As sports betting becomes more and more popular, it is important to understand what types of bets exist. The two common types of bets are pre-match and live bets. Although both of them involve betting on the outcome of a sporting event, there are significant differences between them. In this article, we will look at the differences between pre-match and live betting and help you decide which one is right for you.
What are prematch bets?
Prematch betting, also known as ante-post betting, is when you place a bet on the outcome of a sporting event before it starts. This type of bet is popular for events that are scheduled in advance, such as major tournaments or leagues. When you place a pre-match bet, the odds and lines are set by the bookmaker and remain fixed until the start of the event. Once the event has started, no further bets are allowed.
Benefits of betting on prematch
Fixed Odds: Pre-match odds are fixed, meaning you know exactly what your potential payout will be before the event even starts.
Time for research. By placing pre-match bets, you have ample time to study and analyze the teams and players involved, giving you the edge in making an informed decision.
Early Value: In some cases, you can find an early value in pre-match odds if you can predict the outcome of the event before the bookmaker adjusts the odds.
Disadvantages of prematch bets
Lack of Flexibility: Once you place a pre-match bet, it cannot be changed. If something unforeseen happens before the event, such as a key player is injured, your bet will be fixed at the original odds.
Less stress: With pre-match betting, there is a longer period of time between placing a bet and finding out the result, which can make it less exciting than live betting.
What is live betting?
Live betting, also known as in-play betting, is when you place a bet on the outcome of a sporting event while it is running. Live betting has become more popular in recent years thanks to advances in technology that allow bookmakers to offer live odds and lines that change as the event unfolds. By betting in real time, you can bet on various outcomes, such as the next goal or the winner of the current set.
Benefits of live betting
Flexibility: With live betting, you can bet at any time during the event, giving you more opportunities to find value and adjust your strategy.
Excitement: Live betting can be incredibly exciting as you can watch the action unfold and bet based on what you see in real time.
Hedging: With live betting, you can hedge your bets by placing additional bets during the event to secure a profit or minimize your losses.
Disadvantages of live betting
Unpredictability: Real-time odds and betting lines can change quickly and unpredictably, making informed decisions difficult.
Impulse Betting: The excitement of live betting can lead to impulsive and emotional betting that is not based on strategy or analysis.
Limited time for research. With live betting, you have less time to study and analyze the teams and players involved, which can make it difficult to make informed decisions.
Which one to choose?
The choice between pre-match and live betting ultimately comes down to personal preference and betting strategy. If you prefer to make informed decisions based on research and analysis, pre-match betting might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you like the excitement and flexibility of live betting, live betting may be more suitable for you. It is important to remember that both types of bets have their advantages and disadvantages.