We’re here for everyone to learn how to bet on soccer.
Table of Contents
Key Points
– There are some similarities with other sports when learning how to bet on soccer.
– Soccer offers bettors some unique wagers.
How to Bet on Soccer
Betting on soccer can seem intimidating to beginners, but with some study it can become second nature. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of how to bet on soccer and give you some tips for increasing your chances of winning.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, there are some helpful tips and strategies for everyone here on how to bet on soccer.
Soccer’s History
The sport of soccer has a long and colorful history. The game is thought to have originated in China around 2000 BC. It is believed that the Roman emperor Claudius played a version of the game with his troops.
The modern game of soccer began to take shape in England in the 12th century. By the 14th century, it had become so popular that King Edward III banned the practice of betting on soccer matches.
In the centuries that followed, the sport continued to grow in popularity, and it is now played all over the world. Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, and its history is as rich and fascinating as the game itself.
Popular Soccer Leagues
Soccer is played in almost every country in the world. There are billions of fans and with the sport’s popularity comes a variety of leagues spread across the globe.
There are a few professional leagues that stand out among the best in the world. The English Premier League, for example, is one of the more recognizable names in the sport. Many soccer experts believe the Premier League to be the best in the world.
The Premier League features players from all over the world, which consistently produce some of the most exciting matches in a given season.
The Spanish La Liga is another top-tier league, known for its heated rivalries and passionate fans. In Germany, Bundesliga is considered to be one of the top soccer leagues with its strong teams and competitive play. Over the past few years, Major League Soccer (MLS) has taken North America by storm and some of the world’s best players now play in the league.
There are several more leagues around the world that produce great quality soccer. What they all have in common is that bettors can find action on them.
Soccer Betting – How to Bet on Soccer
Football, or futbol, to most people around the world is what Americans call soccer. Whatever name you give the sport, it is the most-played sport in the world. There are more soccer leagues around the world than any other sport.
The benefit of soccer having so many leagues is that bettors can usually find action on a match somewhere around the world.
Betting on soccer is similar to betting on other sports. There are some significant differences though and a novice soccer bettor needs to understand the wagers themselves first. The Draw No Bet wager, for example, is something that NFL and NBA bettors never see.
If you are not familiar with the various soccer bets, you need to acclimate yourself first. Develop an understanding of how the bet works. Once you have it, you can then develop some strategies to win more soccer bets. Developing a strategy is part of learning how to bet on soccer.
How to Bet on Soccer – Three-Way Moneyline
NBA games never end in a tie. Teams play overtime until one team has won the game. The same is true of Major League Baseball. They play extra innings until one team is declared the winner. The NHL does its shootout to determine a winner and the NFL plays overtime, though games can still end in a tie.
Regardless, soccer matches often end in a tie, or draw. When betting on the NFL for example, bettors wager on a two-way moneyline. They bet on one team to win. In all likelihood, one of the two teams wins the game. On the rare occurrence that a game does end in a tie, the bet is graded as a push and all bets are refunded.
In soccer, sportsbooks offer the three-way moneyline. In a given soccer match, there are three possible outcomes. Team A wins, Team B wins, or the teams Draw. What is interesting about soccer bets is that they are graded after regulation play. Often, it is said that soccer bets are settled after “full-time” where full-time is the first 90 minutes of play.
Soccer Odds Example – Moneyline
Let’s say we had the following example:
- Team A +125
- Team B +240
- Draw +225
If a bettor likes Team A, he could wager $100 and would win $125 if the score was 1-0 in favor of Team A at the end of the first 90 minutes of play. Whatever happens in any extra time does not matter as the bet is graded after regulation play has ended.
Notice that Draw is given better odds than Team B. This is because of the high occurrence of ties in soccer. In the Premier League for example, it is not uncommon to have 25 to 30 percent of all matches end in a tie after regulation play. Remember, it is only the result after the first 90 minutes of play that matters. That is not to say that 25 to 30 percent of all Premier League matches end in ties.
