How To Bet On Soccer
Soccer is often called “the beautiful game” and it is easy to see why. Whether you are watch the amazing ball control as Lionel Messi dribbles past several defenders, or Cristiano Ronaldo firing a 20-yard thunderbolt into the top corner, soccer is full of beautiful moments.
Betting on soccer can make watching the beautiful game more exciting than ever before, but you need to make sure that you are armed with the correct information about the different bet types you can make and the statistics you should pay attention to if you want to make money betting on soccer. This is where we come in!
Which Soccer Matches Can I Bet On?
The great thing about soccer is that it is a global game and that means almost every country in the world has a professional league taking place throughout the year.
Most major sports betting sites, such as Bovada, offer soccer betting odds from dozens of countries around the world. While it can be tempting to start betting on the Uruguayan third division matches, it makes more sense to place soccer bets on games taking place in the major leagues and competitions as there is more information available to you that you can use to make a good bet.
When it comes to soccer betting, focusing on well-known and competitive leagues can enhance your chances of success. These leagues and tournaments offer reliable betting markets, top-notch teams, and consistent opportunities for informed wagers. While the ultimate choice is yours, here are some of the most popular and exciting options to consider:
- German Bundesliga: Known for high-scoring games and passionate fans.
- Italian Serie A: A league with tactical depth and world-class players.
- Spanish La Liga: Home to iconic clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona.
- English Premier League: The most-watched soccer league globally.
- Major League Soccer (MLS): Growing in popularity in North America.
- Champions League: The pinnacle of European club competition.
- Europa League: A secondary European tournament with exciting matchups.
Best Soccer Online Betting Sites for 2024
Here are the top soccer betting sites for 2024, offering competitive odds, diverse markets, and exceptional features for every bettor.
Bovada – The Best Sportsbook Overall for Soccer
Bovada consistently ranks as a top choice for soccer bettors, offering an intuitive platform and a wide range of betting markets. From major leagues like the English Premier League and La Liga to international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League, Bovada provides comprehensive coverage for soccer enthusiasts. Its user-friendly design and seamless navigation make it an excellent option for both beginners and experienced bettors.
One of Bovada's standout features is its live betting platform, which allows you to place wagers in real time as matches unfold. With competitive odds and flexible banking options, including cryptocurrency deposits, Bovada makes the soccer betting experience convenient and rewarding. Add to that its attractive welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, and it’s easy to see why Bovada is considered the best sportsbook overall for soccer.
BetOnline – Broad Range of Soccer Markets
BetOnline is a go-to sportsbook for soccer bettors seeking variety and depth in their betting markets. The platform covers leagues and tournaments worldwide, from popular competitions like the Premier League and Serie A to lesser-known leagues across Asia and South America. With early odds releases, BetOnline allows you to capitalize on favorable lines well before match day.
In addition to its extensive market offerings, BetOnline excels in providing dynamic live betting options and detailed props, such as corner counts and player performance bets. The sportsbook also features generous promotions, including free bets and odds boosts tailored for soccer fans. With its commitment to variety and value, BetOnline is a favorite among serious soccer bettors.
MyBookie – Speedy and Reliable Withdrawals
MyBookie combines an excellent soccer betting experience with some of the fastest and most reliable withdrawal options in the industry. Whether you're betting on top leagues like Bundesliga or international competitions like Copa América, MyBookie offers a range of markets to keep you engaged. Its platform is easy to use, with quick navigation to live betting and pre-match markets.
What sets MyBookie apart is its commitment to fast payouts, especially for cryptocurrency users. With seamless withdrawal processes, bettors can access their winnings without delays. Add in regular soccer promotions and a responsive customer service team, and MyBookie becomes an ideal choice for those prioritizing convenience and reliability.
BetUS – Great Option for US Soccer Bettors
BetUS is tailored to meet the needs of US-based soccer bettors, providing excellent coverage of MLS and CONCACAF matches while also catering to global leagues and tournaments. Its platform is packed with features that enhance the betting experience, including detailed match previews and expert analysis to help you make informed decisions.
Beyond its extensive soccer offerings, BetUS stands out for its generous bonuses, including a 125% welcome bonus for new users. The sportsbook's emphasis on customer satisfaction, coupled with a reliable mobile platform, makes it a top choice for U.S. soccer fans looking to bet on both domestic and international competitions.
Everygame – Best for Soccer-Related Sports Betting Bonuses
Everygame stands out for its focus on rewarding soccer bettors with a variety of sports betting bonuses. Whether you’re a new user taking advantage of the welcome bonus or a seasoned bettor enjoying ongoing promotions, Everygame ensures you get great value for your wagers. The sportsbook covers all major leagues and tournaments, offering competitive odds on everything from match winners to in-depth props.
In addition to its enticing bonuses, Everygame provides a smooth and user-friendly betting experience, with a platform optimized for both desktop and mobile users. Live betting options and fast payouts round out its offerings, making it an excellent choice for soccer fans looking to maximize their betting potential.
