Live betting sites bring a new level of excitement to the betting game. They combine the fast-paced action of live sports, with constantly updating betting markets. Most UK bookmakers now offer in-play betting, but some stand out from the crowd.
We've reviewed the five best live betting sites in the UK, including information on live streams, cashout features, statistical analysis and free bets too. While Bet365 takes the top spot on our list, you might find your favourite from elsewhere in the list.
Keep reading to find out about the best in-play betting sites for UK gamblers.
List of the Best Live Betting Sites in the UK
Name | Score | Play Now | Welcome Bonus | Payment Methods | Sports | Payout Speed | Disclaimer | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9.8 | Claim Offer888sport.com | Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets | Debit Card, PayPal, Paysafecard, Trustly, Apple Pay | 25+ | 1 - 6 days | |||
9.0 | Claim Offer | 10% Cashback Always! | Neteller, Skrill, Debit Card, PayPal, Paysafecard, Trustly, Apple Pay | 25+ | 1 - 2 Days | Cashback is cash without restrictions. Full T&C's apply. No max cashout. Gambling can be addictive. Play responsibly. 18+ | ||
9.4 | Claim Offerbet365.com | Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets | Google Pay, Debit Card, PayPal, Paysafecard, Trustly, Apple Pay | 40+ | 1-3 Days | Only available to new and eligible customers. 3+ selections and combined odds of 1/1 or greater. Bet restrictions and T&Cs apply. | ||
9.2 | Claim Offer | Bet £10 Get A £30 Bet | Debit Card, PayPal, AstroPay | 20+ | Instant - 3 Days | New customers & 18+ only. Min. deposit of £10. Qualifying real money bet of £10. Min odds greater than or equal to 1.5 required. E/W bets excluded. Offer awarded immediately but could be issues the next working day in exceptional circumstances such as a technical fault. Additional T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. | ||
9.0 | Claim OfferGrosvenorcasinos.com/sport | Double The Odds. Any Sport. Any Bet. Any Odds. | Debit Card, PayPal, Paysafecard, Apple Pay | 30+ | Mins - 3 Days | New customers. Max £10. 100% Odds Boost Toek. T&Cs Apply. | ||
8.8 | Claim Offerwww.zetbet.com/uk//sport/ | Bet £10 Get £10 | Debit Card, PayPal, Trustly, AstroPay | 15+ | Instant - 6 Days | 18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit: £10, max £10 bonus, 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. | ||
8.6 | Claim OfferUnibet.co.uk | Up To £40 Money Back + £10 Casino Bonus | Google Pay, Debit Card, PayPal, Paysafecard, Trustly, AstroPay | 30+ | 12 hours - 5 Days | 18+. BeGambleAware.org. New customers only. Min Dep £10. Debit cards only. Opt in for bonus funds. Wagering, sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Sports bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Valid for 7 days. Geographical Restrictions and T&Cs Apply. | ||
8.2 | Claim OfferBetUK.com | £30 In Free Bets When You Bet £10 | Google Pay, Debit Card, PayPal, Paysafecard, Apple Pay | 25+ | Instant - 5 Days | New cust only. Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. T&Cs Apply. | ||
8.0 | Claim Offer10bet.co.uk/sports/ | 50% up to £50 | Neteller, Skrill, Debit Card, PayPal, Paysafecard, Trustly, Apple Pay | 25+ | 1 - 2 Days | New bettors; Code PLAY10; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+. |
Top Live Online Betting Sites Compared & Reviewed in 2024
🏅 Best Overall Live Betting Site - Bet365
📈 Best for Large Live Betting Markets - 888sport
📊 Best Live Betting Site for Match Statistics - Kwiff
➕ Best Live Betting Site for Bet Builders - ZetBet Sport
💸 Best Live Betting Site for Cashouts - BetUK
🏅 Best Overall Live Betting Site - Bet365
Bet365 has proven itself to be an industry leader in the world of sports betting. You can place bets on live games across all the supported sports, including football, horse racing, and basketball, as well as esports. The live betting interface is easy to use - even if you are a beginner. Bet365 also has a live streaming service for most sports. Plus, there's an extensive stats page for all sports events containing data about the matches that will help you make informed decisions.
However, the live stream feature is not open to all - you must have made a deposit or placed a bet in the last 24 hours to have access to the live streaming feature. Overall, the site is a good option if you are considering exploring the world of live betting.
