Live Betting Sites
Live betting is one of the most exciting activities the market has to offer, if you have the knowledge to play it smart.
Similar to traditional betting, live sports betting allows bettors to place in-play wagers using odds that are continuously adjusted based on the way the contest is going. Live betting lines change and lock regularly. Bettors should act fast when they see something to their liking.
One of the most profitable professional sports bettors of all time, Haralabos “Bob” Voulgaris, got his claim to fame from betting NBA second halves based on halftime coaching adjustment patterns. In the late ’90s when he was 25, he would bet $1 million a day on basketball games, taking advantage of the lack of attention oddsmakers directed toward the halftime score. Back in the day, sportsbooks would break the end score in half without considering the high number of points late in the fourth quarter.
Another famous pro sports bettor, Teddy “Covers” Sevransky, hit it big by identifying what he calls “morphing teams,” or teams that are playing better or worse, faster or slower than their season-long statistical profile indicates. He follows those teams and bets accordingly until the public perception catches up to recent performances and they get assessed correctly.
Below we break down the best live betting sites, what features to look for, how to get started, the top bet types for live betting, available live betting bonuses, and strategies for new and experienced bettors alike. And who knows, you could be on track to your own live betting career.
Featured Live Betting Sportsbooks
The best live betting sites listed below all earn high marks in live betting for state availability, in-play betting markets, ease of navigation, quick response, and useful features, including in-game trackers that provide a variety of up-to-date match stats and information.
#1. BetMGM Sportsbook
✅Pros:
- Niche sports live betting
- Edit my bet feature
- Competitive odds
❌Cons:
- Limited market depth
- Game tracker positioning
Available in 20+ states, BetMGM sportsbook has been able to keep pace with FanDuel and DraftKings by offering some of the best odds and 27 sports betting markets. Having more betting markets makes BetMGM the best late-night online sportsbook for live betting on niche sports and international leagues.
BetMGM loses some points for having fewer live betting options than the top sports betting sites, but the number offered is still in the double digits. BetMGM does provide a game tracker similar to DraftKings, but it’s positioned above the bet slip on the right side, making it difficult to manage multiple live bets under consideration.
To get to the BetMGM live betting page, locate the link labeled live, listed as the first option next to the home tab. Popular in-play wagering markets divided by sport are posted on the homepage. Bettors can also select a sport from the sidebar. If you’re not finding what you’re looking for or don’t feel like scrolling, there’s a line tab toward the top of the screen. BetMGM follows similar odds change notifications, except the direction arrow flashes in the bottom right corner.
An underutilized feature at BetMGM is the Edit My Bet. This option gives bettors customization over in-play BetMGM parlays. Along with the ability to increase stakes, bettors can add, swap, or remove selections as long as unsettled portions remain.
Ratings:
- Features: 4.5/5
- Welcome offer and existing customer bonuses: 4/5
- User experience: 4/5
- Payment options: 4/5
I thoroughly enjoy the live betting options and the tools that BetMGM has to offer bettors. For example, the Easy Parlay option allows me to place quickfire SGP and parlay bets across numerous live events. Furthermore, the live streaming and flash bets at BetMGM are to die for. Oliver Dickinson (Sports Editor)
#2. FanDuel Sportsbook
✅Pros:
- Live betting markets
- Live same game parlays
- Competitive odds
❌Cons:
- Basic game tracker
The largest sports betting site in the US, FanDuel sportsbook can be found in 20+ states. Currently, FanDuel has 18 sports to pick from and offers dozens of live betting options, including live same game parlays, a feature few other online sportsbooks have yet to adopt.
To locate the FanDuel live betting page, find the live now link next to the red circle listed as the top option on the sidebar to the left. Bettors can also scroll the homepage if they know what sports you’re looking for. Any matches going on will be posted at the top, the same as if you went to the sports individual page. There is also a live tab across the top of each page.
Live odds changes are highlighted with red and green outlines of the odds boxes and a directional arrow in the top left corner. FanDuel does have a game tracker, but the in-play stats provided are limited compared to the competition.
Ratings
- Features: 4/5
- Welcome offer and existing customer bonuses: 4/5
- User experience: 4/5
- Payment options: 4/5
FanDuel is a highly versatile platform, that offers quality live betting options for all the major US sports. The detailed Game Tracker and Stats, though quite basic, are very useful and there are lots of flash bets to snap up if you can catch them in time. Daniel Craymer (Sports Editor)
#3. Caesars Sportsbook
✅Pros:
- Live betting markets
- Competitive odds
- Game tracker
❌Cons:
- Basic features
- Simple layout
- Limited market depth
A trusted name in the gambling industry for more than 50 years, Caesars sportsbook has set up shop in 19 states. The Caesars online sportsbook takes action on 22 sports and has a decent amount of late-night niche live betting options. If you’re looking to live bet underdogs, Caesar’s betting lines are traditionally among the best. The game tracker provided by Caesars is similar to BetMGM but is locked in its spot in the middle of the page.
