A Complete Guide to the Most Common Types of Football Bets
Football betting offers a vast array of options for those looking to place their stakes on the beautiful game. With so many different bet types available for each match, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer, understanding the various betting markets is key to making informed decisions and improving your chances of success. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular football betting types—explaining their rules, showing how they work, and providing soccer tips for each bet type. From the straightforward 1X2 bet to more complex options like Asian Handicap and Correct Score, we’ll cover it all to help you navigate the world of football betting with confidence.
Asian Handicap
The Asian Handicap bet originated in Asia and has since gained popularity across Europe. This type of bet levels the playing field between two teams of differing strengths by applying a goal handicap. Unlike the 1X2 bet, Asian Handicap removes the possibility of a draw, meaning only two outcomes are possible: Team A wins or Team B wins after factoring in the handicap.
For example, if Brazil is a strong favorite over Mexico, the bookmaker might apply a -1.5 handicap to Brazil. This means Brazil must win by at least two goals for your bet to win. If they only win by one, or the game ends in a draw or loss, your bet fails. Asian Handicap is widely loved for its competitiveness and its ability to make even one-sided matches interesting.
3-Way Betting (1X2)
The 3-way bet, also known as 1X2, is the simplest and most commonly used betting format in football. In this format, you bet on one of three possible outcomes:
1: Home team wins
X: The match ends in a draw
2: Away team wins
If you choose “1” and the home team wins, you win the bet. If the match ends in a draw or the away team wins, you lose. This format is straightforward, but keep in mind that the presence of three outcomes means lower chances of winning compared to two-option bets.
Modern bookmakers have expanded on the basic 3-way structure by integrating elements of both Asian and European styles. For instance, a 3-way bet might include odds for Brazil to win with a handicap, a draw, or Mexico to win, adding more depth and complexity. This hybrid form can confuse beginners, especially when handicaps are involved, so it's essential to read the terms carefully before placing a wager.
Double Chance
Double Chance betting increases your chance of winning by allowing you to cover two of the three possible outcomes in a football match. The three options typically offered are:
1 or X: Home team wins or the match ends in a draw
1 or 2: Home or away team wins (draw means you lose)
X or 2: Draw or away team wins
While these types of bets in football can improve your odds of winning, they usually come with reduced payouts. It’s a safer option for risk-averse bettors who are more interested in consistency than big wins.
Over/Under (Totals)
Over/Under betting, often called Totals, is based on the combined number of goals scored by both teams. The bookmaker sets a predicted total goal figure, and you bet on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.
For instance, if the Over/Under line is set at 2.5 goals for Brazil vs. Mexico:
If you bet on Over, you win if the match ends with 3 or more goals.
If you bet on Under, you win if the match ends with 2 or fewer goals.
This type of bet has expanded beyond goals. Today, you can place Over/Under bets on things like total corners, yellow cards, and even specific player statistics. The same system is also widely used in other sports, including basketball and tennis.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
The Both Teams to Score (BTTS) market is straightforward. You bet on whether both teams will score during the match.
If both teams score at least once, “Yes” wins.
If one or both teams fail to score, “No” wins.
This type of bet is great for matches where both sides are offensively strong but defensively weak. It’s often used in combination bets for better value.
Half Time/Full Time
This market challenges you to predict the result at both half-time and full-time. There are nine possible combinations, including:
Home/Home: Home team leads at both half-time and full-time
Draw/Home: The match is tied at half-time, but the home team wins by full-time
Away/Home: The away team leads at half-time, but the home team comes back to win
It’s a more challenging market but offers high odds. Keep in mind that results are based on 90 minutes of regular time plus stoppage time, not extra time or penalties.
Draw No Bet (DNB)
This is a more conservative betting option where the risk of a draw is removed. You choose one team to win, and if the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded. It’s a safer alternative to 1X2 betting, especially in closely matched games where a draw is highly possible.
For example, if you bet on Mexico with Draw No Bet and the match ends in a draw, you get your money back. If Mexico wins, you profit. If they lose, you lose the bet.
Correct Score
Correct Score bets are exactly what they sound like—you predict the final score of the match. This market offers some of the highest odds in football betting because predicting the exact result is very difficult.
You can bet on:
Full-Time Correct ScoreHalf-Time Correct Score
Combo Correct Score (Half Time/Full Time)
For example, if you predict Brazil to win 2-1 and that’s the final score, you win. Any other outcome, even a Brazil win with a different scoreline, means you lose.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of football bets is essential for anyone looking to get involved in the exciting world of sports betting. Whether you’re opting for the simplicity of a 1X2 bet, the strategic depth of the Asian Handicap, or the thrill of predicting exact scores, each type offers its own unique challenge and potential rewards. As with all forms of betting, it’s crucial to approach each wager with knowledge, caution, and a clear strategy. Remember, betting should always be about enjoyment and entertainment, so bet responsibly and know when to step back. By mastering the various betting markets, you’ll be better equipped to make smarter decisions and, ultimately, enhance your chances of success in football betting on online betting sites in Canada .