Because live betting (also known as in-play betting) has become an increasingly popular way to bet on sports, virtually all major US sportsbooks now offer it. Live betting gives you the option to place wagers on games that are already in progress. It is a great opportunity for those who are interested in a game but missed betting on it before it started to still have the action they want. Or if you do have a pregame bet, with live betting, you can either try to increase your winnings on a game that is going your way or cut your losses on a bet that you wish you did not make.
Live betting also allows you to be actively involved in a game from start to finish. As the action unfolds, you gain more information about each team’s strengths and weaknesses and how the key players match up, which helps you make bets with a high probability of winning. However, for success in this endeavor, besides being selective in your bets, being selective in your sportsbook choice is also essential.
Keep reading to get our experts’ recommendations for the best US sportsbooks for live betting plus a simple step-by-step guide to start placing live bets. We will also offer useful tips to help you win your live bets more often.
5 Best Live Betting Sportsbooks – A Closer Look
If you are new to live betting, trying to decide which of the multiple state-licensed sportsbooks available to you for this purpose can be a daunting task. But no worries because we have already done the necessary research and carefully picked what we consider to be the five best. You won’t go wrong making any of them your live betting sportsbook of choice.
#1. FanDuel Sportsbook
| Welcome Bonus | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets |
| Available in | 22 states + Washington, D.C. |
| Minimum deposit | $10 |
| Launch year | 2018 |
| The top feature for live betting | Huge range of SGP and SGP+ options |
| Best live betting prop | O/U on passing, rushing, or receiving yards |
Success at live betting can be greatly enhanced by being able to watch a game in real-time, and FanDuel delivers by offering live streaming for many games in multiple sports, including MLB, NFL, NHL, and select soccer and tennis games.
Another way in which FanDuel is superior to other live betting sites is in the tremendous variety of available same game parlays (SGPs) and SGP+ bets (combining SGPs with other bets), even for games that are already in progress. But despite the abundance of offerings, bettors are not overwhelmed. This user-friendly website and app make it a great sportsbook for beginners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of the most highly rated sportsbooks | The app can be slow to load |
| Generous welcome bonus | Geolocation issues |
| Many more live betting and live streaming options than most competitors | No customer support by phone |
| Competitive odds | |
| Real-time stats for prop and parlay legs |
#2. DraftKings Sportsbook
| Welcome Bonus | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets |
| Available in | 25 states + Washington, D.C. |
| Minimum deposit | $5 |
| Launch year | 2018 |
| The top feature for live betting | Quick SGPs |
| Best live betting prop | Team totals |
DraftKings is another excellent choice for live betting. With coverage extending to virtually every sports and betting market you might want to place a wager on, the opportunities for augmenting your winnings with carefully selected in-play bets abound. Except for the limited live streaming availability, DraftKings not only does a good job providing live updates but goes above and beyond in offering extensive stats and analytics – the important additional tools you need to help you bet intelligently.
If you are new to sports betting or a small bettor, no problem. DraftKings is one of the few sportsbooks with only a $5 minimum deposit so bettors can get started for only a few bucks.
Also, for a small live bet with a potentially huge payout, be sure to check out the Quick SGP feature. Having the legs of your parlay preset by the sportsbook might not be as much fun or give you the best choices as building your own. However, the need to be ultra-quick in placing your live bets before the odds change is paramount.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of the most highly rated sportsbooks | Limited live streaming options |
| Generous welcome bonus | Special offers for existing customers could be better |
| Available in more states than any other sportsbook | Prop odds could be better |
| Less prone to geolocation issues than some sportsbooks | No customer support by phone |
| One of the few sportsbooks with a $5 minimum deposit | |
| Plenty of live betting options along with stats, analytics, and real-time updates |
#3. bet365 Sportsbook
| Welcome Bonus | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets OR Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bts if the first real-money bet loses |
| Available in | 11 states |
| Minimum deposit | $10 |
| Launch year | 2020 |
| The top feature for live betting | Edit My Bet |
| Best live betting prop | Winning Margins |
bet365 Sportsbook does not yet have a US presence as big as the other leading sportsbooks for live betting. However, it is very big overseas, translating into excellent coverage of both US and foreign betting markets.
