How to bet on football online

Want to place your bets on the beautiful game? Whether it’s the English Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, or even the next big FIFA World Cup, there’s no denying that football (or soccer, depending on where you’re from) is the world’s most popular sport – and one of the most exciting to bet on as well!

 

If you’re new to online football betting, the good news is that getting started is easier than you might think. The great news is that we’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide for you, with everything you need to know as a beginner. So if you’ve been wondering how football betting works, what kind of bets you can place, and which top tips to follow, you’ve come to the right place.

 

Step 1: Choose a reputable betting site

 

First things first, you’ll need to make sure that the online sportsbook you’re betting with is a trusted and reliable one. So before you sign up, it’s vital you ensure that your prospective site is:

 

·         Licensed and regulated in your country or region.

·         Known for fair odds and timely payouts.

·         Easy to use for both desktop and mobile betting.

·         One that offers football-specific promotions like boosted odds or free bets.

 

Most top sportsbooks cover all the global leagues, from the English Premier League to La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, MLS, UEFA tournaments, international matches and more, meaning you’ll have plenty of fixtures to choose from. So no matter which team or event you want to bet on, if your sportsbook’s a reputable one, you should find the wager you’re looking for.

 

Top tip: Not sure where to start? The variety of sportsbooks out there can make narrowing your decision a difficult one.

 

If you’re overwhelmed by the choice of sites available, start by looking at customer reviews to see which sites are the most trustworthy and highest rated by bettors themselves. You can also look at the sign-up bonuses available to see which are the most competitive, and which will give your bankroll a welcome boost. Take your time, weigh up your options, and go with whichever sportsbook you think is the best bet.

 

Step 2: Get to grips with the basics of football betting

 

At its heart, online football betting is all about predicting the outcomes of matches – but there’s more to it than simply picking a winner. Take a look at some of the most common types of football wagers available and get ready to place your bets:

Match Result (1X2)

This is the most straightforward type of football bet there is – so to make things easy for yourself, you might want to try a few of these first when starting out. When you make this type of wager, you’ll be choosing between one of three possible outcomes:

 

·         1 for a home team win.

·         X for a draw.

·         2 for an away team win.

 

Just choose 1, X or 2, and if your chosen outcome is correct, you’ll be a winner!

 

Double Chance

Here you’ll have two chances to win with one single bet, so it’s another great option for beginners.

 

What does a Double Chance bet look like in football? Well, there are only ever three possible outcomes in a game of football – that the home team wins, the away team wins, or that there’s a draw between the two.

 

In a Double Chance bet, you’ll be combining two of those outcomes into one bet, e.g.:

 

·         1X: The home team wins, or there’s a draw.

·         12: Either the home team or the away team wins.

·         X2: Either the away team wins or there’s a draw.

 

Double Chance bets are ideal for those betting on football for the first time, as they cover two outcomes in one, making it a safer bet than others. At the same time though, they also offer lower odds, so you won’t win as much. It’s up to you to decide what’s most important – a bet you have more chance of winning, or a bet that’ll pay out more if you do win.

 

Over/Under Goals

Let’s look at another beginner-friendly bet – Over/Under Goals. Here you’ll be betting on whether the total number of goals in a match will be over or under a set number.

 

What does this look like?

 

·         Say, for example, you bet on Over 2.5 goals. Here you’ll be betting that the combined total score will be 3 or more goals, e.g. 2-1, 3-0, etc.

·         With Under 2.5 goals, you’ll be betting that the combined final score will be 2 goals or less, such as 2-0, 1-1, etc.

 

With bets like these, it doesn’t matter who wins or loses – it’s all about the number of goals scored. So no matter who’s scoring, as long as goals are happening, you can cheer!

Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

This type of bet is exactly what it sounds like – betting on whether both teams will score at least one goal each in the match, regardless of who ultimately wins.

 

·         If you take the BTTS Yes option, you’ll be betting that both teams will score.

·         If you take the BTTS No option, you’ll be betting that neither team will score.

