Soccer Betting: A Blend of Strategy and Excitement
Betting on soccer brings unique challenges and opportunities for fans and enthusiasts. With its global popularity, continuous action, and diverse leagues and tournaments, soccer provides an engaging environment for bettors. However, responsible betting is essential to ensure the activity remains enjoyable and does not lead to financial or emotional stress.
Responsible Soccer Betting
Soccer betting requires a mindful approach to minimize risks. Common challenges include:
- Overspending: Without clear limits, even small wagers can accumulate into significant losses. A responsible betting budget should be no more than 1-5% of your disposable income.
- Emotional Decisions: Betting on a favorite team or player without proper analysis and understanding of the odds can result in poor decision-making.
- Chasing Losses: The temptation to chase losses often leads to impulsive, high-risk bets, exacerbating financial issues.
Best Practices for Soccer Betting
To enjoy the strategic aspects of soccer betting while staying responsible, follow these best practices:
- Research Thoroughly: Analyze team statistics, recent performance, injuries, and head-to-head records. Understanding factors like home-field advantage and player form can provide valuable insights.
- Learn the Rules: Soccer's rules, such as extra time, penalty shootouts, and tournament aggregate scoring, can influence betting outcomes. A strong grasp of these nuances helps in making informed bets.
- Understand Bet Types: From moneyline odds and over/under goals to Asian handicaps and accumulator bets, know how different wagers work and their respective risks and rewards.
- Set a Budget: Determine a fixed betting budget (1-5% of disposable income) and adhere to it strictly. This helps prevent financial strain.
- Avoid Emotional Betting: Keep emotions in check by avoiding bets based on loyalty, frustration, or superstition. Instead, focus on logical analysis and statistical evidence.
Soccer Betting Can Be Strategic and Enjoyable
By setting limits, making informed decisions, and staying disciplined, you can ensure that soccer betting remains fun and engaging. Remember, betting should complement your love for soccer, not overshadow it.
Everything You Need to Know About Soccer Betting
Get Started by Learning Soccer Betting Basics
Popular Soccer Gambling Markets and Options
Soccer betting comes with unique terms and strategies that reflect the sport’s global appeal and complexity, from moneyline bets to player props. Understanding these terms is essential for making informed decisions and creating a sustainable and enjoyable betting experience.
This knowledge ensures you can fully grasp the odds, calculate potential payouts, and identify value in the betting lines.
The table below provides a guide to soccer betting terms, with examples illustrating how each type of wager works in practice. By mastering these terms, you’ll be better equipped to approach soccer betting with clarity and confidence.
| Bet Type | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Betting on which team will win the match outright. | Betting on Barcelona to defeat Real Madrid in a La Liga match. |
| Draw No Bet (DNB) | A wager where your stake is refunded if the match ends in a draw. | Betting on Liverpool DNB against Chelsea—win if Liverpool wins, refunded if it’s a draw. |
| Over/Under Goals | Betting on whether the total number of goals scored will be over or under a set line. | Betting on over 2.5 goals in a match between Manchester City and Tottenham. |
| Both Teams to Score (BTTS) | Betting on whether both teams will score at least one goal. | Betting "Yes" for both Arsenal and Manchester United to score in their match. |
| Correct Score | Betting on the exact final score of the match. | Betting on PSG 2, Lyon 1 as the exact final score (+900). |
| First Goalscorer | Betting on a specific player to score the first goal in the match. | Betting on Lionel Messi to score the first goal in an Inter Miami game (+400). |
| Anytime Goalscorer | Betting on a specific player to score at any point during the match. | Betting on Erling Haaland to score anytime during a Manchester City match (+150). |
| Half-Time/Full-Time | Betting on the result at both half-time and full-time. | Betting on Bayern Munich to lead at half-time and win by full-time against Dortmund. |
| Asian Handicap | Adjusting the goal difference to level the playing field for betting purposes. | Betting on Juventus -1.5 against Napoli (Juventus must win by 2+ goals to win the bet). |
| Double Chance | Betting on two potential outcomes in the same match. | Betting on AC Milan to win or draw against Roma. |
| Live Betting | Placing bets during the match with odds that change in real-time. | Betting on Manchester United to win after trailing at halftime. |
| Parlay (Accumulator) | Combining multiple bets into one; all must win for the payout. | Betting on Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and PSG all to win their respective matches. |
| Player Prop Bet | Betting on a specific player's performance in a match. | Betting on Cristiano Ronaldo to have over 2.5 shots on target in a game. |
| Team Specials | Bets focused on team-specific achievements in a match. | Betting on Barcelona to have over 7.5 corner kicks against Valencia. |
| Winning Margin | Betting on the margin by which a team will win. | Betting on Manchester City to win by exactly 2 goals against Arsenal. |
| Futures | Betting on long-term outcomes, such as tournament winners. | Betting on Brazil to win the FIFA World Cup before the tournament starts. |
| Exact Number of Goals | Betting on the precise total number of goals scored in the match. | Betting on exactly 3 goals to be scored in a match between Italy and Germany. |
Understanding Soccer Betting Odds
Soccer betting odds represent the probability of specific outcomes in matches and determine potential winnings based on the amount wagered. These odds are commonly presented as American odds (positive and negative), decimal odds, or fractional odds, depending on the region. Understanding how soccer betting odds work is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing your betting experience.
