In addition to the pre-match today and tonight football prediction betting markets commonly offered by bookmakers, there’s another highly lucrative option that savvy bettors should not overlook—live betting, also known as Running Ball or in-play betting. This dynamic betting format allows you to place wagers in real-time as the match unfolds. In other words, you can enjoy watching the match while simultaneously making well-timed bets that could bring you instant profit.
To boost your chances of winning consistently through live bets, you’ll want to learn the most effective strategies—many of which we’ll reveal in detail below.
1. What Is Live Betting (Running Ball) in Football?
Live betting, or Running Ball, is a popular form of in-play wagering that’s only available during the actual match. Bookmakers monitor the game in real-time and continuously adjust the odds and football prediction best site betting markets based on what’s happening on the pitch. This means you can place bets on events such as the next goal, over/under total goals, match outcome, or even exact score while the match is ongoing.
Unlike standard betting markets where odds are fixed before kick-off, live betting windows are short-lived. Some markets, especially those involving the next goal, may only be available for 3 to 5 minutes. This makes quick thinking and fast decision-making crucial.
The biggest advantage of live betting is its flexibility and high potential return. Compared to pre-match bets, in-play odds can often be far more rewarding if you can read the game well. But with the higher risk also comes the need for experience, game awareness, and sharp intuition to make accurate predictions in the heat of the moment.
2. Examples of Live Betting Markets in Football
One of the most common in-play betting markets is the Next Goal bet. Here, you simply need to predict whether a goal will be scored within a given timeframe. For example, imagine a Premier League clash between Chelsea and Tottenham. The current score is 1-2 in favor of Spurs, and there are only 5 minutes left in the first half.
If you believe that either team will score in the remaining minutes before halftime, you can place a next goal bet daily soccer prediction app during this narrow window. The odds will be based on the current momentum and the attacking potential of both teams. If a goal is scored before the break, you’ll win immediately and receive your payout.