Bet365 Overview
Bonus | Bet £10 and get £30 in free bets |
---|---|
Live betting features | Live-streaming, bet-in stream, cashout, match stats, bet builder and live commentary |
Live streaming | Yes |
In-Play Betting Sports | Horse racing, table tennis, snooker, football, basketball, greyhounds, tennis, cricket, rugby union, darts, snooker, American football, ice hockey, and eSports. |
Mobile App | Yes |
Match stats available | Yes |
Enhanced odds | Yes |
One-click betting | No |
Quick cash out option | Yes |
BetBuilder | Yes |
BetBuilder Cash Out | Yes |
Live Betting Features
Bet365 offers various features that make it easier for you to navigate the live betting section and enhance your experience. Some of these features include:
Match Stats: The site provides information for ongoing matches, such as the number of goals scored, attempts made by each player, successful passes made, and match possession. This information helps you in making an informed decision about placing bets in the live betting section.
Live Streaming: Bet365 has a live stream feature that allows you to watch live sporting events such as football, basketball, tennis, horse racing, and many more. This gives you insight into the current matches, allowing you to place in-play bets in real-time. To access this feature, you must have deposited into your Bet365 account or placed a bet on any sport within the last 24 hours.
Bet in-stream: Bet365 allows you to place bets on an ongoing sports event while using the live-stream feature. This feature combines full-screen live streaming with bet slip functionality, allowing you to place bets without leaving the live stream.
Match live and race live: This function provides you with real-time information on your chosen matchups as the game progresses. This contains live betting commentary, essential statistics, and visualisations to assist you in making informed live betting decisions. This feature does not require you to be logged in or to have placed any qualifying bets. You can use it to keep track of whatever events you choose.
Bet Builder: This feature allows you to put personalised bets on live sporting events, increasing your chances of winning a larger payoff.
Wagering Requirements
Bet365 provides a large welcome bonus of £30 in free bets if you bet £10 or more on any sports event as a new user.
You cannot withdraw your free bet credits, but you can instantly withdraw any winnings gained from using free bets. Qualifying bet must be placed on min odds of 1.5.
Restrictions
As a new Bet365 user, you are not permitted to deposit until you have completed your KYC. This is done to protect both your funds and the betting site.
Note: If you want to claim the welcome bonus using Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or Paysafecard then you'll need to provide two pieces of ID.
What We Like & Dislike About Bet365
- Wide range of sports betting options
- Live streams with in-stream betting
- Competitive betting odds
- Low minimum deposit of just £5
- Multiple fast payment options
- Double verification necessary for claiming bonus with some payment providers
- Few promotions for existing customers
📈 Best for Large Live Betting Markets - 888sport
Launched in 2008, 888sport is regarded as one of the best sportsbooks in the UK. The site offers comprehensive sports betting options across many minor and major leagues worldwide. You can place live bets on sports including football, basketball, tennis, golf, ice hockey, volleyball, handball, and even esports.
888sport really stands out for its huge markets. You can choose from thousands of betting options across all supported sports, in football markets including over/under, home to win, away to win, any team to win, player to score, and other options. In addition, the service offers competitive odds on live betting events.
888sport has a live streaming feature for major sports. Plus, you can also make use of other information, such as match stats on your selected sports event, to make an informed decision.
888sport Overview
Bonus | Bet £10 and get £30 in free bets |
---|---|
Live betting features | Match stats, bet builder, and live streaming |
Live streaming | Yes |
In-Play Betting Sports | Football, tennis, basketball, table tennis, volleyball, boxing, cricket, rugby, and horse racing |
Mobile App | Yes |
Match stats available | Yes |
Enhanced odds | Yes |
One-click betting | N/A |
Quick cash out option | Yes |
BetBuilder | Yes |
BetBuilder Cash Out | Yes |
Live Betting Features
888sport has numerous live betting features that add to the overall experience. Among these features are the following:
Live stream: 888sport features a live streaming function that allows you to watch live matches. You can watch a live stream of a sporting event and place bets on the go. The live streaming function allows you to gain insight into the game before placing live bets.
Match stats: The stats feature helps you gain insight into sports events without live streaming. For instance, you can get valuable information on a football match, such as total corners, total passes completed, yellow cards, and more.
Bet Builder: Apart from the numerous betting options available on 888sport, you can also place personalised bets and possibly win more. This feature is available for both pre-match and live match bets.
Wagering Requirements
888sport offers a generous welcome offer to you as a new user - you are offered £30 in free bets for placing bets of £10 and above on any sports events. You must wager your free bet credits once in order to withdraw your winnings.
Free bet expires after 7 days. Free bet must be placed on min odds of 1.5. Payment method exclusions apply.
Restrictions
888sport is restricted to users from certain countries due to gambling legislation. If you are based in countries such as Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria, you will not be allowed to use 888sport. For a full list of restricted countries, we recommend visiting the 888sport website.