The three-way moneyline bet is one that is more common in soccer than it is in American football. Not many sportsbooks even offer three-way moneylines for the NFL. Similar to UFC fights, the odds on the draw or tie are ridiculously high. That’s because they don’t happen that often. Knowing trends helps when knowing how to bet on soccer.
How to Bet on Soccer – Double Chance
Unlike NFL or college football betting, soccer bettors can engage in Double Chance wagers. Again, because of the increased likelihood of the Draw, bettors can wager on two of the three possible outcomes in a soccer match. This is called Double Chance.
Let’s look at an example.
- Team A Wins or Draw -400
- Team B Wins or Draw -190
- Team A or Team B Wins +105
In making a double chance bet, a soccer bettor can wager on a team to win or draw. The bettor can also bet on the match not to end in a draw.
With a double chance bet, bettors are giving themselves a 66.67 percent chance of winning. As a result, bettors should expect a modest return. That should make sense since bettors are stacking the odds in their favor.
Looking at the example above, Team A appears to be the heavy favorite. If they happen to have a bad day and end up tied after 90 minutes, you would still win if you had bet on Team A in a double chance wager.
Notice that the underdog, Team B, is still given minus odds. That’s because of the possibility of a draw. The one bet priced at plus-money is on either Team A or Team B to win. If the first 90 minutes do not end in a tie, a $100 bettor in this case would win $105.
Double chance betting is another form of moneyline betting on soccer. There is point spread betting in soccer. Soccer is much like hockey and baseball where scoring is minimal. Therefore, point spread betting in soccer is similar to those sports.
Soccer’s Version of Point Spread Betting
If you have bet on hockey or baseball, you understand soccer’s most basic version of point spread betting. Point spread betting in soccer may be seen as spread, handicap, or Asian handicap depending upon where you are placing your bets. Asian handicap is something a bit different and we will explain that in detail later.
If you understand the run line in baseball and the puck line in hockey, you can understand the point spread in soccer. Because of the low scoring in the sport, the spread for any particular match is usually set at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, or 2.5.
Soccer point spreads are commonly set in units of a half of a goal. Doing so reduces the number of bets that are graded as a push. If you placed a bet on a favorite at -1 and the favorite won by one goal, the result is a push and your bet is refunded. With spreads always set in units such as 0.5 or 1.5, the push result is eliminated.
Soccer Odds Example – Point Spread
An example can best explain how the point spread or goal line works in soccer. In a given match between Team A and Team B where Team A is the favorite, the goal line would appear as follows.
- Team A -1.5 (-110)
- Team B +1.5 (-110)
Team A would have to win by at least two goals in order to cover. Team B would have to lose by one goal or win outright in order to cover.
Unlike betting on the NFL, there are no true key numbers in soccer. In football, games will end with certain scoring margins that occur more often. For example, more NFL games end with a scoring margin of 3 points than any other number. If you add in 6 and 7, over 30 percent of NFL games end with a scoring margin of 3, 6, or 7. That gives bettors an advantage in point spread betting in American football.
As a result, point spread betting isn’t as popular on soccer matches. It’s still available, but soccer, like baseball and hockey, is more of a moneyline sport. There is, however, a version of the point spread in soccer betting that is fairly popular. Spread bets are a big part of knowing how to bet on soccer.
The Asian Handicap
The Asian handicap is similar to run line and puck line betting in baseball and hockey. The big difference is that it introduces fractions of goals like .25 and .75. Instead of betting on a team to cover at +1.5, you can wager on a team at +1.25.
When you bet on a team at +1.25, you are actually making two bets. The bet is split between the two closest half numbers. In this case, betting on a team at +1.25 means you are wagering on +1 and +1.5. They are the two closest half numbers on either side of the point spread.
If your team lost 1-0, the result would be a push on the bet at +1 and a win on the bet at +1.5. If the match resulted in a 0-0 draw, both of your bets would win.
The Asian handicap is a little hard to understand for the beginning bettor. The best way to get comfortable with the concept is through a series of examples.
