the tactics to in-play odds calmly and professionally.
Live vs pre-match - the key differences
Timing is the key thing here. Pre-match markets imply accepting wagers prior to the beginning. Live betting means placing bets while the event is in progress. Settlement is done following the outcome. A market closes as soon as its result is known. Note that markets that depend on official statistics may be settled later, even after the event.
A bet on the result waits for full time. In contrast, a wager on the next corner is settled within minutes. Сlosing a slip early may work with a pre-match bet too; you can read more in our guide on what is cash out in betting.
Pre-match suits those who analyze the stats and other factors in advance. Those who choose live football betting prefer immediate decisions.
The delay
You press the button, but the slip isn’t activated instantly. The bookmaker holds it for 2-5 seconds, a pause called a delay. Every trusted wagering platform has it.
While the slip is pending, the price may be changed. VivatBet allows users to either confirm the bet at the new value or accept the new terms.
