Betting Markets
Before presenting you with the Basic Guides: Various Betting Markets for Football You Must Attempt, we’ll ask you a question. How rewarding it can be to earn and also have fun from the same thing. Sounds interesting right?
Well, let us examine what we mean. Football, the world’s most-followed, and loved sport, aside from entertainment, has an angle with which followers can earn money. All over the world, the passion with which people follow football is second to none. Some even passionately follow their favorite clubs to the detriment of their personal businesses, careers, or jobs.
This, however, is something that they do even without regret. While the phrase, “put your money where your mouth is” seems to dominate the airwaves in most viewing centers where fans go to see their favorite clubs in action. Most people seem not to understand what it means. This is what this article intends to explain for a better understanding of the concept of betting on football.
Betting on football offers lovers, and even non-lovers, of football the opportunity to earn money from their passion. However, one needs to know in the market how to ensure wins. In betting on football, there are so many markets to stake on. We will discuss the most popular ones that are available for investing. They include:
- Betting Markets
- Full-Time Result (1X2)
- Half-time/Full-time (HT-FT)
- Under/Over
- Goal-scorers
- Player to score the first goal option
- Combo bets
- Number of Goals and Correct Score
- Double Chance (1X, 2x, or 12)
- Handicap
- Goal/No Goal (GG/NG)
- Corners
- Yellow/Red Card
- Stake on a team to receive a certain number of penalty cards
- Simple Betting Advice
Full-Time Result (1X2)
This is the most popular option for football betting. In this option, you decide which of the teams will win the game. And also, if the game will end in a draw. Bookmakers, having assessed the strength of both teams will give odds to the teams, with the ‘stronger’ team having the smaller odd for a win and the ‘weaker’ team having the bigger odd for a win.
So, you want to see the home team win the game. In that case, you’ll select Option (2), if you feel the away team has a better chance of winning the game. On the other hand, option (X) represents a draw is selected where you think a draw is a more likely result in the game.
A simple example is a game involving Chelsea and Arsenal. With the game scheduled to take place at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea becomes the home team by virtue of playing in their stadium.
Arsenal, the visiting team, will become the away team. In betting on a Chelsea win, you select option (1). Furthermore, Arsenal win will be represented by selecting option (2). You’ll select (X) option if you feel the game will end in a full-time draw.
In this option, one important thing to understand is that the entire duration of ninety minutes, plus the additional few minutes added to the game by the fourth official represents the length of a football game for betting purposes. This means that if the desired outcome becomes the result at the end of the game, then you win the bet.
Note also that whatever happens in the additional thirty minutes added (fifteen minutes for each half) in knockout-stage football games in which a winner must emerge does not count when it comes to betting. So, understand that the 90+ few minutes is the target and stake in line with this knowledge.
Half-time/Full-time (HT-FT)
The HT-FT option is similar to the full-time result (1X2) option explained above. However, in this market, your knowledge of the both teams will come to into full use. The option expects you to correctly predict the results of the different halves of the game – first and second half.
As difficult as this option may seem, it is one of the few gold mines available in football betting as the odds are usually high. Analytical intelligence is here as the strength of both teams, the peculiar nature of the game. It’s like a derby game or a top-of-table clash – and the tempo of the game has to be analyzed before making a prediction.
The already established example above will still suffice here in trying to better explain this option. If for instance, Chelsea win the first half and lose the second half is the prediction. Then it will be represented as Home-Away, vice-versa.
Other possible predictions likely to be made in this market includes: Away-Draw, Away-Away, Draw-Draw, Home-Home, Home-Away, Home-Draw, Away-Away, Away-Home, Draw-Home.
Under/Over
In contrast to predicting the full-time or half-time result of a game; something, some people will find tasking, this market. It seems to be fetching a lot of people’s cool winnings. It is relatively simple as it is concerned with predicting the total number of goals scored in a particular game.