Let’s say Team A has beaten Team B 1-0 in a match. Prior to that match a bettor put $20 on Team B at +1.25 at odds of -141. Your bet is split into two $10 bets, both of which are at -141 odds. At your sportsbook, you place a single bet of $20. The splitting of the bets takes place behind the scenes.
Now, remember that your bet is on Team B at +1 and at +1.5. Because the final score was 1-0 in favor of Team A, the result is a push on the bet at +1 and the bettor wins on the bet at +1.5. As a result at -141 odds, the payout on one of the $10 bets is $7.10. The bettor staked $20 and returned $27.10 for a profit of $7.10.
What if you bet on Team A -1.25 at +117 odds? A $20 bet on Team A would be split into two $10 bets, one at -1 and the other at -1.5. The odds remain the same on both bets. A 1-0 win by Team A means a push on the -1 bet and a loss on the bet at -1.5.
Asian Handicap – Totals
What’s interesting in soccer is that the Asian handicap is also available for match totals. What that means is that bettors can wager on fractional spreads when they place totals bets on soccer matches.
Typical soccer totals range from 1.5 to 3.5. When betting soccer totals, bettors place a single bet that is always split into two bets regardless of the fractional total.
A match total could be set at 2.5 or 2.25. If set at 2.5, a bet on the Over would consist of a bet at 2.0 and a bet at 3.0. If the total was 2.25, the two wagers would be on 2.0 and 2.5.
The entire process works the same as betting on the point spread. Bettors place one bet that gets split into two. The odds remain the same for both wagers. Take the following as an example.
A match between Team A and Team B is assigned a total of 1.75. A bettor wagers $20 on the Under at odds of +165. The bet is split into one wager on the Under at 1.5 and another on the Under at 2.0.
If the match ends in a score of 1-0, both of the bets are winners. That means the bettor won $16.50 for each $10 bet. The total winnings are $33 on a $20 bet.
Extra Time in Soccer
Soccer bets are resolved after a match has ended. Soccer is a bit like other sports that play overtime periods. In soccer, this is called extra time. After the initial 90 minutes of regulation play, the teams take a short break and then play “extra time.”
The amount of extra time is dependent upon how much time was stopped during regulation. If extra time is more than 15 minutes, the teams stop at the 15-minute mark and take a break. Then, they continue until extra time has expired or for another 15 minutes.
Extra time is important because different leagues have different rules for how a match is decided. Some will go to a shootout if a match is still tied after extra time. How to bet on soccer OT is huge for bettors looking to win more soccer bets.
When betting most soccer leagues around the world, the only time that matters is regulation play. If a wager includes extra time, it will be noted before a bet is placed.
How to Bet on Soccer – The Knockout Round
If you are betting on soccer events like the Champions League, World Cup, or Euro Cup; you will experience knockout rounds. As with any sports betting, the more you know the better off you will be.
Again, certain leagues will play knockout rounds as part of their playoff structure. Most knockout rounds consist of a two-game miniseries. Two teams play each other, once at home and once on the road. The team that advances to the next round is determined by the combined score of the two games. Any ties are broken by the goals scored in the away game.
In knockout round games, three-way moneyline wagers would be settled in the first leg (Game 1) as usual. In the second leg (Game 2), they would only count up until the end of regulation time and not take into account any necessary overtime or penalties. As a result, full-time wagers on a draw or a team winning will be resolved at that point.
In betting on the second game in a knockout round, if you wagered on a team to win and it was tied at the end of the first 90 minutes, your bet would be graded as a loss.
It’s also important to understand how a bettor might see a bet listed in a knockout round. Often, bettors will search and not find these bets. That’s because they are often classified as “To Qualify” meaning to advance in the tournament. Bettors will want to wager on their team “To Qualify” in a knockout round match.
In the Champions League, for example, the final is decided by a single match of winner take all. In this case, bettors may find the bet classified as To Win or To Lift the Trophy. These are the bets on either side of the Champions League final.