The live betting page link can be found in multiple spots toward the top left corner of the homepage. Depending on the league, in-play wagering options may not populate on the individual sport’s page. Bettors will have to click the live button across the top to access a complete list of options. Caesars falls in line with the other major live betting sites that highlight odds changes with red and green boxes and a directional arrow.
One extra thing to note about the live betting experience at Caesars is that it feels a bit more geared for football fans. Caesars is an official partner of the NFL, and it is the only sportsbook on my list that offers live HD streams of NFL games.
Ratings:
- Features: 3/5
- Welcome offer and existing customer bonuses: 4.5/5
- User experience: 3.5/5
- Payment options: 4/5
From one football fanatic to another, I would have thought Paul would have scored Caesars a little higher. The Watch & Bet feature allows you to place live NFL bets while streaming all the action. Definitely a top 5 contender for me, though I agree that the live betting markets do feel a bit shorter than the likes of FanDuel. Alex Windsor (Founder)
#4. Bet365 Sportsbook
✅Pros:
- Live betting markets
- Sports coverage
- Game tracker
❌Cons:
- Limited state availability
Bet365 is an extremely versatile sportsbook, with loads of live bets and streams to enhance your live betting experience. There is a catch though. The sportsbook only operates in a handful of US states. Bet365 is a UK sportsbook that only reached US shores in 2019, though it has already opened shop in some US states.
For sports coverage, bet365 is right up there with the big dogs such as DraftKings and FanDuel. I could even find live streams and betting options on eSports such as CoD or Dota 2. If there are no sports events on when you open the sportsbook (which is quite rare as it provides betting options on sports from all across the globe), then you can head on to the virtual sports category. There, you can find 24/7 live betting options on simulated basketball, football, soccer and other sporting events.
The live features are a bit basic, with a simplified game tracker and basic game statistics, but the live betting options are quite fascinating. There are lots of flash bets that pop up during the game, at competitive prices.
Start at bet365 today and you can receive a welcome bonus. Though the bonus is not as massive as some of the other sportsbooks on my list, I have to point out that it does not require a massive deposit or qualifying bet. This makes bet365’s sign on bonus much more useful to bettors with smaller budgets. From there onwards, there are loads of excellent promotions to enjoy. Especially for live bettors: you can use the Early Payout offers on NBA, NCAAB, hockey and soccer to your advantage.
Ratings:
- Features: 4/5
- Welcome offer and existing customer bonuses: 4/5
- User experience: 4.5/5
- Payment options: 3.5/5
The bet365 Early Payout promotion is a fantastic feature for live bettors. Furthermore, there is a great diversity of sports coverage, including options to bet on top eSports and virtual sports. As an all round sportsbook, I think there aren’t many better options than bet365. Damjan Jugović Spajić (Sports Editor)
#5. DraftKings Sportsbook
✅Pros:
- Live betting markets
- Existing customer promos
- Game previews
❌Cons:
- No game tracker
- Average interface
A popular name in online sports betting, DraftKings sportsbook operates in 20+ states. The DraftKings online sportsbook has 25 sports to select from and excellent market depth, which extends to niche sports and late-night action. The sports betting site’s pregame preview is second to none, but their lack of an in-play game tracker is disappointing.
DraftKings users can get to the live betting section a few different ways from the homepage. Look for the live in-game tab within the options scrolling across the top of the homepage or red circle next to the live-in game link just below the ads. Use the tabs directly below to switch sports. Odds changes flash quickly, and the directional arrows are green going either direction, making them easy to miss.
DraftKings has a ton of live betting features and stats, all of which can have a significant impact on your strategy. Additionally, DraftKings offers a vast selection of live game props, live Same Game Parlays and player bets.
For what DraftKings lacks in a worthwhile welcome bonus, the online sportsbook makes up for it with the most consistent and varied existing customer promos, including DraftKings live betting odds boosts.
