Is there anything more frustrating than going to put in a bet on a college football or NFL game at the last minute only to realize that your sportsbook has stopped accepting wagers on the game because it just started?

Years ago, there was nothing sports bettors could do when they found themselves in this scenario. They had to move on to another game and find a different matchup to bet on.

But these days, most online sportsbooks offer what are called live odds. Live sports betting odds give people a chance to place bets on point spreads, money lines, under/overs, and more while games are still going on.

In-game betting has turned into one of the most exciting ways to bet on sports. Learn more about live odds and how you can use them to your advantage below.

What Is Live Betting?

First things first: It’s important for you to understand exactly what live betting is before you start toying with the idea of betting on live odds.

Live betting is, as its name would suggest, a form of sports betting that involves betting on games that are already in progress. Experienced oddsmakers update odds in real time based on everything from how much time is left in a game to the score of the game.

At the very beginning of a game, the live odds will likely be close to whatever the original odds for the game were. But as the game goes on, the odds may change quite a bit based on what takes place during it.

If, for example, the New England Patriots start a game as -3 favorites against the New York Giants but fall behind 10-0 in the second quarter, the live odds might have the Patriots as +4 underdogs at that point. You can place a bet on the Patriots and get a much better line on them than those who bet on them before the game started.

Live betting has become popular because it allows sports bettors to see how a game starts before making a bet. It also allows those who miss out on betting a game at the beginning to get in on the action.

Where to Find Live Odds

It should be pretty easy to find the live odds on your specific online sportsbook. These days, almost all online sportsbooks have moved their live betting options to their homepages to drum up interest in them.

It’s important to have a good Wi-Fi connection on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone when placing live bets. Live odds are constantly changing throughout the course of a game.

It’s also essential for someone who engages in live betting to be a quick thinker and a decisive decisionmaker. Since live odds bounce around a lot, you need to be able to determine if you want to bet a game at a certain point spread or money line on the fly.

Tips for Live Sports Betting

Betting on live games is a lot different than betting on games before they start. You don’t have much time to do research on games while they’re taking place.

But you should keep a close eye on things like the clock, the injury report, and the time of possession for both teams. Here are a few other tips for placing live bets:

• Make sure you watch games that you’re going to place live bets on to get a feel for how they’re going
• Try to place live bets during timeouts or in between quarters, if possible, to steer clear of wild fluctuations with live odds
• Put an emphasis on quality over quantity when placing live bets

These tips should help you make the best possible live bets.

Start Using Live Odds to Place Bets

Placing bets on live odds isn’t for everyone. There are some sports bettors who struggle to keep up with the quick pace associated with live betting.

But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s easier than ever to place live bets. Whether you want to place one right after an opening kickoff or right before a Hail Mary attempt, live betting is changing the game for many people who bet on games.

Increase your chances of winning more money when you bet by purchasing sports picks from a pro. Check out the sport-specific subscription packages that we offer to those looking for some help with their picks.