It’s also worth noting that all elimination matches in a World Cup or Euro Cup playoff round, including the championship game, are played using single-elimination. Bets would once again be accepted for these events in order To Qualify and To Win the Trophy.
Home Teams
One thing soccer bettors should take great care in noting is which team is playing at home. In American sports, it is customary to list the home team second. In the following example, the Dallas Cowboys are the home team.
- Philadelphia Eagles +105
- Dallas Cowboys -105
It’s the same for Major League Baseball where the team listed second is always the home team. At sportsbooks, this is customary as well. You will find the home team listed second most often.
Depending upon your choice of sportsbook, soccer matches will have the home team listed first. In a match between the Manchester United and Liverpool, the United is the home team.
- Manchester United -120
- Liverpool +110
This can vary from sportsbook to sportsbook, but when looking at soccer bets the home team is normally listed first. Like other sports, soccer also gives the home team a bit of an advantage. The odds on the home team are usually more favorable unless the road team is far superior.
In matches with two teams that are fairly evenly matched, the odds will favor the home team. In the NFL, it is said that playing at home is worth roughly 3 points.
How to Bet on Soccer – The World Cup
The soccer World Cup is the most prestigious and widely-watched sporting event in the world. The event is held every four years and it draws teams and fans from all corners of the globe.
The tournament has its origins in the early days of soccer, when international matches were played between England and other European countries. The first official World Cup was held in 1930, and was won by Uruguay.
Since then, the World Cup has continued to grow in popularity, with each edition becoming more eagerly anticipated than the last. Today, the World Cup is a global phenomenon, watched by billions of people around the world. As a result of its popularity and the rise in sports betting over the last several years, betting on the World Cup has grown as well.
Betting on the World Cup
Since the World Cup is held only every four years, bettors always have time to do their homework before the event starts. There are a few things to keep in mind when placing a bet on the World Cup.
First, it is important to understand the teams playing. Bettors have to do their homework and dig into a team’s history of playing together. World Cup teams typically play a number of friendlies before the competition. Most players on World Cup teams play on different teams all over the world. They only come together to play for their national team at World Cup time.
A second important key is understanding the odds. Earlier, we went through moneyline betting in soccer. It’s no different than in any other sport. The three-way moneyline is not available at most sportsbooks for World Cup matches. That’s because World Cup matches cannot end in a draw. Two 15-minute overtime periods are played and then the teams to a shootout. Some sportsbooks will offer the draw option on regulation play in World Cup matches.
One of the most popular bets on the World Cup is a futures bet on the winner of the tournament. Futures bets are available for most leagues as well. Bettors can wager on which team they think will win the championship. The great thing about betting on the World Cup (or any league) champion is that bettors can get favorable odds even on the favorites.
With a little research and knowledge of the game, placing a bet on the World Cup can be a fun and profitable way to show your support for your team.
Tips for Betting on the World Cup
As the World Cup approaches, many people are looking to cash in on the excitement by placing a bet on the outcome of the tournament. However, with so many teams and so many games, it can be difficult to know where to start. Betting on the World Cup isn’t all that different from betting on any other soccer league. Keep the following in mind.
- Do your research: Before placing any bets, it’s important to do your homework and research the teams that are playing. Look at their recent form, their head-to-head records, and any other factors that might affect their performance.
- Follow the experts: If you’re not sure who to bet on, following the advice of an expert can be a good way to get started. There are many websites and podcasts that offer previews and predictions for the World Cup, so finding a reputable source of information is key. It’s also possible to buy handicappers’ picks for World Cup matches.
- Consider alternatives: In addition to placing a bet on who will win the World Cup, there are many other ways to bet on the tournament. You can bet on which team will score the most goals, who will progress furthest from each group, and even how many cards will be shown during the course of the tournament. Exploring these alternative options can give you a better chance of winning big. Find the bets that offer the most value.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start betting on the World Cup. With a little bit of knowledge and some careful planning, you could be in for a profitable tournament speciallyif you take advantage of our premium Soccer Picks.
