How Has VAR Affected Betting In-Play?

Over the past few years, in-play betting has really taken off, with a lot of punters combining this with their regular betting to offer them two options on each game. More recently, VAR has been introduced into the game, and we have now see it used in all major football leagues and tournaments around the world.

But what has VAR done for betting, and in particular, in-play betting?

The affects of VAR on Live Betting

Perhaps the biggest affect that VAR has had on betting in play is the delays that it causes. We have all seen this in football, from the goal being scored to a review being looked at, a decision made and finally the referee explaining that decision.

This all causes a break in the game, where momentum changes, and for this reason, it also causes a break in betting.

When betting is back, and the game resumes, this is where you need to think about your bets and what may happen next. VAR can be a real momentum killer, or a boost for teams who felt they were down but have been given a reprieve because the goal was not given.

Football games are now being decided by decisions that VAR make. In terms of the overall outcome, this is fair, because we are getting the right results, but in terms of the rest of the game, it is having a big impact, and that is something you should think about while betting.

Using VAR to Your Advantage When Betting In-Play

Bookmakers are far more switched on when it comes to VAR and their betting markets now, so getting an advantage is not easy. For example, now we will see bookies suspending markets when a VAR incident may happen, in the past, they waited until the official VAR announcement.

There are still ways to use this to your advantage though, while you are betting. As mentioned earlier, look at momentum, and try to back teams when you feel they are on the verge of a big few minutes, because something has gone their way.

When a decision goes against a team, their heads may drop, a decision to save a team could be a lifeline and a real boost to morale. Timing your bets around these will also give you the best chance of getting the best odds, rather than waiting for your team to get on top and seeing that their odds have shortened.