Betting In-Game
This type of bet is very interesting—not many sportsbooks offer this type of betting, for it requires much number-crunching for the sportsbooks. It occurs mostly during spread games in the sports of football and basketball (although baseball in-game betting is catching on likewise). In-game betting is what it sounds like: it enables the sports gambler to bet ‘in-game’. Superficially, it sounds like such an easy bet—just bet on the team winning the game and hope they hold on to their lead, but as with any bet offered by the sportsbooks, the easiest bets to make are usually those that lose.
During in-game betting, the team leading will usually have an overly inflated line associated with them—hence, adding value to the underdog. If one likes the other side (the team losing), then placing a bet on such a team will provide value to the sports bettor. For example, if team A is the favorite and is currently trailing in a game that has the in-game betting option available, then one should bet on them straight up to win the game if one truly believes that such a team ‘should’ win the game. In this example, let us presume football team A is a touchdown favorite. Favorites of this size are usually a –300 on the moneyline—meaning, that if one really believes that such a team will win, one needs to lay $300 to win $100. In our example, though, if such a team is trailing in the game, and the current in-game betting odds makes the underdog the current favorite, then one automatically gets value on the team that is trailing. Let us presume that team A is currently down by a touchdown late in a game; sportsbooks in this situation will usually peg such a team an underdog of +175 or so ($100 to win $175). Savvy gamblers who believe in team A will bet such an in-game line and automatically receive value on team A’s chances of winning. One has to be wary though. Below are some helpful hints for the sports gambler, if and when one decides to play such a betting type.
1. Make sure that the team one is betting on is ‘focused’ (not committing too many turnovers, able to score, etc.)
2. Look for inflated lines (usually be wary of the inflation—for example, if a football team is –3 for a game and is currently winning by 35 points, then one should not play such a team; instead, consider their opponent).
3. Always look for value plays; similar to the above given example. If a favorite is trailing in a game, and if one believes that such a team should and will come back, then betting on such a team as an underdog in the in-game betting will automatically give the gambler ‘value’ in his/her bet. If an over / under is set at 49 points, and the current odds in the in-game is 35 points for the whole game (set during the second quarter), then one gets value in betting the over 35 points—but remember, make sure one is confident that the game will go over the original posted total.
In closing, in-game betting can be profitable—if used correctly and smartly.