Live Betting

Our pick of the best live betting sites in 2024

Here are Betting.com’s top picks for US live betting sites, chosen for their in-play markets, live odds, streaming services, and other cool features.

Best Live Betting Sites Explained

Here you will find the key details about the best US live betting sites, their strengths and weaknesses. We’ll explain why we selected each of these sites to form Betting.com’s top list of the best in-play betting sites in the United States. We focus on the in-play markets offered, live odds, live streaming and other relevant features.

Bet365

Bet365 is the LeBron James of betting sites – a global superstar. Its in-play section hits from the logo, offering a wide range of events, and it sets itself a part with live streaming for an immersive experience.

Bet365

(4.8/5)

Why we recommend Bet365 for live betting:

Bet365 offers a versatile range of events to bet on, from football to esports, with most available for live streaming. It’s a paradise for punters with its cash-out options and in-depth stats for smarter betting.

What Bet365 live betting offers you

• Extensive Live Betting Section –  Bettors can enjoy live betting on an incredible variety of events.
• Excellent Live Streaming –  The bookmaker’s excellent in-play section is backed by an excellent streaming service, allowing punters to monitor the action while placing their bets live.
• Cash Out:  If your selections don’t go as planned, you can reduce your losses by cashing out. 
• Excellent information and statistics:  Bettors receive up-to-date statistics and information to help them with their selections.

PointsBet

PointsBet stands out with its unique points betting system, offering a fresh twist in live betting. Its website and app are super responsive, perfect for quick, strategic bets.

Why recommend PointsBet for live betting?

PointsBet offers an extensive range of markets for live betting and provides a helpful guide to understanding its unique system and finding the best odds.

What PointsBet live betting offers you

• Zero commissions:  PointsBet does not deduct any amounts from you when you fund your account.
• Elegant website:  The site is well designed and easily navigable, with high readability.
• Instant Deposits and Secure Withdrawals:  This sportsbook supports numerous payment methods that facilitate immediate and fast payouts.
• Legal in several US states:  PointsBet can operate legally in Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana and New Jersey.

Unibet

Unibet, established in 1997 and online since 1999, is a major player with an extensive live betting section, featuring a world of in-play opportunities and global sports markets, plus cash out and live streaming.

Why recommend Unibet for live betting?

Unibet offers a treasure trove of information and stats for live betting, complete with live broadcasts, making in-play bet management a breeze.

What Unibet live bets offer you

• Scope and depth of live betting offering:  Unibet has hundreds of live betting opportunities and sports markets from around the world. 
• Efficient and well-designed in-play platform:  The design is visually satisfying and easy to use, simplifying the entire live betting process. 
• Fast Withdrawal System –  Fast and efficient withdrawal system when betting live with Unibet
• Live Streaming –  Unibet’s live betting experience is enhanced with its live streaming service.
• Statistics Galore:  Unibet provides a wealth of statistics to help you make more informed decisions when betting live.

DraftKings

DraftKings, known for being one of the biggest betting sites in the US, offers live betting with a helpful betting calculator to assess odds in real-time. So we could not miss it.

DraftKings

(5/5)

Why recommend DraftKings for live betting?

DraftKings has a wide selection of markets and makes accessing live odds a walk in the park. Its top menu placement of live sections is perfect for quick access.

What DraftKings Live Betting Offers You

• A unique mobile betting experience:  The DraftKings mobile app features a responsive design, allowing mobile bettors to access a wide range of cricket betting markets with quality odds anytime, anywhere.
• Fast and Free Deposits and Withdrawals:  DraftKings supports many secure payment options to make it easy for users to deposit and withdraw funds from their accounts. Popular options include Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Skrill, PayPal, bank transfer, Play+ and eCheck.
• Fast Withdrawals –  You can withdraw your winnings from this bookmaker between 15 minutes and 72 hours.
• Quality Betting Services –  DraftKings operates legally in over 22 US jurisdictions, ensuring bettors enjoy safe and fair betting services.

BetMGM

BetMGM brings a full-scale live betting feature, including live streaming of popular sports, allowing bettors to place bets in real-time while catching the action live.