The combination of a user-friendly, easy-to-navigate app and website, extensive live betting options, and special features like SGP Bet Boosts, Edit My Bet, and Early Cashout, along with outstanding customer support make bet365 a standout choice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly and easy-to-navigate | Only available in 11 states |
| Generous welcome bonus | Special offers for existing customers could be better |
| Odds are updated quickly after every play | Live betting odds could be better |
| Outstanding customer support, including a comprehensive FAQ section and 24/7 phone support | Limited live streaming |
#4. Caesars Sportsbook
| Welcome Bonus | Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets if the first real-money bet loses |
| Available in | 23 states + Washington, D.C. |
| Minimum deposit | $10 |
| Launch year | 2018 |
| The top feature for live betting | NFL live streaming |
| Best live betting prop | Fire bets (i.e., in an NFL or NCAA game, the results of the current drive) |
Longevity and experience speak volumes about the quality of a sports betting site, so based on that criterion alone, we highly recommend Caesars Sportsbook as a go-to site for live betting. Caesars is recognized internationally as one of the most experienced and trusted operators in the industry. While the market depth and range of in-play betting options are not as robust as the offerings of some of its competitors, all of the popular sports are extensively covered. In other words, Caesars should more than adequately fulfill the live action needs of the vast majority of sports bettors.
One aspect of live betting that many customers do not like is frequently having to wait for what seems like an eternity for the results of their plays. If you can relate and would like near-immediate feedback instead, be sure to check out the Fire Betting option at Caesars Sportsbook, it could be exactly what you are looking for.
For example, in a baseball game, you can bet on the outcome for the next batter or even the next pitch. In a football game, you can bet on the results of the current drive (i.e., an offensive touchdown, a field goal attempt, a punt, or a turnover). Caesars is also one of the few US sportsbooks to offer live streaming of NFL games, which pairs beautifully with the Fire Betting option.
Lastly, Caesars Sportsbook participates in the Caesars Rewards program, one of the top loyalty rewards programs for US sports bettors and casino players. All of your live bets at Caesars count toward earning Rewards Credits and Tier Credits.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly and easy-to-navigate | The app can be slow to load and prone to geolocation issues |
| Generous welcome bonus | No bonus if the first bet wins |
| One of the few sportsbooks to offer live streaming of NFL games | Not as many betting markets and betting options as some sportsbooks offer |
| Fire Betting option for live bets with near-instant results | Live betting odds could be better |
| Caesars Rewards | $10 maximum bet on profit boosts and $100 maximum bet on odds boosts |
| Customer support by phone |
#5. BetMGM Sportsbook
| Welcome Bonus | Get up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if the first real-money bet loses |
| Available in | 23 states + Washington, D.C. |
| Minimum deposit | $10 |
| Launch year | 2018 |
| The top feature for live betting | Edit My Bet |
| Best live betting prop | Winning Margin |
Like Caesars, BetMGM is a very familiar and highly trusted brand with a large presence in the gambling industry. BetMGM deserves high marks for its extensive coverage of most sports and leagues, an exceptionally large variety of live betting options, and special features such as Edit My Bet and Early Cashout. Live streaming is offered for only select games in a few sports such as soccer and tennis. However, you can use the app for instant updates after every play and, if you wish, bet on the outcome of the next play.
Another big plus is that the same app works (although glitches have been reported) in every state where BetMGM Sportsbook operates, which is great news for sports bettors who are frequently on the go. If you want to place a live bet on a game while in a different state from the one where you opened your account, you can.
New users might find the sheer number of live betting options overwhelming, so BetMGM Sportsbook might be more suited for experienced bettors than beginners. You have to act quickly, so if you need help deciding, you might want to try one of the preselected same-game parlays. If you are a fan of parlay betting, we really rate BetMGM, so much so, they are our number 1 pick for the best parlay betting site in the US.