Additionally, before depositing or withdrawing any funds on 888sport, you must complete your KYC.
What We Like & Dislike About 888sport
- Wide variety of secure, speedy payment options
- Huge betting markets
- User-friendly interface on desktop and mobile
- Generous welcome bonus
- Competitive odds across most sports
- Limited sports available on livestream
- Available to few countries except UK
📊 Best Live Betting Site for Match Statistics - Kwiff
Since its inception in 2015, Kwiff has established itself as a reputable bookmaker in the UK. It attracts sports bettors looking for a site with competitive odds and an easy-to-use layout. In addition to its several sports betting markets such as football, basketball, and basketball, the site includes a live betting function that allows you to wager on current games.
You can wager on ongoing games in 19 different sports, including football, basketball, boxing, and snooker. These can all be accessed from the live betting section.
Sadly, the site lacks a live stream feature, which allows you to stream games as they happen. However, despite this drawback, the site offers you thousands of betting options as well as competitive odds to give you a better betting experience.
Kwiff Overview
Bonus | Bet £10+ and get £30 in free bets |
---|---|
Live betting features | Match statistics, line-ups, head to head, and bet in-play notifications |
Live streaming | N/A |
In-Play Betting Sports | Football, horse race, tennis, cricket, greyhounds, basketball, American football, darts, rugby, golf, snooker, table tennis, boxing, MMA, ice hockey, baseball, volleyball and F1 |
Mobile App | Yes |
Match stats available | Yes |
Enhanced odds | Yes |
One-click betting | N/A |
Quick cash out option | N/A |
BetBuilder | N/A |
BetBuilder Cash Out | N/A |
Live Betting Features
Kwiff has some features that make up the live betting section of the site. The following are some of those features:
Match statistics: The site provides an interface that displays current sports betting statistics. These statistics include shots on target, off-target shots, shots blocked, and corner kicks. In the absence of a live stream, these stats allow you to gain insight into the match before placing a live bet.
Match line-ups: The live betting section includes a match line-up page where you can view the players' settings and match configuration. This also offers you an idea of the event's pre-match setup before you place a wager.
Head to head: The live betting section also includes a page with information on how many times the two teams have met.
In-play notifications: This tool provides live information on the match. In a football match, for example, you can receive notifications about throwing, corner kicks, foul play, and other information as the match play is on.
Wagering Requirements
Kwiff offers a generous welcome bonus to you when you sign up for the first time on the site. When you place a bet of £10 and above, the site offers you a £30 free bet as a welcome incentive. Withdrawing this bonus does not come with a wagering requirement, so you can use the bonus on one bet and cash out.
Min odds of 1.5 for qualifying bet. Free bets valid for 14 days.
Restrictions
To use Kwiff, there are a few restrictions you should be aware of: you must complete your KYC. You can verify your account using documents such as a driver's licence. Also, your deposit method must be registered in your name.
What We Like & Dislike About Kwiff
- Fast payouts from multiple providers
- Offers 'Get Kwiffed' enhanced odds
- Generous welcome bonus
- Good mobile app
- No live streaming
- No loyalty program
➕ Best Live Betting Site for Bet Builders - ZetBet Sport
Zetbet is one of the UK's newest bookmakers, having been established in 2022 and boasting an extensive variety of over 30 sports. These range from football, basketball, ice hockey, and baseball, to snooker and horse racing. It also features a decent live betting section where you can place bets on sporting events as they happen. In the bet in-play section, you can bet on 12 sports from among thousands of betting options.
This site's live betting area has a live stream function that allows you to watch sports and wager while on the go. It also features a stats page where you can gather information like shots on target, shots off target, and the number of corners played in the current match to help you gain insight to place an informed bet.
Zetbet Overview
Bonus | Bet £10+ and get £10 in free bets token |
---|---|
Live betting features | Live streaming, bet builder and match stats |
Live streaming | Yes |
In-Play Betting Sports | Tennis, cricket, basketball, e-soccer, volleyball, ice hockey, esports, table tennis, badminton, and football |
Mobile App | N/A |
Match stats available | Yes |
Enhanced odds | N/A |
One-click betting | N/A |
Quick cash out option | N/A |
BetBuilder | Yes |
BetBuilder Cash Out | N/A |
Live Betting Features
To enhance your in-play betting experience on ZetBet, there are a few features that the site has put in place. Some of these features include:
Live streaming: ZetBet's live betting section has a live streaming feature where you can stream all the supported sports matches as they go on. You can stream live matches on sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and esports, as well as place in-play bets on the matches.
