Written By: Billy Attridge
Reason 1: Options, Options, Options
Live Wagering provides bettors with a plethora of choices in the sports betting market. Buying off a side, locking in a middle, and getting down at a more advantageous number than offered at close are all opportunities that professional bettors look to capitalize on.
One game in particular provides an excellent example. During Week 12 of the NFL season, the Packers/Vikings game provided savvy in-game investors a chance to strike on an overreaction by sportsbooks. Minnesota opened as a 10-point home underdog to the visiting Green Bay Packers. Sharp gamblers gobbled up the double digits, and the Vikings closed +7.5/+8 at most books. Mid-way through the 2nd quarter, the Packers took a 14-7 lead after an Aaron Rodgers touchdown pass. If you missed taking +10 pregame, a significant number in NFL betting, the in-game wagering line jumped to +10.5, offering a superior line than the best sports betting groups in the world got down on. Those who took the plunge on the Vikings not only grabbed an incredible line, but recognized profit as well (Green Bay won, 24-21).
Reason 2: Swings
This is especially prevalent in basketball, both NBA and College. We have all seen it before. Poor 3-point shooting teams rattle off 4 or 5 in a row, creating a massive swing in the line. Certain lineups seem to “click”, or speed up the tempo of the game when on the court. Recognizing coaching tendencies, game theory, and situations can guide one to dominating the live wagering market. The concept of buying low/selling high is highly effective for in-game bettors, and, if combined with correct game analysis, can be extremely profitable.
Reason 3: Limits
Many large sports bettors and syndicate groups do not bother with live wagering. Why? Simply put, the limits do not make it worthwhile. Most sportsbooks offer just a few hundred dollars, and if they do increase limits larger, the standard juice rises significantly. Even worse, it’s common practice to put live betting delays, and then re-adjust the line during the delay. Why is this relevant, or considered a positive? Most sports bettors do not have a limit problem. Books put limits on smaller market offerings such as props, college basketball totals, CFL, and the WNBA. It is much tougher to set lines for these subsets of wagers, and in-game betting fits right in. Play by play offerings in Pro Football cannot come close to the accuracy of a Sunday 12:30 pm NFL Line.
If limits are not a concern, live wagering can be a profitable endeavor for those with the discipline to tackle it. Money management principals need to be in full effect here (as they always should), as many options and games on the board can lead to a full slate of +EV (expected value) opportunities.