In the world of sports betting, there are various types of betting: Pre-Live Betting, Live Betting, and Trading. Each type requires different levels of skill, dedication, and time. No single type is inherently better than the others; it all depends on the bettor’s preferences, such as how much time you wish to dedicate each day, the size of your bankroll, and your level of experience.
Pre-Live Betting
Pre-Live Betting is the most common type of betting among sports bettors and typically the starting point for many. It’s easy to place a bet, and the odds don’t vary that much compared to live betting.
Pre-Live Betting allows you as a bettor to have plenty of time to analyze stats and place your bet well in advance of an event. Since you place your bet hours before the event starts, you are now exposed to any in-game developments that could negatively impact your bet.
Advantages
- It’s better for a beginner bettor who can quickly analyze stats, place the bet, and then move on with their day
- Because the odds don’t drastically change, the bettor has plenty time to calmly analyze all the necessary stats before placing a bet
Disadvantages
- It may yield lower returns or profits compared to Live Betting or Trading
- If bad news or a similar event occurs just minutes before the event you’ve bet on, it can negatively impact your bet.
- During the game, you are susceptible to whatever happens and have no control over it.
Live Betting
A passionate bettor and sports fan might prefer live betting, especially if they were planning to watch the game anyway. Observing the game and making quick decisions adds a thrill that pre-live betting simply doesn’t offer. However, be aware that most successful bettors also perform a pre-game analyses to know that to look for during the game. Try not to get overly excited about live betting, since it can lead to mistakes if not handled carefully.
Advantages
- It is ideal for intermediate bettors and offers a higher return than pre-live betting
- Live action means you make decisions as the game unfolds, making it easier to spot a good value bet compared to pre-live betting
Disadvantages
- Since it is live, you have a very limited time to place your value bet before the odds adjust to their real value
- It requires that you pay close attention during the game; if you blink, you might miss an opportunity
Trading
Betting trading is suited for advanced-level sports bettors. It demands a considerable market knowledge, a notable experience level, and, most importantly, nerves of steel. Betting trading is all about buying low and selling high for a profit. However, consistently securing a profit is much harder than ir appears. It requires an immense amount of data and meticulous spreadsheet management to make informed decisions.
Advantages
- You can secure better profits or returns compared to those from pre-live betting or live betting
- You are not playing against a bookie or a sportsbook; you are playing against other bettors just like you
Disadvantages
- Can be very time-consuming
- You don’t have much time to enter a trade because you are competing against other human players. It’s a real race to see who can join the trade first before it’s too late
- It might have high transactions costs due to frequently opening and closing positions
Conclusion
In sum, there is no one-size-fits-all betting strategy. You must consider your own situation and determine which approach best suits you and allows you to consistently profit from sports betting.
Check the table below for a detailed comparison of each betting strategy:
| Pre-Live Betting | Live Betting | Trading | |
| Advantages | 1. Analyze stats, place the bet, and then move on with their day 2. Plenty time to calmly analyze all the necessary stats before placing a bet 3. Less time-consuming | 1. Can offer a higher return than Pre-Live Betting 2. You can make betting decisions based on the actual performance of a certain team or player | 1. You can secure better profits or returns compared to those from pre-live betting or live betting 2. You are playing against other bettors just like you |
| Disadvantages | 1. It may yield lower returns or profits compared to Live Betting or Trading 2. Bad news or a similar event occurs just minutes before the event you’ve bet on, it can negatively impact your bet. 3. During the game, you are susceptible to whatever happens and have no control over it. | 1. You have limited time to place your value bet before the odds adjust to their real value 2. Must pay close attention during the game; if you blink, you might miss an opportunity | 1. Can be very time-consuming 2. You don’t have much time to enter a trade 3. It might have high transactions costs due to frequently opening and closing positions |
| Beginner Bettors | Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Bettors | Advanced Bettors |
Personally, I recommend that you to review it carefully and choose the types of betting and strategy that best aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.