BetMGM

(4.8/5)

Why recommend BetMGM for live betting?

BetMGM’s early cashout feature, user-friendly app, and various customer support options make it a go-to for live betting enthusiasts.

What BetMGM Live Betting Offers You

• Odds Indicator  – BetMGM shows when the odds are going up or down.
• Low ‘juice’:  Each sportsbook takes its profit percentage. This is known as ‘juice’. But they only take 24%, which means they pay more money in profits.
• Secure Banking Methods – BetMGM offers a wide range of free deposit and withdrawal methods for your bets.
• Easy Bet:  When it comes to making single bets, parlays, or live bets, the BetMGM system is one of the easiest to use due to the ease of use of the platform.

How do we choose the best sites for live betting?

Choosing the right live betting site involves more than a hunch. You want a trustworthy bookmaker with an extensive array of live betting options, an easy-to-use platform, and plenty of stats. Live streaming is a huge plus.

Enrique Manzanares:  From my perspective, the top live betting sites provide users with a wide variety of markets covering numerous sports. These sites allow bettors to stay informed about events in real time, often assisted by graphical representations, and provide them with access to relevant statistical data. Leading in-play betting platforms often include a cash out option. Furthermore, the presence of a high-quality live streaming service significantly increases the user experience in live betting.

Compare the best live betting sites of 2023

With live betting becoming a key feature for major bookmakers, the choice can be overwhelming. We’ve compared various sites to help you pick the best fit for your live betting adventures.

To help compare these bookmakers, here is a table of the bookies we have identified as the best live betting sites: 

How to choose the best site for you

We’ve scoured the internet to weigh the pros and cons of what America’s top sportsbooks have to offer in in-play betting to come up with our top list of the best in-play betting sites. But choosing a betting site is personal. Consider licenses, welcome offers, live odds, payment options, reviews, app usability, and ultimately, sign up to see if it suits you.

So, to make that step a little easier, we’ve identified seven key criteria when choosing your site: 

1. Read about licenses:  All bettors want to ensure that their financial and personal data is safe. The only way to guarantee this is to play with an authorized betting site. A Google search should help you find a bookmaker’s licenses and it will be visible on their website. 
2. Learn more about welcome offers:  Welcome offers may look similar. However, you will soon find that they vary significantly and it is useful to make sure you sign up with a bookmaker with a welcome promotion that suits your betting habits.
3. Look for live odds –  It’s worth taking a look at a bookmaker’s live odds to make sure they offer good value and provide the sports, markets and tournaments you’re interested in.
4. Check payment options:  Available payment options may vary from one bookmaker to another. The more payment methods available, the more flexibility you will have when withdrawing and depositing.
5. Find out what others think:  Reviews are a good way to get an idea of ​​a bookmaker’s reputation. If others are happy with their experience, that’s usually a good sign. 
6. Download the app –  it’s useful to be able to bet on the go. Download the app on your preferred device and see what you do with it. 
7. Sign Up:  After checking all the boxes, it’s time to sign up and find out if this is the right betting site for you. 

What are live bets?

Beyond the basics, live betting is about feeling the pulse of the game. It’s like being a coach on the sidelines, making calls as the plays unfold. Whether it’s a buzzer-beater in basketball or a last-minute touchdown in football, live betting puts you at the heart of the action, making every moment more intense and every victory sweeter.

How do live bets work?

Live betting allows bettors the opportunity to place sports bets during the game. Bettors can monitor the action and place bets accordingly, and odds change depending on the event in real time. Most bookmakers will offer live betting on all of their sports markets. Some bookmakers specialize in live betting on television shows and other events. 

How do I place a live bet?

Placing a live bet is usually a simple process. When you log in to your favorite betting site, go to the menu (usually at the top or on either side of the screen) and click on the section marked Live or In Play. You will then see a variety of events where you can place an in-play bet. Click on the live event and you will open all available betting markets. From here, you can follow the normal procedure for placing a bet. If an event has a live stream, it will usually be marked by an icon such as a TV screen or camera. 

Is live betting a good strategy?

