In recent years, online bookmakers have significantly expanded the range of options available to football betting enthusiasts. One of the biggest advantages for modern bettors is the wide variety of betting markets now available. That’s why we’ve created this guide to explain not only the most popular bets — like 1X2, Both Teams to Score, and Over/Under — but also some of the lesser-known options.
Why Football Betting Offers the Most Variety
Many of the most common betting terms originate from football betting. No other sport offers such a rich variety of markets and odds, with almost every match featuring hundreds of options. Below, we break down the most popular and essential football bet types for beginners and experienced punters alike.
Most Common Football Bets
These are the classic, go-to bet types that form the foundation of football betting. If you’re just starting out, we recommend getting familiar with these before exploring more advanced markets.
1X2 / Full-Time Result
This is the most traditional football bet. The goal is to predict the final result of a match after 90 minutes (including injury time):
- 1 – Home team wins
- X – Draw
- 2 – Away team wins
Double Chance
This market increases your chances by allowing you to cover two outcomes in one bet:
- 1X – Home win or draw
- X2 – Away win or draw
- 12 – Either team wins (no draw)
The odds are lower than a standard 1X2, but the increased chance of winning makes it attractive for risk-averse bettors.
Over/Under Betting
In Over/Under markets, you bet on whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a set threshold. The standard benchmark is 2.5 goals.
- Over 2.5 – Wins if 3 or more goals are scored
- Under 2.5 – Wins if 2 or fewer goals are scored
Other popular thresholds include 0.5, 1.5, 3.5, and 4.5.
Example: You bet on Over 2.5. The bet wins if the score is 2–1, 3–0, or any other combination totaling 3+ goals. It loses if the score is 1–0, 1–1, or 2–0.
Over/Under bets can also apply to:
- Just one team’s goals
- Number of corners
- Number of cards
These options depend on the bookmaker and the profile of the match.
Half-Time/Full-Time (HT/FT)
This type of bet predicts both the result at half-time and at full-time. You must get both right to win:
- 1/1 – Home team leads at both HT and FT
- X/X – Draw at both HT and FT
- 2/2 – Away team leads at both HT and FT
- 1/X – Home leads at HT, Draw at FT
- X/2 – Draw at HT, Away leads at FT
- …and other combinations
This is a high-risk, high-reward type of bet.
Correct Score
With this bet, you must predict the exact final score of the match. It’s one of the most difficult bets to win but offers high odds.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
In this market, you’re betting on whether both teams will score at least one goal during the match.
- Yes (BTTS) – Wins if both teams score
- No (BTTS) – Wins if at least one team doesn’t score
Example: You bet on “Yes”. The bet wins with scores like 1–1, 2–1, or 3–2. It loses with results like 0–0, 1–0, or 2–0.
To succeed with this bet, analyze:
- Goal-scoring trends of each team
- Defensive strengths
- Head-to-head records
Draw No Bet
This option allows you to back a team to win, with the added security of a refund if the match ends in a draw. It’s safer than a standard 1X2 bet but with lower odds.
Odd/Even Goals
A simple bet on whether the total number of goals scored in the match will be odd or even. It’s hard to predict but can offer appealing odds.
Handicap Betting: Classic and Asian
Handicap bets level the playing field between mismatched teams. They’re especially useful when one team is a clear favorite.
Classic (European) Handicap
In a European handicap, one team starts with a virtual goal disadvantage. The final score is adjusted to reflect this.
Example: If Team A has a –1 handicap and wins 2–0, the adjusted score is 1–0, and your bet wins. If they win 1–0, it’s a push (stake refunded). If they draw or lose, your bet loses.
How Handicap Betting Works in Football
Handicap betting is a powerful option, especially when there’s a clear favorite in a match. It helps level the playing field or boost potential returns when regular odds offer little value. There are two main types of handicaps: the European (or traditional) handicap and the Asian handicap — the latter being more complex but highly strategic.
European Handicap Explained (Traditional Style)
This classic form of handicap assigns a virtual goal advantage or disadvantage to a team. Your bet is settled after adjusting the final score based on that handicap.
Example 1:
You bet on Team A to win with a –1 handicap. To win the bet, Team A must beat Team B by at least two goals.
✅ Winning scores: 2–0, 3–1, 3–0
❌ Losing scores: 1–0, 2–1, 3–2
Example 2:
You bet on a Draw with a –1 handicap on Team A. The bet only wins if Team A wins by exactly one goal.
✅ Winning scores: 1–0, 2–1, 3–2
❌ Losing scores: 2–0, 3–1, 3–0
Example 3:
You bet on Team B with Team A having a –1 handicap. The bet wins if Team B wins or draws the match.
When to use it: This handicap is ideal when the favorite team has very low odds. Applying a handicap increases the risk slightly but also raises the potential reward.
Asian Handicap Explained
Asian handicap betting is more nuanced and provides multiple possible outcomes beyond simple win/lose scenarios. Depending on the handicap and the final score, a bet may result in:
- Full win
- Half win
- Refund (push)
- Half loss
- Full loss
Below is a simplified table to help understand how Asian Handicap results are calculated.
Asian Handicap Chart (Positive Handicaps)
| Handicap | Match Result | Bet Outcome |
| +0 | Win | Win |
| Draw | Full refund | |
| Loss | Loss | |
| +0.25 | Win | Win |
| Draw | Half win | |
| Loss | Loss | |
| +0.50 | Win or Draw | Win |
| Loss | Loss | |
| +0.75 | Win or Draw | Win |
| Lose by 1 goal | Half refund | |
| Lose by 2+ goals | Loss | |
| +1 | Win or Draw | Win |
| Lose by 1 goal | Full refund | |
| Lose by 2+ goals | Loss | |
| +1.25 | Win or Draw | Win |
| Lose by 1 goal | Half win | |
| Lose by 2+ goals | Loss | |
| +1.50 | Win/Draw/Lose by 1 goal | Win |
| Lose by 2+ goals | Loss | |
| +1.75 | Win/Draw/Lose by 1 goal | Win |
| Lose by 2 goals | Half refund | |
| Lose by 3+ goals | Loss | |
| +2 | Win/Draw/Lose by 1 goal | Win |
| Lose by 2 goals | Full refund | |
| Lose by 3+ goals | Loss |
Asian Handicap Chart (Negative Handicaps)
| Handicap | Match Result | Bet Outcome |
| -0.25 | Win | Win |
| Draw | Half refund | |
| Loss | Loss | |
| -0.50 | Win | Win |
| Draw or Loss | Loss | |
| -0.75 | Win by 2+ goals | Win |
| Win by 1 goal | Half win | |
| Draw or Loss | Loss | |
| -1 | Win by 2+ goals | Win |
| Win by 1 goal | Full refund | |
| Draw or Loss | Loss | |
| -1.25 | Win by 2+ goals | Win |
| Win by 1 goal | Half refund | |
| Draw or Loss | Loss | |
| -1.50 | Win by 2+ goals | Win |
| Win by 1 goal or less | Loss | |
| -1.75 | Win by 3+ goals | Win |
| Win by 2 goals | Half win | |
| Win by 1 / Draw / Loss | Loss | |
| -2 | Win by 3+ goals | Win |
| Win by 2 goals | Full refund | |
| Win by 1 / Draw / Loss | Loss |
Key Takeaway: Asian handicap betting adds more layers of strategy and is widely favored by advanced punters. It reduces the chance of a “dead” outcome (draw) and often delivers better value over time.
All Types of Football Bets
In recent years, betting sites have significantly expanded the range of options available for football fans. One of the biggest assets for punters today is the wide variety of football bet types. That’s why we’ve dedicated this section to explaining the most popular bets—like 1X2, Both Teams to Score, and Over/Under—as well as some of the less common options.
Goals Betting Markets
A unique category in football betting revolves around goals, offering numerous ways to predict how many, when, and who will score. Below are some of the most relevant markets offered by top international bookmakers. Some are fun and casual, while others are ideal for more complex strategies.
Both Teams to Score
This market requires predicting whether both teams will score during a match. Alternatively, you can bet that only one team will score—or that neither will.
First Goalscorer
Here, you try to guess which player will score the first goal of the match. Bookmakers list the top candidates, but there’s also an “Other” option for unexpected scorers. You can even bet on no goals being scored or the first goal being an own goal.