Bet-builder: ZetBet allows you to place personalised bets on all matches, including pre-match and betting in-play, giving you the opportunity to win bigger.
Match stats: There is a match statistics page for all live sports events on ZetBet. This page provides you with enough insight into the match and gives you a clue on which of the in-play betting options to choose.
Wagering Requirements
As a new ZetBet user based in the UK, you are offered a welcome bonus of £10 in free bets if you place a bet of £10 and above on min odds of 1.5 on any qualifying sports events. You need to wager the free bet amount once before cashing out.
Free bets valid for 14 days. Bet credits must be used on min odds of 1.8.
Restrictions
There are a few restrictions you should be aware of before using ZetBet - you must verify your account with your documents before depositing and withdrawing on the site. Additionally, all withdrawals are processed via the same method you deposited through.
What We Like & Dislike About ZetBet
- Live streaming on a large variety of sports
- Lots of speedy payment providers
- Very user-friendly website, optimised for mobile
- Helpful customer support
- No dedicated mobile app
- Doesn't offer quick cashouts
💸 Best Live Betting Site for Cashouts - BetUK
BetUK is a popular choice among UK gamblers due to its user-friendly design and concentration on in-play betting. While there are numerous pre-match sports betting options available, such as football, basketball, and tennis, in-play betting options are also something to consider. BetUK's live betting section provides a wide range of live sports - you can bet on popular options such as over/under, next team to score, and final score on the bulk of the sports.
In addition to its impressive live betting section, the site offers live streaming of popular sports such as football and horse racing. It should be noted that the live stream feature is not accessible for all sports. BetUK particularly stands out for its cashouts - in all sense of the word. You can cashout in-play bets quickly and easily, whilst cashing out your winnings is also fast, with most payments made in just 24 hours.
BetUK Overview
Bonus | Bet £10+ and get £30 in free bets |
---|---|
Live betting features | Live stream, live score, cashout |
Live streaming | Yes |
In-Play Betting Sports | Football, horse racing, tennis, golf, basketball, cricket, rugby union, darts, snooker, greyhound racing, boxing, UFC, and others. |
Mobile App | Yes |
Match stats available | Yes |
Enhanced odds | N/A |
One-click betting | N/A |
Quick cash out option | N/A |
BetBuilder | Yes |
BetBuilder Cash Out | Yes |
Live Betting Features
The following are some of the live betting features on BetUK:
Live stream: The site has a live stream feature where you can stream live matches on the go - you can bet in-play on the matches as they play on or basically watch your favourite matches via the live streaming. However, this feature is only available for popular sports such as football, basketball, and racing.
Live score: BetUK provides live score updates with minimal delay, keeping you up to date on the latest match events. The detailed live score provides an in-depth summary of the game, including the current score, halftime score, and overall game statistics. This information is critical for placing informed wagers on a variety of outcomes, such as the final score, halftime result, or individual player performance.
Cashout: The site has a cashout feature enabling you to pull out a profit if some of the games on your in-play bet have settled. However, you can not use this feature on all games, as BetUK has the sole right to offer or remove this option on your bets.
Wagering Requirements
The site offers a £30 welcome bonus in free bets if you place a £10+ bet on any qualifying sports event. Min odds of 1.8 for qualifying bets. The welcome bonus is subject to a wagering requirement of just 1x, you need to wager once to withdraw your winnings.
Each way, system/multiple and Bet Builder bets are not qualifying bets. Free bets expire in 7 days.
Restrictions
Before joining this sportsbook, you should be aware of some of its restrictions - BetUK has set a minimum deposit and withdrawal at £10. Also, you can not deposit, place a bet, or withdraw from your account without completing your KYC.
