Modern sports projects – from betting platforms to analytical services – are impossible to imagine without access to real-time data. This is where sports APIs come to the rescue, solving the main task: providing information about matches, odds, and results quickly and conveniently.
One of the most popular solutions on the market is API-sport. This service is actively used by mobile app developers, bookmakers, sports media, and analysts who value the speed of data retrieval and high accuracy.
What is API-sport?
API (Application Programming Interface) is a software interface that allows for quick data exchange between services. In the sports industry, this means access to odds, match statistics, schedules, results, and even archives.
API-sport – is a platform that has gained trust due to its rich functionality and wide coverage of sports. Here you can find:
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Live data – odds and events in real time.
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Statistics and archives – detailed data on past matches.
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Game events – lineups, transfers, individual player statistics.
Unlike many competitors, API-sport combines flexible connectivity (REST and WebSocket) and a wide range of data, making it a versatile tool for both betting and media or BI projects.
What is the difference between live odds API and pre-match API?
Pre-match API – these are odds and data available before the event starts. They are used for analysis and forecasts, planning bets, and preparing materials. Here you can get:
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odds before the game starts,
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team lineups,
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archived results and statistics.
Live odds API – this is real-time data that updates during the match. Used in live betting and arbitrage scanners. Key data:
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odds dynamics,
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live results,
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current player statistics,
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real-time changes (red cards, goals, substitutions).
Supported sports
API-sport supports a wide range of disciplines:
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football, hockey, basketball, tennis, volleyball,
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esports (CS:GO, Dota 2, LoL),
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less popular sports (cricket, baseball, futsal).
The difference is that the pre-match API is equally useful for all sports, while live odds are especially in demand in high-dynamics disciplines (football, esports, tennis).
Technologies and formats
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The pre-match API is often implemented through REST requests with JSON/XML responses.
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The live odds API additionally supports WebSocket, allowing for instant updates without constant polling. This is especially important for bookmakers and odds scanners.
How to access the API?
To start working with API-sport, you need to go through several steps.
- Registration on the platform. The user creates an account by providing an email and basic information. This step takes just a couple of minutes and opens access to the personal account.
- Obtaining a unique API key. After registration, the system automatically generates a personal key. It serves as a «password» for interacting with the server and allows distinguishing your requests from others. Without a key, using the API is impossible.
- Choosing a tariff plan. Different options are available for various categories of users: from a free trial period to professional packages with maximum limits and extended functionality. Thus, a newcomer can try the service without investments, while large projects can immediately choose the PRO tariff.
10. RapidAPI, SportRadar, and other platforms provide access to BetsAPI and Livescore API through their channels. This is convenient for developers who need ready-made integrations and reliable SLAs.
In addition to direct connection to API-sport, access can also be obtained through aggregators – for example, RapidAPI or SportRadar. These platforms collect dozens of different APIs in one place, which is convenient for projects that need to work not only with sports. However, it should be noted that:
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the cost with intermediaries is often higher;
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additional speed limitations apply;
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some features may be unavailable.
Therefore, for long-term use, direct integration through API-sport is often preferred.
12. Free plans usually include limited access to historical data and basic statistics. Paid subscriptions unlock:
Tariffs can be conditionally divided into two levels:
Free. A limited set of data and a minimal number of requests per day or month are available. Suitable for testing and small projects.
Paid. Expand limits to tens of thousands of requests, provide access to live odds, archived statistics, and other professional features. The cost depends on the volume of data and update speed.
17. Number of requests per minute/hour
Each tariff has its own technical framework, which is important to consider during development:
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Number of requests. Free tariffs limit activity to prevent server overload. Paid plans have higher limits.
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Data update speed. In free versions, data may be updated with a delay, while PRO packages provide access to live odds in real time.
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Archive depth. Free access covers a limited number of past matches, while paid tariffs allow access to statistics for several seasons.
Thus, the choice of tariff directly depends on the goals: for tests and trial projects, a free option is sufficient, while for betting services, odds scanners, or analytical platforms, a paid tariff with maximum limits is needed.
API Integration
Connection examples (Python, JavaScript)
Python:
import requests
url = «https://api-sport.pro/football/matches»
headers = {«Authorization»: «Bearer YOUR_API_KEY»}
response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)
print(response.json())
JavaScript:
const fetch = require(«node-fetch»);
fetch(«https://api-sport.pro/football/matches», {
headers: { «Authorization»: «Bearer YOUR_API_KEY» }
})
.then(res => res.json())
.then(data => console.log(data));
Integration into CMS and mobile applications
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WordPress: plugins and custom widgets for displaying tables and odds.
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Android/iOS: direct connection via REST or WebSocket for live data.
Using live data via WebSocket
WebSocket allows for instant updates. This is critical for live odds, where a delay of even a few seconds can cost money.
Where is it used?
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In betting and odds scanners – live odds API is indispensable.
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In sports analytics – pre-match data helps build forecasts.
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In media and fan applications – match broadcasts, statistics.
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In Fantasy Sports and esports – dynamic updates of statistics.
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In BI systems and Big Data – processing large volumes of sports data.
Advantages and disadvantages
Usage API-sport provides developers and analysts with a number of significant advantages. First of all, it offers a wide range of sports: from football and hockey to tennis, basketball, and even esports disciplines. This spectrum makes the platform versatile for different projects — from betting services to media or fan applications.
No less important is the high speed of data updates. Live odds are transmitted almost instantly, which is especially critical for real-time betting, where even a few seconds of delay can affect the outcome. It is also worth adding the accuracy of information: statistics, odds, and results are provided with minimal errors and undergo verification for reliability.
The flexibility of integration also deserves special mention. Support for different formats (REST, WebSocket, JSON, XML) allows the API to be connected to almost any system — from mobile applications to complex analytical platforms.
However, the service has its drawbacks. The main one is the cost of PRO tariffs. For small teams or startups, the price may seem high, especially if the project requires large volumes of data. Free plans, while convenient for testing, impose significant limitations on requests and functionality, making it difficult to use them for serious tasks.
In addition, working with the API requires technical preparation. Without basic knowledge of programming and networking technologies, integration can be challenging, especially when connecting live odds via WebSocket.
In the end, it can be said that API-sport is excellent for professional projects where speed and accuracy are important, but it requires investment and certain expertise.
Alternatives to API-sport.
Among competitors stand out:
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SportRadar is a powerful but expensive service.
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RapidAPI is an aggregator of many APIs, but with speed limits.
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The Odds API is more focused on odds but is less versatile.
API-sport is often chosen when a full coverage of sports and ease of use are needed.
In summary
The difference between live odds API and pre-match API lies in the timing of data usage: pre-match works before the match starts and helps with analysis, while live odds reflect the dynamics of events in real time. For betting and odds scanners, live API is indispensable, while analytics and forecasts are more often based on pre-match.
If you want to test API-sport and integrate it into your project, use the official resources:
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Registration: https://app.api-sport.ru/register
- Our TG channel with updates: https://t.me/apisportru.
FAQ
Is there free access?
Yes, but with a limited number of requests and without deep statistics.
What sports are supported?
From football and hockey to esports and cricket – over 40 disciplines.
Is the API suitable for betting?
Yes, especially the live odds API, which allows building live betting models.
How to connect the API to the application?
Through REST requests or WebSocket. For CMS – through plugins and widgets.
Can the API be used for predictions?
Yes, pre-match data is perfect for analytics and forecasting.
Are there any request limits?
Yes, they depend on the tariff – from several hundred to tens of thousands per day.
