The Best Live Betting Sites & In-play Bookmakers In The UK For 2025
It’s evident that the betting landscape has evolved drastically over recent years. One of the most significant shifts has been the rise of live betting options provided by bookmakers. Today, the leading names in the sportsbook world have dedicated live sections as they increasingly adopt in-play betting.
With the growing popularity of in-play betting, it has become a crucial factor for bettors when choosing a new bookmaker to register with. Whether you’re new to betting or a seasoned punter, it’s important to stay informed about which bookies provide the best live betting experiences. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the top in-play betting bookies in the UK, highlighting their pros and cons, along with our expert insights on what each has to offer.
The UK’s Leading Live Betting Sites and In-Play Bookmakers
Here is our curated list of top bookmakers that excel in offering in-play betting, live events, extensive live markets, robust in-play sections, and enticing free bet stakes.
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A Closer Look At The Best Live Betting Sites We Have Listed
GoldenBet
GoldenBet is a relatively new operator, licensed by Curacao in 2022. GoldenBet offers one of the most extensive in-play betting sections, featuring a wide range of markets. The main menu provides easy access to GoldenBet’s in-play betting options, allowing customers to place real-time bets seamlessly, with over a hundred betting options available during live events.
The live betting section keeps you updated with real-time information and competitive GoldenBet odds, enhancing your chances of making successful bets. With more than 100 in-play betting options, you can effortlessly place bets as the action unfolds.
GoldenBet also provides one of the top live streaming services, offering high-quality visual broadcasts and a user-friendly, immersive interface. Popular events like the NBA, Champions League, Grand Slam tennis, and football competitions can be streamed live, adding to the excitement.
MyStake
MyStake is one of the latest bookmakers available in the UK, offering a comprehensive betting experience with a broad selection of sports and events to wager on. MyStake also provides a mobile app for iOS and Android, allowing players to place bets and track their progress on the go. Additionally, customers can enjoy a wide array of exciting sports odds.
MyStake covers around ten major sports for betting, including ice hockey, cricket, basketball, baseball, tennis, volleyball, table tennis, and bowling. With enticing offers like the new customer sign-up bonus, UK players are encouraged to explore various markets.
Live streaming is available for popular events like the NBA, Champions League, and Grand Slam tennis, as well as basketball and football tournaments. In basketball and tennis, players can choose from over 50 options, including next quarter/set and alternate handicaps.
FreshBet
Established in 2021 and licensed in Curacao, FreshBet is a newer global sportsbook. In addition to live betting and pre-match events, FreshBet offers a wide range of other sports betting options. The platform features over 82,000 pre-match events and more than 96,000 live events.
Customers can also choose from over 4,000 betting markets in FreshBet’s live sports section.
FreshBet users can enjoy live game action in real-time. The live streaming service covers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, tennis, and horse racing.
The live streaming feature at FreshBet is designed for ease of use, with a straightforward layout that allows for betting even after the event has begun.
For bettors, this adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement.
GGBet
Covering over 25 sports categories, GGBet offers a diverse range of betting options, from popular sports like football, basketball, tennis, and boxing to less common ones like futsal, floorball, and volleyball. You can bet on global tournaments, including all major leagues, with hundreds of markets available for events like the English Premier League and international competitions. Even niche sports like cricket, bandy, and Aussie rules football have extensive market coverage.
Experienced bettors will appreciate GGBet’s live event viewing capabilities and its well-organized, user-friendly interface. Some events are available for live streaming directly on the GGBet platform, allowing you to watch matches and place in-play bets simultaneously. The integrated streaming simplifies following the action, though not all events are streamed. GGBet focuses on providing live streams for the most significant events.
GGBet’s mobile-optimized sportsbook and casino offerings allow you to place bets conveniently while on the move. Even without a downloadable app, the mobile site delivers a smooth user experience thanks to its responsive design that adjusts to your device’s screen size.
BetNow
Despite being a relatively new entry in the market, BetNow provides a wide variety of sports and events for live betting. BetNow allows users to place wagers as events unfold, offering real-time excitement.