What We Like & Dislike About BetUK
- Sick, easy to use livestreaming feature
- Bet builder tool is available
- Super competitive odds
- User-friendly mobile app
- Live streaming not available across all sports
- Free bets must have a minimum of £10 value
Compare the Best Live Betting Sites in the UK
Live betting sites | Bonus | Live betting features | Live stream | In-Play betting sports |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bet365 | Bet £10+ and get £30 in free bets | Live-streaming, bet-instream, cashout, match stats, bet builder and live commentary | Yes | Horse racing, table tennis, snooker, football, basketball, greyhounds, tennis, cricket, rugby union, darts, snooker, American football, ice hockey, and eSports. |
888sport | Bet £10 and get £30 in free bets | Match stats, bet builder, and live streaming | Yes | Football, tennis, basketball, table tennis, volleyball, boxing, cricket, rugby, and horse racing. |
Kwiff | Bet £10+ and get £30 in free bets | Match statistics, line-ups, head to head, and in-play betting notifications | N/A | Football, horse race, tennis, cricket, greyhounds, basketball, American football, darts, rugby, golf, snooker, table tennis, boxing, MMA, ice hockey, baseball, volleyball, and F1. |
ZetBet | Bet £10+ and get £10 in free bets | Live streaming, bet builder and match stats | Yes | Tennis, cricket, basketball, e-soccer, volleyball, ice hockey, counter-strike, and football. |
BetUK | Bet £10+ and get £30 in free bets | Live stream, live score, cashout | Yes | Football, horse racing, tennis, golf, basketball, cricket, rugby union, darts, snooker, greyhound racing, boxing, UFC, and other sports. |
How We’ve Picked & Tested the Best In-Play Betting Sites
In a bid to bring you only the best in-play bookies, we concentrated on a series of criteria. If you're looking for your own betting sites, this is a helpful guide to use.
Speed of live betting updates: We checked how fast these sites roll out information on ongoing matches. A smart in-play betting service will update its live scores and odds in real-time, ensuring that you always have the most up-to-date information as the game unfolds.
Range of sports market: We also checked the range of sports. A good sportsbook should cover a wide range of sports, including football, horse racing, and tennis, as well as covering sports in both major and minor leagues worldwide.
Live stream available: We also looked at the availability of live streaming features. The live streaming feature is getting more and more popular by the day and helps you stream matches on your betting account. Four out of the five sites we listed have live-stream features, with Kwiff still earning its spot thanks to its excellent updates.
Licence: To be recommended on BestGamblingSites, a sportsbook must have a licence from the UK Gambling Commission. This ensures they are safe, secure, and fair for all UK bettors.
Bonuses and Promotions : Part of the fun of signing up to a new site is snagging a great bonus. We favour sportsbooks with a generous welcome bonus, as well as regular promotions for existing customers. A loyalty or VIP scheme is a plus.
Mobile Compatibility: Most bettors in the UK access their chosen bookie via mobile. So, we ensure that all of the sites we recommend either have dedicated mobile apps, or a properly optimised mobile site.
Customer Service: Even at the best live betting sites, things can go wrong. It's in these moments that it's essential to be able to get in touch with a helpful customer service team. Live chat, a phone-line, social media channels, and an email address are all attributes that we look for.
Terms and Conditions: Nobody likes to read the terms and conditions, that's why we do it for you. We look for clear, fair terms for all aspects of the online betting site. That includes: wagering requirements, minimum odds, payment terms, and more.
What is In-Play Betting, and How Does it Work?
In-play betting, commonly known as live betting, allows you to wager on live sporting events. It can be useful if you missed betting on a game before it started. Live betting is growing in popularity, with only a few bookies in the UK lacking a live betting facility.
How Are Odds Calculated for Live Betting?
Live betting odds are not static; they keep changing as the game goes on and are calculated based on different factors. Some of these factors include:
Betting demand: The most important factor that influences the calculation of in-play betting odds is the betting demand for the event. If a lot of money is being bet on a specific sports event, the odds are often lower since the bookmakers will devote more time to calculating odds and also have the risk of losing more money. If there is a limited amount of money being bet on a certain event, the odds will usually be higher since the bookmakers have less monetary risk so can afford to encourage bettors.
Time remaining: The time remaining in a sports event also influences the calculation of in-play betting odds. If there is a lot of time remaining, the odds are often lower because there is enough time for the game to change. So, if there is a short time left for the game to end, the odds may be higher.
Injuries and substitution: An injury in a sports event that might lead to a substitution can affect the odds of the match. If the injury affected a key player in the match, the odds of their team winning may change.
The bookmaker's margin: When calculating in-play betting odds, bookmakers must also include their margin. This is the amount of money they need to make to cover their expenses and make a profit. Because there is more risk involved with live betting, the margin will likely be lower than in pre-match betting.
Pre-Match Betting vs Live Match Betting
Pre-match betting is the most traditional betting - it gives you the time to analyse the games you are interested in and manage your risks properly. On the other hand, live betting/in-play betting comes with a lot of thrills thanks to its fast pace. The following is a comparison of pre-match and live betting:
Pre-match betting | Live betting |
---|---|
There is enough time to research | There is limited time for analysis |
You can bet on a wider range of betting markets | The odds are generally higher |
More time to manage your betting funds | You make decisions in real time |
It has reduced impulsiveness | There is instant gratification of bets |
Some bookmakers offer early bird specials |
What is Live Streaming in Online Sports Betting?
