How to Bet Responsibly on Soccer

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9 min read
iconDec 27, 2023, 6:03 PMicon
Author
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief
Last Updated: Nov 25, 2024, 1:17 PM
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Understanding Soccer Odds

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.

Key Types of Soccer Bets

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 on Soccer Games

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.

How to Place a Soccer Bet

  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.

How to Bet on Soccer FAQs

General

How do I start soccer betting online or on mobile in North America?

To begin, choose a reputable sportsbook, create an account, and verify your identity.

What should I look for in a sportsbook for soccer betting in North America?

Look for a licensed sportsbook that offers a wide range of soccer betting options.

Account Setup:

What information is required to create a sportsbook account?

You'll need to provide personal information, including your name, email address, and age for eligibility verification.

Why do sportsbooks require identity verification?

Identity verification is a standard procedure to ensure the legal age and identity of bettors.

Depositing Funds

How can I deposit funds into my sportsbook account?

Common deposit methods include credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, or prepaid cards. Choose the method that suits you best.

Is it safe to deposit real money into a sportsbook account?

Reputable sportsbooks use secure encryption to protect your financial information, making it safe to deposit funds.

Betting Process

How do I navigate to soccer betting on the sportsbook's website or mobile app?

After funding your account, navigate to the soccer betting section, usually labeled as "Soccer," "Football," or "Soccer Betting."

What types of soccer bets are available for selection?

You can choose from various bets, including match result, total goals, in-play betting, and more.

<p>With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.</p><p>At RG, Sol keeps the focus on the reader by maintaining a standard of reliability and integrity in the information shared. Under his editorial direction, RG aims to provide practical insights into sports and sports entertainment that support a balanced and informed approach. Sol’s approach has helped RG become a go-to source for readers looking to engage responsibly and thoughtfully in the industry.</p>
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Meet our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.

In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.

In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.

Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.

At RG, Sol keeps the focus on the reader by maintaining a standard of reliability and integrity in the information shared. Under his editorial direction, RG aims to provide practical insights into sports and sports entertainment that support a balanced and informed approach. Sol’s approach has helped RG become a go-to source for readers looking to engage responsibly and thoughtfully in the industry.

Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
Problem Gambling Expert

Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project 

 “Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.

Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer

Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game in 1998, and he's been writing about them professionally since 2014.

Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports while growing his expertise in sports data analysis and research. 

Between 2022 and 2023, he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets. In 2024, he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.

Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
Head of News Department

Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.

Anna Kravtcova
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.

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