How Does Online Soccer Betting Work? Complete Guide 2024
The world of online soccer betting is exciting and full of opportunities. Whether you're a passionate soccer fan or a seasoned bettor, this complete guide will show you how to bet on soccer online intelligently and strategically.
The Basics of Online Soccer Betting
What Are Odds?
Odds are the backbone of soccer betting. They represent the probability of an event happening and determine how much you can win with a bet. Odds can be presented in different formats:
- Decimal: E.g., 2.50 (multiply your stake by 2.50 to calculate the total return)
- Fractional: E.g., 5/2 (for every 2 units you bet, you win 5 units)
- American: E.g., 150 (for every 100 units you bet, you win 150 units)
Choosing a Reliable Sportsbook
The choice of a sportsbook is crucial. Look for online sportsbooks that are licensed and have a good reputation. Compare the odds offered, welcome bonuses, and the variety of betting markets.
Popular Soccer Betting Markets
Moneyline (1X2): This is the simplest way to bet. You choose who will win the game: home team (1), draw (X), or away team (2).
Spreads (Asian Handicap): The Asian handicap levels the playing field by giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to one of the teams. This creates more balanced odds and opens up new betting possibilities.
Totals (Over/Under): You bet on whether the total number of goals in the match will be higher (over) or lower (under) than a certain value set by the sportsbook.
Other Options:
- Player Props: Goalscorer, number of cards, etc.
- Corner Bets: Total corners, team with most corners, etc.
- Live Betting: Betting during the game, with odds that change in real time.
Understanding Soccer Bet Types: Moneyline, Spreads, and Totals
Moneyline: Betting on the Winner
The moneyline bet is the most basic bet in soccer. You simply choose which team will win the match. If your chosen team wins, you win!
Moneyline Example:
- Manchester United: -150
- Draw: 300
- Liverpool: 450
In the example above, Manchester United is the favorite to win. To win $100 with a bet on Manchester United, you would need to bet $150. Liverpool is the underdog, and a $100 bet would yield $450 if they won.
Spreads (Asian Handicap): Leveling the Playing Field
The Asian handicap is a type of bet that balances the odds between two teams by adding or subtracting goals from a team virtually. This creates more interesting betting opportunities, even in games with a clear favorite.
Asian Handicap Example:
- Real Madrid: -1.5
- Barcelona: 1.5
In this example, Real Madrid needs to win by at least 2 goals for the bet to be a winner. Barcelona can lose by up to 1 goal and still the bet will be a winner.
Totals (Over/Under): Betting on the Number of Goals
The totals bet focuses on the total number of goals scored in the match. The sportsbook sets a value, and you bet on whether the total number of goals will be higher (over) or lower (under) than that value.
Totals (Over/Under) Example:
- Over 2.5 goals: -120
- Under 2.5 goals: 100
In this example, if you bet on "over," the match needs to have 3 or more goals for you to win. If you bet on "under," the match needs to have 2 or fewer goals for you to win.
Tips and Strategies for Online Soccer Betting
- Do Your Research: Analyze statistics, head-to-head records, injuries, and suspensions.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your bets and don't go over it.
- Take Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions: Many sportsbooks offer bonuses to new customers.
- Bet Responsibly: Betting should be fun, never bet more than you can afford to lose.
FAQ
- Choose a reputable sportsbook: Look for licensed and well-reviewed platforms.
- Create an account: Register and deposit funds into your account.
- Select a match: Browse available matches and odds.
- Choose a bet type: Moneyline, spread, totals, etc.
- Place your bet: Enter your stake and confirm your bet.
A moneyline bet is the simplest type of soccer bet. You simply choose which team you think will win the match (or if it will be a draw).
An Asian handicap is a type of spread bet that levels the playing field between two teams. It gives a virtual advantage or disadvantage to one of the teams, creating more balanced odds.
An over/under bet is a wager on whether the total number of goals in a match will be over or under a specific number set by the sportsbook.
- Do your research: Analyze statistics, team form, head-to-head records, and player news.
- Manage your bankroll: Set a budget and stick to it.
- Bet responsibly: Don't chase losses and only bet what you can afford to lose.
