Have you ever considered placing a bet on a soccer match? Although it can be thrilling – and potentially lucrative – to get involved in soccer bets, there are often risks associated that can put entrants at a financial or reputational loss.
Different Bet Types and How They Work
To help you weigh the pros and cons of taking this path, we wanted to dissect reasons why people choose to participate in legal online sports betting, how to ensure responsible gambling tips are followed when playing through online sportsbooks, and different types of plays you can make besides just picking the ever popular winner. With all these valuable insights, by the end of this blog post series, you can confidently decide whether betting on soccer is right for you.
Before you get into wagering on a soccer match, you need to understand the different types of bets you can make and the potential rewards. Moneyline wagers are the most common; you simply pick who you think will win the match at their given odds. Unlike other sports, soccer usually has a third moneyline number for a draw, making it a little more challenging.
A minus in front of the number indicates the number you have to put down to win $100 back. For example, if Manchester City is a -165 favorite, you must risk $165 to win back $100. However, the opposite is true with a plus number. If Chelsea is a +210 underdog, you can put down $100 and win $210 back. However, if the game ends tied, only those who took the draw moneyline will win.
Obviously, picking an underdog is enticing, but you must first do your homework and study things like head-to-head matchups, injury reports, trends, and starting lineups before deciding on which side to play.
Here are some of the other types of bets you can place on a soccer match:
- Spreads: This is how many goals a team is favored to win a match by. For example, if you play Liverpool at-1.5, they must win the game by two or more goals.
- Totals: Each match will have an over/under on the number of goals scored. If a total is set at 2.5, and you pick the over, at least three goals must be scored in the game for you to win.
- Props: Separate plays away from the game’s outcome. There are player props and team props. Some examples include the total number of shots in a game (by a team or player), whether Lionel Messi scores a goal, a team’s separate over/under total goals, and even an over/under for the time of the first goal.
- Futures: Odds on events decided later in the year or beyond, such as odds for a team to win the World Cup or a player to finish with the most goals in the Premier League season.
Pros of Risky Soccer Bets
As aforementioned, playing an underdog moneyline is risky, but tempting. Who wouldn’t want to win more money back than they put down? It’s an attractive option. However, it’s only worth it if you do the due diligence and study the upcoming game. Just throwing a dart and hoping it will hit a bull’s eye isn’t always the best method.
Underdogs do win more than most people think. In fact, 45% of the time, the team with the plus number in front of it wins. So if you analyze the game thoroughly, you can reap its rewards and make money. Also, it adds excitement to the game. It feels great to pick an underdog and then watch the game and root for that team to win you extra cash.
Cons of Risky Soccer Bets
One of the most significant errors bettors make is they chase after losses. In other words, if they do lose a risky bet, they gamble even more to get that money back and then some. If they lose that bet, they start digging a really big hole. Even the best bettors in the world have losing streaks, but they are disciplined in their approach.
When you place money on an underdog, understand your chances of losing are bigger than your odds of winning. Make sure you use betting as a fun activity, and never risk more than you can afford. Only use money that you can accept losing.
Tips to Improve Your Chances at Risky Soccer Bets
There are ways to improve your chances of making profitable bets, even when the odds are against you. The best piece of advice is to do your research. Check out the team’s recent performances, their player line-up, and any injuries or suspensions that could affect the game’s outcome. Always stay up to date on the news on reliable soccer websites and social media platforms.
Lastly, never let your emotions get in the way of your decision-making. Stick to your strategy and be disciplined with your betting habits. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to maximizing your winnings and minimizing your risks.
Alternatives to Risky Soccer Bets
Another popular mistake inexperienced bettors make is they always look for value in the game winner but not alternative wagers. There are other areas of the game you can study up on and come out on top.
As we discussed above, look into one of the other bet types. Invest in the total number of goals scored in a game rather than the outcome. Or you can focus on halftime bets, taking advantage of shifting momentum and unpredictability. Also, watch a game, study its momentum, follow the injuries and team enthusiasm, and then place a live bet on who you think will win. As always, researching and analyzing statistics can significantly increase your chances of making a successful bet. With these alternatives, you can still enjoy the excitement of betting on soccer without risking everything.