Example: If you bet on Player A to score first but the opponent scores first, your bet is lost—even if Player A scores later.
Tip: This market is risky but offers high odds. It’s best used for fun or when you’ve analyzed recent team sheets, set-piece takers, and player form.
First Goal Time Interval
This relatively new market allows you to bet on the exact time range in which the first goal will be scored (e.g., 0–15 minutes, 16–30, etc.). You can also bet that no goal will be scored at all.
Exact Total Goals
This bet requires predicting the exact number of goals scored in a full match. It may refer to total goals by both teams or by one specific team or half.
Winning Margin
This market asks you to predict the goal difference in a match’s final result. For example, a winning margin of 1 means a 2-1 or 1-0 scoreline.
Half with Most Goals
This market lets you bet on whether the first half, second half, or neither will feature more goals. It can apply to one team or both combined.
Combo Bets
To boost odds and potential payouts, many top betting sites offer combo markets, where two or more bets are combined on the same match (not to be confused with accumulators). Here are the most common combos:
Result + Over/Under or BTTS
You combine the match result (1X2) with Over/Under (e.g. Over 2.5) or Both Teams to Score (BTTS).
Example: You bet on a home win and Under 2.5. If the match ends 1-0 or 2-0, your bet wins. A 3-0 would lose, even if you predicted the winner.
Double Chance + Over/Under or BTTS
Same as above, but using Double Chance instead of 1X2 for more flexibility.
Triple Possibility
A unique format where your bet wins if any of three conditions are met (e.g. “1 or BTTS or Over 2.5”).
Over/Under + BTTS
In this market, you must correctly predict both the total number of goals and whether both teams will score.
Accumulator Bets (Multiples)
Multiples (or accumulators) allow bettors to combine two or more selections into one ticket. The odds multiply, increasing the potential payout, but the risk also rises. While popular for fun and high rewards, accumulators are not typically part of long-term strategies.
Tip: Bookmakers often boost winnings on large accumulators to encourage participation—but the chances of hitting all outcomes are slim.
Outright Bets (Antepost)
Beyond individual matches, outright bets (or “futures”) let you wager on the long-term outcome of tournaments or leagues.
Tournament Winner
One of the most common markets. You predict which team will win a league or cup.
Example: Betting on Leicester City to win the 2015/16 Premier League turned out to be one of the most profitable football bets in recent memory.
Tip: These bets offer big odds early in a tournament, especially for underdogs. Use them sparingly and with realistic expectations.
Top Goalscorer
Here, you bet on who will finish the tournament as the top scorer. The favorites usually come from high-scoring teams.
Relegation (Yes/No)
Predict whether a team fighting to avoid relegation will stay up or drop to a lower league.
Bottom of the Table
Like the previous bet, but more specific: you must predict the team that will finish last in the standings.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve reached the end of our comprehensive review of football betting types. If you still have questions or uncertainties, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts via email at
❓ What happens if a football match is suspended?
If a football match is suspended, bookmakers generally wait until the following day to see if the match can be resumed and completed. If the game finishes, the final score is valid for all betting purposes. Otherwise, the bet is voided regardless of the type of market.
❓ Are extra time and penalties included in football bets?
No, football bets usually do not include extra time or penalties unless explicitly stated. Unlike basketball betting, only the result at the end of the 90 minutes (plus injury time) counts. However, you can use markets like Draw No Bet, where your stake is refunded in case of a draw.
❓ What if the player I bet on for First Goalscorer doesn’t play?
Betting on the First Goalscorer is high-risk, but if the selected player doesn’t appear in the match, your stake is automatically refunded and the bet is void.
❓ Can I bet on a 0-0 scoreline?
This specific option is usually not available as a separate market due to the very low odds. However, you can bet on the Exact Total Goals market, which may include a 0-goal option.
❓ What’s the best strategy for betting on football?
One of the smartest strategies is to avoid sticking to just one market. Choose the bet type that best suits the specific match you’re analyzing. For example, when the outcome is uncertain, a bet on Over/Under Goals might offer better value than predicting the match winner.
