Understanding betting
Live betting at the betting shop: in-play, live odds and the bet stop
With a live bet, you bet while the match is in progress. At the betting shop, only two live markets are allowed: the final result and the next goal. Live odds change in real time, often within seconds. Other live markets are only available online.
At the betting shop, you can only bet live on the final result and the next goal, and only in low-scoring sports such as football, hockey, ice hockey and volleyball. Other live bets, such as the next corner or card, are only available online. This limit applies nationwide under Section 21(4) of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling. Live odds change by the second depending on the score. At the terminal, you choose the permitted live market, enter your stake and receive a printed betting slip.
Step by step
- Pick a match in progressAt the terminal, open the live area and select a match in progress.
- Check the live oddsCheck the available markets and current odds. Odds can change quickly.
- Place the bet at the terminalChoose your bet, enter your stake and confirm. Keep the printed betting slip.
- Wait out the matchWait for the result of the chosen market. If you win, present the slip for the payout.
What is a live bet and how is it different from a pre-match bet?
With a live bet, you bet while the match is in progress. With a pre-match bet, before kick-off. The pre-match odds are fixed when the bet is accepted and don't change after that. With a live bet, the action on the pitch moves the live odds in real time.
For example: before the match, team A is 2.20 for the home win. If team A leads 1-0 after 30 minutes, the live odds may drop to 1.40, because a home win now looks more likely. If it's still 0-0 after 70 minutes, the odds on the underdog may have risen to 4.50 in the meantime.
Another difference is the bookmaker's margin. On in-play bets, the margin is often a little higher than before the match, because the provider has less time to set the odds and builds in a bigger safety buffer. Live odds are therefore usually a little lower than comparable pre-match odds.
Our own guide explains how to use the self-service terminal.
Which live bets are allowed at the betting shop?
At the betting shop, you can only bet live on the final result and the next goal. Other live bets, such as the next corner or card, are only available online. This limit applies nationwide under Section 21(4) of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling and applies equally to every betting agency. The bet on the next goal is only allowed in low-scoring sports, namely football, hockey, ice hockey and volleyball.
The table shows which live markets you can play at the terminal and which are online only.
| Market | Description | At the betting shop |
|---|---|---|
| Final result | Win, draw or defeat | Permitted |
| Next goal | Which team scores next (low-scoring sports only) | Permitted |
| Half-time result (live) | Score at half-time during the match in progress | Online only |
| Over/under goals (rest of the match) | More or fewer than N goals in the remaining time | Online only |
| Double Chance (live) | Cover two of three outcomes | Online only |
| Next corner | Who wins the next corner | Online only |
| Next card | Which team gets the next card | Online only |
Our overview shows you which bet types are generally offered at the betting shop.
Why do live odds change so quickly?
Live odds reflect the current score, which is why every goal, every red card and every injury to a key player shifts the odds within seconds. The provider adjusts the odds continuously to manage its risk.
In practice, this means a set of odds you see can change before your bet is confirmed. Many providers settle the live bet at the odds that apply when you place it. Either way, check the printed betting slip to see which odds were accepted.
The bookmaker's margin applies to live bets too and is often a little higher than for pre-match. No system guarantees lasting winnings from live betting. At Tipico, the 5 percent betting tax is not included in the odds but calculated separately.
What is a bet stop and how long does it last?
A bet stop is a brief suspension of bet acceptance that the provider triggers when the action on the pitch changes too fast to recalculate the live odds. Bet stops are part of live betting.
Typical triggers for a bet stop are:
- Goal: The score changes, so all the odds have to be recalculated.
- Penalty: As soon as a penalty is awarded, bets are blocked until it is taken.
- Video assistant referee decision (VAR): No bets are possible during the review.
- Injury stoppage or longer break in play: The unclear situation calls for fresh calculations.
- Red card: The balance of the match changes fundamentally.
A bet stop usually lasts anything from a few seconds to a few minutes. Bets confirmed beforehand stay valid and are settled normally. Bets you try to place during a bet stop are rejected or held back.
With a bet stop, the provider makes sure the live odds match the current score. It is not a technical fault.
How do I place a live bet at the terminal?
You open the live area at the terminal, choose the match in progress and the market, enter your stake and confirm the bet. It works much like a normal pre-match bet. You get a printed slip as proof. You can also place accumulators live, as long as the provider supports it.
Note: live odds can change while you enter your bet, or the provider may trigger a bet stop. Check the odds shown before you confirm. Our guide filling in and placing a betting slip shows how the slip works in general. Use our location search to find a betting shop near you.
The minimum age for taking part in sports betting is 18.
More from the Knowledge section
Sources and further information: Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021, Section 21(4)
Frequently asked questions
Which live bets are permitted at the betting shop?
In the betting shop you can only bet live on the final result and the next goal. Other live bets, such as the next corner or card, are available online only. This limit applies nationwide under Section 21(4) of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling. You can only bet on the next goal in low-scoring sports such as football, hockey, ice hockey and volleyball.
What does in-play mean in live betting?
In-play is another term for live betting. It means you bet while the match is under way, not before it kicks off. The live odds change from second to second depending on the score and how the match is going.
Are live odds worse than pre-match odds?
Live odds are often a little lower than pre-match odds, because the provider has less time to do the maths on an in-play bet and builds in a higher margin. A direct comparison always depends on the specific match and market.
What is a bet stop?
During a bet stop, the provider briefly suspends bet acceptance to recalculate the live odds. This happens after events such as goals, penalties or red cards. Existing bets stay valid, but for a short while you cannot place new ones. A bet stop usually lasts only a few seconds to a few minutes.
How quickly is a live bet accepted at the terminal?
As a rule, a live bet is confirmed or rejected within seconds. If the live odds change while you are placing your bet, you may be offered updated odds. Always check the printed slip for the odds that apply.
Are live bets possible at the betting shop without a customer card?
Whether you can bet live without a customer card depends on the provider. Some betting shops let you place live bets at the terminal without registering, while others require you to sign in. Ask the staff in the shop or read more about the Tipico customer card.
