Betting in the run

Traditionally, we've been taught to bet before the contest begins.

Now, however, and largely due to competition among sportsbooks, we have the opportunity to bet when the contest is in progress.

Is it worth it?

The answer is not a simple one. Like most things, it depends.

Let's say we think Team A is a good chance against Team B at 4/1. It's great odds in a two-player race. Your team is evidently the underdog.

Do you put your hard-earned cash at risk immediately, or do you wait to see how things are going.

It's all in the timing. Sportsbooks work on turnover. They hold money for each team and space the odds accordingly. Quite often, your underdog team will get into a commanding position, for argument's sake, a quarter into the game.

Now you're feeling better about your chances, but the odds are still better than even money. That's because the sportsbook is holding considerably more money for the favourite.

In my opinion, this has made betting in the run a wiser bet. Others might disagree, so let's open the line for debate.