Football isn’t just the most popular sport to watch, it’s also the most popular sport to bet on. With leagues, cups, and international matches happening almost every day somewhere in the world, there’s always an opportunity to place a wager. Whether you’re following the Champions League, the Premier League, or a local fixture, betting on football adds an extra layer of excitement to the action.
At betFIRST, we offer competitive odds, live betting options, and a variety of markets so you can enjoy the game in your own way. If you’re new to football betting or looking to refine your approach, here’s an introduction to some of the most popular types of bets and how they work.
Match result betting
The most straightforward way to bet on football is by predicting the outcome of a match. This is often referred to as a “1X2” bet, where “1” stands for the home team win, “X” for a draw, and “2” for the away team win. The key thing to remember is that standard match result bets apply only to the 90 minutes of regular play, plus any added injury time. If a cup tie goes to extra time or penalties, those outcomes won’t count unless you specifically choose a market that includes them.
Even though this type of bet is simple, it’s worth considering factors like recent form, injuries, and home or away performance before making your choice.
Over/Under goals
If predicting the winner feels tricky, you can bet on the total number of goals scored in a game instead. This is known as the “Over/Under” market. For example, “Over 2.5 goals” means you expect at least three goals in the match, while “Under 2.5 goals” means you think there will be no more than two. It’s a great option when you have a sense of whether the match will be tight and defensive or open and attacking, but don’t want to commit to a specific team winning.
Both teams to score
Another market that’s easy to understand is “Both Teams to Score”, often shortened to BTTS. Here, you’re simply betting on whether both sides will get on the scoresheet. The final outcome doesn’t matter; what matters is that each team scores at least once. It’s a popular choice for matches where both teams are strong in attack but perhaps not as solid at the back.
Handicap betting
Handicap betting is designed to make one-sided games more interesting. In a European Handicap, the stronger team might start with a one-goal disadvantage, so they’d need to win by at least two goals for your bet to succeed. An Asian Handicap works similarly but removes the draw as a possible outcome, often using half-goal or quarter-goal adjustments for more precise odds. This type of betting can offer better value if you think the favourite will win comfortably or give you more security when backing an underdog.
Goalscorer markets
For those who like to back individual players, goalscorer bets can be especially exciting. You can choose a player to score the first goal, the last goal, or simply to score at any time during the match. Checking recent form, knowing who takes penalties or free kicks, and keeping up with team news can all give you an edge here.
Correct score predictions
Correct score betting involves predicting the exact final result of the match within 90 minutes. Because it’s much harder to get right, the potential payouts are usually higher than with simpler bets. It’s a market that rewards careful research, but it also involves more risk since even one unexpected goal can ruin your prediction.
Double chance to be on the safe side
If you’re looking for a safer option, the “Double Chance” market allows you to cover two possible results in one bet. For instance, you could back the home team to win or draw, the away team to win or draw, or either side to win with no draw. The trade-off is that the odds are lower, but your chances of winning are higher.
Live betting
The action doesn’t stop once the match begins. Live betting lets you place wagers as the game unfolds, reacting to the flow of play. You might bet on the next team to score, the number of goals in the second half, or whether a specific player will be booked. This style of betting is fast-paced and exciting, but it also requires quick thinking and a good feel for the match.
Bet Builder for bigger wins
For many football fans, nothing beats the thrill of a Bet Builder. This type of bet combines multiple selections into one, with the odds multiplying together. Even a small stake can lead to a big win, but every selection has to come through for the bet to pay out. While it’s tempting to include many legs for a huge potential payout, starting with smaller accumulators of three or four selections can give you a better balance between risk and reward.
Special markets
Beyond the main markets, betFIRST also offers a range of special bets to make the game even more engaging. You might predict the number of corners, the minute of the first goal, a team to come from behind to win, or whether a specific player will be shown a yellow card. These bets can be a fun way to add variety to your matchday experience.
Responsible betting on betFIRST
Football betting should enhance your enjoyment of the sport, not create problems. Setting a budget, avoiding the urge to chase losses, and knowing when to take a break are all important habits to develop. At betFIRST, we provide tools to help you stay in control, from deposit limits to self-exclusion options, so you can play responsibly and focus on the fun side of betting.
Here at betFIRST, player wellbeing is our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information. When the fun stops, stop.
