Soccer, also known as football in many parts of the world, is the most popular sport on the planet. With a fan base of over 4 billion people, it is no surprise that soccer has also become one of the most popular sports to bet on. However, if you are new to the world of soccer betting, it can be overwhelming to understand all the different terms and jargon used in this industry. From spreads to parlays, from handicaps to accumulators, there is a whole new vocabulary to learn.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will break down and explain all the important soccer betting terms you need to know. We will cover everything from basic terms to more advanced ones, so whether you are a beginner or looking to expand your knowledge, you’ll find all the information you need right here. So let’s kick off by understanding the basics of soccer betting.
I. Introduction to Soccer Betting
1. Basics of Soccer Betting
Before we dive into the different terms and strategies of soccer betting, let’s first understand the basics of how it works. Soccer betting involves placing wagers on the outcome of a soccer match or tournament. The most common way to bet on soccer is through a sportsbook, either online or in-person. A sportsbook is an establishment that accepts bets on various sports events, including soccer.
In soccer betting, the two most popular types of bets are spread bets and moneyline bets. A spread bet involves predicting the margin of victory for a particular team, while a moneyline bet is simply predicting the winner of the game. Other types of bets include prop bets, which involve predicting specific outcomes within a match, and futures bets, which involve predicting the outcome of a tournament or league.
2. Soccer Odds
When placing a bet, you will see odds listed for each team or outcome. These odds represent the probability of a particular team or outcome winning. In general, odds are listed in one of three formats: decimal, fractional, or American.
- Decimal odds – This is the most commonly used format in Europe and is displayed as a number with two decimal places (e.g. 2.50). The number represents how much you will win for every $1 bet.
- Fractional odds – This format is popular in the UK and is displayed as a fraction (e.g. 3/2). The first number represents how much you will win and the second number represents the amount you need to bet.
- American odds – This format is used in the US and can be displayed as either a positive or negative number (e.g. +150 or -200). A positive number indicates how much you will win for every $100 bet, while a negative number indicates how much you need to bet to win $100.
Understanding odds is crucial in soccer betting as they not only reflect the probability of an outcome but also determine your potential payout. Higher odds indicate a lower probability of winning, but also offer a higher potential payout.
3. Different Types of Soccer Bets
As mentioned earlier, there are various types of bets that you can place on a soccer match or tournament. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common ones.
Spread Bet
A spread bet, also known as a point spread, involves predicting the margin of victory for a particular team. For example, if a sportsbook sets the spread at +1.5 goals for Team A, they must win by at least 2 goals for the bet to be successful. On the other hand, if the spread is -1.5 goals for Team B, they must lose by no more than 1 goal for the bet to win.
Moneyline Bet
A moneyline bet is simply predicting the winner of a game. In this type of bet, the odds represent the payout for each team. So if Team A has odds of +150 and Team B has odds of -200, a $100 bet on Team A would result in a $150 profit, while a $200 bet on Team B would result in a $100 profit.
Over/Under Bet
Also known as a totals bet, an over/under bet involves predicting whether the total number of goals scored in a game will be over or under a certain number set by the sportsbook. For example, if the over/under is set at 2.5 goals and you bet on the over, the final score must have a total of 3 or more goals for you to win the bet.
Prop Bet
Prop bets, short for proposition bets, involve predicting specific outcomes within a match. These can range from predicting the first goal scorer to the number of yellow cards in a game. Prop bets offer a wide variety of options and are often popular among casual bettors.
e) Futures Bet
Futures bets involve predicting the outcome of a tournament or league before it begins. These bets offer higher payouts but also carry more risk as they are placed well in advance.
II. Understanding Handicaps and Spreads
1. Handicap Betting Explained
Handicap betting, also known as Asian handicap betting, is a popular form of wagering in soccer. It was originally created in Asia as a way to even out the odds between teams of different levels. Handicap bets involve giving one team a head start (a positive handicap) or a disadvantage (a negative handicap). The purpose of handicapping is to make the odds more attractive for bettors on both sides of the bet.
For example, let’s say Manchester United is playing against a lower-ranked team. The sportsbook may give the lower-ranked team a +1.5 goal handicap, meaning that Manchester United must win by at least 2 goals for a bet on them to be successful. On the other hand, if you bet on the lower-ranked team with the handicap, they can either win the game or lose by only 1 goal.