BetMGM Sportsbook participates in the highly acclaimed MGM Rewards Program. It is one of the top players’ rewards programs for bettors in the US.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The exceptionally versatile BetMGM mobile app can be adapted for use in any state where BetMGM operates | The app can be slow to load and prone to geolocation issues |
| Generous welcome bonus | No bonus if the first bet wins |
| Extensive coverage of most major markets and sports with a robust variety of live betting options | Limited live streaming options |
| BetMGM Rewards | No customer support by phone |
How We Picked the Best Live Betting Sites
First, we narrowed the field to legally operating state-regulated sportsbooks. This provided the necessary assurance that the site offers a safe and secure betting environment and that customers are treated fairly. Our basis for picking the best live betting sites within this group was how capable they were compared to the competition of meeting the majority of live bettors’ needs. We paid particular attention to the following criteria:
Depth of Coverage and Bet Variety
The best live betting sites satisfy the needs of avid sports fans who crave continuous action on multiple games taking place simultaneously. Virtually all legally operating sportsbooks in the US do a good job of covering the sports and leagues that are most popular with US bettors: NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, and major league soccer.
But where you might run into problems trying to place live bets on some betting apps is insufficient coverage of other more specialized sports. That is why top live betting sites not only offer same and multi-game live prop bets and parlay options galore but also a wide enough spectrum of different sports and betting markets to appeal to every sports fan.
For example, bet365 offers live betting in more than 25 sports, including those many sites do not cover at all such as esports, table tennis, and volleyball. Top betting sites also offer unique types of live bets (i.e., SGP+ at FanDuel and Fire Bets at Caesars) not available elsewhere.
User Friendliness
Sports bettors are impatient. Getting their bets in quickly and getting fast access to their money when they win are both essential, so every aspect of their experience with the sportsbook should be as hassle-free as possible. There are certain security measures the sportsbook must take for everyone’s protection, but the sign-up and verification process should be quick and simple, not drawn out and cumbersome. The same applies when requesting withdrawals.
In addition, the multitude of betting options notwithstanding, the best live betting sites are easy to navigate so users can find the games and types of bets that interest them quickly. Now that the use of mobile apps for sports betting has become increasingly widespread, it is more important than ever that they are sufficiently user-friendly for beginners. No app is completely free of glitches but annoyances like slow loading, freezing, and lost connections should be the exception, not the rule.
Competitive odds
Though it is unrealistic to expect the same odds during a game that were posted before the game started, sharp bettors shop around to compare the odds on different sites and try to take advantage of the best values.
Extra Features
Another way that the best live betting sites distinguish themselves from the rest of the competition is with popular extra features like the following:
- Generous sign-up bonus for new customers
- Frequent special offers for existing customers, such as bonus bets, prize drawings, and an ongoing Refer-A-Friend bonus
- Sports betting guides
- Team and player stats
- Daily odds boosts and profit boosts on select bets
- Live streaming
- Edit My Bet
- Early Cashout
- A competitive loyalty rewards program
Customer Support
Questions and concerns that sports bettors need to have addressed quickly can arise at any time. Not all of them are covered in the FAQ section, so the sportsbook needs to offer other options. While most sportsbooks offer email and live chat, both have shortcomings. Email requires waiting for a response, while live chat can be hit or miss. Kudos to the few sportsbooks that offer quality 24/7 live phone service.
How to Begin Live Betting
If you are new to live betting, here are the steps to follow to get started.
- Make sure that online sports betting is legal in the state where you intend to play. You do not need to reside in that state as long as you are physically present in that state when betting. You must also be at least 21 years of age.
- Familiarize yourself with the best live betting sportsbooks highlighted in this article. Then choose one or more based on your personal needs and preferences.
- Select the sport(s) you wish to focus on. Then look at the day’s schedule and pick the game you want to watch (if possible) and bet live.
