With the growing popularity of soccer in North America, it is a good time to partake in soccer betting. With thousands of markets and matches to bet on – all at highly competitive odds – gaming enthusiasts will want to learn how to bet on soccer.
Our soccer betting guide explains the basics of soccer betting and must-know betting strategies for long-term success. Learn betting on the sport without getting overwhelmed by the massive range of choices. Know where you can bet on soccer online, the different bet types available, and the famous soccer tournaments for you to make your picks.
How to Bet on Soccer Online
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world for betting. Any betting site in the US and offshore will have a soccer betting section where you can bet on any match you choose in any way you see fit.
Follow the steps below to get started with soccer betting online:
- Find local or offshore sportsbooks suited to your needs. You can choose them from our curated list of the best soccer betting sites in the USA.
- Create an account. Enter your personal information, such as name, date of birth, and email address.
- Add your preferred payment method. You can choose from convenient credit/debit cards, eWallets, and cryptocurrencies.
- Make your first deposit and claim your welcome bonus. You will find more information on the soccer sportsbook’s bonus page.
- Move to the soccer betting section of the website. Find your preferred tournaments or matches – MLS, EPL, CSL, La Liga, etc. – pick the markets of your choice, and place your bets.
Now, all that remains is to sit back and wait for the results.
How to Get the Best Odds for Soccer Betting
When learning how to bet on soccer (or any other sport), always strive to find the best value. You can achieve this by having accounts with multiple betting sites, thus enabling you to shop around for the best odds.
When you bet with just one sportsbook, you may not get the best value for your money as the odds may be lower than on other sites. By accessing several different bookmakers, you can cherry-pick which ones have the best odds and place your bets accordingly.
For instance, consider an upcoming Major League Soccer game between Inter Miami and D.C. United. Miami is the favorite to win, but the odds differ significantly across the top betting sites. Sportsbook A has placed Miami at -400, while Sportsbook B has them at -350. Which of the two is offering better odds? The clear answer is Sportsbook B.
In addition to finding the best odds, having accounts on multiple soccer betting sites gives you access to more unique markets, promotions, and offers.
Soccer Betting Odds Explained: How to Read Soccer Betting Lines
In soccer betting, odds are typically referenced in relation to a $100 stake. The plus (+) and minus (-) sign respectively indicate the underdogs and the favorites, with the minus odds denoting how much you must bet to win $100 and plus odds indicating how much you will win if you bet $100.
For example, the New York Red Bulls are playing against the LA Galaxy in an MLS match. Betting sites have placed the Bulls at -150, the favorites, and LA Galaxy at +200, the underdogs.
You would need to bet $150 to win $100 on the NY Red Bulls if you are confident of their victory. On the other hand, you could bet $100 on the Los Galacticos to win $200 if you believe they can pull off an upset here.
Betting sites assign odds based on team performance, player injuries, historical outcomes, venue, and other factors. These odds can change ahead of the starting whistle so it’s worth monitoring odds movement to get enhanced value.
Soccer Betting Markets: Popular Soccer Bets to Make
As you understand more about how to bet on soccer, you will realize that the betting markets here offer hundreds of choices. When you spread that number across several leagues and numerous matches, it becomes quite staggering.
All soccer betting markets derive their workings from the most fundamental soccer bet types. Learn these soccer bets, and you can understand all other betting options for the sport quickly.
Moneyline Markets
Moneyline betting involves backing the team you believe will win the match. However, since soccer also includes a draw as an outcome, moneyline markets within soccer have three types: 3-Way Moneyline, 2-Way Moneyline, and Double Chance.
To understand these, we will follow the example of a match between Inter Miami – the home team – and F.C. Cincinnati – the away team.
- 3-Way Moneyline 1×2: Also known as the 1×2 bet in soccer, the 3 Way Moneyline allows you to bet on three outcomes: the home team wins (1), the match ends in a draw (X), or the away team wins (2). In our current example, you can bet on Miami to win (1), Cincinnati to win (2), or for the match to end in a tie (X).
- 2 Way Moneyline Draw No Bet: 2 Way Moneyline, also called Draw No Bet (DNB), is a 3 Way variant without the draw. In this type of bet, you’re betting on either the home or away teams to win. If the match ends in a draw, the bet is refunded.
- Double Chance: A double chance bet allows you to bet on two of the three possible outcomes in a single match. You can bet on a team to either win or draw the game. Following our example, a double chance bet will entail backing Inter Miami or FC Cincinnati to win or draw the match.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
A popular bet type which involves predicting whether or not both teams in the match will score at least one goal. If you have two teams that have conceded plenty of goals throughout the season – like New England Revolution and Chicago Fire FC in MLS 2024, for instance – you can then safely bet that a match between them will see goals from both sides. Conversely, the same is true between two sides who are high scoring.