The most prominent benchmark in this option is the 2.5 goals (Under 2.5 or Over 2.5 goals). Here, having examined the goal-scoring ability of the two teams, you’ll then predict the possible number of goals in the game.
For a scoreline of 3 goals and above, using the 2.5 goals benchmark, an Over 2.5 goals prediction will be made. A game that is perceived not a have up to three goals will have a prediction of Under 2.5 goals. Still bear in mind that the duration of the game is within the 90+ few added minutes.
Interestingly, some options of the Over/Under market present an opportunity to predict not just with the 2.5 benchmark only. Some of these options include:
· Over/Under 0.5:
This is the option that sets its benchmark at one goal. Here less scoring teams will most likely dominate in this category. Teams with high-scoring tendencies will not be the ideal choice, except for some obvious reasons which, of course, do not happen often.
So, in this benchmark, a prediction of one goal and above will be considered as Over 0.5. Below one goal, which simply means that there will not be a goal in the game that will be considered as Under 0.5.
· Over/Under 1.5:
Immediately after the 0.5 benchmarks, explained above, is the 1.5 benchmark, which sets its own at two goals. Here, an Over 1.5 prediction will simply mean a two-goals. Above scoreline in a game, while an Under 1.5 prediction will be a game with less than one goal.
· Over/Under 3.5:
This is the option where you have an Over 3.5 prediction. It means three goals and below, is made. Over 3.5 prediction is most likely for the high scoring teams, those that have the wherewithal to score up to four goals in a game.
Mind you, the total goals of both teams come into consideration for the total number of goals scored in the game before it can be assessed if the outcome is an Over or Under situation.
· Over/Under 4.5, 5.5:
This is also available in some markets. Over 4.5 requires five goals and above to be deemed a winning. Under 4.5 demands that the total number of goals in the game in consideration be between zero and four goals.
Then, the 5.5 benchmark which is also available in some markets expects that for an Over prediction the number of goals be between six goals and above, while a game that provides 0-5 goals will be referred to as an Under outcome.
Goal-scorers
This market is quite an interesting one. Because in this, your attention and bet are solely on individual players; without paying serious attention to the outcome of the game in its entirety. Bookmakers, having assessed a game, with particular reference to goal-scorers, will then assign odds to different players to score in the match.
Then, a smart stake will require that the fitness and form of a particular player be put into consideration before the choice is made. Also, there are some players that find it very easy to score an opponent. This may be due to a psychological motivation on the side of the player or having a point to prove in the game (most times players of a former club tend to fall into this category).
Interestingly, there are different angles to which you can bet on goal-scorers in a particular game. First, we will talk about the angle that allows a bet on a player to score at any point in the game. This is called Anytime Goal-scorer, and the bet demands that the player with the stake scores at any point in the entire game.
Player to score the first goal option
Another option is that which expects a particular player to score the first goal. This is usually called the first goal-scorer. The bet will be a winning bet if the player with the stake scores the first goal of the game. This seems to be quite a nut to crack. If done correctly, it can be a jackpot, because most bookmakers will place high odds on this particular option.
Furthermore, you can also bet on a player to score the last goal in the game. This, which is usually referred to as Last Goal-scorer, expects the player with the stake scores the last goal in the game, irrespective of the time the goal is scored, provided no other player scores another goal until the end of the game.
Lastly on this, before the beginning of a particular league season or cup competition there is an option that bookmakers will provide for ‘fortune-tellers’ who can look into the future and predict the highest goal-scorer of the tournament. Having made the choice, you now go ahead to stake your bet on the player of your choice and hope it turns out to be the best choice that will guarantee a winning.
Combo bets
Combo bets allow you to bet on a combined possible outcome of 2 or more options is a recent addition to the betting market. Because this option could be quite challenging and rewarding at the same time, bookmakers assign quite an exploitable number of odds to this market. You can bank on your analytical intelligence to accurately predict and earn winnings from this market. Some prominent angles to this market include:
· Winner and Total Number of Goals:
Here, the expectation is to correctly predict the winner of the match and the number of goals to be scored in the game. Note also that the total number of goals in this case is in relation to the Over/Under (the benchmark, either 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, etc.) option that has been already established before now.
