Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, and it offers one of the most diverse selections of betting markets in the world of sports wagering.
From simple match outcomes to more complex options, soccer betting gives both casual fans and seasoned bettors a wide range of ways to engage with the game.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common soccer betting markets, explain how they work, and help you understand which ones might suit your style and strategy.
Understanding the Basics of Soccer Betting
Before diving into specific markets, it’s important to understand that soccer matches can end in three outcomes: a win for the home team, a win for the away team, or a draw. This makes many bets a bit more complex than in sports that have only two outcomes.
Betting markets in soccer are categorized based on when and how you bet. Some are focused on the full-time result, others on what happens in the first or second half, and some on specific player or team performances.
Full Time Result (1X2)
This is the most straightforward and widely used soccer betting market. You’re simply betting on the outcome of the match after 90 minutes of play (plus stoppage time).
- 1 – Home team win
- X – Draw
- 2 – Away team win
It’s important to note that this does not include extra time or penalties. So even if a game goes into overtime, your bet is settled based on the result after 90 minutes.
This market is easy to understand, which makes it great for beginners. However, the presence of a possible draw makes it slightly more difficult than standard two-outcome bets.
Double Chance
The double chance market is popular among bettors who prefer safer options. It allows you to cover two out of the three possible match results in one bet.
The options are:
- 1X – Home win or draw
- 12 – Home or away win (no draw)
- X2 – Away win or draw
Since you're covering two outcomes, your chances of winning are higher—but the odds are lower. It’s a great way to bet on underdogs you think might hold out for a draw or pull off an upset.
Draw No Bet
This market removes the draw from the equation altogether. You bet on either team to win, and if the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded. It's a popular option for those exploring new ways to wager—find sports betting sites that offer this type of market for a more flexible betting experience.
For example:
- If you bet on the home team and they win, you get paid.
- If it’s a draw, you get your money back.
- If the home team loses, you lose your stake.
This is a good choice if you’re confident one team will win but want some protection in case the game ends level.
Over/Under Goals
This market doesn’t focus on who wins the match—it’s all about how many goals are scored. You bet on whether the total number of goals scored in the match will be over or under a certain number.
Common lines include:
- Over/Under 0.5
- Over/Under 1.5
- Over/Under 2.5
- Over/Under 3.5
So if you bet on Over 2.5, you’re wagering that three or more goals will be scored in the match.
This is a great market if you expect an exciting, attacking game—or a low-scoring defensive battle.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
In this BTTS market, you're betting on whether both teams will score during the match.
- Yes – Both teams score at least one goal
- No – At least one team fails to score
This is another market that ignores who wins and focuses on how the match plays out. It's ideal for games where you expect both teams to be on the attack.
Correct Score
As the name suggests, this bet is on the exact final score of the match. For example:
- 1-0
- 2-2
- 3-1
This market offers high odds but is much harder to predict. Even a small change—like a late goal—can ruin the bet. It’s best used when you have strong insight into both teams’ playing styles.
Half-Time/Full-Time
This market involves predicting the result at both half-time and full-time. For example:
- Draw/Home – Draw at half-time, home team wins at full-time
- Away/Draw – Away team leads at half-time, but the match ends in a draw
Because you're predicting two outcomes, the odds are generally higher. It’s a good market for advanced bettors who follow teams closely and understand momentum shifts.
Asian Handicap
Asian Handicap betting levels the playing field by giving one team a “virtual head start.”; For example:
- A handicap of -1.5 means the team must win by two goals or more for your bet to win.
- A handicap of +1.5 means the team can lose by one goal, draw, or win for your bet to win.
There are many variations of this market, and it can be complex at first. However, it's popular with experienced bettors because it removes the draw as a possible outcome and creates better value in one-sided matches.
Final Thoughts
Soccer betting offers something for everyone—whether you're a beginner looking for simple match results or an experienced bettor analyzing goal trends and team form. By understanding the different markets, you can choose bets that align with your knowledge, risk tolerance, and betting style.
Markets like full time result, double chance, and over/under goals are great starting points. As you gain experience, you might explore more advanced options like Asian handicap or half-time/full-time bets. Always remember to gamble responsibly, do your research, and enjoy the game. When done wisely, soccer betting adds an extra layer of excitement to every match.
