Pre-match vs Live Betting
Pre-match and Live Betting are easy to mix up. Here are both definitions from the HighRisk Media glossary side by side.
Comparison table
| Term | Pre-match | Live Betting |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | — | — |
| In short | Pre-match (pre-match betting) means wagers on a sporting event placed before it starts, as opposed to live bets, which are accepted during the match. | Live betting means placing bets on an event after it has started, with odds updating in real time as the match unfolds. |
| Verticals | Betting | Betting |
What is Pre-match?
Pre-match betting is a type of wager that a bookmaker accepts before a match or competition begins. The line (odds, markets, handicaps, totals) is published in advance, usually several days or weeks ahead, and is adjusted as bets come in and as news about lineups and injuries emerges.
What is Live Betting?
Live betting (also called in-play betting) means placing bets on a sporting event that is already in progress. Unlike prematch betting, where the line is fixed before kickoff, live odds are recalculated as the game develops: after goals, cards, changes in tempo, and other events on the field.