Different Types of Football Bets Explained Simply

Football betting can look complicated at first, especially when you see dozens of markets listed for a single match. In reality, most football bets fall into a small number of clear categories. Once you understand the basics, it becomes much easier to place bets confidently and avoid common mistakes.

This guide explains the most popular types of football bets in simple terms. It is written for beginners but also works as a refresher if you already bet occasionally. Each bet type is explained clearly, with examples and practical tips, so you know exactly what you are betting on.

Match Result Bet

The match result bet is the most basic and widely used football bet. You are betting on the outcome after ninety minutes plus added time. Extra time and penalties do not count.

There are three possible outcomes

• - Home win
  - Draw
  - Away win

For example, if Arsenal are playing Everton and you back Arsenal to win, Arsenal must be winning at full time for the bet to win. A draw or an Everton win means the bet loses.

This bet is simple but not always the easiest to win, especially in closely matched games.

Double Chance Bet

The double chance bet is a safer version of the match result bet. Instead of picking one outcome, you cover two.

The three double chance options are

• - Home win or draw
  - Away win or draw
  - Home win or away win

For example, if you back home win or draw, your bet wins if the home team wins or the match ends in a draw. It only loses if the away team wins.

Because there are two winning outcomes, the odds are lower, but the risk is reduced.

Both Teams to Score

Both teams to score, often shortened to BTTS, is one of the most popular football betting markets.

You are betting on whether both teams will score at least one goal during the match.

There are only two options

• - Yes
  - No

If both teams score, the yes bet wins. If one or both teams fail to score, the no bet wins.

This bet does not care about the final score or who wins the match. A one one draw and a three one win both count as a win for BTTS yes.

Over and Under Goals

Over and under goals betting is based on the total number of goals scored in a match.

The most common line is over or under two point five goals.

Over two point five goals means three or more goals are scored
Under two point five goals means two goals or fewer are scored

Other goal lines are also available, such as one point five goals or three point five goals.

This type of bet is popular because it focuses on goals rather than picking a winner.

Correct Score Bet

A correct score bet requires you to predict the exact final score of the match.

For example

• - Two nil
  - One one
  - Three two

This is one of the hardest football bets to win because it requires precision. However, the odds are usually very high, which attracts many bettors.

Correct score bets are best used with small stakes due to their difficulty.

Draw No Bet

Draw no bet removes the draw as a losing outcome, you are betting on either the home team or the away team to win. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is returned

.

For example, if you back the home team draw no bet

Home win means the bet wins
Draw means your stake is refunded
Away win means the bet loses

This bet is useful when you think a team is likely to win but want protection against a draw.

Handicap Betting

Handicap betting is designed to balance matches where one team is much stronger than the other.

There are two main types of handicap betting.

European Handicap

European handicap adds or subtracts goals from one team before the match starts.

For example, if a team starts with minus one goal, they must win by at least two goals for the bet to win.

European handicap includes the possibility of a draw after the handicap is applied.

Asian Handicap

Asian handicap removes the draw completely and often includes half goal lines.

For example, minus zero point five means the team must win the match. A draw or loss means the bet loses.

Asian handicap is popular with experienced bettors because it offers more precise risk control.

First Goalscorer

First goalscorer betting involves predicting which player will score the first goal in the match.

If your chosen player scores first, the bet wins. If another player scores first or the match ends with no goals, the bet loses.

Substitutions usually count, but this depends on the bookmaker rules.

This bet is popular but difficult due to the unpredictability of goal scorers.

Anytime Goalscorer

Anytime goalscorer betting is simpler than first goalscorer betting.

Your chosen player must score at any point during the match for the bet to win.

It does not matter when the goal is scored or how many goals they score. One goal is enough.

This bet is often used in accumulators.

Same Match Accumulator

A same match accumulator allows you to combine multiple selections from the same match into one bet.

For example

• - Team to win
  - Both teams to score
  - Over two point five goals

All selections must win for the bet to win.

Odds are adjusted because the outcomes are related, but this bet is popular due to its flexibility and excitement.

Half Time Full Time

Half time full time betting requires you to predict the result at half time and at full time.

For example

• - Home team at half time and home team at full time
  - Draw at half time and home team at full time

This bet is difficult to win but offers higher odds than a standard match result bet.

Clean Sheet Bet

A clean sheet bet is based on whether a team concedes a goal.

If you back a team to keep a clean sheet, they must not concede at any point during the match.

A one nil win counts as a clean sheet. A two one win does not.

Which Football Bet Is Best for Beginners?

For beginners, the easiest football bets to understand and manage are

Match result
Double chance
Both teams to score
Over and under goals

These bets are simple, widely available, and easier to analyse than more complex markets.

As you gain experience, you can explore handicaps, goalscorer bets, and accumulators