The live betting feature on BetNow lets you place wagers during the action. However, note that in-play betting lines are capped at £500. Even with this cap, BetNow offers an extensive selection of live betting markets across multiple sports, including baseball, tennis, basketball, and football.
You’ll also receive up-to-date statistics and data, helping you refine your betting strategies as the event progresses.
BetSwagger
Live betting at BetSwagger offers an impressive array of options. Bettors can explore various ongoing sports, including esports, table tennis, volleyball, ice hockey, tennis, basketball, and football.
The range of betting coverage is extensive, with more than 200 markets available for top-tier games, spanning across different leagues.
At Cbet, users can watch some of the most exciting sports events live. This allows for better decision-making when choosing markets that suit the ongoing action.
At Rolletto, players have access to a wide range of sports beyond just football. The platform offers various betting opportunities for basketball, tennis, handball, ice hockey, volleyball, and more.
MrSloty offers a variety of live betting options for ongoing events. You can easily place real-time wagers through a straightforward live betting process, and the multiview feature allows you to monitor multiple bet slips simultaneously.
How We Rate In-Play Betting Apps
Mobile app design and navigation
We prioritize live betting apps that are user-friendly and easy to navigate. Most betting apps now offer the latest deals and bonuses, regardless of the user’s previous preferences for certain sports or teams. Bookmakers might miss opportunities when offers and bonuses don’t consider a user’s betting history. It makes sense for a platform to simplify placing bets on teams or sports that a user frequently wagers on.
Rewards and promotions offered
Every in-play betting site we recommend offers welcome bonuses for new users. These bookmakers also provide a variety of loyalty programs, ongoing promotions, and exclusive incentives through their mobile apps to reward their most loyal customers. We believe that all customers should feel valued, which is why we only include bookmakers that meet our standards on our list.
Multiple payment options
Having a variety of payment methods is essential for UK users. The sites we recommend allow bettors to make deposits and withdrawals using methods like PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, cryptocurrency, and more.
How We Evaluate the Best Live Betting Websites
Extensive live event offerings
The variety of live events and betting markets is the most critical factor we consider. The top betting sites are often those that provide a broad selection of events, including minor leagues, tournaments, and competitions. A reputable in-play betting site will also offer diverse betting formats, allowing you to find value in situations where traditional market pricing may not be as competitive.
Live odds
The competitiveness of live odds is another key aspect that can indicate the quality of a bookmaker. Evaluating value in in-play betting can be tricky, but we have assessed numerous betting sites based on how their odds fluctuate. It’s always important to compare odds across bookmakers, regardless of the sport you’re betting on, to ensure you get the best value.
Statistics
Almost all online bookmakers provide live betting statistics during in-play events. For example, football enthusiasts can view stats like possession percentages, corners, free kicks, and more. The best betting sites also offer pre-match statistics, helping users make informed decisions. Live streaming services are crucial, allowing you to watch events in real-time and gain a deeper understanding of the game’s flow.
Key Features of UK Bookmakers
✅ Key Aspects of In-Play Betting
Top bookmakers often compete to provide the best features for their users. A crucial element we evaluate is the range of statistics a platform offers. For example, BetUK provides extensive in-game data to help bettors make informed decisions.
✅ Extensive Sports and Betting Markets
As in-play betting continues to grow in popularity, bookmakers regularly expand the range of sports they cover. While almost all bookies offer live betting on football, the best platforms also provide in-play options for a wide variety of other sports.
✅ User-Friendly Interface
In-play betting differs from traditional betting not just in functionality but also in appearance. A user-friendly interface is crucial for a smooth betting experience. All the live betting platforms we’ve highlighted offer intuitive interfaces that make placing bets straightforward and enjoyable.
✅ Special Promotions
Promotions during live events have become increasingly popular, especially during major tournaments. Many of the bookmakers on our list offer exclusive deals, such as boosted odds or free in-play bets, to enhance the live betting experience.
✅ Variety of Payment Options
Most bookmakers offer standard payment methods like PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard. Some also include cryptocurrency options and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller. A good sportsbook should provide a wide array of deposit and withdrawal methods to ensure a smooth and convenient user experience.
✅ Live Streaming Availability
For live betting, having access to live streaming is the most effective way to follow the action as it happens. If live streaming isn’t available, bookmakers often offer alternatives, such as graphical representations of the game or live chat features, to keep bettors engaged.
Understanding Live Betting
Live betting allows bettors to place wagers on sports as the action unfolds. With odds updating in real-time, it’s a fantastic way to stay engaged with the event.
Popular Types of Live Betting Wagers
Every live betting platform offers its own unique selection of bets that are available for live streaming. Here are some of the most common types of in-play bets you can place:
- Match Result: This is likely the most popular in-play betting option. Bettors place wagers on who they think will win the ongoing match.
- Bet Builder: Bet builders are gaining traction on live betting platforms. They allow bettors to create custom bets by combining multiple selections within a single game.
- Total Over/Under: With this bet, you predict whether a specific game statistic will be over or under a set number.
- Proposition Bets: Also known as prop bets, these are wagers on events within the game that do not necessarily affect the final outcome. For example, in football, you might bet on a particular player to score the first goal or receive a yellow card.
What Are The Benefits of Live Betting?
Most bookmakers offer in-play betting across a wide range of markets. Some of the key advantages of live betting include:
- Real-time event coverage: Live betting provides a more engaging experience by allowing you to place bets as the action unfolds. Some betting sites even allow you to place bets while watching the event in full-screen mode, so you stay fully immersed in the game without interruptions.
- Improved betting opportunities: By watching a live stream, you can assess the performance of teams or players in real-time, helping you make more informed bets.
- Potential for higher returns: As bookmakers adjust odds throughout the game, in-play odds can sometimes offer better value than pre-match odds. This means you could capitalize on high odds at different stages of the game.
How To Place An In-Play Bet
Placing an in-play bet is straightforward. After logging into your chosen bookmaker, navigate to the menu and select the option to deposit or make a bet. Choose the “live” or “in-play” section, where you’ll find a variety of ongoing events. Click on the live event you’re interested in to access all the available betting markets, then follow the usual steps to place your bet. Look for a small TV or camera icon to indicate if the event is being live-streamed.
Are There Any Risks To Live Betting?
While live betting can be profitable and enjoyable, it’s important to approach it with caution. Bettors who place live wagers may be tempted to double down, which can lead to increased losses. Additionally, live betting may not be ideal for those who are prone to impulsive decisions, as the fast-paced environment can result in poor choices.
We recommend that bettors carefully analyze the data before placing a wager rather than acting on a sudden price change. As with any form of gambling, maintaining discipline is key to avoiding significant losses.
Can In-Play Bets Be Cashed Out Anytime?
Yes, you can typically cash out your in-play bets if you decide they’re unlikely to win or if you’re satisfied with the current odds being offered. However, not all in-play bets will offer a cash-out option, particularly those where the outcome could become obvious quickly.
Which UK Betting Sites Offer The Best In-Play Promotions?
Many of the bookmakers we’ve featured offer excellent in-play betting promotions. FreshBet frequently provides price boosts and other promotions, making it one of the most consistent options overall. Another platform that regularly offers attractive incentives is GoldenBet, especially for American sports and football.
Which Sports Offer Live Betting?
Horse racing and dog racing are among the most challenging sports for in-play betting due to the short duration of events, making it difficult to place timely wagers. Popular choices for live betting include football, boxing, and combat sports.
Regardless of the sport, there is likely a platform offering live bets. Most sports will have in-play betting markets available, including:
- Football: The most popular sport to bet on worldwide, football betting has a drawback in that major TV networks typically hold exclusive rights to broadcast most UK and international matches, limiting live video streaming options. However, some international games may still offer live video streaming, and those that don’t will likely have live graphics to keep bettors updated along with various in-play betting markets.
- Horse Racing: Live streaming of horse races is also popular. Many platforms allow users to watch live races once they have placed a bet or have a positive account balance.
- Tennis: Tennis often has live video streams available, but when not, most platforms provide live graphics so bettors can follow the action.
- Golf: Golf is another sport frequently offered for live streaming at sportsbooks. Some platforms allow users to watch live for free, although having a positive account balance may be required.
- Boxing: Like football, TV networks usually have broadcasting rights for boxing matches, but most platforms still offer in-play betting markets for these events.
- Cricket: To watch live cricket streams on most platforms, customers often need a positive account balance or to have placed a bet within the last 24 hours.
- Greyhound Racing: Some platforms offer greyhound racing streams, but access typically requires placing a bet on the race you want to watch.
- Rugby: Live streams of Rugby Union matches are available on some platforms, though a positive account balance is often required.
Popular Payment Methods For In-Play Betting Sites
In-play betting platforms accept a wide range of payment methods. Here are the most common ones:
PayPal
PayPal allows bettors to keep their financial details private from the betting platform by using this online e-wallet. Users can deposit funds into their PayPal account to fund their bookmaker account.
Skrill
Skrill is another e-wallet similar to PayPal. It also allows bettors to hide their bank account details from betting sites.
Neteller
Similar to Skrill, Neteller acts as an intermediary between the bettor’s bank account and the betting site.
Debit Card
Debit cards are accepted by virtually all online betting platforms. However, some promotions may exclude deposits made with debit cards. Depositing funds at sportsbooks using a debit card is similar to any other online debit card transaction.
Final Thoughts
To enhance your sports betting experience, consider placing bets during live in-play action. Bookmakers are constantly finding new ways to engage customers with bonus offers and other in-play features, leading to improvements in the live betting landscape. In-play betting is a fun way to enjoy sports while placing bets, but remember to bet responsibly, as mistakes in live betting can lead to significant losses. Good luck and happy betting!
FAQ
What Is An In-Play Bet?
An in-play bet is a wager placed during a live game or event. Online betting has grown rapidly over the last two decades, and now most sportsbooks offer live pre-match betting, live odds, and a variety of betting markets. The abundance of live betting options enhances the experience for customers by giving them a wide selection to choose from.
Is There a Specific Strategy for Live Betting?
Live betting is fast-paced and may not be ideal for beginners. However, there are strategies that can help you better understand the in-play action. It’s crucial to watch the entire game or event closely, whether you’re betting on football or golf, as this may give you insights into likely outcomes. The goal of live betting is to find a small edge over the bookmaker to achieve long-term profitability. If you plan to place multiple live bets, be sure to monitor your balance closely.
Which UK Bookmaker Offers the Best Live Betting Options?
All of the popular live bookmakers featured on our site are reliable, secure, and trustworthy. Your choice of bookmaker ultimately depends on your personal preferences, but you can make an informed decision by reviewing our detailed evaluations. Our experts spend countless hours analyzing the top sports betting sites and promotional offers to keep you well-informed.
Can You Place An In-Play Bet On Any Sport?
No, not all sports have live betting options available. Typically, betting platforms offer in-play betting for the most popular sports, such as football, NFL, racing, and tennis. However, most sites provide a wide range of in-play betting markets for these popular sports.
What are the benefits of live betting sites?
The primary perks of using a live betting platform include the potential for higher odds on in-play wagers compared to pre-match bets, as well as the ability to watch a live stream of the event while placing your bets. Additionally, mobile betting on live events is becoming increasingly popular as live-streaming sites continue to evolve, allowing you to bet in-play from virtually anywhere.
What are the top live betting bonuses?
Live betting bonuses and promotions are designed to encourage bettors to place wagers during a live event or match. Free bets are commonly offered as in-play bonuses by bookmakers, credited to the player after making a qualifying pre-game bet. For example, placing a £30 qualifying bet on a specific pre-game event selected by the bookmaker might earn you a £10 in-play bet. Some bookmakers also offer risk-free wagers specifically for the in-play market as a way to reward and thank their customers.
