Live Soccer Betting Guide: Strategy, Tips & Advice (2025)

There is no shortage of betting options for making wagers on soccer, but one of the most prominent revolves around making selections while matches are in-play. 

Live soccer betting has grown in prominence thanks to the strides made in the online betting sector, and you can find out more about the leading strategies to follow when making selections here.

Live Soccer Betting Explained 

Wagering on the soccer live betting markets is incredibly popular, as it offers gamblers the opportunity to gain returns based on how they feel a match is playing out.

In-play markets open as soon as a fixture kicks off, with bets able to be placed on the moneyline, spreads, and over/under goals. Odds for each market will change constantly throughout a given match, as the prices will reflect the action on the field. Therefore, if one team is on the attack, they will likely shorten in price.

Real-time events will have a direct impact on the prices available, meaning that it is often important for bettors to make their selections quickly to ensure that the odds don’t change.

Bets in-play can also be placed on prop selections, such as next goalscorer, next player to be carded, and the team that will win the next corner.

Pros and Cons of In-Play Soccer Betting 

Just as there is with every soccer betting option, there are positives and negatives when it comes to wagering on the in-play markets. You can find out more about the pros and cons below.

Pros:

• Bettors can analyze the match and make more knowledgeable selections.
• In-play betting enables bettors to adjust their strategy if their pre-match wagers are looking vulnerable.
• Excellent selection of in-play markets ensures that bettors have creative freedom when making selections.

Cons:

• Bettors need to act quickly when making in-play bets as the odds change frequently.
• In-play odds are typically worse than pre-match prices.
• It is easy to lose control when making in-play selections

Tips for Live Betting on Soccer 

In-play betting requires a gambler to look at a match slightly differently than they would if they were making pre-game selections. Some tips that should be followed before making live soccer betting selections can be found here.

• Watch the game: Bettors should watch the game that they are making in-play bets on, as this will enhance the knowledge required to make informed decisions.
• Study Players: You should keep a close eye on players and whether they are suffering from an injury. An impending substitute could have an immediate impact on the odds.
• Read up on Stats: Bettors should be aware of stats revolving around each team, including whether they are quick starters, or typically need to go behind in order to start performing.
• Analyze Odds: In-play bettors should keep tabs on the odds even when they aren’t looking to make an immediate selection, as there could be a perfect time to find the best price.
• Be Pro-Active: Bettors should have both the match and in-play markets readily available to make immediate selections.

Live Betting Strategies for Soccer

Finding a solid live soccer betting strategy could be a major help for an in-play bettor. We will go through some of the leading strategies that should be considered here.

1. Assessing Momentum: Bet on teams when the game is turning in their favor, evident as they will record more shots and more possession.
2. Slow Starts: Matches that have had no goals in the opening 20 or 30 minutes could provide a solid selection in the under-goals market.
3. React to Incidents: Yellow and red cards can swing soccer matches. Therefore, if a team has a sending-off, it could be a solid selection to side with the opponents to win.
4. Comeback Kings: Many big teams across Europe go behind early in matches against underdogs. This could be the perfect opportunity to get value on a selection that may have been odds-on before kick-off.
5. Hedge Bets: In-play betting offers gamblers the chance to hedge their bets from their pre-match selections.

Top Sites for Live Soccer Betting

In-play betting is readily available online nowadays, but some sportsbooks go above and beyond to ensure the best possible experience for their customers.

FanDuel: This sportsbook offers industry-leading odds for in-play soccer matches, with a range of props markets to make selections.

BetMGM: An excellent in-play service is provided by BetMGM, taking into account the ease in which bettors require to make quick live betting selections. Few sportsbooks offer a healthier selection of live betting markets for some of the most popular competitions.

BetRivers: Quick odds and competitively priced selections are available at BetRivers. A dedicated 3D screen enables players to keep tabs on the action to make more informed decisions.