Live betting, which is sometimes referred to as in-play betting, involves real-time wagering on an ongoing sporting event, greatly heightening the overall betting experience. In this article, we provide a list of what we think are the 15 best live betting sites in the UK, along with top features to be found and a few useful tips.
Discover: The 10 Best Live Score Apps UK.
- What Is Live Betting?
- Live Betting Sites Ranking Criteria
- Best Betting Sites We Recommend For Live Betting
- Best Live Betting Sites in the UK – Ranked
- Best Live Betting Sites Reviewed – Some of Our Favourites
- Top Features in Live Betting Sites
- What Sports Can Punters Bet on In-Play?
- Placing a Live Bet
- Live Betting Tips
- Best Live Betting Sites FAQs
- ThePuntersPage Final Say
What Is Live Betting?
Quite simply, live betting is the process of wagering on a sporting event while that event is taking place, the idea being that the situation can change at any point. Naturally, this means that the odds will fluctuate in and out of your favour – but that just makes everything even more exciting.
Live Betting vs Pre-Match Betting
Pre-match betting involves betting on predetermined odds before an event begins, whereas live betting takes place while the action is actually happening. While both are achieved in much the same way, there are a few subtle differences between the two from both the punter’s and bookmaker’s point of view. For instance, pre-determined odds are compiled from statistics from previous events and recorded form, whereas live odds are based on actual events and real-time occurrences.
Likewise, when making their picks, punters normally use harvested data and statistics to make their selections. But, when betting in-play, you'll have to act quickly, with have far less time to think and plan; unless your strategy includes making planned contingency bets if certain events occur.
Live Betting Sites Ranking Criteria
Our choice for the best live betting sites to review was made keeping in mind the above features, along with the overall experience and reputation of the bookmakers in question. At the same time, our ranking criteria gave considerable importance to the live streaming capabilities, the cash out availability and live in-play promotions available in the most popular sports markets.
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#1
 bet365
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
To use the Live Streaming service you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. |
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#2
BetUK
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Full T&Cs Apply. New customers only. The £19+ Qualifying Bet (min odds 1.80) must be placed on any event that will conclude and be settled by 23:59 GMT 1st December 2022. Promotion available between 14/11/22 - 01/12/22. Max 4 x £10, 4 x £5, 1x £6 Free Bets credited on qualifying bet settlement on selected events. 1x claim per customer. Void, cashed out, partially cashed out bets do not qualify. Each Way bets, system bets and profit boost are not permitted for qualifying bet. Free bets are non-withdrawable & not returned with winnings. Free bets expire after 7 days of qualifying bet settlement. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. #ad |
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#3
Matchbook
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Significant T’s & C’s The User must enter Bonus Code ‘COMMFREE90’ during registration Only available to users whio deposit via credit or debit cards New Customers Only. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#4
 Betfred
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
• New UK customers only. Register using the promo code BETFRED60, deposit, and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative price Evens+) within 7 days of registration. • First bet must be on Sports. £20 in Free Bets to be used on Sports, £10 in Free Bets to be used on Lotto, and 50 Free Spins (20p per spin) credited within 48 hours of bet settlement. • Further £20 in Free Bets credited 5 days after settlement. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#5
 Unibet
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
18+ begambleaware.org. New customers only. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first bet loses. Wagering requirements: sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. No deposit required for NI customers. Call 08081699314 to claim. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#6
BetVictor
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 at odds 2.00+ within 7 days, no cashout. Get 3x £10 Free Bets, set events at odds 2.00+. Plus a £10 Slot Bonus, selected games, wager 20x to withdraw max £250. Plus 100 Free Spins. 100 Free Spins have no wagering. Bonuses and Spins expire in 7 days. Card payments only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#7
 888sport
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
18+ Minimum deposit of £10 using deposit code 30F - A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 placed on any sports market - Minimum odds of 1/2 (1.5) - Free bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days - Free bet stakes not included in returns - Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days. To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager bonus amount x40 within 14 days. Wagering requirements vary by game. Deposit methods, Withdrawal restrictions and Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#8
NetBet
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
18+ New customers only from 11.08.2021. £10 bet required to quality within 30 days of registration, Maximum £10 in Free Bets and up to 100 Free Spins. Free Bets valid for 3 days. Bet Responsibly. Terms and conditions apply. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#9