Over/Under: Total Goals Scored
Over/Under betting, often called a total goals bet, is a prediction of the total number of goals scored by both teams in a match. The bet is not concerned about who wins but rather the total score at the end. Sportsbooks set a predicted total, and bettors wager whether the number of goals in the game will be over or under that number.
For example, let’s consider a hypothetical match between Atlanta United and D.C. United. The bookmaker might set the Over/Under at 2.5 goals. Here’s what it means:
- If you bet on Over 2.5, you’re betting that the total number of goals scored by both teams will be 3 or more. You win the bet if the match ends with 3 or more goals (e.g., 2-1, 3-0, 2-2, etc.).
- If you bet on Under 2.5, you’re betting that the total number of goals scored by both teams will be 2 or fewer. You win the bet if the match ends with 2 or fewer goals (e.g., 1-0, 2-0, 1-1, etc.).
The .5 in the Over/Under ensures that there will always be a definitive result for the bet.
Another variant of Over/Under is the total goals scored by the individual team. In this case, you are betting on how many goals the team can score in the match.
Spread Betting/Goal Lines
Another popular way to bet on soccer is spread betting, also known as goal lines. It involves predicting whether a team will beat the point spread - set in terms of goal handicaps. Unlike traditional betting where you simply choose the winner, spread betting requires you to predict not just the outcome, but also the margin of victory.
The sportsbooks assign a goal handicap with a plus (+) and a minus (-) sign. The underdog must ensure they win outright, draw, or lose by fewer goals than the assigned spread. The favorites, on the other hand, must win by a higher margin than the spread.
The spreads are usually between 0.5 and 2 goals, but this difference can be larger in some cases, especially if the match is heavily one-sided.
Assume that in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the United States and Panama, betting sites offer the spread at -3.5 for the USA and +2.5 for Panama. In this instance:
- If you bet on the USA (-3.5), you’re betting that the Americans will win by more than 3.5 goals (essentially 4 or more). If the USA wins by 4 goals or more, you win the bet.
- If you bet on Panama (+2.5), you’re betting that Panama will not lose by 3 or more goals. So, if Panama wins, the game ends in a draw, or the USA wins by 1 or 2 goals, you win the bet.
Asian Handicaps
Asian handicaps are a more complicated form of spread betting. If you see numbers like +1.75 or -2.25, you are in the Asian Handicap (AH) section of the betting site. It splits your bet into two parts, using handicaps of 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75. These bets can focus on the total goals scored in a match or the goal line spreads.
For example, if you bet on Team A with a -0.25 handicap, half of your bet is on Team A to win (0.0 handicap) and the other half is on Team A to win by more than 0.5 goals (-0.5 handicap).
The main sportsbooks denote Asian handicaps as split lines with two odds on the same market. It may look something like Over 2, 2.5 or Under 3.5, 4 or a spread of +1.5, 2.0, and so on.
We will explain the workings of Asian Handicap bets with an example of a match between Spain and Australia. Here’s how they work:
- If you bet on the total goals market of Over 2.75 goals – marked as Over 2.5, 3.0 – you are splitting your bet in half. One half will be placed on over 2.5 goals and the other on over 3.0 (since 2.75 is rounded up to 3.0). If the match sees exactly 3 goals, you will win the first half of the bet while the other half is refunded. If it sees 4 goals or more you will win both bets, while an outcome with 2 goals or fewer would result in both bets losing.
- Similarly, if you bet on Spain -1.0, -1.5 spread, then the bet is split as one half on -1.0 and the other on -1.5 for the Spaniards. If Spain wins by a margin of 1 goal, the first half of your bet (Spain -1.0) is a draw, and your stake is refunded, but the second half (Spain -1.5) is a loss. If they win by 2 goals or more, you will win both parts of the bet.
Prop Bets
Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are based on specific events within a game, which may not directly affect the final outcome. Soccer props focus on individual instances in the match.
Here are some popular types of prop bets in soccer:
- Goalscorer Props: Betting on which players will score a goal in the match. You can get deeper with goalscorer markets by betting on the timing of the goal as well as first to score/second to score/anytime to score.
- Total Corners: Betting on the total number of corner kicks in the game. You will also find markets that bet on total corners in a given time frame of the match.
- Player Performance Props: Betting on statistics-specific player performances, such as the number of goals, assists, shots taken, tackles, saves, and so on. There are also markets focusing on the type of goal a player will score – header, penalty, etc.