⭐Ratings:
- Features: 3.5/5
- Welcome offer and existing customer bonuses: 3.5/5
- User experience: 4/5
- Payment options: 4/5
Though DraftKings is one of my favorite sportsbooks, I will have to admit that the live betting is not quite as good as the pregame wagers. You still have options such as cash out, and plenty of opportunities to pick out live bets; and the odds on live bets are unbeatable, but I would like to see more bonuses for live bettors. Damjan Jugović Spajić (Sports Editor)
Compare the Best Live Betting Sites in the US
Above all else, find a sportsbook that works for you. Each interface is different, the in-play odds are different, and the lines update differently by the sportsbook. Good sportsbooks will have live games prominent on the home page, an easily accessible live betting menu to navigate the live betting options, and will frequently have live stats and a game tracker to follow along.
Importance of the interface
The user interface is easily one of the most prominent aspects when searching for a sportsbook to use for in-game wagering. If you can’t find the lines you’re looking to bet on, it’s probably not the right book for you.
When looking for a book to bet on, you’ll want to be sure the user interface fulfills three basic needs.
- Is it easy to use?
- Does it have a live game tracker?
- Are there enough betting options?
First of all, using a sportsbook that’s easy to use is my most important characteristic when finding a sportsbook. I want a sportsbook with all of the live events front and center and a well-organized betting page for each event.
The game tracker feature is also crucial because looking at live stats on the sportsbook is much easier than flipping between the sportsbook and the ESPN app. Plus, sportsbooks generally offer common trends and stats for betting that other apps might not have.
Odds on live bets
Odds can change during an event in the blink of an eye, so finding books with solid odds is essential. If you’re looking for the best betting strategy, then good odds are the most important.
To do this, get on several different sites during the same event and compare odds for an in-play bet. Pre-game point spreads will generally have odds of -110. However, in-play spread betting odds can easily reach + money based on the spread and the current outcome of the game.
While the following sportsbooks are some of the best and have the best odds in the industry, here is a table comparing them to each other:
| Event | DraftKings | FanDuel | Caesars | PointsBet | BetRivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Nationals @ Cincinnati Reds | Nationals ML -950/ -3.5 -135 | Nationals ML -1200/ -4.5 +112 | Nationals ML -1800/ -5.5 +120 | Nationals ML -1812/ -4.5 -131 | Nationals ML -1000/ -3.5 -125 |
| San Francisco Giants @ Miami Marlins | Giants -3500/ -5.5 -120 | Giants -3500/ -5.5 -108 | Giants -2500/ -5.5 -120 | Giants -855/ -3.5 -121 | Giants -3200/ -5.5 -125 |
| L.A. Angels @ Philadelphia Phillies | Phillies -1450, -4.5 -125 | Phillies -1600, -4.5 +108 | Phillies -1100, -3.5 -140 | Phillies -1356, -4.5 +130 | Phillies -1500, -4.5 -135 |
Line updates
Live betting odds can change in the blink of an eye, which can sometimes cause significant issues for bettors looking to make live bets. A sportsbook constantly changing the line can cause trouble for people trying to place bets because it won’t accept until the line is settled.
It is also essential to watch the lines change because this can show the shift in the money being bet by the public. This gives you an edge to see where you think the game is headed and where the sharps who bet on sports for a living will be betting.
Tip – Watch out for Hedging Opportunities
There are two primary forms of hedging your pre-game bets, but they are different in many ways. If you’re unfamiliar with what hedging means, then let me explain. Hedging is basically when you place another bet that can win some of your pre-game bet losses. This can be done before the game begins if the line shifts enough; however, this is generally done through live betting.
The first type of hedging is a bare hedge. This happens when you place a bet before the game starts on one team or athlete, then after the game starts and it feels like it’s going the other way, placing a live bet on the opposing team to recuperate some of the losses that may have come from your initial bet.
The tricky thing about hedging is calculating the amount of money you’re willing to risk because the game might not end how you’re anticipating. Bettors who hedge find them in unique situations where they must weigh the current risk and reward of the live bet, then compare that to the risk and reward of the original bet. If there’s potential to get some of your winnings back after you’ve started betting, and it looks like a bad bet, I highly recommend you take it.
The downside of bare hedging: Be wary of live point spreads bets as a form of hedging because this could result in a double loss. It may seem nice to be betting on -110 odds rather than something like -250, but they are much less likely to win, and losing twice hurts double if you are planning on jumping on a point spread bet for in-play betting; wait until the end of the first half or period to gauge where the event will go.
The second type of hedging is something a bit more complex and takes a quick trigger finger and a very attentive bettor to pull off. This requires your original bet to be winning big early, but for you to have the wherewithal to notice that they won’t finish the game that way, let me explain.
If your team is winning big early, you’ll have the option to cash out from your bet for a portion of your original winnings and more than your original wager. If you notice your bet running out of steam in a time like this, I like to cash out, then place everything from the cash out on the opposition, which will likely have great odds if you do this right.
