The Most Popular Soccer Betting Markets

Soccer, or football as most countries around the world call it, is undoubtedly the most popular sport on the planet. From the MLS and the EPL to the FIFA World Cup, literally billions of fans from all across the globe tune in to watch the action… and even put a few bets on the results. And because there are so many games, leagues, and tournaments happening all throughout the year, there are always plenty of betting opportunities to be had.

And one of the first things a new bettor might notice would be the huge variety of markets to choose from. If you’ve ever looked up soccer betting odds, you’ll know that the choice can be overwhelming – so here we’re going to look at some of the most popular so you can choose the right soccer betting market for you.

Match Result (1X2)

The simplest, most common and popular market is the match result market – 1X2 betting. With this, you need to predict whether:

• The home team will win (1),
• The away team will win (2), or
• The match will end in a draw (X).

It’s popular because it’s straightforward, perfect for beginners, and it’s available for every single soccer match. The odds can also be pretty decent if you can spot a potential underdog win!.

Example: If Man U is playing at home against Ipswich, the odds for a home win might be a lot shorter than for an away win or draw.

Over/Under Goals

This team isn’t about which team wins, but the total number of goals that will be scored in the match. The bookie will set the line (usually 2.5 goals), and you need to predict whether the actual total number of goals will be over or under that number.

• Over 2.5 goals means there will be at least 3 goals in the match.
• Under 2.5 goals means you think there will be 2 or fewer goals in the match.

This is a great option if you think there will be either a high or low scoreline, but you’re not sure who will win. However, you can use it alongside a match result bet for the chance of an even bigger payout. 

3. Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

In the Both Teams to Score market, you just need to predict whether both teams will score at least one goal during the match – yes or no.

This market is great for those leagues that are known for having particularly attacking football and weaker defences. It’s also great because it doesn’t matter who wins the game… If you bet ‘yes’, you can win the bet as long as both sides score.

Correct Score

This is one of the toughest… but it can also be one of the most rewarding. Here, you need to predict what you think the exact final score of the match will be… such as 2-1, 0-0, or 3-2.

Because it’s a lot harder to predict than a lot of other markets, they can pay out a lot more, so it’s perfect for punters who have done their homework and don’t mind taking a calculated risk.

Half-Time/Full-Time

In the Half-Time/Full-Time market, you need to bet on what you think the result at both half-time and full-time will be… and because it’s effectively two bets combined into one, you tend to get decent odds.

For example:

• Home/Home means the home team will be leading at half-time and will go on to win the match.
• Draw/Away means the score is level at half-time, but the away team will win.

It’s good if you know which sides start strong and fade, and those who start slow but have better second halves.

First Goalscorer

This is betting on who you think will score the first goal of the match. Obviously, the big-name strikers will have the shortest odds, but if there’s a potential midfielder or defender you can go for, it can offer a lot more value.

There are also options such as Anytime Goalscorer and Last Goalscorer for even more opportunities.

Double Chance

This gives you two possible outcomes… and effectively doubles your chances of winning:

• Home Win or Draw
• Away Win or Draw
• Home Win or Away Win

Obviously, the odds are a bit lower to reflect this, but it’s great if you want a safety net because you think it will be a closely matched game.

Asian Handicap

This bet basically levels the playing field between teams of very different abilities. One team will be given a virtual advantage or disadvantage before the match starts.

So, for example:

• Team A -1.5 means they have to win by at least 2 goals for your bet to win.
• Team B +1.5 means they can either lose by 1 goal, or win/draw, for you to win your bet.

They also remove the draw option, which can mean more competitive odds.

Outright Winner

The Outright Winner market is a long-term bet… and lets you bet on who you think will win a league, tournament or cup before the event ends. You can place them at any time, right up until the outcome is decided – but the odds change to reflect the varying probabilities.

If you can spot an underdog winner right near the start, it can pay out pretty well.

Specials and Prop Bets

You’ll even be given the chance to place match-specific bets – aka prop bets, which could include things like

• Number of corners
• Number of yellow or red cards
• Whether there will be a penalty
• The time the first goal is scored

These can be great if you want to add a bit of variety.

No matter what you go for, it’s all about knowledge with discipline. Do your research, follow the news and never bet more than you’re comfortable losing – have fun and gamble responsibly.