- Team Props: Wagers on stats about the entire team’s performance, like which team will score first, how many goals they will score, the timing of the goals, etc.
- Correct Score Prediction: Betting on the correct score at the end of 90 minutes.
- Bookings and Sendings Off: How many bookings will there be in the match? Will a player get carded? Will they be dismissed from the game?
Soccer prop bets are handy in heavily one-sided matches where moneyline betting offers little value - imagine a friendly game between Canada and San Marino, where the Canadians are bound to win big. In such cases, betting on props can offer more value than traditional markets.
Live Betting
Live betting, also known as in-play betting, is a dynamic form of wagering that allows you to place bets on a soccer match after it has started. The odds change in real-time, reflecting the current state of the game. This form of betting offers a thrilling experience as it allows bettors to react to the unfolding action and make decisions based on the teams’ performances.
Here are some popular types of live bets:
- Next Goal: Betting on which team will score the next goal.
- Match Result: Predicting the outcome of the match based on the current state of play.
- Over/Under Goals: Betting on whether the total number of goals scored in the match will be over or under a certain number.
- Next Player to Score: Betting on which player will score the next goal.
- Next Team to Score: Betting on which team will score next.
Soccer Futures
Soccer futures are bets placed on the outcomes of tournaments or leagues that will be decided in the future. Unlike match bets that are decided within 90 minutes, futures can take weeks or months to settle.
Here are some popular types of futures bets in soccer:
- Tournament Winner: Betting on which team will win a tournament, such as the FIFA World Cup or UEFA Champions League.
- League Winner: Wagering on which team will finish at the top of a particular league, like the English Premier League or Major League Soccer.
- Top Goalscorer: Betting on which player will score the most goals in a tournament or league.
- Golden Glove: Betting on the goalkeeper with the most saves or clean sheets over a tournament or season.
- Relegation: Wagering on which team will be relegated from a particular league.
Soccer Betting Strategies & Tips
Knowing how to bet on soccer involves much more than learning different betting markets and tournaments. You must also practice betting strategies and tips consistently to improve your profits. The section below is Sports7’s soccer betting guide, where we walk you through the must-know elements of soccer betting.
Beginners Soccer Betting Strategies
First-timers who are just starting to bet on soccer should keep the following things in mind:
- Analyze Head-to-Head (H2H) and Team Form: Look into the past encounters of the two teams and search for patterns. Do they both score goals? Are games always one-sided? Is it usually a low goal-scoring match or a higher one? With this information, assess the current form of the teams. Are they on a winning streak, or have they been struggling recently? Do they have a goalscorer in top form? How many clean sheets have they kept?
- Consider the Playing Venue: Is the match at home or away? Home teams often have an advantage due to familiar conditions and crowd support. Check the teams’ home and away records.
- Start Simple: Stick to simpler bets like 1×2, Double Chance, Over/Under Goals, and Both Teams to Score (BTTS). As you gain experience, move into other betting markets.
- Focus on Familiar Teams/Leagues: Knowledge is power when betting on soccer. Stick to a few teams or leagues, especially those you know well. Familiarity can give you an edge.
- Stay Updated with Team News: Keep track of injuries, player news, and lineups. This information greatly impacts the outcome of a match.
- Track Your Bets: Keep a record of your bets. It helps you understand your betting habits, manage your bankroll, and refine your betting strategy.
- Practice Good Bankroll Management: Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Intermediate Soccer Betting Strategies
As you get better at betting on soccer, broaden your horizons by tackling more markets and getting deeper into the sport.
- Explore Other Betting Markets: Look into other betting markets like spreads, props, Asian handicaps, half-time/full-time markets, and live betting. These markets tie in directly with your knowledge of the team and leagues, allowing you to make more confident decisions.
- Engage with Betting Communities: Spend time on soccer tipster sites and betting forums. These can provide new perspectives and valuable insights, and can help you refine your betting strategies.
- Master the Art of Value Betting: Value betting means finding odds you believe are too high compared to the actual probability of the event taking place. It requires a good understanding of soccer and betting markets, as well as the ability to make accurate predictions.
- Develop Your Betting System: Consider developing a system based on specific rules or criteria of your choosing. It could be based on statistics, form, head-to-head records, or other relevant factors.
- Understand Manager Tactics: A manager’s tactics can significantly influence a team’s performance. Some managers prefer an attacking style, while others prefer a defensive approach. Understanding a manager’s tactics can help predict how a team will play.
Advanced Soccer Betting Strategies
If you want to bet on soccer like a professional bettor, you must love numbers, analysis, and research. At this level, you are thinking along the same lines as soccer pundits do. While this can be time-consuming, the rewards are worth the effort.
