Live betting is a unique type of betting that resembles typical markets, but is differentiated by the rapid and ever changing lines due to how the game is being played out.
Find out the basics of live betting, types of live betting, and tips for live betting on the NFL below:
The Basics of NFL Live Betting
Live betting on the NFL can take place after a game has kicked off, and is typically available until the final seconds of the game. Live betting odds shift as the game progresses based on what is happening during the game.
Live betting odds can often 'lock' momentarily which prevents a player from placing a bet. This occurs because after a major event happens in the game, the odds will need to be updated. They will typically reappear soon afterwards. When placing a typical bet on the NFL, odds rarely lock since NFL betting odds remain relatively stable until the game begins.
Types of NFL Live Bets
Live betting markets are very similar to pregame NFL betting markets, but vary slightly in some cases.
Core Markets
The core pregame betting markets like moneyline, spread, and total (over/under) remain available throughout the majority of the game, and are the most popular type of betting.
Money Line (Match Winner): Betting on which team will win the game.
Point Spread (Handicap): Betting on a team to win or lose by a specific number of points. This is adjusted live as the game progresses.
Total Points (Over/Under): Betting on whether the total combined points scored by both teams will be over or under a specific number.
Quarter and Half Markets
Quarter and half markets allow bettors to focus on shorter segments of the game, which is popular if a team is know for a strong start, or strong second half adjustments. This market allows players to bet on the outcome of a specific quarter or half once the game has begun.
Quarter/Half Winner: Who will win the specific quarter or half?
Quarter/Half Spread: The handicap applied only to that specific period.
Quarter/Half Total Points: The total points scored only within that period.
Drive-Specific Markets
Drive-specific markets are one of the markets that do not typically represent pregame markets. This market is where an NFL bettor can place a live bet on the result of an active drive, the next scoring play, the next team to score, the next player to score, or the outcome of a drive.
These markets are highly dynamic, and change dramatically based on field position, momentum, and down-and-distance.
Result of Current Drive: Will the drive end in a Touchdown, Field Goal, Punt, Turnover, or "Other"?
Next Scoring Play: Will the next score be a Touchdown, Field Goal, or Safety?
Drive Outcome: Often includes markets like "Will the team convert the 1st down?" or "Will the drive result in a score?"
Player Props
Player props are also very common in live betting, and offer a wide range of player-specific markets that update based on the time remaining in the game and how that specific player has been playing in the game so far.
Passing/Rushing/Receiving Yards: Over/Under lines for specific players (e.g., "Will Patrick Mahomes throw for over/under 250.5 yards?").
Anytime Touchdown Scorer: Betting on a specific player to score a touchdown at any point in the remainder of the game.
Next Player to Score: Offers odds similar to first touchdown scorer based on which team is more likely to score at that time, and who will score it.
NFL Live Betting Strategies & Tips
There are many things to keep track of when live betting, including:
Injuries for either team
The weather if the game is at an outdoor stadium
The momentum of the game
How teams tend to perform when leading/trailing
How teams tend to perform in various quarters of a game
Time remaining in the game
Injuries
The NFL is a league of specialists. The loss of a starting quarterback, a key offensive lineman, or a star wide receiver can fundamentally change a team's ability to move the ball down the field. If a key player leaves the field, the market will react quickly base don how important that player is to the team.
Game Factors and Time Remaining
The clock in football is a significant factor in NFL live betting. Teams are much more likely to slow the game down or speed the game depending on the score, and how much time is left in the game.
Teams in the NFL strategically try and slow the game down in the final two minutes of each half, and are able to call more plays by utilizing timeouts, and getting out of bounds. If a team is leading in the final two minutes of a game, they are more likely to run the ball and take time off the clock rather than throw that ball which could wind up in an interception.
A team with timeouts can stop the clock and extend a drive, whereas a team without them is at the mercy of the game clock. This is vital when betting on totals or specific drive outcomes late in the game.
Momentum
Unlike soccer, where the clock runs continuously, the NFL is a game of distinct, tactical plays. This allows for more granular market adjustments.
It's important to look at the game in possessions in addition to the score. A team might be losing, but if they are moving the ball efficiently and the opposing defence is tiring, the momentum may be shifting despite the scoreboard. Defenses could also get lucky with a few turnovers in a first half, which can drastically change the score but not impact how a team is actually playing.
How to Place Live Bets During NFL Games
To place a live bet during NFL games, download the bet365 app, or navigate to bet365.com. Login or create and account if you are located in one of these states; AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/MI/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV.
Select NFL football, and navigate to the 'Live' tab on the sportsbook, and select the game you would like to bet on.
Choose the market and bet you would like to place, and click on the odds to add the selection to your bet slip. Check the market, odds, and make a wager of your choosing before clicking 'place bet.'
Remember that live betting odds constantly change based on the stop and start nature of the NFL. Markets can be suspended or removed at any time due to significant events in the game (e.g., a touchdown, a turnover, or a penalty).
Responsible Gambling on Football
Football is a sport with plenty of unpredictability, as drops, fumbles, and other forms of mishaps are common and volatile. Before placing big wagers, test your research and theories with smaller units to see if your return of investment is positive or negative.
For more on responsible gambling, bet365 has a dedicated resource page that can be found at https://responsiblegaming.nj.bet365.com/
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/MI/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). Must be 21+ and present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/WV (select parishes)/MD/MI/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Additional Betting Guides
To learn more about other bet types and sports, take a look at our guides below:
