online sports betting news

We keep hearing that betting during a football game is the thing of the future. While many of us tend to do our wagering before a match kicks off, an increasing number of punters instead like to wait until the action is under way before placing our bets. This could be because people want to experience the rush of In-Play betting or perhaps because they feel that watching the initial stages of a game will give them an informed opinion as to what’s going to happen. Either way, we ventured to bet365 on Sunday afternoon to see what the fuss was about.

bet365 are one of the best when it comes to live betting and it was no surprise to find around 30 In-Play markets on the Stoke v Portsmouth match as it approached half-time. Stoke started the match at 2.20, although a goalless first half at the Britannia Stadium saw their odds lengthen to 2.75. The draw began at odds of 3.40, although became favourite towards the end of the first half and was trading at 2.30. It had been a half of relatively few chances, although Kevin Prince Boateng had a penalty opportunity which was missed. Therefore, Pompey were on the drift to 3.60 to take the three points.

The In-Play console at bet365 presents information in a crisp clean fashion. There’s a nice graphic that features above the various City v Pompey markets, with a football pitch and the scoreline imposed over it. There’s a live videprinter which details the notable incidents that take place throughout the match. Goals are recorded, along with the player and time, while yellow cards, red cards, corners and substitutions are also mentioned.

All of this information is useful when it comes to placing your live bets and I go for Stoke to win at 2.75, with correct score bets of 1-0 at 4.00 and 10.00 that they land the game 2-0. There are also a stack of other betting opportunities, such as Player / Team to Score Next Goal, Race to 7 Corners, Total Goals and Method of Next Goal (will it be a shot, a header, a free-kick etc).

With twenty minutes left, I’m starting to get a little nervous. bet365 have moved the odds considerably since half-time, with the draw now available at 1.50. It’s a short price, although both teams are continuing to keep things tight and the crowd are baying for the introduction of Tuncay. Stoke are 4.33 to win the game, with bet365 offering them at 5.00 to score the next goal. Ricardo Fuller might have been around 7.00 to score first before the game started, although the Jamaican is 15.00 when he turns smartly and smashes the ball into the net for the opening goal.

At this stage, I realise that bet365 have audio coverage for the game and switch this on to see if I can get any more insight into what might happen. After the goal, nearly all the markets are suspended although quickly relaunched with a completely new set of odds. The corner count stands at four apiece and Portsmouth are 2.30 to have the most before the game is out. The draw is now available at 9.00 with the visitors 81.00 to turn the game round and win. However, Stoke hold on and I win my bets. The In-Play console brings up the Malaga v Real Zaragoza odds for the match about to start – this live betting craze could catch on you know!