Soccer Betting Guide: How to Bet on Soccer in 2025

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and that popularity extends to sports betting. An estimated 70% of global sports betting activity involves soccer, dwarfing every other sport combined. From the English Premier League to the UEFA Champions League, La Liga to the World Cup, millions of bettors wager on soccer matches every day of the year.

Whether you call it soccer or football, the betting markets are remarkably deep and diverse. Unlike American sports with their defined seasons and off-periods, major soccer leagues operate year-round across different hemispheres. When European leagues take their summer break, South American competitions heat up. When domestic leagues pause for international windows, national team matches fill the calendar. This constant action creates endless betting opportunities but also requires different strategies than betting on the NFL, NBA, or MLB.

Soccer betting differs from American sports in fundamental ways. The possibility of draws creates three-way markets instead of two-way outcomes. Low-scoring matches make every goal crucial. Unique bet types like Asian handicaps and both teams to score exist specifically because of how soccer matches unfold. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone transitioning from American sports betting or starting fresh with soccer.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about soccer betting. You will learn the unique bet types like three-way moneylines and Asian handicaps, understand how to read soccer odds in different formats, discover strategies for different competitions, and avoid common mistakes that cost bettors money.

Understanding Soccer Betting Basics

Before placing your first soccer bet, you need to understand how the sport differs from American sports like football, basketball, and baseball.

Match Format and Timing

A standard soccer match consists of two 45-minute halves for a total of 90 minutes of regulation time. The referee adds injury time (also called stoppage time or added time) to the end of each half to account for stoppages during play. This typically ranges from 1-5 minutes per half but can be longer in matches with multiple injuries or delays.

For most betting purposes, results are determined at the end of regulation time (90 minutes plus injury time). However, some competitions have extra time (two 15-minute periods) and penalty shootouts to determine a winner in knockout matches. Understanding when your bet settles is crucial because a match might end 1-1 in regulation but have a winner after extra time.

The Draw Factor

The most significant difference between soccer betting and most American sports is the draw. Unlike NFL, NBA, or MLB games that produce a definitive winner, soccer matches frequently end in ties. Across major European leagues, draws occur in roughly 25-30% of matches.

This third outcome changes everything about how you approach soccer betting. The traditional moneyline becomes a three-way market, and bet types like Asian handicaps and draw no bet exist specifically to address the draw possibility.

Low-Scoring Nature

Soccer is a low-scoring sport. The average Premier League match produces 2.7-2.9 total goals, while defensive leagues like Serie A may average closer to 2.5 goals. This low-scoring nature affects totals markets significantly and makes every goal crucial for betting outcomes.

Compare this to the NFL (average 46 total points), NBA (average 225 total points), or MLB (average 8.5 total runs). In those sports, a single score rarely determines the outcome. In soccer, a single goal often does. This variance means soccer betting requires patience and realistic expectations about hit rates.

Global Scheduling

Soccer matches occur at all hours depending on where leagues are based. Premier League matches typically kick off between 7:30 AM and 12:30 PM Eastern time on weekends. Champions League matches run on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons Eastern. MLS plays primarily on weekend evenings. Understanding these windows helps you plan your betting activity and ensure you can watch matches you wager on.

Soccer Bet Types Explained

Soccer offers a wide variety of betting markets. Here are the most popular bet types you will encounter.

Three-Way Moneyline (1X2)

The three-way moneyline is the most common soccer bet type. You choose between three outcomes:

Selection	Meaning	Example Odds
1 (Home)	Home team wins in regulation	-150
X (Draw)	Match ends in a draw after regulation	+260
2 (Away)	Away team wins in regulation	+400

Unlike American sports where you choose between two teams on the moneyline, soccer requires you to explicitly account for the draw. If you bet the home team and the match ends 1-1, you lose your bet even though your team did not lose.

The three-way moneyline typically offers better value than other markets because bookmakers cannot use the draw as a middle ground. Skilled bettors who can identify when draws are likely (or unlikely) can find profitable opportunities.

Asian Handicap Betting

Asian handicap betting was developed specifically for soccer to eliminate the draw and create a two-way market. The handicap applies a goal advantage or disadvantage to one team.

Common Asian handicap lines include:

Handicap	What It Means	Draw Result
-0.5	Team must win by 1+ goals	Bet loses
-1.0	Team must win by 2+ goals (push if win by 1)	Bet loses
-1.5	Team must win by 2+ goals	Bet loses
+0.5	Team must not lose	Bet wins
+1.0	Team can lose by 1 (push) or better	Bet wins

Half-goal handicaps (like -0.5 or -1.5) eliminate push scenarios entirely. Whole-goal handicaps can result in a push (stake returned) if the result lands exactly on the handicap number.