Handicap bets are popular because they offer more options and flexibility in terms of betting. They also increase the chances of winning compared to traditional spreads, where a team must win by a specific margin for the bet to be successful.
2. Asian Handicap Betting
Asian handicap betting is a variation of handicap betting that eliminates the possibility of a draw by using half goals (e.g. +0.5, +1.5, +2.5). This means that there will always be a clear winner and loser in the bet. For example, if you bet on Team A with a +1.5 handicap, even if they lose by 1 goal, your bet will still be successful.
Asian handicaps are popular among professional bettors as they offer better odds and eliminate the possibility of a push (tie) result. However, they can be confusing for beginners, so it’s important to understand the concept before placing any bets.
3. Negative and Positive Handicaps
In handicap betting, a negative handicap refers to giving the favorite team a disadvantage, while a positive handicap refers to giving the underdog team an advantage. Let’s take a closer look at how these work.
a) Negative Handicap
A negative handicap is assigned to the favorite team in a match, meaning they must win by a certain margin for the bet to be successful. It is represented by a minus (-) sign, followed by the number of goals in the handicap. For example, if Barcelona has a -1.5 goal handicap against a lower-ranked team, they must win by 2 goals for the bet to win.
b) Positive Handicap
On the other hand, a positive handicap is assigned to the underdog team, giving them an advantage in the match. It is represented by a plus (+) sign, followed by the number of goals in the handicap. For example, if Bayern Munich has a +1.5 goal handicap against a higher-ranked team, they can either win the match or lose by only 1 goal for the bet to be successful.
4. Alternative Handicaps
Sportsbooks may offer alternative handicaps for a match to give bettors more options and flexibility. These are usually given in half-goal increments (e.g. -0.5, -1.5, +0.5, +1.5) and offer slightly different odds compared to the traditional handicaps. They also eliminate the possibility of a push result, as there can never be a tie with half-goal handicaps.
III. Exploring Different Betting Strategies
1. Accumulator Bets
An accumulator bet, also known as a parlay, involves combining multiple bets into one single bet. This means that all the selections you make must be correct for the bet to win. Accumulator bets offer high payouts, but they also come with more risk as even one incorrect selection will result in the whole bet being lost.
One popular strategy for accumulator bets is the “rolling accumulator.” In this strategy, you start with a small bet and then reinvest your winnings from each successful bet into the next one. This allows you to potentially increase your winnings over time.
2. In-Play Betting
In-play betting, also known as live betting, involves placing bets on a match while it is still underway. This type of betting has become increasingly popular in recent years due to advancements in technology and the availability of live streaming. In-play betting offers a wide variety of options, as odds constantly change based on the current state of the game.
One popular strategy for in-play betting is to wait for the odds to shift in your favor before placing a bet. For example, if you believe that a team will make a comeback in the second half, you can wait for their odds to increase before placing a bet.
3. Hedge Betting
Hedge betting involves placing bets on both sides of a wager to minimize the potential losses. For example, if you place a moneyline bet on Team A to win, you can also place a smaller bet on Team B to win. This way, you are guaranteed some form of payout regardless of the outcome of the match.
Hedge betting is often used by professional bettors to minimize risk and secure a certain amount of profit. However, it requires careful calculation and can be risky if not done correctly.
IV. Soccer Betting Terms: From A to Z
Now that we have covered the basics of soccer betting and explored some common strategies, let’s take a closer look at some other important terms and concepts that every bettor should know.
A. Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting, also known as arbing, involves finding discrepancies in odds between different sportsbooks and placing bets on all possible outcomes to guarantee a profit. This strategy requires quick thinking and thorough research, but it can be highly profitable if executed correctly.
B. Bankroll
Your bankroll refers to the total amount of money you have set aside for betting. It is essential to manage your bankroll effectively to avoid overspending and losing more money than you can afford.
C. Closing Line
The closing line refers to the final odds offered by a sportsbook just before a match begins. Professional bettors often compare their own predictions with the closing line to determine the accuracy of their analysis.
D. Draw No Bet
Draw no bet is a type of bet where your stake is returned if the match ends in a draw. This removes the possibility of losing money due to a tie result, but it also offers lower odds compared to traditional bets.
E. Expected Value (EV)
Expected value, also known as EV, is a mathematical concept used in betting to determine the potential value of a bet. It takes into account the probability of an outcome and the potential payout to help bettors make informed decisions.