 

There’s no need to predict a winner, and no need to pick sides. As long as both sides either score (or don’t, depending on your bet), you’ll get that payout you’ve been looking for!

 

Top tip: Before you place a BTTS bet, take a look at the teams’ recent form. Have they been scoring a lot lately, or conceding a lot instead? A glance at their results will tell you all you need to know.

 

Correct Score

Up for a challenge? Then try a Correct Score bet – one of the trickiest, but also one of the most rewarding wagers in sports betting.

 

A Correct Score bet is exactly what it sounds like – predicting the correct final score of the match. It’s not just about who wins or how many goals are scored, it’s about the exact score at the final whistle.

 

Let’s say you bet that the final score will be home team 2, away team 1. If the final score is 2-1, you win! If it’s even one goal off either way, however, your bet will lose. That’s the risk you take – but remember that the odds on Correct Score bets are higher, which is why they’re so popular.

 

If you’re able to put in the research and you have a strong feeling about how the match will play out based on recent form, weather conditions and so on, you might decide that a Correct Score bet is a risk worth taking. Our advice? Play for small stakes first till you get the hang of it. Always keep that bankroll in mind!

First Goalscorer/Anytime Goalscorer

If you’re all about the thrill of watching goals being scored during a football match, and you have a favourite player in mind, a First or Anytime Goalscorer bet could be a good pick for you.

 

Here’s how they work:

 

·         First Goalscorer: Bet on whichever player you think will score first in the match. If they score first, you win. If they score second or third, or no goals are scored during the match at all, you lose.

·         Anytime Goalscorer: Bet on a particular player to score at any time during the match. As long as they score at some point during the game, you’ll be a winner.

 

While Anytime Goalscorer bets are easier to win, First Goalscorer bets have bigger payout potential, so it’s up to you as to what type of sports betting experience you’re after – either a big win or a safer bet.

 

Accumulators (Accas)

If it’s a big payout you’re looking for, you might want to try an Accumulator bet – but be warned. With great reward comes great risk too!

 

That’s because Accumulators (or Accas) depend on a series of predictions (legs) coming true in order to win. Rather than making one single bet, you’ll be combining several bets into one – and if even one of your predictions is incorrect, you’ll lose. If all your outcomes are correct, however, your potential payout could be massive – and that’s the drawcard for experienced punters.

 

Acca bets are most common for weekend football when there are lots of matches on, and they can make watching multiple matches more exciting than ever. Just remember that they’re high-risk – so if you do want to try one out, it’s best to start small with just 3 or 4 legs rather than 10 or 12 right off the bat. You’re a beginner, so baby steps are best not just for you, but your bankroll as well.

 

Step 3: Understand sports betting odds

 

In order to be successful with your online football sports betting, you need to make sure you understand the odds involved first. That’s because the odds on a bet tell you two things: how much you could potentially win, and what the probability is of a particular outcome taking place. The more you understand sports betting odds, the more informed your decision-making and your bankroll management will be.

Depending on your location, sports betting odds come in one of three different formats:

 

·         Decimal odds: Represented in decimal format, such as 2.50, decimal odds are common in Europe, Canada and Australia. When placing a bet based on decimal odds, your total return = your stake x the odds. This also includes the amount you originally bet in the first place. So if you took a bet with odds of 2.50 and placed a winning bet of $100, you’d get $250 back – your original $100 bet, plus $150 profit.

 

·         Fractional odds: Popular in the UK and Ireland, fractional odds are represented as fractions (hence the name), e.g. 5/1. With fractional odds, the first number in the fraction is your profit, and the second number is your original wager. So for a bet with odds of 5/1, for every $1 you bet, you’ll win $5 in profit. If you place a winning $10 bet at 5/1 odds, you’ll win $50 in profit plus your original wager back, making it $60 in total.

 

·         Moneyline odds: Moneyline odds (or American odds) are used mostly in the USA, and are represented with either a + or a – symbol, indicating positive or negative odds. Favourites are given negative odds, while underdogs are given positive odds.  