Asian handicaps are extremely popular in soccer betting because they remove the draw variable and often provide better value than three-way markets for favorites.

Goal Totals (Over/Under)

Over/under betting on soccer focuses on the total number of goals scored by both teams. The most common line is 2.5 goals.

Total	Over Wins If	Under Wins If
2.5 goals	3 or more total goals	0, 1, or 2 total goals
3.0 goals	4 or more (push at 3)	0, 1, or 2 (push at 3)
3.5 goals	4 or more total goals	0, 1, 2, or 3 total goals

Because soccer is low-scoring, the over/under market is very different from American sports. A 2.5-goal total is essentially a coin flip in many matches, while 3.5 or higher typically requires specific game situations like high-powered attacks meeting weak defenses.

Team totals are also available, allowing you to bet on how many goals a specific team will score regardless of the final result.

Double Chance

Double chance bets cover two of the three possible outcomes in a single wager:

• 1X: Home win or draw (away team must win for bet to lose)
• X2: Away win or draw (home team must win for bet to lose)
• 12: Home win or away win (draw results in a loss)

Double chance offers higher probability of winning but at significantly reduced odds. A home team at -150 on the three-way moneyline might be -350 or worse on the 1X double chance. This market is useful for bettors who like a team but want insurance against a draw.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

BTTS is a popular soccer-specific market where you bet on whether both teams will score at least one goal, regardless of the final result.

Selection	Wins If	Loses If
BTTS Yes	Both teams score (1-1, 2-1, 3-2, etc.)	One or both teams fail to score
BTTS No	At least one team scores zero	Both teams score at least once

BTTS is valuable because it focuses on offensive output rather than picking winners. A match can end 5-4 or 1-1, and BTTS Yes wins either way. Bettors often combine BTTS with over/under bets for more precise predictions.

Draw No Bet

Draw no bet eliminates the draw from the equation. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is returned (push). You only win if your chosen team wins outright, and you only lose if the opposing team wins.

Draw no bet is essentially equivalent to an Asian handicap 0 line. It provides a middle ground between the three-way moneyline (higher risk, higher reward) and double chance (lower risk, lower reward).

Soccer Betting Markets by Competition

Different soccer competitions have distinct characteristics that affect betting strategy. Understanding these nuances helps you identify value and avoid traps.

Domestic Leagues

Premier League (England): The most-bet soccer league globally features high-quality teams throughout the table. Expect fewer predictable outcomes than other leagues, with mid-table teams capable of beating top clubs regularly. Home favorites often price around -140 to -200, but upsets happen frequently enough that blindly backing favorites loses money. The Christmas fixture congestion (multiple matches per week in December) creates opportunities as squad depth becomes critical. Watch for tired legs and rotation in the second match of a busy week.

La Liga (Spain): Historically dominated by Barcelona and Real Madrid, La Liga often has more predictable outcomes at the top but competitive matches in the middle and bottom of the table. Spanish teams tend to play more possession-based football, which can lead to patient, low-scoring affairs. The top two clubs typically price at -300 or heavier against bottom-half opponents. Value often exists in backing draws between mid-table sides or in under markets when two defensive teams meet.

Bundesliga (Germany): Known for high-scoring matches due to attacking philosophy, the Bundesliga averages more goals than other top leagues. Over 2.5 goals hits in roughly 55% of matches compared to 50% in other leagues. Bayern Munich dominance makes them heavy favorites (often -400 or more) in most matches, but other games can be unpredictable. Consider over bets in Bundesliga matches involving attacking teams like Dortmund or Leipzig.

Serie A (Italy): Italian football is traditionally more tactical and defensive, resulting in lower-scoring matches on average. Under 2.5 goals is more viable here than in other leagues. Counter-attacking football is common, which can lead to unpredictable results when favorites struggle to break down organized defenses. The gap between top and bottom is significant, making relegation battles particularly compelling for betting.

MLS (United States): MLS features unique scheduling considerations including travel distances, altitude effects (Colorado), and heat (summer months in southern cities). Cross-country road trips create advantages for home teams. The single-entity structure means parity is built into the league, so heavy favorites are rare and upsets common. Playoff betting differs significantly from regular season as MLS uses a single-elimination knockout format where anything can happen.

International Competitions

UEFA Champions League: The Champions League features the best European clubs competing across group stages and knockout rounds. Group stage matches often have clear favorites, but knockout rounds produce surprises regularly. Two-leg ties require different betting approaches than single matches because teams can play conservatively away knowing they have a home leg remaining. First-leg unders and second-leg overs is a common pattern. The new expanded format (36 teams, league phase) has changed dynamics starting in 2024-25.