Live streaming in online sports betting allows you to watch your favourite sporting events while also placing bets on the action. It gives you information on the players' possession, the number of corners, and a variety of other statistics. Live streaming is becoming increasingly popular with UK-based bookmakers, providing an avenue to place more instant but informed bets.
How to Place In-Play Bets
The steps for placing in-play or live bets may differ depending on the betting site you use. However, the following points cover the basics across all betting sites. As our top live betting site, our steps use Bet365 as an example.
Log into your betting account
Log in to Bet365 or your chosen live betting site.
Navigate to the in-play section
Head to the live betting/in-play section of the bookmakers site.
Choose your sports and events
Browse the available in-play markets
Analyse the odds and statistics
Once you've analaysed the odds, it's time to bet. Place your bets and monitor your game to see if you'd like to cashout early.
What Are the Benefits & Risks of Live Betting?
Live betting offers you a number of benefits, including excitement and the instant gratification of bets. However, there are some risks associated with in-play betting that you should be aware of. The following are the pros and cons of live betting:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Real time decision making | Limited time for analysis |
Odds are higher | You have an increased risk of impulsive bets |
You get increased excitement | Fast-changing odds |
Opportunity to react to changes in the match | |
You can monitor multiple events |
When to Bet In-Play
Betting comes with inherent risk, but in-play betting can be even riskier. Before you place an in-play bet in the live betting section, you should check the match stats and live stream (if your site has a live stream feature). This will help you to understand the potential direction of the match. Check the available betting markets to see if the odds and options are favourable.
Can I Cash Out an In-Play Bet?
The option to cashout means you can take a percentage of the profits from an existing bet, before the event is finished. If it looks like your bet is very likely to land, then a bookmaker might offer you a lower value to cashout immediately.
Used correctly, cashouts allow you to lock in profits on your bets at a live betting site. Not all in-play betting sites offer this option, so if you're keen to have use of a cashout feature, make sure to check for one before signing up.
Most Popular Sports on Betting Sites with Live Bets
There are so many popular sports you can find on live in-play betting sites with the in-play bets feature. Some of these sports include:
Football
Football is a popular sport that can be found on many live sports betting sites. You can place bets on football games played in several leagues (major and minor), such as the UEFA Champions League, the Italian Serie A, and others. You can place live bets on football games on betting options such as team to win full time, team to win first half, next team to score, and many more.
Football is a particularly common sport to find on live online bookmakers in the UK. As well as UK bettors being huge fans of the game, the complexity of this sport makes it a great option for in-play markets. If you're interested in finding out more about specialist football betting sites, we've got you covered. We even have a guide dedicated to the best women's football betting sites.
Basketball
Basketball is most popular across the pond, but it can also be found on numerous live betting sites in the UK. The sportsbooks cover basketball tournaments from various leagues across the world, including the NBA.
Like football, there are lots of different betting markets to choose from with basketball. The fast pace of this game makes it a little tricky for novice bettors to get started with in-play betting. However, keen fans can put their expertise to good use with in-play markets.
Tip: we've got a whole guide devoted to basketball betting sites, including plenty with in-play options.
Tennis
Whether you're interested in the Grand Slam competitions, or smaller competitions, there's a lot of value to be found in tennis betting. Tennis matches are naturally thrilling, with points changing hands swiftly and momentum changing in the blink of an eye. Because of the fast-paced nature of the game, in-play betting is especially exciting because you can respond to developments in real time and modify your in-play bets accordingly.
The following table contains sites where you can place in-play bets on football, tennis, and basketball.
Sports | Bet365 | Kwiff | BetUK |
---|---|---|---|
Basketball | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tennis | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Football | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Most Popular Types of Bets Available at Live Streaming Betting Sites
In-play betting is revolutionising the entire sports betting industry, allowing you to place bets on sports events on the go. There are different types of in-play bets available for live streaming, and the following are some of them:
Total over/under: The over/under total, usually known as the point total, is one of the most common types of bets available for in-play wagering. This in-play bet lets you forecast or place bets on whether the cumulative score of both teams in a game will be higher or lower than a predefined number.
Bet Builder: Bet Builder is one of the most popular types of in-play bets available for live streaming. It allows you to place personalised bets - you can combine different in-play betting opportunities on a particular event in one bet, giving you the chance of winning bigger.
Match result: This is arguably the most popular type of bet on pre-match and live bets. It requires you to predict the winner of the game or, in some cases, whether the game will result in a draw. They are often displayed as "1x2," with "1" representing the home team's win, "x" representing a draw, and "2" representing the away team's win.