F. Goliath Bet
A goliath bet is a type of accumulator bet that consists of 247 individual bets placed on 8 selections. This type of bet can offer massive payouts but also comes with a high risk due to the number of combinations involved.
G. Half-Time/Full-Time Bet
A half-time/full-time bet involves predicting both the result at half-time and the final result of a game. This type of bet offers higher odds compared to traditional bets, but also comes with a higher risk.
H. Inverted Handicap
An inverted handicap is a variation of traditional handicaps where the favorite team is given a negative handicap, while the underdog team is given a positive handicap. This evens out the odds and offers better payouts for the underdog team.
I. Juice
Juice, also known as vigorish or vig, refers to the commission taken by sportsbooks on each bet. For example, a -110 juice indicates that you need to bet $110 to win $100, with the extra $10 being the bookmaker’s commission.
J. Kelly Criterion
The Kelly Criterion is a formula used by bettors to determine the optimal amount to bet based on the probability of winning and the potential payout. It aims to maximize profits while minimizing the risk of ruin.
K. Lay Betting
Lay betting is a type of bet where you act as the bookmaker by offering odds to other bettors. This type of bet is popular in betting exchanges, where bettors can back or lay bets against each other.
L. Martingale System
The Martingale system is a betting strategy where you double your stake after every loss until you win, with the aim of recovering all previous losses and making a profit. However, this strategy carries a high risk and requires a larger bankroll to cover potential losses.
M. Non-Runner
A non-runner is a selection in a bet that does not participate in the match. In this case, the bet will be refunded, and the odds for the remaining selections will be adjusted accordingly.
N. Odds Compiler
An odds compiler is an individual responsible for setting the odds for various sports events. They use various factors such as team form, injuries, and home-field advantage to determine the odds.
O. Payout
Your payout refers to the total amount of money you receive if your bet is successful. This includes your initial stake and any winnings.
P. Quinella Bet
A quinella bet is a type of bet in horse racing where you select two horses to finish first and second in any order. This allows for more flexibility compared to traditional exacta bets, but also offers lower payouts.
Q. Reverse Line Movement
Reverse line movement occurs when the majority of bets are placed on one side of a bet, causing the odds to move in the opposite direction. This usually indicates sharp action from professional bettors and can be used to identify value in certain bets.
R. Sharp Bettor
A sharp bettor, also known as a wiseguy, is a professional bettor who uses data and analysis to make informed bets. They often have a deep understanding of sports betting and are considered to be the most successful bettors.
S. Tipster
A tipster is an individual or group of individuals who provide predictions and betting tips for various sports events. While some tipsters offer valuable insights, others may be unreliable, so it’s important to do your own research before following their advice.
T. Underdog
An underdog is a team or player that is expected to lose in a match. They are usually given positive odds and are considered to have a lower chance of winning compared to the favorite team.
U. Value Betting
Value betting involves placing bets on outcomes where the odds offered by the sportsbook are higher than the actual probability of the outcome occurring. This strategy aims to capitalize on favorable odds and maximize profits in the long run.
V. World Handicap
World handicap is a variation of traditional handicaps where the draw result is factored into the final outcome. It is commonly used in soccer betting, especially for matches with high-scoring potential.
W. Yankee Bet
A yankee bet is a type of accumulator bet that consists of 11 individual bets placed on 4 different selections. This type of bet offers more flexibility compared to traditional accumulators, as you only need 2 out of 4 selections to be correct to win.
X. eXacta Bet
An exacta bet is a type of bet in horse racing where you select two horses to finish first and second in the exact order. This type of bet offers high payouts but also carries a higher risk compared to other types of bets.
Y. Yield
Yield is a measure of profitability in sports betting, calculated by dividing the total profit by the total amount wagered. It is often used to compare the performance of different bettors or strategies.
Z. Zig-Zag Theory
The zig-zag theory is a betting strategy that focuses on betting against the public. It involves identifying teams that are coming off a loss and betting on them to cover the spread in their next game.
V. Conclusion
Soccer betting can be both thrilling and challenging, especially for beginners. However, by understanding the different terms and strategies, you can improve your chances of making successful bets and maximize your profits. Remember to always do your research and manage your bankroll effectively to ensure a safe and enjoyable betting experience. With this comprehensive guide at your disposal, you are now equipped with all the knowledge you need to kick off your soccer betting journey. Good luck!