Here’s an overview of soccer betting odds, including examples and key betting types.
Positive and Negative Numbers in American Odds
Positive Odds (+)
Positive odds show the profit you can earn from a $100 wager.
- Example: If Manchester United has moneyline odds of +250, a $100 bet would result in a $250 profit for a total payout of $350 (original stake + profit).
Negative Odds (-)
Negative odds represent the amount you must wager to win $100.
- Example: If Manchester City has odds of -150, you must bet $150 to earn $100 in profit, for a total payout of $250 (original stake + profit).
Types of Soccer Betting Odds
Moneyline Odds
A simple bet on which team will win the match outright.
- Example:
- Manchester United: +200
- Chelsea: -150
Betting on Chelsea at -150 requires a $150 bet to win $100. Betting on the underdog Manchester United at +200 would earn $200 from a $100 wager.
Point Spread (Goal Line) Bets
The soccer equivalent of a point spread, typically represented as a goal handicap.
- Example:
- Barcelona -1.5 (+120)
- Real Madrid +1.5 (-140)
Betting on Barcelona -1.5 requires them to win by 2 or more goals. Betting on Real Madrid +1.5 wins if they lose by 1 goal or win/draw outright.
Over/Under Goals (Totals)
A bet on whether the total goals scored by both teams will be over or under a set number.
- Example:
- Total Goals: 2.5
- Over (-110): A $110 bet wins $100 if 3 or more goals are scored.
- Under (-110): A $110 bet wins $100 if 2 or fewer goals are scored.
- Total Goals: 2.5
Parlays (Accumulator Bets)
A single bet combining multiple selections; all must win for the payout.
- Example: Combining Manchester United to win (+200) and Liverpool to win (-140). If both teams win, the payout is higher than betting individually.
Player Prop Bets
Wagers on individual player performances during the match.
- Example: Betting on Lionel Messi to score anytime at +150.
Team Prop Bets
Bets on team-specific performances, such as goals scored or total corner kicks.
- Example: Betting on Arsenal to have over 6.5 corner kicks in a match.
Futures Bets
Long-term wagers on tournament outcomes or season performance.
- Example:
- Betting on Brazil to win the FIFA World Cup at +400.
- Betting on Manchester City to exceed 90.5 points in the Premier League season.
Most Reviewed Soccer Sportsbooks
- Availability across most of US legal states
- Competitive odds & diverse markets
- Attentive customer service
- Extensive list of Same Game Parlay's
- App speeds vary for some users
- Geo locate sometimes unreliable
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting
- Efficient & secure payments
- Strong security measures
- Mobile app connectivity issues
- Maximum bets on odds boosts are low.
- Promotional restrictions
- Available in many U.S. States and Canada
- Numerous betting markets
- Major partnerships with teams/leagues
- Promotions are timely and change rapidly
- Connectivity issues on betting app
- Extensive Market Reach.
- Unmatched Fan Engagement.
- Live betting.
- Digital media bohemeth.
- Limited live streaming.
- Connectivity issues on betting apps.
- One of the biggest welcome bonuses.
- Secure payments.
- Efficient customer service
- Some users have described slow loading times
- Limited live streaming options
- Some bonus wagering requirements are unclear
- Good functionality on desktop and betting apps.
- Live Streaming.
- Live Betting.
- Betting Apps on iOS & Android
- Limited availability in the U.S.
- Limited sports categories.
