In Play Betting Term Meaning

In play betting, also known as live betting, occurs while the match or event is in progress.

Betting used to take place prior to an event starting. This is often referred to as pre-match/race betting. With the advancements in digital technology, and the internet in particular, a new method of betting was born which is what we call, in play. 

In play betting takes places throughout the duration of a match. For example, when a game of football begins, its markets will become ‘live/in-play’, and they remain this way until the end of the match. 

There are no restrictions on what sports a bookmaker can offer in-play betting markets on. Football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, NFL, hockey, cricket and rugby are among the most popular. A few operators also offer live betting on horse racing.

Betting in-play allows the punter to assess the action before putting any money down. Perhaps there is a big match which is too tight to call and you want to watch the first quarter (or half) to gauge how you think it will unfold. 

Another perk of in play betting is if a heavy underdog takes a surprise lead. 

For instance, a rank outsider playing Roger Federer at Wimbledon, and Federer drops the first set. The bookie has to adjust its odds just in case an upset occurs which means bettors can get extra value by betting on Federer. 

This can be a risky tactic but if you’ve done your research in advance, you will be able to pick out the best in play matches to bet on.

You’ll be spoiled for choice with the number of in play betting markets available. The variety is much the same as if you were betting pre-match. The only difference is certain bets get chalked off when they are no longer applicable. 

For example, after a goal has been scored in a football, obviously that market is now finished so it gets removed from the list of markets. The same applies to the winner of the first set in tennis after it is completed.

The rapidly changing odds are one of the most dramatic aspects of betting in-play. As a match nears its climax, the prices really start to move around. 

You cannot take too long when placing your bets at this point because the odds will adjust in front of your eyes. 

Lastly, to complement in-play betting, many online bookmakers provide live streaming of thousands of global sporting events. This means you can sit and watch the match and jump in at any point with an in play bet.