Soccer Betting Odds
To succeed in soccer betting, understanding the different formats of odds is crucial. Odds reflect the likelihood of an event and determine the potential payout of a winning bet. The three primary formats—American, Fractional, and Decimal—are used across the globe, and each caters to specific regions and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
American Odds
American odds are the standard in the United States and use positive (+) and negative (-) numbers to display betting values:
- Positive Odds (e.g., +150): This shows how much profit you’ll make on a $100 wager. A bet of $100 on +150 odds returns $150 in profit, plus your initial $100 stake.
- Negative Odds (e.g., -200): This indicates how much you need to bet to win $100. For example, wagering $200 on -200 odds yields $100 in profit, plus your stake.
Fractional Odds
Fractional odds are commonly used in the UK and Ireland, represented as fractions like 5/1 or 3/2:
- The numerator (first number) represents your profit, while the denominator (second number) is your stake. For instance, 5/1 means you win $5 for every $1 wagered, plus your stake.
- These odds are popular for their simplicity, allowing bettors to quickly calculate potential returns.
Decimal Odds
Decimal odds are widely preferred in Europe, Canada, and Australia due to their straightforward presentation:
- The odds are shown as a single number, such as 2.50 or 1.75.
- To calculate your total payout, multiply your stake by the decimal. For example, a $100 bet at 2.50 odds results in a $250 payout ($150 profit plus your $100 stake).
- This format is beginner-friendly and intuitive for bettors worldwide.
How To Bet On Soccer
Soccer bets usually come in two guises: Futures and Game Lines. We shall cover futures bets first because there are fewer you can make.
Futures bets, as the name suggests, are bets you make where the outcome is decided at a future date; the end of the current season if we’re talking about soccer futures.
Three-Way Moneyline Odds
The moneyline is one of the simplest soccer betting types, especially for beginners. Unlike other sports, soccer's moneyline includes three options: Team A to win, Team B to win, or the game to end in a draw. While the draw adds an extra layer of complexity, it also provides more betting opportunities and higher potential payouts in certain scenarios.
Spread Odds (Goal Line)
In soccer, the spread is referred to as the "goal line" and serves the same purpose as point spreads in other sports. The favorite receives a negative goal handicap (e.g., -1.5), requiring them to win by a certain margin, while the underdog gets a positive advantage (e.g., +1.5), allowing them to "cover" even in a close loss. Goal line betting levels the playing field and offers bettors an alternative to the moneyline, especially in uneven matchups.
Totals Odds (Over/Under)
Totals betting lets you wager on the combined number of goals scored in a match. The sportsbook sets a line, such as 2.5 or 3.25 goals, and you bet on whether the actual total will be over or under that number. Soccer totals often include quarter-goal increments, which can result in partial wins or losses, adding an interesting dynamic to this market.
Futures Odds
Soccer futures allow you to bet on long-term outcomes, like predicting the winner of a league, tournament, or individual award. These bets typically offer high payouts but require patience, as they often take weeks or months to settle. Futures odds shift throughout the season based on team performance and other factors, making early bets potentially more valuable.
Parlays Odds
Parlay betting combines multiple wagers into one bet, increasing potential payouts. For instance, you might parlay a moneyline bet, a totals wager, and a prop bet. While all selections must win for the parlay to pay out, the heightened risk can lead to significantly larger rewards, making it a favorite among adventurous bettors.
Props Odds
Soccer prop bets focus on specific events or performances within a match, unrelated to the final result. Examples include betting on the number of corners, whether a specific player will score, or the total yellow cards issued. Props provide a fun and strategic way to diversify your bets and explore niche aspects of the game.
Handicap Odds
Handicap betting gives one team an imaginary advantage or disadvantage to create a more balanced betting market. For example, a team with a -1 handicap must win by at least two goals for the bet to pay out, while a team at +1 would win the bet with a draw or victory. This is a great option for matches with a strong favorite, as it can offer better odds than a straight moneyline.
Asian Handicap Odds
The Asian handicap eliminates the possibility of a draw by introducing split handicaps like -0.5 or -1.25. For instance, a -1.25 bet splits your stake between -1 and -1.5, reducing the risk of a complete loss. Asian handicap betting offers nuanced strategies and is popular among experienced bettors for its unique approach.
Live Odds (In-Play Betting)
Live betting allows you to place wagers as the match unfolds, with odds constantly updating based on game events. Bet on real-time markets like the next goal scorer, match outcome, or total goals as the action develops. Live betting is fast-paced and ideal for those who can make quick decisions based on game momentum.
1st Half / 2nd Half Odds
Focus your bets on a specific half of the match with 1st half or 2nd half odds. Predict goals scored, the leading team, or individual player performances within that timeframe. This option is great for bettors who expect one team to dominate a particular half or for games where momentum shifts are common.
First Team to Score Odds
This market is as simple as it sounds: predict which team will score the first goal of the match. It’s a quick and exciting bet, often decided early in the game. Teams with strong offensive starts or aggressive playing styles are typically favorites in this market.
Exact Score Odds
Exact score betting involves predicting the precise final score of a match, such as 2-1 or 0-0. Due to the difficulty of nailing the exact outcome, these bets usually come with higher payouts. They’re a good option for bettors who have a deep understanding of the teams and expect a specific type of game.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
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