 

So how do these work? Quite simply, positive odds show how much profit you’ll make from a $100 bet while negative odds show how much you need to bet to win $100.

 

For example, with a +200 bet, you’ll make $200 with a bet of $100, giving you $300 in total when you include your original stake. With a -$150 bet, you’ll need to bet $150 in order to win $100, giving you $250 in total – your $100 profit plus your $150 original stake.

 

The higher the odds, the bigger your potential payout – but it also means that outcome is less likely to happen, making it a riskier bet. Before you place a bet, compare the odds across various sites in order to find the best value – and always make sure to keep your bankroll in mind at all times!

 

Step 4: Do your homework

 

We don’t want to take all the fun out of online sports betting, but even a little research can help take your betting a long way. The smarter you play, the more successful you’ll be, which means putting a little time into researching factors like:

 

 

·         The teams’ form: Has one of the teams been on either a winning streak or a losing streak lately? You’ll need to take this into account.

·         Injuries/suspensions: Are any of the teams missing any key players for any reason? If so, this could affect their performance on the day.

·         Head-to-head history: How do particular teams match up against each other when they meet? If there’s a team that has a history of not playing well against another particular team, you’ll need to bear this in mind.

·         Home vs away: Which teams play well at home, but tend to struggle on the road? Home team advantage can be a real thing.

·         Weather conditions: Rain, snow, or wind can influence how a game plays out, so always check the weather forecast before kick-off.

You don’t need to spend hours and hours on research and you certainly don’t need to become a football expert overnight. But paying attention to the basics can pay off if you’re savvy about it.

 

Step 5: Manage your bankroll wisely

 

One of the biggest rookie mistakes you can make is getting caught up in the excitement of betting and wagering too much too soon, or even worse, chasing your losses. Always remember – your bankroll is what keeps you in the game as a sports bettor, so the more effectively you’re able to manage it, the more successful you’ll be in the long run.

 

Here’s how to protect your bankroll as a beginner:

 

·         Always set a budget for your gambling first, before you place a single bet. Once you’ve calculated how much you can afford to spend, stick to that limit and stop placing bets when you’ve reached it.

·         Start small – Don’t bet your entire budget on one match. The fun could be over before it’s even started! Instead, keep the momentum going by placing a series of smaller bets. You’ll spread your risk, and could stay in the game longer as a result.

·         Avoid emotional betting – Don’t bet on your favourite team just because you want them to win. If they’ve been on a losing streak recently or have sustained injuries to key players, they might not be on form to win. Do your research and play with your head.

·         Keep track – Record your bets, wins, and losses with every betting session. It’ll help you spot patterns and improve, and it’ll show you where your money goes too. You’ll be able to manage your bankroll more efficiently and raise your game at the same time.

 

Step 6: Try live (in-play) betting

 

Ever watched a movie or TV show where the characters place bets on football (or other sports) while the match is actually in progress? That’s live in-play betting, and it’s one of the most exciting ways to wager on sports. Just place a bet on an outcome of your choice while the match is taking place, and you can watch the odds update in real time based on what’s happening on the pitch.

 

Some examples of live in-play football betting include:

 

·         Betting on the next team to score.

·         Predicting if there’ll be a goal in the next 10 minutes.

·         Backing a comeback win after a red card or injury.

 

It’s action-packed and thrilling, but it can move fast as well, so it’s best to be familiar with the basics first before you place your bets. Also remember that since the odds fluctuate as the game progresses, they could dip lower depending on what happens during the match. Just keep a clear head, don’t make any impulsive decisions, and manage your bankroll along with your adrenaline.

 

Step 7: Understanding bonuses and promotions

 

As a new sports bettor, you’ll qualify for a range of bonuses and promotions in order to incentivise you to both start, and continue betting with your chosen sportsbook. These bonuses could include offers like:

 

·         Free bets: Bonus bets offered by the sportsbook that allow you to place wagers without risking your own money.