Performing this right will allow you to place large bets with house money covering the difference and win more thanks to the extra risk and the better odds. It’s a risky play and can often backfire, but when pulled off, it is exhilarating.
Live Betting Explained
Live betting is straightforward; it’s when a bettor places a wager on a sporting event that is currently in progress. In-game betting allows users a break from monotonous pre-game betting and gives them a unique experience of making several different bets.
Because live betting has so many different factors for the odds compilers, many sportsbooks only offer a limited number of live betting options (if any) because of how live betting odds work. Typically most will at the very least offer simple bets like moneyline, point spread, and point totals.
In contrast, larger sports betting platforms offer several kinds of live bets, including bets exclusive to those who are placing in-game wagers. These bets are often considered flash bets and include specific prop bets such as;
- Result of the next pitch – Strike, ball, hit, out (in the field), or homerun
- Next team to score – team 1 or team 2
- Next basket – team 1 two-pointer, team 1 three-pointer, team 2 two-pointer, team 2 three-pointer
The main difference between pre-game bets and in-play betting is the line movement, which can give bettors much better value than the pre-game closing lines. Live lines continuously move after the game begins, which means that in games like basketball, with constant swings in momentum, bettors can get better odds than the opening line very quickly after a run.
Live Betting Promo Codes
While welcome bonus bet credits, second chance bets, and bet-to-get offers are abundant in most states, live betting promos can be tougher to come by. They usually take the form of odds boosts. Professional bettors search for the smallest edges over sportsbooks. Profit increases are a big one. Some odds boost can be used as you please, others are unlocked after meeting betting specifics. Don’t let boosted odds back you into a bad bet.
No sweat bets are a type of bet insurance, where stakes are returned in the form of bet credits if the wager settles as a loss. Credits usually expire between 1-14 days. The bet and get is just as it sounds. Bet a qualifying amount to earn a specified amount of bet credits. To start, choose one of the following sportsbook promo codes and start betting live on the action.
Live Betting Types
Along with all the traditional ways to wager on sports, live betting expands prop bets to include what will happen during a certain period in the match.
- Moneylines
- Point spreads
- Over/unders
- Prop bets
- Futures
- Same game parlays
Live Moneyline bets
Moneyline bets are wagers on the outright winner of the contest. Unlike point spreads which are set to encourage even action on both sides, moneyline odds can vary widely depending on projections.
Live Prop bets
Prop bets are similar to the traditional over/under points total bets posted along with the moneyline and point spread but for additional statistical outcomes on players, teams, or combined totals. Prop bets may also be in the form of yes or no, or in ranges. Futures aren’t exactly live prop bets, but they do adjust as the season progresses.
Live Same game parlays
Live same game parlays are a new wrinkle already rolled out by FanDuel and PointsBet that will be adopted by the majority of live betting sites sooner rather than later. Parlays allow bettors to combine individual picks into a single ticket for an increased payout. The trade-off is taking on more risk by needing multiple outcomes to go your way.
Live Bets for Beginners
New bettors should narrow their sport and bet type focus to begin. Start with simple bet types, including moneylines, point spreads, team point totals, and basic prop bets. Over time you may feel comfortable combining player props or betting on play outcomes. Find an edge and exploit it throughout the game.
Similar to bet types, each sport has its advantages when live betting. The slower pace of play sports like baseball, football, and golf gives bettors more time to operate. Basketball, MMA, and tennis may be more exciting to live bet, but it can be challenging to get wagers in. But with how quickly things can change, especially in the UFC, these sports can be a great way to get value on a live underdog right before a sizable swing in the odds.
Even though you plan to bet live, it’s still a good idea to brush up on stats and recent results before the matchup starts. DraftKings has the most comprehensive game preview section. Be aware of key numbers in whatever sport you’re wagering on. You don’t want to get caught on the wrong side of a half-point.
Live Betting Options for Experts
Seasoned bettors should feel more comfortable wagering on same game parlays and more exotic prop bets. Experts may also consider placing a second bet as a hedge if the pregame wager isn’t looking good to minimize possible losses. Live betting is an excellent way to find arbitrage opportunities not found during pregame pricing.
Experienced bettors also learn to work the early cash-out option. A welcomed improvement to live betting, now offered by most online sportsbooks, the early cash feature gives bettors the ability to close out an open bet before the contest has ended. The payout is based on live odds at the time. Similar to finding the best odds, claiming partial winnings, or cutting losses before it’s too late, adds up over time. By cashing out early, bettors do risk leaving money on the table.