Soccer Bets & Bet Types: A Complete Guide for Beginners
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, enjoyed by billions of fans everywhere. This huge popularity has led to a booming betting industry, giving fans a chance to enhance their game day experience and possibly earn some money. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to improve your betting skills, this guide on Soccer Bets & Bet Types will cover everything you need to know. With in-depth information, this detailed article will explain how soccer betting works, the various types of bets available, and how to use them wisely.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Soccer Bets & Bet Types
Soccer betting is when you guess the results of soccer games and put money on those guesses. Bookmakers, or sportsbooks, provide many different betting choices for everyone, no matter how experienced they are. To be successful, it’s important to know the different kinds of soccer bets and to use them wisely.
Before we explore the different types of soccer bets & bet types, it’s essential to grasp how odds function. Odds show the likelihood of a certain result and indicate how much money a bettor can earn. There are three primary formats in which odds are displayed:
Decimal Odds: These are often used in Europe and Australia. For instance, an example would be 2.00.
Fractional Odds: These are popular in the UK. A typical example is 1/1.
Moneyline Odds: These are mainly found in the US. An example would be +100.
Now, let’s explore the full range of soccer bets & bet types you can use to make the most of your betting experience.
Match Result (1X2 Betting)
One of the most popular and straightforward soccer bets & bet types is the 1X2 betting market, also known as Match Result.
1: Wager on the home team to come out on top
X: Wager on the match ending in a tie
2: Wager on the visiting team to take the victory
This kind of bet only considers the outcome after the regular time is over (90 minutes plus any added injury time). It does not take into account extra time or penalty shootouts.
Double Chance
Double Chance betting give you the chance to cover two out of the three possible results in a game, which makes it a safer choice for people who like to bet.
1X: Home team wins or the game ends in a draw
X2: Away team wins or the game ends in a draw
12: One of the teams wins (no draws allowed)
Even though this option is less risky, it also means you might win less money.
Over/Under Goals
Over/Under bets are all about predicting the total goals scored in a game.
If you bet on Over 2.5 Goals, you win if the game has 3 or more goals.
If you choose Under 2.5 Goals, you win if there are 2 goals or fewer.
You can also place bets on other totals like Over/Under 1.5, 3.5, 4.5, and so on. This type of bet is very popular in soccer, especially when you think the game will have a lot of goals or very few.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
In BTTS bets, you bet on if both teams will score at least one goal in the game.
Yes: Both teams score
No: At least one team fails to score
People usually use this type of bet for games with strong offensive teams or teams that have poor defenses.
Correct Score
Correct Score betting is when you try to guess the exact final score of a game. Since it needs a specific result, it comes with high odds and a lot of risk.
For example: 2-1, 1-1, 0-0
Although it’s tough to predict, it can be very rewarding soccer bets & bet types.
First Goalscorer / Anytime Goalscorer
Here are some markets that focus on individual players:
First Goalscorer: Wager on which player will score the first goal.
Anytime Goalscorer: Wager on a player to score at any time during the game.
When making these bets, it’s important to consider the player’s performance, the team’s strategy, and the strength of the opposing defense.
Handicap Betting
Handicap betting adds or subtracts goals to a team’s final score to level the playing field:
Example: Manchester United -1.5 vs. Brighton +1.5
Man United needs to win by 2+ goals to cover the -1.5 handicap. Handicap bets are great when a strong team is facing a weaker opponent.
Asian Handicap
Asian Handicap betting is a more refined version, eliminating the draw. Common lines include -0.5, +1.0, or -1.25. This betting type is popular in Asia and with seasoned bettors.
Accumulators (Parlays)
An accumulator is a type of bet that puts several individual bets together into one big bet. For the bet to win, every single selection has to be correct, but the odds get bigger with each added bet.
For instance:
– Arsenal needs to win
– There should be more than 2.5 goals in the Barcelona vs. Sevilla game
– Both teams need to score in the Dortmund vs. Bayern match
Even though they can be risky, accumulators can result in big winnings, making them popular with soccer fans.
Draw No Bet
This type of bet removes the possibility of a tie by giving you your money back if the game ends in a draw.
Team A (Draw No Bet): You win if Team A wins, and you get your money back if it’s a tie.
It’s a smart choice if you believe in a team but still want some protection.
Live/In-Play Betting
Live betting lets you make bets while the game is happening. The odds change instantly to show how the match is going.
Some popular in-play betting options include:
– Next goalscorer
– Over/Under goals
– Match result
This soccer bets & bet types are very exciting and requires you to think fast and pay attention to how the game is moving.
Half-Time/Full-Time
This type of bet is about guessing what will happen at both half-time and full-time.
For example:
HT: Draw / FT: Away win
HT: Home win / FT: Home win
This kind of bet has better odds but needs more careful planning.
Scorecast / Wincast
Scorecast: Predict a player to score first and the exact final score
Wincast: Predict a player to score and their team to win
These are high-risk bets with high rewards, great for confident punters.
Futures/Outrights
These are bets that you make for the entire season:
– Winner of the league
– Player with the most goals
– Teams that will drop down a division
Futures can be really fun and rewarding throughout the season. They’re perfect for fans who know a lot about the leagues.
Niche Markets: Corners, Cards, and Specials
Specialty markets are becoming more popular as bettors look for different chances to win:
Corners: You can bet on total corners or which team will get the most.
Cards: Bets can be placed on yellow or red cards, or who will be the first player to get booked.
Specials: You can also bet on own goals, VAR decisions, and how many substitutions will be made.
These options bring more excitement to your betting strategy.
Tips for Smarter Soccer Betting
If you’re new to betting or want to enhance your skills, these tips can make your betting experience better:
Do Your Homework: Look into team performance, injuries, past matchups, and other important information.
Control Your Money: Create a budget and don’t try to win back lost money.
Think Logically, Not Emotionally: Betting based on feelings can lead to bad choices.
Compare Odds: Check different sportsbooks to find the best deals.
Keep a Record of Your Bets: Tracking your bets can help you improve your strategy.
Take Advantage of Offers: Use free bets, better odds, and cashback deals when available.
Stay Focused: Don’t bet on too many games or markets at the same time.
How to Get Started with Soccer Bets & Bet Types
Want to start betting? Here’s an easy guide to help you out:
Pick a Trustworthy Sportsbook: Check for licenses, read user reviews, and find good odds.
Set Up Your Account: Sign up and confirm your identity.
Add Money: Use safe payment methods to deposit funds.
Check Out the Markets: Browse different soccer bets and types of bets available.
Make Your Bet: Decide how much you want to wager and confirm it.
Enjoy the Game: Watch the match and keep an eye on your bets in real-time.
Soccer betting brings a lot of fun and chances to think strategically. Whether you prefer straightforward bets on match outcomes or more complicated options like accumulators and handicaps, there’s a type of bet for everyone to enjoy. By understanding the wide range of soccer bets & bet types, you can tailor your approach to match your knowledge, style, and risk tolerance.
This guide has given you a solid grasp of the key types of bets in soccer. Whether you’re betting just for fun, to make some money, or to enjoy the game even more, always remember to bet wisely and continue learning. The more you know, the higher your chances of succeeding in the long run.
With this complete guide on Soccer Bets & Bet Types, you’re now ready to explore, experiment, and enjoy soccer betting like a pro. Good luck!