⚠️ 18+ Only: Sports betting involves financial risk.
This guide explains how live betting works—it does not predict outcomes.
Learn about responsible gambling.
What Is Live Betting?
Live betting, also called in-play betting, allows you to place wagers on sporting events that have already started. Unlike pre-match betting where odds are fixed at kickoff, live betting odds continuously update based on what's happening in the game.
On BK8's sportsbook, live betting is available for football, basketball, tennis, badminton, e-sports, and many other sports. You can bet on the final result, next goal scorer, current set winner, or dozens of other markets—all while watching the action unfold.
How Live Betting Works
- Match starts: Pre-match odds close, live betting opens
- Odds update: Every few seconds based on game state
- Place bet: Select market, enter stake, confirm
- Confirmation delay: Brief delay while bet is accepted (odds may change)
- Settlement: Bet settles when market outcome is determined
Important: Live betting odds are not fixed until your bet is confirmed.
If odds change significantly between clicking "Place Bet" and confirmation, your bet
may be rejected or offered at new odds.
Understanding Odds Movement
Live odds react to game events in real-time:
Events That Change Odds
- Goals/Points scored: Dramatic shift toward scoring team
- Red cards/Ejections: Advantage for team with more players
- Injuries: If key player leaves the field
- Momentum shifts: Pressure, possession, shot attempts
- Time remaining: Odds narrow as match progresses
Example: Football Match
Pre-match: Team A (2.00) vs Team B (3.50)
- 15 mins, 0-0: Team A odds may drop to 1.90 if dominating
- 30 mins, Team B scores: Team A odds jump to 3.50+, Team B drops to 1.60
- 60 mins, Team A equalizes: Odds adjust again based on momentum
Bet Suspensions
During significant moments, live betting is temporarily suspended:
- Goals: Betting pauses during goal celebration/confirmation
- Penalties: Suspended until penalty is taken
- VAR reviews: Markets locked during review
- Red cards: Brief suspension while odds recalculate
- Injuries: May cause suspension if match stopped
During suspensions, you cannot place bets. Betting reopens once the situation is resolved and odds have been recalculated.
Popular Live Betting Markets
| Market | Description | Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | Who wins the match | At full time |
| Next Goal | Which team scores next | When goal is scored |
| Over/Under | Total goals/points in match | At full time |
| Current Set | Winner of ongoing set (tennis) | At set end |
| Next Point | Winner of next point | When point ends |
| Half/Quarter | Winner of current period | At period end |
Live vs Pre-Match Betting
| Aspect | Pre-Match | Live Betting |
|---|---|---|
| Odds | Fixed at bet placement | Constantly changing |
| Information | Based on pre-game analysis | Includes in-game events |
| Pace | Deliberate, time to research | Fast, decisions in seconds |
| Markets | Full range of markets | Reduced selection |
| Margins | Often tighter | Often higher (faster updating) |
Responsible Live Betting
Live betting's fast pace creates unique risks:
- Impulsive betting: Quick decisions without analysis
- Chasing losses: Trying to recover during the same match
- Over-betting: Placing many small bets that add up
- Emotional betting: Reacting to exciting moments
To bet responsibly during live events:
- Set a session budget before the match starts
- Limit yourself to a maximum number of bets per match
- Avoid betting immediately after goals or dramatic events
- Step away if you're feeling frustrated or excited
For help: Befrienders Malaysia: 03-7627 2929 (24/7)