Live sports betting has become a big part of the online betting experience in recent years.
More and more operators have thrown their arms around in-play betting and the majority of them will now have dedicated live sections, which I think is fantastic.
My favourite live betting offer for September 2024
The increase in popularity of in-play betting means that it is now a key factor for players looking for a new bookmaker to sign up with. In this handy guide, I’ll take look at the best in-play betting bookmakers in the UK, listed their pros and cons, and shared my thoughts on what they have to offer.
Top live betting sites and in-play bookmakers in the UK
A closer look at the best live betting sites
1. My top pick: BetUK
BetUK is one of the best new betting sites in the UK. I’ve been seriously impressed with how quickly they’ve made a name for themselves in the game, and its in-play betting category is one of the best around. It offers a huge range of markets, and has carved itself a niche as one of the best Esports operators around.
ProsPlenty of statistics to help you analyse eventsBig range of esports optionsGood range of payment methods
ConsOccasional delays when odds are changing
2. Unibet
Unibet’s website is a joy to use. In my opinion, it has a clean and simple design that makes it clear for players to find what they are looking for. This is especially useful with in-play betting, as there can be a lot going on. Unibet also offers one of the most comprehensive statistic section in the sports betting market.
ProsA brilliant statistics sectionRated top three in the best sports betting apps testsA user-friendly designWide range of sports betting markets
ConsNo live-chat option
3. bet365
bet365 is the undisputed king of in-play betting. The site allows punters to bet in-play on just about any sport or event they can think of, and it offers live streams for many of them too. It also offers some of the most comprehensive stats on the market, and regularly has price boosts and in-play offers available.
ProsUser-friendly design on both desktop and mobile devices A comprehensive selection of sports and marketsSelection of bonuses dedicated to each sport Big range of live streams to choose from
ConsSome restrictions with payment methods
4. Spreadex
If you fancy a spot of in-play spread betting, then Spreadex is the site for you. The operator provides some of the most in-depth markets for both fixed odds and spread betting. It is also host to a plethora of live streams. The sportsbook has some of the best customer support around, ensuring you won’t find yourself in a sticky situation when you are betting in-play.
ProsSpread betting options available in playExcellent customer supportPlenty of live streamsGood fixed odds options as well
ConsSlightly dated design for in-play
5. Parimatch
The Parimatch live betting section is highly comprehensive. It covers a wide range of sports and betting markets and has some of the most competitive odds on the internet. In my opinion, the design of the section is user-friendly and visually pleasing, ensuring that players have a pleasurable in-play betting experience.
ProsVery user-friendly websiteBig focus on football betting marketsFantastic mobile app for in-play betting
ConsNot as many markets as some of its competitors
6. Betway
Betway offers a variety of live betting markets for players to enjoy. The in-play section is fit to burst, and it offers in-depth markets across a wide range of sports. The site is also home to some great recurring offers including its Free Bet club and a top loyalty scheme.
ProsInstantly recognisable brand with a big reputationGreat promotions for new and existing customersGood selection of in-play markets
ConsOccasional delay with placing in-play bets
7. BetVictor
BetVictor has been around in the sports betting world in one form or another since 1946. In that time, it has mastered the art of customer satisfaction. This is on full display with its in-play betting options.
Players are treated to a selection of live markets covering everything from football to Esports. It is also notable for allowing in-play handicap betting, something which many of its competitors do not offer.
ProsConstantly expanding its sports marketsSelection of bonus featuresEasy to use website on both desktop and mobile devices
ConsSome usability issues
8. Paddy Power
Paddy Power is one of the most recognisable sports betting brands in the UK, and it offers a strong in-play betting section. The section is incredibly well-designed and it offers up to the second odds that eagle-eyed punters can take advantage of. It is also one of the few bookies to focus on horse racing in play, which is something many bookies do not do.
ProsOne of the most trusted names in the industryVery fast loading timesSome of the best odds in the industry
ConsPoor cash-out offerings
9. William Hill
When I’m diving into in-play betting, there are few websites out there that can compete with William Hill. The experienced bookie offers a stylish in-play betting experience that immerses players in the action and offers up-to-the-minute odds. William Hill TV is one of the best streaming services provided by any bookmaker in the UK or elsewhere.
ProsWilliam Hill TV offers one of the best streaming services in sports bettingCompetitive oddsStylish website design
ConsNot a huge number of active in-play betting bonuses
10. kwiff
kwiff is a relative newbie compared to other bookies on my list, but its in-play betting options still manage to pack a punch. The site is all about offering players a supercharged experience, and it does this with enhanced odds and a ton of live streams to keep punters entertained.
ProsSome of the most competitive odds in the industry Big selection of live streamsMobile application available on both Android and iOS
ConsFewer markets than its competitors
How I rank in-play betting apps:
In-play betting features
Top online bookmakers will compete with one another to offer the best features for punters. A key factor for me is the range of statistics that an operator has to offer. For example, BetUK offers tons of in-game statistics to help players make informed decisions.
A variety of sports and markets
In-play betting is becoming increasingly popular, and bookies are expanding the number of sports that they offer it in. Almost every bookmaker will offer in-play betting on football, but the best ones will offer it on more obscure sports and in some cases, non-sporting events.
User interface
In-play betting has a different look and feel to it than normal betting. As such, getting the user interface right can make or break an experience. The real-time betting sites I have chosen all offer a great user interface that makes placing in-play bets as straightforward as possible. If the site has a bet calculator incorporated, even better!