Think of live betting as the ultimate test of your sports intuition and timing. It’s where your deep knowledge of the sport combines with an understanding of betting odds to create a uniquely thrilling experience. Perfect for those who love to analyze the game as it unfolds and make predictions on the fly.

Are live bets better than pre-match bets?

Comparing live bets to pre-match bets is like comparing improv to a scripted play. Live betting is spontaneous, unpredictable, and full of possibilities. It’s ideal for those who thrive under pressure and trust their instincts, while pre-match betting suits the more calculated, strategic thinker.

What are the advantages of live betting?

The biggest plus point of live betting is that it allows you to make a decision based on what is happening in real time. Pre-match bets don’t give you the same information. What looks like a strong selection can change if there is a major incident, such as an injury or a trade in the early stages. If you are watching a football match and a key player is injured or sent off, you will be able to react and bet accordingly. You may also feel changes in momentum, especially if you understand the sport you are betting on well and try to get ahead of the bookmakers. For example, if a team leads 2-0 and then calms down, you may want to bet that the opponent will score next if they look nervous defensively. Likewise, if a favorite concedes an early goal, the odds of him winning will increase. However, if you are sure that they will still be able to win, you can take advantage and place your bet.

What are the disadvantages of live betting?

Remember, in live betting, the line between victory and defeat can be razor-thin. It’s a high-wire act, requiring balance, focus, and discipline. The key is to enjoy the ride but also know when to step back. It’s about finding that sweet spot between thrill-seeking and cautious strategizing.

If you’re looking to back an underdog, it may be best to avoid live betting, as the odds will drop as long as they stay in the race, and drop even further if they take an early lead.

Live Betting Odds

When you understand how live odds work, you start to see the game through a different lens. Each odd shift is a clue, a hint at what might happen next. It turns the betting experience into a detective game, where you piece together clues to make your best bet.

Live betting odds work in the same way as pre-game odds. The difference is that they move in real time with the results of the event.

For example, if a team is priced at +400 to win if they lose a goal but suddenly equalize with 10 minutes remaining, that team’s odds could quickly change to +200.

The odds move dynamically with the game situation. Bookmakers constantly set the price of the stock using special techniques and algorithms. Most of the best live betting sites will adjust the odds within seconds of a major change in the game and will also make significant changes during the course of the game. The best in-play betting sites will make these updates quickly, making the information you get accurate.

What are live betting odds?

Wherever you place a bet, there will be odds that will have been determined before the start of the event. These may change during preparation depending on circumstances and other considerations and are likely to change up until the start of the event. Live odds continue throughout the event and will change depending on how the action develops. Live odds will give the relationship between the amount bet by the bookmakers and the bettor at that particular time of the action.

How are live betting odds calculated?

Live betting odds are calculated based on a combination of factors, including pre-match odds, the current score, in-game statistics and real-time events during the match.

Betting sites with live streaming

With live streaming, every game is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of both the sport and the betting process. It’s like having a front-row seat at every game, with the added bonus of being able to participate in the action through your bets.

Other Live Betting Features You Should Look For

In the world of live betting, promotions and features are your tools for greater success and fun. They’re like special power-ups that can give you an edge in your betting strategy or provide a safety net when things don’t go as planned.

Promotions 

Live promotions have become increasingly popular, especially during big events. Many of the betting sites we have listed will offer promotions and features such as improved odds or free in-play bets for punters to take advantage of. For more promotions, check out our best betting offers for existing customers and no deposit free bet offers.

Cash withdrawal

Most established betting sites offer the opportunity to withdraw any winnings or losses before the event ends. This allows you to cancel a bet while you are ahead or reduce your losses. Cash out is very important in live betting as you need to react to a changing landscape.

Boosted odds

Some bookmakers offer boosted odds if you choose to place in-play bets. These can come in the form of cashback offers, mobile betting specific promotions, accumulator bonuses and others. There are also specific bets that can only be placed while events are live, such as betting on the next goal or point or betting on something happening within a specific time period.

Events available for live betting

Live betting is a fairly complex task for online betting sites. Therefore, some may be more selective than others when it comes to offering live betting opportunities. The best live betting sites will be able to offer a large number of sports, as well as in-depth coverage of particular leagues.

