How to Bet Responsibly on Soccer

Soccer enjoys a global reputation as the most beloved sport and a top pick among bettors worldwide. Each day witnesses a multitude of enthusiastic fans participating in soccer betting. If you're venturing into the world of soccer betting for the first time, you might be wondering how to get started. We're here to provide guidance.

What makes soccer betting so appealing is its diversity. You can place bets on a wide range of outcomes, from simple win-loss scenarios to more intricate options like predicting the total number of goals or individual player performances. This variety ensures that there's always something new and intriguing to explore. Every match presents its own unique conditions and opportunities, making each bet a captivating experience.

1. Choose a Sportsbook
   1. Start by selecting a reputable online or mobile sportsbook that operates in North America. Ensure it is licensed and offers a wide range of soccer betting options.
2. Create an Account
   1. Sign up for an account with the chosen sportsbook. Provide the required personal information, including your name, email address, and age to verify eligibility.
3. Verify Your Identity
   1. Most sportsbooks will require you to verify your identity. This often involves submitting a copy of your ID and proof of address, such as a utility bill.
4. Deposit Funds
   1. Fund your sportsbook account with real money. Common deposit methods include credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, or prepaid cards. Choose the option that suits you best.
5. Navigate to Soccer Betting
   1. Once your account is funded, navigate to the soccer betting section of the sportsbook. This may be labeled as "Soccer," "Football," or "Soccer Betting."
6. Browse Soccer Markets
   1. Explore the available soccer matches and markets. You can choose from various types of bets, including match result, total goals, in-play betting, and more.
7. Place Your Bet
   1. Select the soccer match and market you want to bet on. Click on the odds associated with your chosen outcome to add it to your bet slip.
8. Set Your Stake
   1. In your bet slip, enter the amount you want to wager on the selected outcome.
9. Confirm Your Bet
   1. Review your bet slip to ensure all details are correct. Confirm your bet by clicking the "Place Bet" or similar button.
10. Wait for Results
    1. Once your bet is placed, you'll need to wait for the match to conclude to see if your bet is successful.
11. Withdraw Winnings
    1. If your bet wins, you can withdraw your winnings. Navigate to the withdrawal section of the sportsbook and choose your preferred withdrawal method.
12. Responsible Betting
    1. Always bet responsibly and within your means. Set limits on your wagers and avoid chasing losses.

Understanding soccer betting odds is essential for a positive experience. Odds indicate the probability of outcomes and potential wins.

American Odds: Used in the U.S., showing winnings on a $100 bet. Positive numbers for underdogs indicate winnings from a $100 bet; negative numbers for favorites show the needed bet to win $100.

Example: If Toronto FC is +150 and Montreal Impact is -120, a $100 bet on Toronto wins $150, while it takes a $120 bet on Montreal to win $100.

Decimal Odds: Show total payout per unit bet, popular in Canada. The higher the decimal, the less likely the outcome, but the payout is greater for successful bets.

Example: Vancouver Whitecaps at 2.75 vs. Calgary FC at 3.10 means a $100 bet on Vancouver returns $275, and the same on Calgary yields $310.

Fractional Odds: Common in the UK, showing profit relative to the stake. The first number indicates potential profit for every unit of the second number bet.

Example: For a game with Toronto FC at 1/3 vs. Ottawa Fury at 4/1, a $100 bet on Toronto would return $133.33, while a $100 bet on Ottawa could net $400.

There are hundreds of betting types for soccer but a few stand out as the most popular options:

Match Result (1X2): This bet predicts the outcome of a match - home team win (1), draw (X), or away team win (2).

Example: Premier League - Chelsea vs. Manchester City 

1 (Chelsea) - X (Draw) - 2 (Manchester City)

Double Chance: It allows you to bet on two possible outcomes in a single bet, reducing risk.

Example: La Liga - Barcelona vs. Real Madrid 

1X (Barcelona or Draw) - 12 (Barcelona or Real Madrid) - X2 (Draw or Real Madrid)

Both Teams to Score (BTTS): You bet on whether both teams will score goals in the match.

Example: MLS - New York Red Bulls vs. LA Galaxy

BTTS (Both Teams to Score) - Yes or No

Total Goals (Over/Under): Bet on the total number of goals scored in a match, usually in half-goal increments.

Example: Premier League - Arsenal vs. Liverpool

Over 2.5 Goals (More than 2.5 goals) - Under 2.5 Goals (2 goals or fewer)

Asian Handicap: It provides a handicap to level the playing field, often used in matches with clear favorites.

Example: Bundesliga - Bayern Munich vs. SC FreiburgBayern Munich -1.5 (+110) - SC Freiburg +1.5 (-120)

Correct Score: Predict the exact final score of the match for potentially high returns.

Example: Serie A - Juventus vs. AC Milan2-1 (Juventus wins 2-1) - 0-0 (Match ends in a draw with no goals)

First Goalscorer: Bet on which player will score the first goal in the match.

Example: Champions League - Real Madrid vs. Paris Saint-Germain Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) - Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)

In-Play Betting: Place bets during the match based on real-time events like goals, corners, or player actions.

Example: FA Cup - Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur Bet on Manchester United to score the next goal during the match.

Accumulator (Parlay): Combine multiple bets into a single wager for larger potential payouts.

Example: Mix matches from different leagues in an accumulator bet.

Draw No Bet:

This eliminates the possibility of a draw, providing a refund if the match ends in a tie.

Example: Serie A - Inter Milan vs. Napoli Inter Milan Draw No Bet (Inter Milan wins or refund if it's a draw)

Live in-play betting is a dynamic aspect of soccer wagering, allowing bettors to engage with ongoing matches. It offers real-time opportunities without leading to bets. Key points include:

• Real-Time Betting: Live in-play betting lets you place bets while a soccer match is ongoing, covering various aspects of the game.
• Wide Betting Options: Options include predicting next goal scorers, team to score next, total goals in a period, and more.
• Market Fluctuations: Odds change rapidly as the game progresses, influenced by goals, injuries, and team performance.
• Informed Decisions: Observing the match helps make informed betting choices based on current dynamics.
• Responsibility: Approach live betting responsibly, set limits, and avoid chasing losses due to rapidly changing odds.
• Match Streaming: Some platforms offer live streaming, enhancing the experience and aiding informed bets.
• Fast Payouts: Winnings from live bets are settled promptly after the match ends.