Live betting takes pre-game wagering to the next level, where bettors leave fixed odds behind and place bets on sports matches already in play. Since this style of betting provides an on-the-edge-of-your-seats experience and is fast gaining popularity, more and more online sportsbooks are now offering a live betting suite.
In this guide, we take you through the ins and outs of live betting, discuss the various betting lines and promotions bettors can enjoy, and even show you how to sign up at an in-play betting site. We also rank and review the top five live wagering sites in the US to help you find the one that meets your needs.
BetMGM
Get up to $1,000 back as free bets if your first bet on the sportsbook loses
Draft Kings Sports
20% Deposit match of up to $1,000 or Get $150 in bonus bets
FanDuel
$1,000 No-Sweat First Bet
BetRivers
$500 bonus bet on your first sports wager
Pointsbet Sports
Earn up to $500 in second chance bets when you place bets for five consecutive days after signing up
As live betting gains popularity, more and more sportsbooks are introducing it as part of their offering. However, only some of these sites offer diverse betting lines, a variety of sports markets, and competitive odds. So, to help you find those that do, our experts tried them all, leaving you their top five picks below.
Now that we have our list of the best live betting sites let’s take a look at each one in depth to see what they offer, what makes them stand out, and why they may be the sportsbook for you.
As the top live betting site on our list, BetMGM stands out as a leading sportsbook. Having launched in 2018, the sports betting giant has grown to become one of the most popular betting sites in the US, operating in over 20 states.
The sportsbook, owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, stands out for its highly competitive live betting odds, extensive lines, and thrilling sports markets, providing stiff competition for the likes of DraftKings and FanDuel. Further, it ranks as one of the sharpest sportsbooks in the US.
Bettors looking for the best live betting odds ought to visit BetMGM. Here, bettors will find odds that rival those of DraftKings, despite their fluctuating nature.
Additionally, BetMGM offers a diverse selection of sports markets, including the MLB, NHL, NBA, golf, cricket, and the UFC. Further, the sportsbook ranks as one of the best rugby betting sites. Lastly, live betting fans can enjoy unique betting lines for various sports, including spreads, totals, and props.
Bettors using BetMGM to enjoy live betting will find it simple to fund their accounts as the sportsbook accepts several payment methods. As a result, bettors can use options like Visa, MasterCard, Echeck, online transfer, PayNearMe, Play+, and eWallets like PayPal and Skrill.
However, bettors won’t find any cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum available, but the sportsbook still provides more options than DraftKings.
When depositing and withdrawing funds, bettors will find the minimum requirements sit below $20, making it affordable for all budgets. And best of all, there are no transaction fees for deposits.
BetMGM has one of the best customer service teams around, making it simple for bettors to resolve any issues quickly and without fuss. Firstly, bettors can email the customer support desk or, for more instant answers, chat with a support operator using live chat, which is available 24/7. Further, BetMGM also provides a “Help” section on its website that offers detailed answers to the more general questions bettors may have, like how to make a deposit or what payment methods the sportsbook accepts.
BetMGM doesn’t shy away from a great promo, offering new and existing bettors several to enjoy. Using BetMGM promo codes, bettors can unlock rewards like parlay profit boosts, bet insurance, and risk-free wagers.
However, bettors looking to participate in live betting should always check to see whether the promos apply to live wagering or the sports they want to bet on before signing up for the reward.
Three partners launched DraftKings in 2012. Originally, the site offered Daily Fantasy Sports only. However, following the repeal of PASPA, which introduced legal sports wagering in the US, DraftKings expanded its offering to include sports betting. Today, DraftKings is available in several states across the United States.
Although DraftKings has various impressive features, live betting fans favor the sportsbook for its exceptional odds with very little added juice. In addition to offering some of the best live betting odds, DraftKings provides a range of unique betting lines and sports markets.
However, despite its exceptional odds, DraftKings has limited payment options in comparison to sportsbooks like FanDuel and BetMGM.
Although BetMGM provides stiff competition for DraftKings when it comes to odds, this live betting site is favored among bettors for its reduced juice. However, bettors will also find that the live betting odds are fair and favorable in all instances. When it comes to betting lines in the live betting suite, DraftKings provides options like flash bets, totals, props, moneylines, and spreads.
However, DraftKings levels up further by providing bettors with varied sports markets, including the NBA, MLB, NHL, tennis, golf, rugby, and the NFL. Additionally, DraftKings ranks as one of the best UFC betting sites in the US.
One area that our experts felt DraftKings could improve is its payment options. Compared to sites like BetMGM and FanDuel, which have a diverse selection of options, this live betting site only has a few ways for bettors to deposit funds into their accounts, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, PayPal, and electronic gift cards when making deposits. However, when making a withdrawal, bettors have a few additional options, including online banking, wire transfers, and checks. But keep in mind DraftKings can take up to five business days to pay out when using some of these methods.
DraftKings offers bettors two ways to tackle any issues they may have. Firstly, those who don’t need an instant response can send an email to [email protected]. But in those cases where the query is urgent, bettors can speak directly to a support consultant over live chat. Additionally, this support option is available to bettors around the clock.
In most instances, the bonuses DraftKings offers are state-specific, meaning that those options offered to an individual state are minimal, especially compared to the selection bettors will find at BetRivers. However, bettors can enjoy various odds boosters and match deposits.
Besides traditional bonuses, bettors can also sign up and enjoy DraftKings’ rewards program, Dynasty. Here bettors can claim additional promotions to boost their bankrolls.
FanDuel launched in Scotland in 2009 as a DFS betting site. However, when the US introduced legal sports betting the site expanded into the States and began offering traditional and live betting along with DFS wagering. Today, bettors in 15 US states have access to FanDuel and it comes in as one of New York’s best sportsbooks.
This sports betting site stands out among bettors for its diverse selection of options, especially when it comes to betting lines. Here, bettors can place spreads, totals, and moneylines and enjoy the widest variety of game and player props.
However, when contrasted with DraftKings, the odds FanDuel offers have slightly increased juice, but it provides a far more comprehensive selection of payment options. Further, it ranks as one of the best sports betting apps.
The live betting odds FanDuel provides are competitive but don’t have the same edge as those offered by DraftKings. However, FanDuel is one of the leading live betting sites when it comes to betting lines, covering all the usual suspects, along with extensive prop options, making it easy to place unique and lucrative live bets.
Besides fantastic odds and lines, FanDuel covers over 20 sports markets, including the MLB, NCAA, UFC, NFL, and NBA, and ranks as one of the best tennis betting sites.
FanDuel stands out as the live betting site with the widest array of payment options, offering bettors methods like Green Dot MoneyPak, credit cards, PayPal, FanDuel gift cards, PayNearMe, eChecks, and bank wire transfers.
Besides making it easy for bettors to deposit and withdraw funds, FanDuel doesn’t apply a maximum deposit limit. However, the sportsbook limits withdrawals at $10,000 per bettor per day, which is relatively low compared to competitors. In contrast, the sportsbook processes these payouts in 24 hours or less.
When bettors encounter an issue on FanDuel, they can contact a support member over live chat to resolve things. Since this feature is available 24/7, unlike that of some competitors, bettors always have help at the ready. Alternatively, those with more general questions can browse the FAQ section, where they will find detailed information on a range of topics.
FanDuel features a “Promotions” tab where it keeps all its bonuses and rewards that bettors can unlock using FanDuel promo codes. Among the various options, bettors will discover same game parlays on world cup soccer matches and an exciting referral program. Here, bettors can earn cash rewards by encouraging family and friends to sign up with FanDuel.
Chicago-based gaming company Rush Street Interactive launched its own sportsbook, BetRivers, in New Jersey in 2019 following the repeal of PASPA. Following its success in NJ, BetRivers expanded to offer its services in 12 other US states.
Ranking as one of the best live betting sites on our list, BetRivers provides fast odds, unique rewards, and the lowest wagering requirements our experts have ever seen, which makes DraftKings’ typically low wagering requirement of 15x seem excessive.
The odds BetRivers provides are considered average and don’t come with the reduced juice that those over at DraftKings do. However, the sportsbook offers fast lines that are favorable for live betting and cover various betting styles, from props and totals to spreads and moneylines.
Although the sportsbook offers extensive betting lines, it has limited sports markets. However, it covers all the popular options and ranks as one of the best soccer betting sites.
BetRivers is a live betting site favored by high-rollers. Firstly, it provides several ways for bettors to fund their accounts, including Discover, PayNearMe, PayPal, eCheck, Visa, MasterCard, online banking, and Play+. However, it is the withdrawal limits that make the site the top live betting site that it is. While methods like eCheck and Play+ have a withdrawal limit of $25,000, other options like PayPal and online banking have no cap on withdrawals. Finally, payouts are instant, with the exception of eChecks, which can take up to five days to process.
One area BetRivers falls down in is its customer service offering. While the FAQ section is excellent for bettors needing answers to relatively simple questions, the live chat function, which is imperative for more personalized queries, only operates during business hours. In other words, there is no after-hours support on the site.
BetRivers has one of the most impressive assortments of promotions and bonuses. In addition to profit boosts, bettors can enjoy odds boosts and sports-specific free bets. Further, bettors can join BetRivers’ loyalty program, which features exciting bonuses and prizes for bettors to enjoy as they advance up the program’s tiers.
PointsBet first launched in 2015 in Australia. However, in 2019, the betting giant established a division in the US and has become one of the most widely-recognized live betting sites. Today, bettors can find PointsBet in 12 states, including Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
But where PointsBet makes its mark is through the unique style of betting it provides, called points betting. This form of wagering offers bettors several new ways to place bets and win, making the live betting experience on the website that much more exciting.
Live betting fans can enjoy relatively average odds at PointsBet. However, the sportsbook features a different way to wager, which offers a change for those looking for something new. Points betting covers interesting lines like the time of the first basket or the first touchdown, making the live betting experience more varied and exciting.
However, PointsBet doesn’t have the most extensive selection of sports to bet on, but it covers the All-American favorites and ranks as one of the best rugby betting sites.
PointsBet’s payment options are slim compared to sites like FanDuel. However, the live betting site offers unlimited withdrawals, a rarity in sports betting sites. When funding their accounts or making withdrawals, bettors can use methods like PayNearMe, eCheck, online banking with Trustly, and a debit or credit card from Visa or MasterCard.
Bettors can remedy issues they may encounter while live betting on PointsBet using three methods. Firstly, bettors can email the support team for a detailed answer to a less urgent query. However, in those instances where a bettor may need immediate help, they can talk with a support consultant over live chat. Finally, bettors can look through the FAQ section when they have general questions.
PointsBet offers some of the most diverse bonus options when compared to other live betting sites on our list. As a result, bettors can enjoy daily odds, referral rewards, and some of the best free bets. Further, bettors who spend enough time on the site can earn themselves an invitation to the exclusive Diamond Club, PointsBet’s invitation-only VIP program.
Live betting, often called in-play betting, is where sportsbooks offer bettors the option to place wagers on sports events already in play. While many of the same betting lines are offered, like moneylines, totals, and props, these come with fluctuating odds that adjust as the game advances.
Generally, live betting works much the same as traditional sports betting. Here a bettor signs up with a live betting sportsbook (like those on our list), funds their account, and then heads to the live betting section of the sportsbook. Then, the bettor can choose which sports and match they wish to wager on, select their line, input their bet value, and click “place bet” to submit their wager.
Bettors across the US will discover several live betting sites to enjoy, including those on our list. However, our top pick for the best live betting site goes to BetMGM. In addition to offering excellent odds, the sportsbook covers a wide selection of sports markets and provides diverse betting lines and promos.
Yes, but not in every state. When the US repealed PASPA in 2018, it opened the floor for states to legalize sports betting (and live betting) individually. As a result, over 30 states have written legal sports wagering into their legislation. So, while bettors can enjoy live betting in these states, it is prohibited in those yet to legalize sports betting.
While reading reviews of the best live betting sites offers all the in-depth details, glancing at a comparison table that highlights the main features of each makes it quick and easy to pinpoint the one that most meets your needs. So, to find your perfect live betting site, take a look at the table below.
Generally, sportsbooks offer bettors the option to place a wager on a sports match before the game begins and offers fixed odds on these lines. However, the best sportsbooks offer betting on sports live, in other words, placing wagers on games already in play. But unlike pre-game wagers, live betting has odds that fluctuate according to how the game advances, making it essential for bettors to place their wagers at exactly the right time. As a result, the betting experience becomes more intense and much more exciting.
Most sportsbooks will tell you that basketball is among the sports most commonly wagered on while in play. But sites like those on our list also allow bettors to place live bets on sports like hockey, rugby, football, soccer, golf, and tennis.
When live sports betting, bettors will discover several markets to enjoy, from totals and moneylines to props and spreads. So, if the idea of live betting appeals to you, visit one of the sportsbooks on our list to try your hand at legal live betting.
Live sports betting doesn’t leave bettors with only one way to wager. Instead, bettors can enjoy several live betting lines, each of which we review below.
One of the easiest wagers to place when live sports betting is a moneyline. Here, bettors put money on the team they predict will win a portion of the match, like the third quarter or the second half, or the game overall. When it comes to live betting odds, the sportsbook highlights the favorite using a minus sign (-) followed by three numbers that show how much a bettor must put down to win back $100. In contrast, the underdog is shown with a plus sign (+) and three digits that show how much a bettor will win if they place a $100 wager and the underdog then wins.
But remember, in live betting, these odds fluctuate depending on how the match progresses.
When live betting on sports like the NBA, bettors have the option to place a wager called a spread, or points spread. In this instance, the sportsbook sets a line for how many points they expect the favorite to win by. Generally, sportsbooks also apply a spread if there is a marginal difference between two opposing teams to even the playing field and bring up the odds.
As with moneylines, a minus sign (-) indicates the favorite, while the underdog has a (+) plus sign. However, with spread betting, if bettors back the favorite and the team scores more points than set out by the spread, the bettor will win their wager. So, for instance, if there is a point spread of 2.5 and the favorite scores 3 points or more, the bettors backing the favorite win their bet.
Over/under or totals betting is another common wager offered to bettors placing in-play wagers. With this line, a sportsbook sets out the total number of points it believes both teams will score combined at the end of a quarter, half, or match. In this case, the bettor must wager whether they believe the score will be more (over) or less (under) than this number given by the sportsbook.
Finally, when live betting, bettors can place wagers based on happenings during the match, called props. Since these lines focus on aspects of the game rather than the final outcome, there are plenty for bettors to enjoy and many more ways to win. For example, bettors can place game props, like which team will be the first to score a point or which team will make the first slam dunk. Further, bettors can place player props that focus on the individual athletes, like which player will score the first touchdown.
To use a live betting site, bettors must first sign up and fund their accounts. We will take you through the few quick steps required to do this in the guide below.
Firstly, launch the BetMGM website. Then, choose the state you are located in. Next, hit the gold “Register” button on the top right of the home page, and complete the registration form that opens before hitting the “Continue” button.
Before you continue, you’ll need to verify your BetMGM account. So, open your email inbox and the mail sent to you by the sportsbook. Then, click the link inside to verify your new account before signing back into BetMGM with your new username and password.
But before you can wager, there is one more step that requires you to deposit funds into your BetMGM account. So, click the green “Deposit” button on the top right of the home page (this will only come up when you are signed in). Then pick your preferred payment method from the options provided and type in the amount you wish to deposit. Don’t forget to input your bonus promo code before clicking “deposit.” Finally, follow the prompts to complete your payment.
Once you’ve funded your BetMGM account, you can start wagering. So head to the sportsbook tab and locate the Live Betting section. Then, find the sports match you want to wager on and the betting line you want to use. Then, type in your bet amount onto the bet slip on the right of the screen. Lastly, hit “Place Bet.”
The best live betting sites offer a selection of promotions and bonuses for bettors to unlock and enjoy. However, our experts always recommend checking the T’s & C’s accompanying these bonuses. While some apply to live betting, others may not or may not be valid for the sports you want to bet on. Despite this, many of the rewards offered by sportsbooks are generous and make it easy to place the wagers you perhaps wouldn’t otherwise try. So, lets’s review the most popular bonuses:
A live betting site offers match deposits to new bettors signing up as welcome rewards and as reload bonuses for existing bettors. The idea behind this bonus is that the sportsbook rewards bettors for funding their accounts by matching their deposits up to a specific amount. For example, a sports betting site offering a 100% match deposit of up to $750 will give a bettor depositing $400 an additional $400 to wager. However, DraftKings is presently the only live betting site offering this reward.
Bettors looking for improved odds should keep an eye out for price or odds boosts. By unlocking these rewards, bettors can enjoy improved odds on the lines they’re betting on and increase their profits. In most cases, the best live betting sites, like BetMGM, will offer bettors daily odds boosts.
Another form of reward is the no-risk bonus which allows bettors to place a wager, where should they lose the bet, they won’t risk the funds they have deposited. However, most sportsbooks only allow bettors to place wagers on specific sports using these promos. For instance, FanDuel offers same-game parlay insurance that will reward a player with $25 if one leg of their parlay wager folds.
In addition to offering exceptional live betting odds, the best sportsbooks make it simple and convenient for bettors to deposit and withdraw funds from their betting accounts by providing a variety of payment methods.
While most sites accept traditional payment methods like debit cards, credit cards, checks, and bank wire transfers, the best live betting sites, like those on our list, allow bettors to use alternative methods, like PayPal and Play+ cards.
For example, sportsbooks with a wide variety of payment options, like FanDuel, allow bettors to fund their accounts using prepaid cards like Green Dot MoneyPak.
If you want to know precisely which payment methods the live betting sites on our list accept and how long they take to process, have a look at the table below:
Live betting sites provide avid bettors a unique way to back their favorite teams using the same betting lines they know and love. However, this way of betting adds a touch of suspense by adding fluctuating live betting odds into the mix. Since in-play wagering offers an exciting way to wager, it is popular among bettors and more online sportsbooks now provide it as an option.
While all the sportsbooks on our list offer an exceptional live betting suite with competitive odds and unique lines, our top pick goes to BetMGM. Here, bettors can live bet on several sports markets, claim generous rewards, and choose from several ways to fund their accounts. So, don’t miss out on a nail-biting betting experience. Instead, sign up with BetMGM and start your live betting journey.