 William Hill
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
New customers using Promo code H30 only, Min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. See full terms below. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#10
Betiton
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit,: £10, max £10 free bet valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets not eligible. Neteller,Skrill and Paypal not eligible. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#11
 Betfair
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
New customer offer. Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards or Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#12
VBET
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Only available to new, verified customers residing in the UK. Place a first ever Sportsbook bet – multi-bets of at least 3 legs; min. £2 stake; min. odds 3/10 (1.3) per leg (bets placed on horse racing and greyhounds excluded). Win and get back 50% of your stake – on top of your winnings – as a free sports bet up to £10. Get back 100% of your stake as a free sports bet up to £20 if you lose. Customers must place their first qualifying bet within 30 days of registration, after which the welcome offer will expire. Full T&Cs apply. 18+ Please gamble responsiblyFull T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#13
Paddy Power
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
18+ New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any sportsbook market and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using cards or Apple Pay will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply. Paddy's Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#14
 Coral
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
18+ New UK+ ROI Customers only. Deposit & Bet min £5 as first bet at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 1x £20 Free Bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types excluded. Free bet valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#15
 Ladbrokes
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first 5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x 5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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#16
 bwin
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Place 1 sport bet (3+ selections) | Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min Odds 1/5 (1.5) for each selection | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days| FreeBet stake not returned | Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad |
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Best Live Betting Sites in the UK – Ranked
#01 bet365
#02 BetUK
#03 BetVictor
#04 Betfred
#05 Unibet
#06 888sport
#07 NetBet
#08 William Hill
#09 betiton
#10 Betfair
#11 VBET
#12 Paddy Power
#13 Coral
#14 Ladbrokes
#15 bwin
Best Live Betting Sites Reviewed – Some of Our Favourites
Here are our top 5 picks for in-play betting which we felt required a review to highlight the features worth noting.
bet365
When it comes to sports, bet365 are almost unrivalled. Featuring one of the most comprehensive sports offerings around, the world’s biggest online bookmaker pulls no punches when it comes to live in-play betting. Bettors can bet in-play on just about anything you can think, of and stream most of it too. And, if things are going badly, you can always cash out early. If you're looking to bet in-play at bet365, make sure not to miss out on the bet365 in-play offer!
William Hill
William Hill do not disappoint when it comes to live betting facilities. Customers here can enjoy a huge amount of in-play betting markets, a very good quality of odds and, of course, the famous William Hill TV, which is great for live streaming horse racing and greyhounds. If you do decide to stay for a while and watch the event you have had a punt on, then know that William Hill offer their customers fantastic cash out options if things look as though they are about to go against you.
Paddy Power
Despite Paddy Power positioning themselves as something of a cheeky menace, their sportsbook product is anything but naughty. This extends to their live betting offering, which looks and feels very good indeed. The platform is extremely well-designed for speedy in-play betting, and comes complete with live streaming and a cash out feature, as well as endless betting options for many events.
Ladbrokes
Many bookmakers offer live betting, but when it comes to a quality in-play betting experience, Ladbrokes are miles ahead of most of the competition. Again, like their GVC partners directly above, they are one of the oldest operators around – quite frankly, they’re mega. And it shows, because live bettors at Ladbrokes are very well taken care of. Cash out? Check. Live Streaming? Check. Huge range of markets? You betcha. Ladbrokes' in-play betting services are top-notch.
Unibet
The Unibet in-play betting section is highly comprehensive, featuring hundreds of live betting opportunities and sports markets from all over the world. The design is both visually satisfying and user-friendly, making the whole process of betting in-play really very simple. There are, of course, cash out options and live streaming services available too.
Top Features in Live Betting Sites
Just as an example, if a football team is given a penalty, a market is normally created to bet on whether the penalty will be scored, saved or off-target. The time frame for this to happen is very short, so betting sites will try to to get their odds out there as quickly as possible, thus giving the maximum time available to the customers to place their bets.