- Dive into Statistics & Numbers: Plenty of statistical figures can give you a clearer picture of a team or player’s form and, thereby, help you make informed bets. Popular team stats are goals scored/conceded, home/away record, and expected goals. When evaluating individual players, position-specific stats come into play. The shots on target and conversion rates can be revealing for strikers and forwards. Midfielders are rated through their successful passes and chances created. For defenders and goalkeepers, the number of clean sheets held and saves made are critical indicators.
- Master Formational & Tactical Analysis: A team's formation and tactics can have a big impact on the match. Different formations have different strengths and weaknesses, which can give you an edge. For example, some formations are more defensive, while others are designed to press high up the pitch. Understanding the formations used by the teams you’re betting on can help you predict the number of goals scored, the style of play, and the pitch areas where the key battles will take place. This can be particularly useful for markets like goal-scoring markets.
- Bet on Lesser-Known Leagues: Betting on lesser-known leagues often presents excellent opportunities. The bookmakers might value these leagues less, meaning they may put less effort into setting the odds. This is where your expert analysis can come into play. By doing your homework and understanding these leagues' teams, players, and dynamics, you can often find a great value that the bookmakers have overlooked.
What Not to Do When Betting on Soccer Online
Sometimes, learning how to bet on soccer also involves learning what not to do. Here are some potential pitfalls to avoid when indulging in soccer betting:
- Avoid Betting on Unknown Leagues: Stick to leagues and teams you’re familiar with. Betting on unknown leagues increases the risk as you lack information about the teams.
- Don’t Ignore Team News: Injuries, suspensions, and team morale can greatly impact a match’s outcome. Always stay updated.
- Avoid Impulse Betting: Don’t place bets based on emotions or gut feelings. Make informed, research-driven decisions.
- Don’t Overlook the Importance of Value: Don’t just bet on teams because they’re favorites. Look for bets that offer good value, not just bets that you think will win.
Soccer Betting Predictions & Picks
Soccer betting predictions and picks can be a goldmine of information for bettors. These insights, often provided by seasoned tipsters, can guide you in making accurate bets. Soccer betting tips offer advice and strategies, while betting picks are specific bets experts recommend. Predictions are match outcome forecasts based on team form, head-to-head records, and player injuries. However, while these resources are helpful, it’s crucial to research and make betting decisions that align with your own understanding of the game.
Popular Soccer Tournaments to Bet On
As a global sport with numerous tournaments and leagues, soccer attracts bettors from around the world. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- MLS (Major League Soccer): As the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, MLS offers a unique blend of talent from North America and beyond, making it an exciting league to bet on.
- EPL (English Premier League): Known for its high-paced action and competitive nature, the EPL is one of the most-watched soccer leagues in the world.
- La Liga: Spain’s top professional league, La Liga is home to some of the world’s most successful clubs like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The technical style of play here offers interesting betting prospects.
- Bundesliga: Germany’s Bundesliga is known for its passionate fan bases and high-scoring matches, making it a favorite among both soccer fans and bettors.
- World Cup: The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international soccer. It brings together the best national teams worldwide, making it a highly anticipated event for bettors.
- Euro Cup: The UEFA European Championship is the zenith of continental football. It unites the finest national squads across Europe, marking it as a much-awaited spectacle for betting enthusiasts.
Responsible Betting
Responsible Betting is essential to engaging in any form of betting, including soccer. It involves a set of practices and attitudes that help ensure betting remains an enjoyable and controlled activity. Here are some key points to remember:
- Set a Budget: Always assign a specific amount of money for your betting practices. It should be an amount you can afford to lose without it affecting your financial stability.
- Avoid Chasing Losses: It can be tempting to try and win back money you have lost, but this often leads to even bigger losses.
- Don’t Bet Under the Influence: Avoid betting when you’re under the influence of alcohol or any other substances. Your judgment may be impaired, leading to poor decision-making.
- Seek Help if Needed: If you feel betting is becoming a problem, don’t hesitate to seek help. Many organizations provide support to individuals who are struggling with problem gambling.
Conclusion
Learning how to bet on soccer is not an overnight task. It requires patience, consistency, and discipline – along with a deep passion for the sport. While signing up with multiple soccer betting sites and understanding the basic markets is the first step, you must build on this with the sound soccer betting practices discussed above. With time and some effort, you will see your bet returns increase.
How to Bet on Soccer FAQs
How do you bet on soccer for beginners as a beginner?
What does PK mean in soccer betting?
What is 1/2 in soccer betting?
What is DNB in soccer betting?
What happens to a bet when the soccer match is washed out/canceled?
What is handicap betting?
Is soccer betting profitable?
Expert Guides
More