· Total Number of Goals and Both Teams to Score:
This option focuses more on goal-scoring in the game and a safe landing for people who care less about result, but intend to place a bet on a combo-outcome. Teams with good goal-scoring record will be a more realistic stake in this market and when the total number of goals scored in the game matches the option -Over/Under – and both teams registers a goal in the game, then a winning is achieved.
· Winner and Both Teams to Score:
This combination expects you to correctly predict the winner of the game. Also expects that both teams find a way to score in the game. Odds vary according to the team that bears the stake. There are other combination bets that are available. They come in different forms, depending on what each bookmaker presents to the market.
Number of Goals and Correct Score
Football betting like we earlier mentioned demands a certain degree of intelligence, and it rewards such intelligence if applied correctly. This is one of the highly rewarding options of football betting market. We will look at them individually to have a balanced understanding of how the market operates.
Number of Goals:
‘Quite a murky path to treasure’ is the best phrase that suits this option. In this option, have to correctly call the total number of goals that you expect the teams to score in the game. It doesn’t in any way respect the Over/Under option we talked about.
A winning bet is possible when you predict the accurate number of goals (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, etc.) in the game. It’s the combined number of goals scored by both teams. Also, you can make a no-goal prediction, which in turn means that you’re predicting a scoreless draw in the game.
Correct Score:
Most football bookies referred to this option as the cookie jar. It’s correctly so because the number of odds assigned to this option is hugely tempting. In this market, it’s good to correctly predict the result of the game.
For example, Chelsea and Arsenal, a winning bet will be that which sees you make a prediction of a 3-2 win in favor of Chelsea and the game turns out to end that way.
People with quite a conviction on a particular game make a stake and with the massive odds attached to this market, the winning return is mind-blowing.
Double Chance (1X, 2x or 12)
The market of football betting is very accommodating, and as such makes room for all category of individuals. While some people go for the options with higher odds, but with risk, some like to play safe and bet on options with lesser odds and a lower risk level.
The double chance market is one of such markets with lesser odds and a lower risk level. This option allows you to get one correct prediction of the two earlier that you’ve predicted. This market is slightly similar to the Combo bet earlier discussed.
But the difference is that, in this, winning is achieved if one, out of the two predictions made becomes the game’s outcome. The combo bet demands that both or more predictions made be accurate. We will understand this market better when we discuss it in relation to some of the angles it has.
· Home Win or Draw (1X):
The requirement to get a winning bet here is if the game ends with either a win for the home side or a draw. A bet on this option implies that Chelsea, for example, which is our home team/ Everyone expects them not to lose the game; either win the game or play a draw.
· Away Win or Draw (2X):
The reverse is the case and the away team, Arsenal, (for example). Everyone expects they will either win the game or play out a draw.
· Either Team Win (12):
For lack of a better name, we will refer to this option as Either Team Win or Cannot Draw. Mind you, different names apply to it depending on the bookmaker, but the symbol – 12 – remains the same. In this option, the expectation is for the game not to end in a draw. Hence, you can win when either the home or away side wins the game.
Odds in this market are relatively slashed. It’s because they consider it as a safe landing for anyone. Truly any market which gives you the opportunity to predict a win when you get one correct prediction of the two predictions earlier made is indeed a safe landing.
Handicap
This is the option that recognizes the fact that the strength of every team in world football isn’t the same. When two teams, where one is obviously better than the other, are playing against each other, the ‘weaker’ team gets a slight advantage over the ‘stronger’ team. A certain number of goals in this context.
This is to allow a bit of competitiveness in the game and the number of goals assigned differs according to the bookmaker’s discretion. Although this doesn’t reflect on the normal game, they count it for at the end of the game when you have to determine the stake. It is important to note that this option deals with the final result in the game.