World Cup and European Championships: International tournaments feature less predictable results because national teams have limited preparation time together. Underdog runs are common (Greece 2004, Denmark 2020-21), and group stage matches often involve strategic considerations. Teams already qualified for knockout rounds may rest players in their final group match. Early tournament matches tend to be cagier as teams prioritize not losing. The knockout rounds create dramatic betting opportunities with extra time and penalties adding variables.

International Friendlies: Exercise extreme caution with friendly matches. Teams frequently experiment with lineups, split squads (playing different XIs in each half), and motivation varies widely. Results are often meaningless to managers focused on evaluating players. Unless you have specific information about team intentions or lineup plans, friendly matches are generally poor betting opportunities with inflated juice and unpredictable outcomes.

How to Read Soccer Odds

Soccer odds can be displayed in three main formats depending on where you bet.

American Odds

American odds show how much you need to bet to win 100 dollars (negative odds) or how much you win on a 100 dollar bet (positive odds).

American Odds	Bet Amount	Profit if Win	Total Return
-150	150 dollars	100 dollars	250 dollars
+200	100 dollars	200 dollars	300 dollars
+350	100 dollars	350 dollars	450 dollars

Decimal Odds

Decimal odds (common in Europe and Canada) show your total return per unit bet, including your stake.

Decimal Odds	Bet Amount	Total Return	Profit
1.67	100 dollars	167 dollars	67 dollars
3.00	100 dollars	300 dollars	200 dollars
4.50	100 dollars	450 dollars	350 dollars

Fractional Odds

Fractional odds (traditional in the UK) show profit relative to stake. Odds of 3/1 mean you win 3 dollars profit for every 1 dollar bet.

Fractional	Decimal Equivalent	American Equivalent
4/6	1.67	-150
2/1	3.00	+200
7/2	4.50	+350

Most online sportsbooks allow you to toggle between formats, so use whichever you find most intuitive.

Soccer Betting Strategies

Successful soccer betting requires research and disciplined strategy.

Research Factors

Team Form: Recent results matter, but context matters more. A team that lost 3-0 away to the league leaders is not the same as a team that lost 3-0 at home to a relegation candidate. Look at how teams performed, not just whether they won or lost.

Head-to-Head Records: Some matchups produce consistent patterns. Certain teams struggle against specific opponents due to tactical matchups, psychological factors, or historical rivalry dynamics. Check the last 5-10 meetings between teams.

Home and Away Splits: Home advantage in soccer is significant but varies by league and team. Some clubs are nearly unbeatable at home but poor travelers, while others perform consistently regardless of venue. Premier League home advantage has decreased in recent years, while it remains strong in South American leagues.

Injuries and Suspensions: Unlike American sports where injury reports are standardized, soccer injury information can be unclear until lineups are announced (usually one hour before kickoff). Key absences dramatically affect betting value, especially for smaller squads with less depth.

Squad Rotation: Top teams competing in multiple competitions routinely rotate players. A Champions League match three days after a Premier League game often means a weakened lineup for one match. Managers make strategic decisions about which competitions to prioritize.

Live Betting Soccer

In-play betting on soccer offers unique opportunities because the sport evolves gradually. Unlike basketball where momentum can shift in seconds, soccer matches often have clear patterns that develop over time.

Reading Match Flow: Pay attention to shots, corners, and territorial advantage rather than just the scoreline. A team trailing 1-0 but dominating possession and creating chances may offer live betting value. Conversely, a team clinging to a 1-0 lead while being outplayed may not hold on.

Second Half Betting: Goals are more common in second halves as players tire and teams take more risks. Late goals are particularly common when one team needs to chase the game. Second-half totals and moneylines can offer value compared to full-match markets.

Red Cards: When a team goes down to 10 players, odds shift dramatically. Sometimes this creates overreactions and value opportunities on the team that is now short-handed (they may sit deep and frustrate their opponents).

Futures and Outrights

Futures betting on soccer includes league winners, top scorers, and relegation markets.

League Winners: Major league winner markets are available year-round. Odds shift based on results, injuries, and transfer activity. Value can exist in backing teams before the season or identifying momentum shifts mid-season. Some bettors look for value during international breaks when squads may be depleted or form disrupted.

Top Scorer (Golden Boot): These markets require following individual player form, penalty-taking duties, and team attacking patterns. Injuries can devastate top scorer bets, so consider hedging or avoiding players with injury history. Consider backing strikers on teams that create many chances, as volume of opportunities often matters more than individual finishing ability.

