Soccer betting is an exciting and potentially profitable hobby, but it can also be dangerous if not approached responsibly. It is important to learn about the different types of bets and the odds before placing any wagers.
Soccer spreads (known as goal lines in the US) are like totals in other sports, focusing on the combined final score and requiring you to bet on whether the total will be over or under a number set by the oddsmakers. The more complex Asian handicap lines offer a further variation.
Odds
Odds in soccer betting are set by odds compilers, who consider a variety of factors. For example, they take into account the team’s recent performance and its upcoming schedule to predict the outcome of a match. They also incorporate a margin into the odds, which is called the vig or juice. This ensures that the sportsbook turns a profit regardless of the outcome of the wager.
Odds are typically presented in American format and are marked with a minus (-) or plus (+) sign. The minus sign indicates how much you must bet to win $100, while the plus sign indicates how much you’d win if you bet that amount.
Exact score betting is one of the more popular types of soccer bets, but it can also be risky. This type of bet requires you to predict the precise final score of a game, which is challenging for even experienced soccer bettors. This type of bet offers higher payouts, but it is best reserved for bettors with a strong feel for the matchup.
Parlay bets
Soccer is a team sport and key players can have a huge impact on the outcome of a game. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of a team can help you make the best betting choices. A tight schedule can also affect a team’s performance. Especially in tournaments like the World Cup, when games are played close together, a team may get tired. A good way to avoid this is to stay up to date on the latest team news.
It’s important to understand how the match’s context influences public betting consensus picks. For example, teams often perform better at home, where they feel comfortable and have a large fan base to motivate them. This can offset the effects of a weaker team or a tough road matchup. Additionally, consider how the weather and stadium conditions may influence the game’s outcome. This is particularly true for derby matches, as they always bring a special energy to the matchup.
Clean sheet bets
Clean sheet bets are a unique form of football betting. They require a player to predict whether the selected team will finish a match without conceding a single goal. They can be placed on home or away teams and have a different payout structure than standard soccer bets. A player should analyze the team’s defensive process and assess its goalkeeper’s form. Injuries and suspensions can also influence a team’s ability to keep a clean sheet.
While these bets are not as common as other types of soccer bets, they can offer a different type of excitement. They can be combined with other bets to create a parlay, or accumulator, wager. For example, a player can place a moneyline bet on Liverpool to win to nil, which includes a bet that the team will keep a clean sheet. This is a great way to make more money with your bets. However, you should always consider the odds and the probability calculations before placing a bet.
Favorites or underdogs
The term “favorite” or “underdog” in soccer betting refers to a team that is expected to win the game. This is based on a variety of factors, including recent form, head-to-head record, and injury news. In addition, sportsbooks set odds based on the probability of a particular outcome, so bettors should always evaluate them to ensure they’re getting value.
Favorites typically have better players, more experience, and better coaching. On the other hand, underdogs often have weaker players and a lower track record. Hence, betting on underdogs can be profitable.
Other types of bets include Correct Score, Halftime/Fulltime and Asian handicaps. These bets offer higher yields and are easier to predict than Match Result bets. Besides these, you can also bet on goal markets and team/player props. You can place all these bets while a game is live. However, beware of hidden rules when betting on these wagers. It is important to understand the terms and conditions of each site before placing any bets.