Soccer Odds Comparison
Whether placing a wager on a Champions League match, analyzing a parlay across international leagues, or betting on your favorite team in a decisive derby, understanding how payouts vary is essential to maximizing your potential returns.
Let’s take the example of soccer futures markets for major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, or Premier League title odds across popular sportsbooks such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars. Even small differences in odds can lead to significant profit increases if you compare and strategically select your bets.
Understanding these nuances allows bettors to make informed choices. This approach can increase potential returns and supports responsible betting practices, steering clear of risks like exceeding budgetary limits or engaging with unregulated bookmakers. Always prioritize comparing odds and using legal, licensed sportsbooks for fair play and transparency.
Soccer Futures Odds Comparison Example
You can optimize your bets and make the most of your wagering experience by analyzing odds for outright winners across various sportsbooks.
| Sportsbook | Arsenal | Tie | Tottenham |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | -250 | +410 | +600 |
| FanDuel | -250 | +425 | +550 |
| BetMGM | -250 | +425 | +575 |
| Caesars | -250 | +400 | +600 |
Responsible Insights for Soccer Odds Table
Based on the table provided for the Arsenal vs. Tottenham match, the sportsbooks are offering the best value for a $100 bet today. These calculations exclude sportsbook soccer promotions or Odds Boost offers, which can further improve potential payouts by reducing the sportsbook’s margin (vig).
Breakdown of Best Odds by Outcome:
Arsenal: All sportsbooks offer identical odds of -250. A $250 bet on Arsenal at any sportsbook would return $100 in profit if they win, resulting in a total payout of $350.
Tie: FanDuel and BetMGM provide the most favorable odds at +425, slightly better than DraftKings (+410) and Caesars (+400). A $100 bet on a tie at FanDuel or BetMGM would return $425 in profit, for a total payout of $525.
- Insight: Always shop for the highest odds when betting on less common outcomes like a tie, as they vary significantly across sportsbooks.
Tottenham: DraftKings and Caesars offer the best odds at +600, higher than FanDuel (+550) and BetMGM (+575). A $100 bet on Tottenham at DraftKings or Caesars would yield $600 in profit, resulting in a total payout of $700.
- Reminder: Betting on underdogs can be appealing due to higher payouts, but consider team performance and match analysis before making such wagers.
Why Comparing Odds Matters
Odds can differ significantly across sportsbooks, even for the same match. You can maximize your potential returns by selecting the sportsbook with the best odds for your bet. This practice aligns with responsible gambling by ensuring you get the most value for your wagers while staying within your budget. Always wager with licensed and regulated sportsbooks to ensure fairness and transparency.
Where to Research Soccer Stats and Data Analysis
Accessing reliable soccer stats and data is important for making informed bets. Here are some trusted resources to help you analyze teams, players, and match trends:
1. FBref
- Website: fbref.com
- What It Offers:
- Detailed stats for leagues worldwide, including player metrics (goals, assists, xG, etc.) and team performance.
- Advanced analytics like expected goals (xG) and progressive passes.
- Historical data for major tournaments and leagues.
2. WhoScored
- Website: whoscored.com
- What It Offers:
- Player and team ratings based on live match data.
- Heatmaps, shot maps, and tactical analysis.
- Data from major leagues and competitions worldwide.
- Why It's Great: Ideal for real-time match insights and post-match analysis.
3. Transfermarkt
- Website: transfermarkt.com
- What It Offers:
- Market values, player transfers, and contract information.
- Squad overviews, historical performance, and injury history.
- Statistics for clubs and national teams across the globe.
4. Understat
- Website: understat.com
- What It Offers:
- Advanced analytics like xG, xA, and shot maps.
- Focused coverage on major European leagues (Premier League, La Liga, etc.).
- Player and team dashboards for easy comparison.
5. SoccerSTATS
- Website: soccerstats.com
- What It Offers:
- League standings, match predictions, and historical performance trends.
- Data for lesser-known leagues and competitions.
6. The Analyst
- Website: theanalyst.com
- What It Offers:
- Data-driven articles, player and team rankings, and predictive models.
- Coverage of major leagues and tournaments.
- Why It's Great: Combines stats with storytelling for engaging insights.
7. ESPN FC
- Website: espn.com/soccer
- What It Offers:
- Match stats, live scores, and team/player rankings.
- News, commentary, and expert analysis.
Meet our Authors
Paruyr Shahbazyan
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
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 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 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 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
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.