A simple example is a game involving Manchester United and Bolton (a team not playing currently in the English Premier League). Bookmakers will assign a 2 goal (it is not limited to just two goals) advantage to Bolton. Considering that it’s the ‘weaker’ team here, and odds dished out.
In this type of game, a stake for a Manchester United win simply means that they have to better the +2- goals already assigned to Bolton. That Is, win the game by a 3-0 scoreline or anything above three goals. In the case that the game ends 1-0 in favor of Manchester United, then the bet is lost one. It’s because Bolton at the start of the game had a 2-goal advantage.
There are a different number of goals that have been assigned to ‘smaller’ teams. They are present with different odds as each bookmaker deems fit.
Goal/No Goal (GG/NG)
Goals they say are the spice of football and we have to be aware of it in football bets. This option, also known as Both Teams to Score (BTS) by some bookmakers offers you the chance to stake on both of the teams to at least, score a goal in the game, irrespective of the final result of the game.
Once both teams register a goal in the game, we can realize the win. We can easily identify this option with the symbol (GG) in some bookie’s chart is quite an easy option to understand.
Opposing the Both Teams to Score (BTS) option is the No Goal (NG) option. This demands that only one of both teams do all the scoring in a particular game. It’s no price guessing that teams who tend not to concede a lot of goals will easily fall into this section.
Corners
Football betting also allows you to bet on several other footballing concepts, like the corner-kicks. Some football followers understand what a corner-kick that it’s also available in the betting market. It’s very much available and corner-kicks can get you cool earnings even when you are contemplating on which of the markets you want to place a bet on.
The options available for this market differ from one bookmaker to another. Nevertheless, it’s always a possibility to stake a bet on the number of corner-kicks that a football game will produce.
You can also give a particular team a certain number of corner-kicks in the entire duration of the game. From Over 10 corner-kicks to Under 5 corner-kicks. And also, you can give a team like 4-6 corner-kicks in a game. One can benefit from these and other options available in this market.
Yellow/Red Card
Football is a game that rewards hard work and also punishes indiscipline. Hence, in a bid to enforce the laws of the game and also maintain order, the cards. There are yellow and red cards. One will then ask, how then is it possible to stake on this market.
Well, the inclusive nature of the betting market has made it possible for you to rake in earnings from this. While we understand that fair play is the name of the game, some players will still get a yellow card in a game. On the other hand, some will be sent out of the game for degrees of offenses ranging from one to another.
Stake on a team to receive a certain number of penalty cards
You can stake on a team to receive a certain number of yellow or red cards, or the game as a whole to produce a number of bookings. Also, you can cash in big-time when you stake on a particular player’s chances.
These are available markets that one can cash in on to make good money, on the sideline. Think of any possibility in football. You’ll not be far from the truth to say that it can be an option for a stake in betting.
One intriguing thing that many bookmakers now do is the leverage they have given you to bet on-the-go. This is possible using various bookmaker’s football betting applications or their website.
While a game is still on, you are making stakes on a number of endless possibilities. A lot of people are cashing in on this and making a lot of money for themselves.
Next time you are in a viewing center be watchful. You might just see a fellow supporter like you using a bookmaker’s platform to make money for him/herself even while enjoying the fun of the football game.
Simple Betting Advice
To every venture, there are certain risks. Football betting is not devoid of such risk, despite its rewarding nature. Hence, it is advisable to understand the concept very well before making a stake. Not just in the world of football betting alone. In all spheres of life, knowledge of a particular thing is essential before delving into it.
Also, while some markets appear relatively easy, they can also be very difficult in the real sense. You have to have proper analytical knowledge of an option in relation to the game before making a stake. There are jackpots, there are also wells, choose wisely.
Lastly, do not stake an amount that can ruin you if eventually, you do not win the stake. Because no market is 100% a winning one. So, don’t be quick to stake, check and check again, there might just be something that you did not notice.
Having you just be watching football for the entertainment it brings? Now you know you can do more.
Also check: How to bet on late goals in football games?