Relegation: Betting on which teams will be relegated offers different dynamics. Teams in relegation battles play with desperation, and form matters more late in the season. The three-team relegation format in most leagues creates dramatic finishes. Monitor newly promoted teams carefully because they often struggle with the step up in quality.

Bankroll Management for Soccer

Soccer presents unique bankroll challenges due to match frequency. With matches available daily across global leagues, the temptation to over-bet is constant.

Recommended approaches:

• Set a weekly betting budget rather than a per-match budget
• Limit yourself to leagues you genuinely follow and understand
• Track all bets to identify profitable markets and leaks in your strategy
• Consider the variance inherent in soccer (upsets are common, especially in cups)

Common Soccer Betting Mistakes

Avoid these errors that cost bettors money.

Ignoring the Draw

New soccer bettors often treat matches like American sports and bet only on teams to win. This ignores approximately 25-30% of outcomes. If you only bet team moneylines, you need to win at an unrealistic rate to be profitable. Learn to identify when draws are likely and consider draw bets or draw no bet markets.

Overvaluing Favorites in Cup Matches

Cup competitions (FA Cup, Copa del Rey, DFB-Pokal) frequently produce upsets. Lower-league teams playing at home against tired top-flight opponents regularly pull off surprises. The single-match knockout format removes the margin for error that favorites have in league play.

Not Checking Lineups

Squad rotation can completely change a team's chances. A full-strength Manchester City is vastly different from a rotated squad resting key players before a Champions League match. Wait for official lineups when possible, especially for matches with clear rotation potential.

Betting Unfamiliar Leagues

Stick to leagues you follow and understand. Betting on the Latvian second division because you found a tip online is a recipe for losses. Bookmakers have sharp lines on obscure leagues, and your lack of knowledge puts you at a disadvantage.

Chasing Losses Across Multiple Matches

Soccer offers dozens of matches every weekend, which creates temptation to chase losses. Having ten losing bets across Saturday does not mean Sunday will be different. Maintain discipline and stick to your bankroll management strategy regardless of recent results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most profitable soccer bet type?

No single bet type is inherently more profitable than others. Profitability depends on finding value where bookmakers have set incorrect odds. Many sharp bettors focus on Asian handicaps because the two-way market offers clearer value identification than three-way markets. However, skilled bettors can profit on any market where they have an edge.

Should I bet on the draw in soccer?

Yes, draws should be part of your soccer betting strategy. Draws occur in roughly 25-30% of matches, and bookmakers typically price them at higher odds than their probability suggests. Matches between evenly-matched teams or games where one team is content with a point offer draw value.

What does Asian handicap mean in soccer?

Asian handicap applies a goal advantage or disadvantage to one team to create a two-way market (eliminating the draw). For example, Team A at -1.5 must win by 2 or more goals for the bet to win. Asian handicap betting originated in Indonesia and is now the most popular soccer betting market globally.

Is live betting soccer profitable?

Live betting can be profitable if you watch matches attentively and react faster than bookmakers adjust lines. Key opportunities arise after goals (overreactions), red cards, and during halftime. However, live betting requires quick decision-making and the discipline to avoid emotional bets.

How do I bet on soccer for beginners?

Start by learning the three-way moneyline (1X2) and understanding how draws affect outcomes. Follow one or two leagues closely before expanding. Use small stakes while learning, focus on pre-match betting before trying live markets, and always check lineups before betting.

What is the safest soccer bet?

Double chance bets (covering two of three outcomes) are statistically safest because they win roughly 66% of the time. However, lower risk means lower odds, so you need to win at a high rate to profit. Draw no bet is another safer option that returns your stake on draws.

When is the best time to bet on soccer matches?

For value, early betting (when lines first release) can capture inefficiencies before the market sharpens. For information, waiting until lineups are announced (typically one hour before kickoff) eliminates rotation risk. Your approach depends on whether you prioritize value hunting or information certainty.

How do injuries affect soccer betting odds?

Key player injuries can move lines significantly. A star striker being ruled out might shift moneyline odds by 20-50 points or more. Injury news typically causes odds movement in the 24-48 hours before a match. Following official team announcements and reliable journalists helps you react to injury news quickly.

Bet Responsibly

Soccer betting should be entertainment, not a primary income source. The global nature of the sport means matches are available almost every day, which can make it easy to bet more frequently than intended.

Set a budget for your soccer betting and stick to it regardless of results. Never chase losses by increasing bet sizes or betting on unfamiliar leagues. Take breaks during losing streaks, and seek help if betting negatively impacts your life.