In-play · 6 steps · Updated
How to place a live bet while the match is on.
A live bet, also called an in-play bet, is a bet placed while the match is being played, at prices that move with the score. Set your limit before the match, then open live cricket and pick an in-play market. Read the price against the score, tap it, enter your stake and check the bet slip before you confirm. Prices move after almost every ball, and markets pause briefly after wickets.
- Score
- 142/4
- Overs
- 16.2
- Need
- 38 off 22
Chasing side
Bowling side
An example. Real prices change after every ball.
At a glance
Key takeaways
- Live betting means placing bets while the match is being played, with odds that update after almost every ball.
- Decide the most you'll stake on the match before it starts.
- Markets are suspended briefly after wickets, and a bet placed during a suspension won't go through.
- TV pictures often run a few seconds behind the live action, so the price may move before you see the ball.
- A confirmed live bet can't be cancelled or changed.
Step by step
How do I bet on a cricket match that's already started?
Set your limit before the first ball, then log in and open cricket, where matches being played are marked Live with the score beside the odds. Pick an in-play market such as match odds or a session, read the price against the score, enter your stake and confirm before the price moves.
- 1
Step 1 of 6
Set your limit before the first ball
Decide the most you'll stake on this match before it starts. Live markets move quickly, and it's much easier to stick to a number you chose with a clear head.
Want a hard cap? Ask the team on WhatsApp for a daily, weekly or monthly deposit limit.
- 2
Step 2 of 6
Open live cricket
Log in and open cricket. Matches being played now are marked Live and show the current score alongside the odds.
Check which innings it is and how many overs are left before you look at any price.
- 3
Step 3 of 6
Pick an in-play market
Match odds stay open through most of the game. Session markets cover the runs a team will have at the end of a set over, and fancy markets cover players and events in the match.
A session settles on the runs at the end of its stated over, so check which over the market is for.
- 4
Step 4 of 6
Read the price against the score
Compare the price with what's happening: runs needed, balls left and wickets in hand. A wicket or a big over changes the price, sometimes by a lot.
If the price seems out of line with the score, the market may have moved since your screen last updated. Wait for the next ball.
- 5
Step 5 of 6
Tap the price and enter your stake
Tapping a back or lay price adds it to your bet slip. Enter your stake and check the return, or your liability if you're laying.
Look at the odds on the slip again before you confirm. They can change between tapping and confirming.
- 6
Step 6 of 6
Confirm and watch your open bets
Confirm the bet. It's accepted once it shows in your open bets. If the market was suspended at that moment, the bet won't go through, and you can try again when it reopens.
A confirmed live bet can't be cancelled or changed, even if the next ball goes against you.
Ball by ball
How do live odds move during an over?
Live odds move after almost every ball. In a chase, a dot ball barely changes the price and a four shortens it. A wicket suspends the market while prices update, and it can reopen much longer, say from 1.80 to 2.40, once a set batter is out. The example below shows one over.
Step 1: Over 16.1
Dot ball
1.90
Little change.
Step 2: Over 16.2
Four
1.80
The chase looks easier, so the price shortens.
Step 3: Over 16.3
Wicket
Suspended
No bets are accepted while prices update.
Step 4: Over 16.3
Reopens
2.40
A set batter is out, so the price drifts.
Step 5: Over 16.4
Single
2.36
Small move as the over goes on.
Compared
How is live betting different from pre-match?
Live betting gives you seconds between balls to decide instead of hours or days, and prices move after almost every ball rather than occasionally. Markets pause often, after wickets and boundaries. A pre-match bet placed after the start is void, while live bets are accepted whenever the market is open. Neither can be cancelled once confirmed.
| Topic | Pre-match | Live |
|---|---|---|
| Time to decide | Hours or days | Seconds between balls |
| How often prices move | Occasionally, with team news | After almost every ball |
| Market pauses | Rare | Common, after wickets and boundaries |
| Late bets | Void if placed after the start | Accepted while the market is open |
| Cancelling | Not possible once confirmed | Not possible once confirmed |
Staying in control
Is live betting riskier?
It can be. Decisions take seconds instead of hours, and there's always another ball to bet on. Set one budget per match before the toss and stop when it's gone, keep an eye on the time, don't raise your stake to win back a loss, and ask the team for self-exclusion if you need a break.
One budget per match
Pick it before the toss. When it's gone, you're done for that match.
Keep an eye on the time
Session alerts tell you how long you've been active, so one quick bet doesn't become the whole evening.
Don't chase
Raising your stake to win back a lost bet is the fastest way to lose more. Wait for the next match.
Take a break if you need one
The team can set up self-exclusion, for a set period or for good, whenever you ask.
Keep reading
Related guides
Answers
Live betting: your questions
Short answers on in-play betting, moving odds, suspended markets, risk and cancelling. Search, or tap a question to open it.
6 questions
In-play, or live, betting means placing bets while the match is being played. The odds update as the game goes on, and markets such as match odds, sessions and fancy stay open between balls.
Questions mid-match?
The team is on WhatsApp at any hour.
18+ only. Betting carries financial risk.