What Reviewers and Bettors Are Saying About the Top Live Betting Sites
When weighing the pros and cons of different live betting sites and trying to decide on the best live betting choices for you, pay close attention to the comments of reviewers and other bettors. The following table lists the most praised features of the five top live betting sites recommended in this article.
| Sportsbook | Most Praised Features |
|---|---|
| FanDuel | User-friendly and easy to navigate Competitive live betting odds Wide range of sports, markets, and bet types Lots of live SGP and SGP+ options Daily odds boosts and lots of special promotions |
| DraftKings | Wide range of sports, markets, and bet types Lots of live prop bets Updated live SGPs Live stats on props |
| bet365 | Wide range of sports, markets, and bet types Lots of live prop bets |
| Caesars | User-friendly and easy to navigate Live streaming of NFL games Faster bet placement Caesars Rewards |
| BetMGM | Competitive odds Lots of deposit options MGM Rewards |
Tips for Successful Live Betting
The availability of live betting not only makes sports betting more exciting by making every play meaningful; it also opens many additional opportunities for winning. Here are a few tips from our sports betting experts to help make your experience with live betting successful.
- Before committing yourself to a specific sportsbook for live betting, visit the website to make a free preliminary determination regarding how satisfied you are likely to be with what this betting site has to offer. The following are a few questions you might want to ask yourself. Is the sign-up process straightforward? Does the sportsbook offer a wide range of live betting options at competitive odds in your favorite sports? Does the site offer live streaming? What other kinds of perks can you expect (i.e., sign-up bonus, daily odds boosts, player’s rewards program, top-quality customer support, preferably 24/7)?
- Start slowly, especially if you are new to live betting. Just because a sportsbook bombards you with live betting options does not make it a smart practice to place nonstop bets on every play. Be selective and limit your bets to those with a high probability of winning.
- Sportsbooks vary as to the particular sports and betting markets in which they offer not only the most extensive live betting coverage but also the best odds. So, we highly recommend shopping around rather than depending on a single site exclusively for all of your live betting.
- Try to avoid sites that consistently assess an inflated vig of 25 or 30% on live bets. Even if you are a small bettor these extra charges will add up and significantly impact your bottom line.
- Multileg SGPs are enticing because of their potential for a huge payout. However, the more legs you add, the harder it becomes for the bet to win. If even one pick is made incorrectly, the whole parlay goes down.
- Focus on the sport and teams you are most familiar with and for each game you want to bet on, research both teams’ recent performance Do not wait until game time because when live betting, you won’t have time. Some of the important types of information to consider include the following:
- Each team’s recent performance
- Team and player matchups
- Recent stats on key players
- Injuries and lineup changes
- Live betting and live streaming go hand in hand. So, whenever possible, combine the two.
- Take advantage of special offers like bonus bets, odds boosts, and profit boosts frequently but only on bets that you already want to make. Do not waste these offers on hard-to-win bets on unfamiliar teams and players.
- Focus on better teams and players when placing live bets. If a lesser opponent scores first, do not put too much weight into that early result. More likely than not, the better team will bounce back, and because it is temporarily behind, you will be offered better odds than before the other team scored.
- Only bet when you are fully rested and alert. Since live betting is extremely fast-paced, it requires being at your best physically and mentally so you can give the game you are betting your undivided attention. If you are fatigued or preoccupied with other concerns, you are more likely to make costly mistakes and/or miss out on profitable betting opportunities.
How to Stay Safe Placing Live Bets
All of the top five live betting sportsbooks recommended in this article are state-licensed and regulated and adhere to the highest safety standards to ensure that every player’s account is fully protected. However, as a bettor, you need to do your part, too. Use a strong password and do not share it with anyone.
Another important aspect of using live betting safely is good money management. Bet responsibly and set limits on the time you spend on sports betting and the amount. Take breaks often to keep your mind sharp and focused. Do not chase your losses or borrow money to support your gambling. If you find yourself overbetting or think you might have a gambling problem, help is available.
FAQs
-
Is live betting legal in the US?Yes, sports betting is now legal in the majority of states. Now that live betting has become very popular, all of the major legally operating US sportsbooks offer it.
-
Are multileg live SGPs a good bet?Many bettors like to dabble in these wagers since the payouts can be huge. But much more often than not these bets are losers.
-
What are the most frequent problems users encounter when placing live bets?
Regardless of whether these wagers are made online or with a mobile app, locating and placing the bets you want to make while they are still available and before the odds change can challenge even experienced bettors.
