$/€ Pre-Match Betting: What it is & How it Works
Lina Almans
25 May 2023
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If you’ve ever dabbled in sports betting, you’ve probably noticed that you can place your bets either before a match or during the game. The former is called pre-match betting.
What is Pre-Match Betting?
Pre-match is basically a list of upcoming betting events. If the event has already started and is happening right now, it’s no longer considered a ‘pre-match’ and is called ‘live’ betting.
At bet365, pre-match bets are listed under the ‘Sports‘ section.
Pros and Cons of Pre-Match Betting
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bookies usually charge lower commission on pre-match bets | Harder to find value bets |
| More time to gather statistics | Uncertainty about team compositions and weather conditions |
| Easy to place parlays | Limited information (e.g. team lineups) |
| Higher betting limits | Betting without seeing the actual game, just relying on numbers and stats. |
| Wider range of betting options | As the match start draws closer, bookies may lower the odds, making them less appealing |
| Better for arbers as pre-match odds can reveal value bets in the line |
Pre-Match vs. Live Betting: The Difference
Bookies offer live betting as an alternative to pre-match betting, which means you can bet on a match that has already started. The game is already underway, and odds can fluctuate rapidly, in favor or against you. Did the favorite just score? Then the odds of their win will decrease sharply. Missed a goal? The bookie will give better odds for the underdog, lowering the odds for a draw or the favorite.
The good news is that both pre-match and live betting offer all types of bets. You can make single, parlay, or system bets either before or after the start of the game.
NOTE: For most bookies, pre-match bets are found in the ‘Sports’ or ‘Sportsbook’ section, while live bets are in the ‘Live’ or ‘In-Play’ section.
Why Do the Odds Change in Pre-Match Betting?
Even though the dynamics of pre-match betting are lower than in live betting, the odds can still move up or down before the event starts. Most often, it’s due to a line movement, when the majority of bettors agree that a particular team will win, causing the odds for the favorite to decrease. Additionally, pre-match betting odds can also change due to sudden injuries to key players before the event.
FAQ
What is pre-match betting and how does it work?
Pre-match betting refers to making wagers on an event before it starts. This type of betting allows you to study the statistics, form, and other factors before deciding on a wager.
What should I keep in mind when analyzing pre-match events?
If you want to make the most informed bet possible, you’ll want to stay up-to-date on all the news related to the sport or event you’re betting on. That means checking for things like injuries, disqualifications, previous matchups, who’s refereeing, and more.
Is pre-match betting better than live betting?
It depends on your personal preference and style of betting. Pre-match betting offers more stable odds, while live betting provides more options and flexibility.
