Betting on football/soccer is not just a popular pastime but a global phenomenon, with the English Premier League standing out as a focal point for bettors in the UK and beyond.

The allure of soccer betting is amplified by the sheer variety of markets available to punters. In a single Premier League match, bettors can explore around 300 different betting options, ranging from the final result to more specific events within the game, such as the number of corners, goals scored by individual players, or even the time of the first goal.

Introduction to Soccer Betting

Soccer betting offers a thrilling dimension to the global game, inviting fans to test their knowledge and intuition against bookmakers around the world. From the English Premier League to the World Cup, the opportunities for wagering are as diverse as the sport itself, covering everything from match outcomes and player performances to intricate in-game events.

This guide aims to equip you with the essential insights and strategies for navigating the vast landscape of soccer betting, ensuring you understand the nuances of odds, market types, and betting tactics. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or stepping into the soccer betting arena for the first time, this guide will provide a solid foundation to enhance your football betting experience.

Popular Soccer Betting Markets

There are literally hundreds of individual betting markets on football (soccer) matches, not to mention the plethora of special markets and Bet Builder options. Each market offers different ways to engage with the game and requires varying levels of strategy and knowledge. Here are some of the most popular markets when it comes to betting on soccer.

  • Match Result – The simplest market is the outcome of the match after 90 minutes with 3 possible outcomes – Home Win, Draw or Away Win.
  • Total Goals – Usually an Over / Under 2-way market this asks you to predict whether the number of goals will be over or under the set line.  Over / Under 2.5 goals is a popular market since the odds are often close to 50/50.
  • Both Teams to Score – Wager on whether both teams will score during the match.
  • Correct Score – Just what it says on the tin. A market that asks you to predict the final score. Quite a hard bet to win with but several options can be covered.
  • First / Last Goalscorer – Which player will open the scoring? Own goals do not count in this market
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Like First Goalscorer but your chosen player can score at anytime in the regular 90 minutes. Of course the odds will be a lot smaller than betting First Goalscorer but if you find a striker in good form this can be a good market to bet on.
  • Handicap – Handicap betting offers alternative markets giving the underdogs a virtual head start. For example West Ham +1. This can make the odds more even in games where there is a strong favourite.
  • Half-Time/Full-Time – Bet on the result at half-time and full-time.
BETFINDER TIP - Don't bet 0-0 on the Correct Score market
If you ever want to bet on a match to be a 0-0 goalless draw, instead of betting 0-0 in the correct score market, bet on ‘No Goalscorer’ in this the First Goalscorer market. The reason being if there is an own goal scored (and that is the only goal of the game), you will still win as own goals do not count in First Goalscorer but the prices are usually the same.

Major Soccer Tournaments in 2025

  • FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – June 14 – July 13, United States

This inaugural expanded tournament will feature 32 teams from across all six FIFA confederations. See fifa.com.

  • UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 – July 2 – 27, Switzerland

The premier European championship for women’s national teams. See topendsports.com.

  • CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025 – June 14 – July 6, United States and Canada

The biennial championship for national teams in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

  • UEFA Nations League Finals 2025 – June 4 – 8, Location TBA

The concluding tournament of the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League, featuring the four group winners from League A.

  • Africa Cup of Nations 2025 – December 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026, Morocco

The main international men’s football championship in Africa, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

  • Copa Libertadores Final 2025 – November (exact date TBA), Location TBA

The annual final of South America’s premier club football tournament.

  • Copa Sudamericana Final 2025 – December (exact date TBA), Location TBA

The final match of South America’s secondary club football tournament.

Soccer Betting Strategies

There are myriad of different betting strategy for soccer by bettors looking to make long-term profits. This includes seeking value betting odds, using team and player statistics and effective bank roll management.

Value Betting

Value betting in soccer involves identifying bets where the odds provided by bookmakers offer more value than the actual chance of the event occurring. It requires a deep understanding of the game, analyzing team form, head-to-head records, and other relevant statistics to spot discrepancies between the perceived and actual probabilities of match outcomes. Successful value bettors systematically assess each game, distinguishing undervalued teams or outcomes to capitalize on over the long term, turning a consistent profit by leveraging these insights against the market’s inefficiencies.

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis in soccer betting involves leveraging historical data and current season statistics to forecast match outcomes. This approach examines factors like team performance, player stats, possession percentages, and home vs. away records to predict future results. By analyzing trends and patterns, bettors can make more informed decisions, identifying potential upsets or confirming favorites’ strengths.

This method also allows for the evaluation of less obvious betting markets, such as corners, cards, and individual player performance, offering a comprehensive view beyond the simple win-lose-draw options. Through diligent research and application of statistical tools, bettors can uncover valuable insights, enhancing their betting strategy for a competitive edge.

Bankroll Management

Allocate a specific portion of your funds for betting and stick to it, ensuring you’re only wagering what you can afford to lose, to maintain a sustainable betting strategy over time.

How does ‘Expected Goals’ in Soccer Work?

Expected goals (xG) assesses the probability of a shot resulting in a goal based on historical data of similar attempts based on historical shot data. This metric uses factors like shot position and angle to evaluate the quality of scoring opportunities.

Each shot is assigned an xG value reflecting its chance of scoring, considering factors like shot location, angle, and type. This metric helps analyse team and player performance beyond traditional stats, offering insights into the quality of scoring opportunities created and conceded.

FAQ

How do I start betting on soccer?
To start betting on soccer, choose a reputable online sportsbook / bookmaker, create an account, deposit funds, and familiarize yourself with the betting options available.
What are the most common types of soccer bets?
Common soccer bets include match outcome (win, draw, lose), over/under goals, both teams to score, and correct score predictions.
Can I bet on soccer matches live?
Yes, many sportsbooks offer live betting, allowing you to place bets during the match based on the live action and updated odds.
How can I improve my soccer betting strategy?
Improving your strategy involves researching teams and players, understanding soccer statistics, managing your bankroll wisely, and staying informed about injuries and team news.