What Are the Live Betting Bonuses
There are numerous bonuses available at live betting sites. Learning a little about them can help you to choose the in-play betting site that offers bonuses that make sense for your betting style. Among these bonuses are:
No deposit bonuses: No deposit bonuses are usually given to you only for signing up with a betting site. You do not need to deposit any real money to receive this bonus, as the name says. However, only a few sites give this incentive and those that do almost always attach high wagering requirements before withdrawal.
Enhanced odds: Some online bookmakers offer enhanced odds - the sites increase the odds on certain betting markets in certain sports. This encourages you to bet on these events, but can also provide great added value if you were planning on betting anyway.
Cashback bonuses: These bonuses offer a percentage cashback on your net losses. This is usually restricted to losses incurred within a specific period.
Deposit bonuses: Deposit bonuses are most common when signing up to a new site. They will offer you a deposit match on your first deposit with them, anywhere from 50% to 300% is standard. There are almost always wagering requirements attached to these bonuses.
Free bets: Free bets can come in the form of deposit or no-deposit bonuses. When signing up to a site you'll often be credited with free bets after making your first bet, this is a deposit bonus. Once you're a member of the site, you sometimes get sent free bets for your loyalty - this is a no-deposit bonus. Often free bets don't have wagering requirements attached - but you should still check!
Which Bookies Have the Best In-Play Betting Offers?
A lot of the answer depends on what you are looking for in an in-play bookmaker. If you like football betting, the answer may be different to someone who likes in-play wagering on horses, or someone else who values the cashout function over everything else. However, as our most recommended live betting site, Bet365 has the majority of the features you would want to leverage.
Tip: If you're interested in finding out more about this provider then you can check out our Bet365 review for a complete overview.
Best Betting Apps for Live Betting & In-Play Bets
There are so many live betting sites in the UK, but not all of them have a dedicated mobile app that can help you place live bets on your mobile devices on the go. The following are some of the best betting apps for live betting:
Betting Site | Betting App |
---|---|
Bet365 | Yes, Android & iOS |
888sport | Yes, Android & iOS |
Kwiff | Yes, Android & iOS |
Unibet | Yes, Android & iOS |
BetUK | Yes, Android & iOS |
Advantages of Mobile Live Betting Apps
Mobile live betting apps offer you so many advantages because of their accessibility. Some of the pros and cons of mobile live betting are:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
User-friendly interface | Potential for gambling addiction |
Accessibility | Increased mobile data usage |
Increased control and monitoring | |
Notifications on your bets |
Best Payment Methods on In-Play Betting Sites
There are several payment methods you can use to deposit and withdraw on in-play betting sites. Thanks to UKGC licensing, all of these payment methods are safe, but some are faster than others. The following payment methods are some of the best payment methods on live betting sites:
Visa/Mastercard debit cards: Depositing with this method is quite quick, and payment appears in your account immediately. Also, depending on the processing speed of your betting site, withdrawals via this method can be instant or within 24 hours. Make sure that you have fast funds enabled for the quickest withdrawals.
PayPal: PayPal is a quick payment solution that can be found on all the best live betting bookmakers. Depositing and withdrawing funds via this method is exceptionally fast. Withdrawals can be completed instantly, depending on the sites' processing time frames.
Skrill: Skrill is another popular payment platform that can be found on numerous sports betting websites. Skrill allows you to deposit and withdraw funds with swift confirmation. You should note that some sites do not honour bonuses when you deposit with Skrill.
Trustly: Trustly works as an intermediary between your bank account and the betting site. It helps to speed up transactions and keeps your bank account details safe. Generally, payments are fast when using Trustly.
Neteller: Neteller is an e-wallet that speeds up the banking process with gambling sites. Whilst it is safe, secure, and fast, it is often excluded from bonuses.
Paysafecard/Neosurf: Both Paysafecard and Neosurf are prepaid cards that you can use to gamble anonymously at UK sites. They offer instant deposits without the need to share your bank details. However, very few gambling sites offer withdrawals using either of these methods.
Apple Pay/Google Pay: Whether you're an Android or iOS user, increasingly more betting operators are offering the option to pay via Google Pay and Apple Pay. These offer average withdrawal times, but aren't yet as widely accepted as some other options.
What Makes the Best In-Play & Live Betting Site?
There are some features that you should look out for before choosing to play at a live betting site. Some of these features include:
Licence: Always look for a licence from the UK Gambling Commission before signing up to a betting site. This ensures that the platform is safe, secure, and fair for all bettors in the UK.
Terms and conditions: Nobody enjoys reading through the terms and conditions, but it is incredibly important. In particular, check the payment terms, as well as specifics for bonuses that you want to claim.