·         Matched deposit bonuses: Here the sportsbook will match a percentage of your first deposit (often 100%) with the same amount in bonus funds.

·         Odds boosts: With this type of bonus, you’ll receive enhanced odds on selected bets, giving you the chance to win more than usual if your bet is successful.

·         Risk-free bets: A risk-free bet is exactly what it sounds like! If your first bet loses, the sportsbook will refund your stake, usually as a free bet or bonus credit.

 

Top tip: While claiming bonuses is always exciting, it’s vital that you always read the terms and conditions first. That’s because promotions will often require you to bet on minimum odds, or meet certain wagering requirements before you can cash out winnings – and it’s always best to know what these conditions are upfront, so you can judge whether they’re reasonable or not. If they are, claim away! 

 

Common beginner mistakes to avoid

 

Don’t get caught out – avoid these first-timer mistakes if you can!

 

1.       Betting on too many games at once

It’s tempting to want to bet on every game you see, especially at the beginning of your sports betting journey. But just remember that the more bets you place, the less time you’ll have to think about and research each one. Rather save your money for bets you can really focus on, and channel your energy into one or two matches instead. Successful sports betting is about quality over quantity every time.

 

2.       Ignoring the draw

There’s a very real temptation to always want to back a winner, whether it’s the home or the away team, but don’t forget about the possibility of a draw either. Especially in football, where it’s a very real and common outcome. Surprisingly, draws often have higher odds than wins, so you don’t want to miss out on potentially valuable bets. Always weigh up how evenly matched the two teams are, and if neither is on their best form at the time, or they’re fairly equal in skill, betting on a draw might be your smartest play.

 

3.       Getting sucked into low value boosted bets

Who doesn’t love odds boosts – they’re fun and they’re full of flashy returns. Which is exactly why they can be so appealing to first-time bettors. What you’ll need to bear in mind, however, is that not all odds boosts are created equal. Some won’t offer the value you’re looking for – because if a team or a bet isn’t likely to win, the odds boost won’t change that. Before you take one of these bets, ask yourself if you’d still take it without the added boost. If your answer is no, step away.

 

4.       Not reading the fine print

We know it’s no one’s favourite, but it’s a crucial part of betting online. All promotions and bonuses (and sometimes regular bets too) have specific terms and conditions attached – especially where accumulator bets, cashout rules, or free bet payouts are involved. To avoid any nasty surprises, make sure you always read the fine print first so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Top tips to improving your football betting game

 

Finally, we’ll leave you with our top five tips for rookie football bettors. Bear these in mind when you wager, and you’ll be on the right track.

 

1.       Follow expert previews and predictions for guidance

Trusted tipsters and analysts can give you insights you might not otherwise have considered. Just remember that no advice is ever guaranteed to help you win. 

 

2.       Stick to leagues you’re familiar with

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Bet on the teams and players that you know – you’ll be able to see opportunities that you might not be aware of in other leagues.

 

3.       Shop around for the best odds

Comparison tools are a thing, so use them wisely to find the best value across a selection of sportsbooks. Even the smallest difference in odds can mean a bigger payout over time.

 

4.       Use stats and form tables

Here’s where your research comes in. Take a dive into recent performances, head-to-head records, and even home/away stats too. Betting with actual knowledge is always smarter than a gut feel.

 

5.       Stay patient and disciplined

It’s statistically impossible for you to win all the time, so keep this in mind and don’t let the occasional loss wear you down. Stick to your strategy, manage your bankroll, and have fun!

 

It’s time to kick off your sports betting journey!

 

Now that you’ve got the basics of football betting down, it’s time to put that theory into practice! Remember that betting on your favourite football teams and players is meant to be fun, so if you ever find yourself becoming frustrated or despondent, rather step away. It’s called the beautiful game for a reason, so enjoy the game, enjoy the entertainment of betting, and enjoy a more rewarding football experience as a result!