What Sports Can Punters Bet on In-Play?
At all the best betting sites in the UK, you will find that live betting markets are open on almost all of any sport you can think of. You can even find live and real-time in-play odds available for TV specials, such as Britain’s Got Talent final or the Eurovision Song Contest. It should go without saying, however, that more popular sports, such as football, tennis, golf, snooker and darts, will have more in-play betting opportunities than less mainstream events such as athletics or pool. On the whole, though, there is a strong chance that prices are available in-play on most of your favourite sports.
Placing a Live Bet
Placing a live bet is no more complicated than placing a bet before the event gets underway. The process might be a little different from your perspective, as you are being influenced by real-time events when betting in-play. Having said that, putting money behind your in-play choices is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to placing a live bet:
- 01Select the match you are interested in, and try to figure out how the match is playing out for the favourites and the underdogs. At this point, we suggest watching the match for a while so as not to make any rushed decisions.
- 02Choose which market you want to place a bet in – whether it is who will score next, which team will call the next time out, or how many corners there will be in the first half - there is always a variety to choose from.
- 03Add the bet to your bet slip and set a stake you are comfortable with – you will have to be quick here, as odds constantly fluctuate once a match has begun. If your bookie offers a bet builder, you can use this to combine a few different bets into one, thus multiplying all the odds and possibly tapping into an accumulator bonus. Remember never to gamble more than you can afford to lose.
- 04Keep your eyes on the match. If situation starts seeming too good to be true, or the probability of you winning the bet starts spiralling, you may use the Cash Out option to lock in your winnings/losses.
Winning or losing a live bet, particularly on something which happens frequently (such as point betting in tennis), might invite players to place frequent bets on the same match. Despite this not being necessarily wrong, remember that the beauty of sports lies in the fact that anything may happen at any time. Always be careful not to get carried away with frequent betting on the smallest details in a match.
Live Betting Tips
The key to live betting is paying attention. It might sound obvious, but always remain focused on the event that you (should be) watching. Look for trends in the players, such as playing poorly, playing well or falling foul to injuries that could hinder their performance. These could all be factors that could well influence the outcome of an event.
Remember, in-play betting is a speed game. You will need to think fast. To that end, why not prepare a few contingency bets in case something entirely possible occurs? Of course, you wouldn't put any money on these until the moment arrives (if it does at all), but it's not a bad idea to be prepared.
Of course, the key to preparation – and this counts for pre-match betting too – is to do your homework. Look into injuries and recent form, and do your research on when teams do well at certain times of the match, or which golfers are slow off the blocks on day one. Finally, remember that the favourites are the favourites for a reason.
The bookmakers are smart, and know how to offer the shortest prices on the best performers and the ones most likely to win. To that end, back the favourites if they fall behind. If Michael van Gerwen loses the first set in a game of darts, he will still more than likely win – depending on the opposition – by the end of the game. The same theory would, for example, apply to Rafa Nadal in a game of tennis, especially if he is playing on clay. This way, the odds on these otherwise short-priced favourites can drift a little bit, leaving some value for you to exploit.
Best Live Betting Sites FAQs
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There are many reasons why in-play betting is worth your while as a punter. However, we'd single out the thrills involved, along with the potential value standing to be gained, as the two things that make it an unmissable experience.
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Football is by far the most popular sport to bet on, but just about anything will work. Obviously, the more obscure the sport, the fewer markets will be available.
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You won’t find live betting on the horses or – for obvious reasons – the 100-metre sprint races and other fast races.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
In-play betting is the fastest growing way to bet. Why? Because it allows punters to place bets after an event has got underway, which is where the term ‘in-play' comes from. Not only that, but the thrills generated by live betting are also a whole new experience in comparison to pre-event betting, as great as the latter is. Don't just take our word for it – try it out and experience it yourself!
David is a sports fanatic with a particular interest in stats and figures. When not writing about sports, you would probably find him playing or watching football, researching stats or sharing the latest news with anyone willing to listen.