Promotions
In-play promotions have become increasingly popular, especially during big events. Many of the betting sites I have listed will offer promotions and features such as enhanced odds or free in-play bets for punters to take advantage of. For more promos, take a look at the best existing customer betting offers and no-deposit free bet offers.
Payment methods
Users always need many options to deposit and withdraw their funds, and most will offer Visa and Mastercard debit cards, as well as PayPal, but many will also have Skrill and Neteller.
Streaming
Streaming and in-play betting go hand-in-hand with following races and the top football tournaments. The best way to keep up to date with the action is to watch it unfold using a live stream. Many of the bookmakers will provide alternative options if they are unable to offer a live stream. This often involves some sort of visual representation of the match accompanied by text commentary.
Pauses and delays
With in-play sports betting, every second counts. I analyse the speed at which a bookmaker updates its odds in its live betting section. Some sites are able to update their odds without players even realising, while others may have a slight delay.
What is in-play betting. 18+ GambleAware.org Please play responsibly.
How in-play betting works
In-play betting does as it says on the tin. It allows punters like me the opportunity to place in-bets on sports. This is a great way of keeping involved with the action, with the odds adjusting to the event in real time. Most bookies will offer in-play betting across all of their markets, with some of them even mixing it up and allowing you to bet in-play on TV shows and other events.
Advantages of live betting
The biggest advantage of live betting is that allows you to make a decision based on what is currently happening. For example, if you are watching a football match and a key player gets injured, you will be able to react to this and bet accordingly. Betting before the match doesn’t offer you the same level of insight. You can also send changes in momentum and attempt to get ahead of the bookies when betting live.
Risks of live betting
Live betting can be hugely advantageous, but you should also approach it with caution. In-play betting can often lead to people doubling down on their bets, and potentially losing more money. It is also not the best option for players that tend to be more impulsive, as it can lead to some bad decisions being made.
I recommend that players make sure to check through the statistics and not just place a bet the moment there is a price shift. As with most forms of betting, discipline is the key.
How do I place an in-play bet?
Placing an in-play bet is nice and simple. When you log-in to your preferred bookmaker, head over to the the menu at either the top or the right-hand side of the screen. Click on the section marked either live or in-play. You will then see a range of live events.
Click on the live event and you will open all of the betting markets available. From here, you can just follow the typical procedure for placing a bet. If an event has a live stream, it will typically be marked by a little TV or camera icon.
In-play betting tips:
Master your timing
In-play betting is all about mastering your timing. Keeping your eyes on the odds is essential as this will allow you to capitalise on any good swings. You should also use your knowledge of a sport to know when a good time to pull the trigger is.
For example, if a football match is 0-0 and the statistics are leaning towards one team winning, you should try and hold off as long as possible on this in order to get the best odds available. Of course, if you wait too long then you might lose your chance, but that’s all part of the fun.
Use live streams
Watching an event unfold in real time is one of the best ways to enjoy an in-play event. All of the bookmakers I have listed offer live streams of selected events, with some offering more than others. Seeing an event unfold, as opposed to just reading text commentary, can give you a much better idea of what is happening and help you make a more informed decision.
Read statistics
Almost all of the best betting sites will offer up to the second statistics of events. Teaching yourself how to analyse statistics for different sports will be hugely advantageous for in-play betting. This can help give you an idea of what could happen next and help you get ahead of the bookies.
Q&A session about the UK live betting
Here, I’ll answer the biggest burning questions you might have if you want to place a live sports bet online.
1. Which sports have in-play betting?
The majority of sports will offer in-play betting markets for punters – you will find live betting for basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, MMA, rugby, snooker, darts, volleyball, handball, even niche options like curling, table tennis, water polo, auto racing, and futsal; if there’s a sport out there, odds are there’s a platform offering live wagers for it.
The toughest sports to place in-play bets on are horse racing and dog racing. This is because the events only tend to last for a matter of seconds and the option to bet in-play is very quickly suspended. Football, boxing, and combat sports are among the most popular in-play betting options. You can also find plenty of cricket betting sites.
Some bookies may even allow in-play betting on novelty and TV markets. The Academy Awards, for example, may allow betting up until a few minutes before a result is read out. Likewise, popular reality shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Britain’s Got Talent may also have live odds.
2. Can I cash out an in-play bet?
Yes. If you were to place an in-play bet and you sense that the bet might not come in or you are happy with what the bookies are offering, then you may be able to cash out. Of course, not all in-play bets will have a cash-out option, especially if you have placed an in-play bet where the result may become immediately apparent.
3. Which bookies have the best in-play betting offers?
Many of the bookies I have listed offer great in-play betting offers to their players. In my experience, bet365 is the most consistent across the board and regularly has price boosts and other offers available for players. Paddy Power is another site that tends to offer great bonuses, especially for football and horse racing. If you want enhanced odds, kwiff is right up there, with the Supercharged Cash Out bonus being a favourite among bettors.
Final verdict on live betting sites
Betting in play can be a great way to maximise your online sports betting experience. The live betting game is always being improved upon, with operators finding new ways to engage punters with bonus offers and other in-play features. In-play betting can be an exciting way to bet and enjoy a bit of sporting action at the same time. As always though, I encourage readers to gamble responsibly.
About the author
Liam Hoofe
Liam is an experienced iGaming and sports betting journalist based in Cardiff. He has worked in the sports betting industry since 2017 and has provided content for some of the biggest casino and betting brands in the UK. He has also covered football and other sports for both regional and national newspapers.
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chase their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
GambleAware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
POPULAR in Betting
