How Close to a Game Starting Can You Place a Bet?

It's becoming more and more popular to wait right up until the last moment to place a wager, but just how close to a game starting can you still place a bet? Depending on the bookmaker, you can place a bet right up until the second the game starts.
And fortunately, if you happen to wait just a minute too long, you won't miss the action altogether thanks to in-play betting odds going live as soon as the pre-game odds are taken down.
But the timing of a bet can be everything.
Odds change based on the most up-to-date information, so waiting until the last second to place a bet could provide value but there are certainly times placing a bet well in advance secures the most advantageous odds.
The following breaks down the importance of timing your bet because understanding WHEN to make a bet can be just as important as WHAT your wagering on.
When do in-running betting odds start?
In-play betting odds, also known as in-running or live odds, start the moment the event begins. While not available at all bookmakers, online gambling hubs have the in-play option for multiple sports, including football, basketball, tennis and golf.
Live betting appeals to a wide variety of bettors because of the sheer amount of sports covered and the bets available within those markets, and is only gaining in popularity as live streaming becomes a staple at most bookmakers.
During an NFL game, you’ll be able to bet on who’ll score next, if a team will get a first down or punt, who might get the next penalty or who will catch the next pass.
The amount of choice is both exhilarating and intimidating – the global market means there is nearly always something to bet on live.
Advice for new bettors trying live odds:
Novice gamblers may find themselves lost in a constant stream of bets, so it’s a good strategy to set limits on what you will bet on, selecting specific categories or types of live bets.
In certain sports where there are many stoppages and changes, such as golf or the NFL and college football, the live odds will be frozen until that specific part of the game is finished.
The live odds will then re-appear, having already been recalculated to take the previous play into account. This is unique to these sports, though, as other more-paced games' odds never halt.
Are pre-game odds always different from in-running odds?
Not always, but for the most part live odds typically differ from the pre-match odds.
The difference between the two styles of betting comes down to the odds. By the time play has started on a specific games, bookmakers have a much stronger sense of what is going to happen and will adjust the odds accordingly during the game.
Likewise, bettors are able to assess the state of a match and make a decision about whether a live bet is worthwhile.
So while the odds may be similar up until the start of the game, once it has kicked off, in-running odds will be constantly updated to manage expectations and keep bettors interested.
Another advantage of in-play betting is that punters can often choose to cash in early if the bet meets the criteria. For example, if you’re betting that one team will beat another and your team goes a touchdown up, you can sell or trade that bet for a smaller amount.
Most major online bookmakers offer in-running odds so missing the start of a game isn't the end of the world, but ensuring you place a pre-game punt before the in-play odds are released can equate to hefty returns and more generous odds.
Check Out: Hard Rock Sportsbook For Free Bets and Welcome Bonus.
How far out from an event can you place a bet?
You can begin betting as soon as the top bookies release the line, or even before that if you seek a special bet. The better question may be: When can you start betting on an event? It all depends on the type of bet you’re looking to place.
For a typical bet, where the wager is on the outcome of a single game or match, you may wish to wait until all useful information about the teams has been made public.
Of course, you can place a bet well in advance of this and hope that with a bit of blind luck, your foresight is fortuitous.
Bets that relate to the end position of a league or championship – for example, if an NBA team will win its division, conference of title – can be placed long before the end result is known.
Fans often bet on the outcome of the next NBA champion in the fall, even though the result will not be known until the following June.
This usually takes place at the start of the season; the bet is based on the previous season’s statistics and summer signings, before any games have even been played.
What’s the point of betting so far in advance?
Of course, bettors may just wish to back their favorite team or player regardless of the detail that later comes to light.
But, as the bookmaker has little information to judge the state of play earlier on, bettors find themselves with the prospect of much higher odds and a larger return if a bet proves fruitful.
Information that comes out a week in advance of the game may be proven wrong or out of date by the time the event begins, so strategic bettors may wish to hold off until the very last minute, or wait for the in-game betting to begin.
Ensuring you're betting with all the most up-to-date info can be crucial to pre-match betting.
Recommended Betting Sites
- Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.Only US Sportsbook with NFL StreamingCaesars Rewards Redeemable at Ceasars LocationsImproved Odds for NY Mets & Chicago White SoxGAMBLING1000Promo Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
14Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesFirst Bet OfferYesBacked by Caesars Entertainment, the sportsbook provides real-life loyalty rewards for bettors bringing the Las Vegas feel to you. Between Live Streaming, Generous Welcome Offer, & Daily Boosted Parlays, you'll find yourself very busy on the Caesars Sportsbook App. - Must be a new verified Betway patron. 21+. Opt-in may be req’d. Make your first min. deposit of $10+, place a wager up to $250 (with odds of at least –300) and receive up to $250 as bonus bet funds if the wager loses. Wager must be settled within 7 days from new account opening. Qualifying wager restrictions apply. Any bonus bet funds earned must be used within 7 days of receipt. Bonus bet funds are not the same as cash, must be used in the Sportsbook, and are subject to restrictions. Promo subject to full T&C’s us.betway.com/sport/bonus-terms. Gambling problem? Call/text 1-800-GAMBLER.eSports Operator of the Year 2021Official NHL PartnerParlay Booster & Overtime Insurancenot requiredPromo Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
12Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesFirst Bet OfferYesBetway is a world-renowned brand featuring easy-to-use platform with competitive odds. Those seeking NHL specific promos will find them with Betway. - Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Must be 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in KS, MS, NV or NY.Brand Ambassadors such as Jamie FoxxMGM Rewards Redeemable at MGM ResortsOfficial Partner of NY Knicks, Rangers & DevilsGAMBLINGCOMPromo Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
11Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesFirst Bet OfferYesBetMGM is one of the biggest sportsbooks in the US. Brand offers a broad variety of sports betting markets. It's M rewards program is uniquely rewarding. - 4Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Must be 21+ to participate. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC. Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, IN, NJ, OH, TN or VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. In IN, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT. In AZ call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH, TN, VA)Hard Rock Rewards Redeemable in Cafes & CasinosMobile App Uses Accertify for SecuritySupports Payments with Nuveinot requiredPromo Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
10Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesFirst Bet OfferYesHard Rock Sportsbook partners with American Express Accertify to protect its mobile users from fraud. The world renowned brand features a comprehensive selection of sports. - Must be 21+ and in a legal betting state to participate. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLEROfficial Live Streaming of MLB GamesFree-To-Play Prize Pool GamesOfficial Partner of the NBA, Including NBABet Streamnot requiredPromo Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
19Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesFirst Bet OfferNoDraftKings is one of the biggest US sportsbook brands. Also provides Daily Fantasy Sports, an online casino, and NFT marketplace. - Must be 21+ to participate. T&C apply.Bet on Same Game Parlays to Receive Free BetsBacked by Rush Street Gaming, Founded in the 90s20% MLB Profit Every TuesdayGAMBLINGPromo Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
9Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesFirst Bet OfferYesBetRivers provides a wide range of free bet promotions for major league sports. Also offers the iRush Rewards program. - Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.'Operator of the Year' 2021MLB Same Game Parlay $20 RefundsOfficial Partner of the NFL, NBA, NHL, & MLBnot requiredPromo Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
18Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesFirst Bet OfferYesFanDuel is one of the biggest sportsbook operators in the US. Backed by Flutter Entertainment, one of the biggest gambling operators globally.
Be first to get our exclusive sports offers!
Join today to stay up to date on your states gambling news and offers.