How to Bet in Soccer: A Guide for Beginners
Soccer, often referred to as “the beautiful game,” is not only the most popular sport in the world, but also one of the biggest entertainment businesses in the world and one of the most exciting sports to bet on. With its unpredictable nature, thrilling moments, and worldwide fanbase, soccer betting offers an opportunity to engage with the game on a deeper level.
However, if you’re new to the world of soccer betting, it can feel overwhelming and confusing at first. As someone who wants to get into soccer betting really soon I first want to make sure I can understand the basics and explain them to someone else. That is why in this beginner’s guide I will be helping you navigate the basics on how to bet on soccer as a beginner. Let’s kick of
Soccer Betting Lines Explained
One of the basics of betting in soccer is understanding soccer betting lines. Betting lines, also known as odds or markets, provide the framework for all wagers, showing the potential payouts and the likelihood of specific outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of the most common soccer betting lines:
Moneyline (Match Result)
The moneyline is one of the simplest and most popular soccer bets which focuses on the outcome of the match:
1: A win for the home team.
X: A draw (tie) between the teams.
2: A win for the away team.
Example:
If Manchester United is playing Liverpool, the betting line might look like this:
Manchester United: +150
Draw: +200
Liverpool: +180
A $100 bet on Manchester United at +150 would pay $150 in profit if they win.
Over/Under Goals
This line predicts the total number of goals scored in a match by both teams combined. Instead of betting on the exact score, you bet whether the total will be over or under a set number (e.g., 2.5 goals).
Over 2.5: The match must have 3 or more goals for you to win.
Under 2.5: The match must have 2 or fewer goals for you to win.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
In this line, you bet on whether both teams will score at least one goal during the match.
Yes: Both teams must score for the bet to win.
No: One or both teams must fail to score.
Handicap (Spread Betting)
Handicap betting is used to level the playing field when one team is heavily favored. A handicap is applied to either team, and the bet is settled based on the adjusted score.
Example:
If Barcelona has a -1.5 handicap, they must win by 2 or more goals for the bet to win.
Double Chance
This line allows you to cover two of the three possible outcomes in a match (win, lose, or draw).
1X: The home team wins or the match ends in a draw.
12: Either the home or away team wins (no draw).
X2: The away team wins or the match ends in a draw.
Correct Score
This is a more challenging line where you predict the exact score of the match. Because of the difficulty, the odds are typically higher.
Example:
Betting on a 2-1 win for Team A might offer odds of +800, meaning a $100 bet would win $800.
In-Play (Live) Betting
In-play betting allows you to place bets while the match is ongoing. The odds shift dynamically based on the flow of the game, providing exciting opportunities for quick decisions.
Understanding these betting lines is the first step toward becoming a more experienced soccer bettor. Start by practicing with simpler bets like the moneyline or over/under, then gradually explore more complex options as you gain confidence.
Be sure to read up on Premier League odds or any other league you plan to bet on and learn what they mean and what they look like in terms of reflecting whether a club is a favorite heading into a match or more of an underdog.
Boost your Knowledge
Whether you are a passionate fan of the sport already or just beginning to follow what it’s all about, the players, team forms, and narratives are constantly changing and so you have to keep up with news to have a better chance of making the right prediction. The season spans across nearly ten months so it’s important to know that things are always changing and its even more important to know the specific details of those changes.
No matter where you are in your soccer journey learning more about the game through playing, paying attention to the latest soccer news, going on websites related to soccer tips for the day. analyzing high-level games, reading soccer books, listening to podcasts and interviews, watching soccer documentaries, as well as some movies, tv shows, and anime, can help boost your knowledge on the game.
Track the Team News
As part of following narratives through the campaign, the most vital is that of team news as being aware of which players have been sidelined through injury or suspension can give you a giant steer on the possible line-up and help you more accurately predict the strengths and weaknesses in the side.
Following team news is relatively ease in the modern world as managers will share details with media in a pre-match press conference ahead of every game and this information will be shared instantly, either via live broadcasts or as instant updates by clubs and journalists on social media and other official channels. So, for example, if Liverpool boss Arne Slot confirms Mohamed Salah has been ruled out with a foot problem, those betting know the Reds will be without their talisman and top scorer which could have a detrimental effect on their next result.
Final Tips and Trick for Beginners
– Know the rules of each wager
– Be aware of the lineups, specifically injuries and suspensions
-Know the motivation of both teams
-Be aware of team tactics, key, players, and form
-Find the best apps and prices
Summary
When it comes to soccer betting, knowledge is power and so taking the time to learn what is required will set you on the right path to making savvy picks. Check out different resources online to learn more about the team, players and form guides so that you have the information needed to make smart selections on match-day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should a beginner bet on soccer?
A beginner should start off betting safe by playing with the simplest betting lines like moneyline and over/under. They should also do a ton of research, on where they are going to play and how they are going to play as well as set a budget, and play smart.
How Can I Bet Better At Soccer?
To bet better at soccer it is important to analyze your current betting strategies and make new plans if you have to. As usual do a ton of research, set a budget, and play smart.