Bonuses: Bonuses and free bets aren't everything, but they can give a substantial boost to your bankroll. Look into how many bonuses are available for existing customers, as well as checking their terms.
Live streaming: Live streaming gives you important information that can be used to place the right bets. You can use players' form, team strategy, and specific situations to make informed decisions on your bets.
Match stats: Match stats are very important on live betting sites. They're similar to your game strategy. Imagine watching a soccer game, and instead of just rooting for your team, you have analytics informing you who is taking more shots and who is controlling the ball. It's real-time data, so you know exactly what's going on and place your bets accordingly.
Top Live Betting Tips for New Players
Betting is inherently risky, but that's also part of the enjoyment of it. As long as you bet within your means, you'll come to no harm. However, the following tips can help you navigate live betting safely:
Stick to familiar sports and leagues: When you're familiar with a sport or league, you have a better understanding of the rules, player dynamics, team strategies, and historical trends.
Use live streams: Watching live streams of your desired game can help you analyse and understand the direction of the game before placing your bets.
Read the match stats: Before putting bets on any ongoing match, you should always examine the statistics. You may find facts such as total corners, the next team to score, which side wins the first half, and much more to assist you in making informed decisions.
Always bet within your means: It can be tempting to chase losses, or just place one more bet, but don't. It's important to set a budget and stick to it.
Other Types of Online Sports Betting
The following are some other types of bet available at sports betting platform
Pre-Game Betting: Pre-game betting, also known as pre-match betting, is one of the oldest methods of betting and is still accessible for online sports betting. It involves evaluating various factors before placing a bet, such as head-to-head, historical performance of players, and number of trophies won. It is thought to be safer than live betting.
Multiple Bets: Multiple bets involve placing numerous picks (e.g., team victories, over/under scores) on separate events, and all selections must win for the bet to win. This means that even a single wrong prediction leads to a loss on your bets, making them more risky but also more rewarding than single bets.
Accumulator Bets: Accumulator betting, often known as "acca" or "parlay", is a high-risk, high-reward method used often in live sports betting. It merges numerous separate wagers (usually four or more) into a single stake in which all selections must win for the overall bet to be successful.
Is Live Betting Safe?
All of the betting sites that we recommend are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. This means that they are safe to use.
Yes, live betting sites that are licensed and regulated are safe. It always pays to read the terms and conditions, because even safe sites aren't all held to the same moral standards. For example, some betting sites offer quick payouts with no fees, while others may charge fees for withdrawals, lengthen payment processing times, or hold unfair bonus requirements.
We've checked the terms on all of the live betting sites that we have recommended on this page, so you are 100% safe to use these ones.
Should You Use Live Betting Sites?
Yes. Live betting can be a fun and sometimes even profitable experience. Before opening an account on any live betting sites, make sure you check for a licence and read those T&Cs. Following responsible gambling techniques, such as setting deposit and loss limits is also a great idea.
Practice Responsible Gambling
At BestGamblingSites we want our readers to enjoy betting on sports and stay safe when doing so. To stay safe when betting we advise you to:
Establish a budget: Set yourself a financial limit before you start betting. Adhere to this budget strictly and do not chase losses.
Manage time wisely: Set specific time boundaries for betting. If you're betting a lot, then take a break. Most UK betting platforms offer timeout options to assist with this.
Emotionless decision-making: To ensure responsible gambling, it is crucial to detach emotions from the betting process. Recognise that luck plays a role, and that heightened emotions can lead to poor choices. Take a pause.
Avoid pursuing losses: Although betting losses are undesirable, resist the urge to chase them. Doing so can exacerbate errors in judgment. Most UK betting platforms offer payment caps to assist with this.
Understand the risks: Gain comprehensive knowledge about the potential risks associated with betting. Acknowledge that the odds generally favour the house and approach betting as entertainment, rather than a reliable source of income.
Do not borrow to bet: Refrain from borrowing funds for betting purposes. This practice can lead to financial distress and a cycle of debt. Only utilise disposable income for betting.
Seek assistance when necessary: If you or someone you know is grappling with gambling addiction, do not hesitate to seek support from dedicated organisations or helplines. These resources provide valuable assistance, guidance, and access to relevant tools for overcoming gambling-related challenges.
Support Site Name | Website |
---|---|
GambleAware | www.gambleaware.co.uk |
National Gambling Helpline | www.begambleaware.org |
Gamblers Anonymous UK | www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk |
GamCare | www.gamcare.org.uk |
Gambling Therapy | www.gamblingtherapy.org |
Gamstop | www.gamstop.co.uk |
Gambling Commission | www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk |