In-play betting explained

With an in-play bet, also known as a live bet, you place your bet after kick-off. The bookmaker adjusts the odds continuously: goals, red cards, the time ticking away and one team's pressure change the probabilities minute by minute.

How odds move during a match

If it is 0:0 after 60 minutes, the odds on under 2.5 goals fall sharply, because only half an hour remains for three goals. An early deficit for the favourite pushes their win odds up. A red card shifts almost every market at once. The basis is models that recalculate from the score, the time remaining and the pre-match strength of both teams.

What is permitted in Germany

In Germany, under the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag), in-play betting is restricted at bookmakers holding a German licence: during the match, essentially only bets on the final result and on the next goal are permitted. Bets on individual in-match events, such as the next corner or card, are not allowed in-play. The German offering can therefore differ considerably from what you may know from foreign sites.

What to watch out for

• Speed: In-play betting tempts you into quick decisions. If you impulsively bet again to make up for a loss, you are betting on feel rather than to a plan.
• Delay: TV pictures run a few seconds behind the real action. Bookmakers therefore often accept in-play bets with a delay or briefly suspend markets.
• Margin: In-play odds often carry a higher margin than pre-match odds.
• Information: Statistics such as shots or possession are also known to the bookmaker. An edge only arises if you see something the models do not capture.

If you notice in-play betting becoming a constant companion, you should set limits. More on this under player protection and limits.