Payment Methods: Fast deposits are a plus

In the world of live betting, your wallet’s agility is crucial. Most sites will have you covered with the usual suspects like Visa and Mastercard, along with digital aces up their sleeves like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. Remember, in the adrenaline-fueled world of live betting, fast deposits are your best friend – nobody likes waiting, especially when that game-changing play is just around the corner!

Easily accessible in-play bets

Imagine you’re juggling bets across different games – it’s like being a DJ at a sports party. You need a site that’s as organized as a coach’s playbook. The best ones have dedicated sections for live betting so you can jump in without missing a beat. Some even have nifty icons for live betting – it’s all about getting you to the heart of the action, pronto!

Fast customer service

Since odds change on the fly, if bettors encounter a problem, they will need it resolved quickly. The best live betting sites will provide fast, efficient and effective customer support.

Live odds updates

Here’s where the magic happens – live odds updates. The best sites update their odds at breakneck speed, capturing every twist and turn of the game. It’s like having a sports oracle on your side, giving you the inside scoop as the action unfolds. But beware, some sites might lag a little, so choose wisely to stay ahead of the game.

A variety of sports and markets. 

Live betting is gaining popularity and bookmakers are expanding their portfolio in terms of offering sports, leagues, events and markets. 

Live Betting Strategies

Make sure you take your time when working on a live betting strategy. There are many variables to take into account and you should avoid making impulsive bets.

Time is vital

Time is vital in live betting. You should closely monitor the odds, which will allow you to take advantage of any changes. This is where knowledge and understanding of the sport you are betting on comes into play as you are more likely to choose the right time to place the bet. For example, if a soccer match is tied and the statistics and pattern of play suggest that one team could have a winner, waiting as long as possible could result in better odds; However, the risk is that you miss your opportunity.

Use live broadcasts 

Tune into live broadcasts, and you’re not just watching the game; you’re scouting your next big win. Pair that with live stats, and you’ve got a powerful crystal ball in your betting arsenal. It’s all about reading the game, predicting the plays, and staying two steps ahead.

Use statistics 

Almost all online betting sites will offer live statistics of events. Learning to analyze statistics of different sports will be a great advantage for live betting.

See the action up close

In live betting, losing focus is like dropping the ball at the goal line. Stay locked in, read the players, their body language, their form – it’s a game of chess, and you’re playing for keeps. Use the cash-out feature wisely; it’s your safety net in a high-stakes game.

Use the cash withdrawal feature

If the situation starts to seem too good to be true, or the probability of you winning the bet starts to increase, you can use the Cash Out option to lock in your winnings or reduce your losses.

Don’t make random bets just because

Remember, throwing random bets is like shooting in the dark – it rarely hits the mark. Instead, be strategic, think ahead, and always have a plan B.

Do your research

Just like in pre-match betting, doing your homework pays off. Study form, injuries, team dynamics – it’s like gathering intel for your betting mission. And hey, did you know about Unibet’s “Action Bet”? It’s like live betting on steroids, with bets settled faster than a fastball.

Popular sports and events for live betting.

Most online betting sites have a wide range of live/in-play betting options available. Popular sports/events include:

• Football
• Horse races
• Tennis
• Soccer
• Badminton
• Baseball
• Basketball
• eSports
• Golf
• Greyhound racing
• Ice Hockey
• Tennis

Key points about popular sports

Soccer:  Soccer is a very popular sport for live betting. In addition to the outcome of the match, bettors will bet on the next team to score, the next goalscorer, yellow and red cards and many more events within the match. 

Tennis:  Another popular option. Live betting on the winner of the match is popular, as well as who wins the next point/game/set.

Boxing:  Boxing is a popular option, betting on what will happen during the rounds makes it interesting.

Horse and Greyhound Racing –  These are two of the most difficult sports to place in-play bets on. This is because events usually only last a few seconds and the in-play betting option is discontinued very quickly.

Live betting: enjoy the in-game experience

Live betting is not just placing bets; it’s immersing yourself in the sport, feeling every heartbeat of the game. It’s a thrilling ride, but always play it smart and gamble responsibly. Ready to dive in? The world of live betting awaits!