Learning how to bet on football is simple, and it’s one of the most popular ways to enjoy the sport. Whether you're completely new or just brushing up your skills, understanding the basics makes betting more fun, more controlled, and more informed.
This guide walks you through how football betting works, how to place your first bet, the different markets available, tips for success, and how to gamble safely.
What Does It Mean to Bet on Football?
Betting on football means predicting an outcome related to a match and placing money on that prediction. This could be something simple — like which team will win — or something more specific, such as:
- the number of goals
- both teams to score
- total corners
- the first goalscorer
- whether there will be a red card
Bookmakers offer odds for every possible outcome. If your prediction is correct, you win based on the odds and your stake.
How to Place a Football Bet (Step-by-Step)
1. Choose a bookmaker
Pick a licensed, reputable bookmaker or betting exchange. Look for:
- competitive odds
- a clean, easy-to-use app or website
- fast withdrawals
- strong safer-gambling tools
2. Create an account
You’ll need to register, verify your identity, and set deposit limits.
3. Make a deposit
Choose a payment method such as debit card, PayPal, or bank transfer.
4. Find the match or market
Navigate to football, choose the league, and select the match you want to bet on.
5. Choose your bet type
Select the market you want, such as:
- Match Result (1X2)
- Over/Under Goals
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
- Correct Score
- Asian Handicap
- Bet Builder
6. Enter your stake
Type in the amount you want to bet.
7. Place the bet
Review your selection and confirm your bet slip.
8. Track your bet
You can follow it live with in-play stats, live streams, or score apps.
Popular Types of Football Bets
Match Result (1X2)
Bet on home win, draw, or away win.
Both Teams To Score
Predict whether both teams will score.
Over/Under Goals
Bet on the total number of goals scored in the match.
Correct Score
Predict the exact final score.
Asian Handicap
A more advanced system designed to remove the draw and balance out mismatches.
Bet Builder
Combine multiple selections from the same match into a single bet.
In-Play Betting
Bet after the game has kicked off — useful for spotting momentum or early patterns.
Example: How a Football Bet Works
Match: Tottenham vs Chelsea
Your bet: Tottenham to win
Odds: 2.10
Stake: £10
If Tottenham win → ✅ You return £21
If the match finishes in a draw or Chelsea win → ❌ You lose your £10 stake
Tips for Betting on Football Effectively
- Use stats, not guesswork — check shots, form, xG, home/away records.
- Wait for team news — a key injury can change everything.
- Avoid big Bet Builders — lots of selections = low probability.
- Bet with your head, not your heart — avoid emotional bets on your favourite team.
- Keep stakes consistent — don’t go up and down based on “feelings.”
- Compare odds — small differences add up over time.
- Consider in-play betting — sometimes it's best to watch the first 10–15 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Betting on Football
- Chasing losses with bigger stakes
- Betting on too many matches
- Ignoring form or stats
- Believing in “luck” streaks
- Confusing value with long odds
- Betting to relieve stress or boredom
Avoid these, and your betting experience becomes calmer, more enjoyable, and more strategic.
Safer Gambling Tips
Football betting should always be fun — never stressful or financial pressure.
- Set a deposit limit
- Decide a max daily/weekly loss
- Take breaks during long sessions
- Never bet when angry or chasing losses
- Don’t use credit or borrowed money
- Keep gambling separate from your everyday finances
Support resources:
- BeGambleAware.org
- GAMSTOP (UK self-exclusion)
- GamCare
Related Glossary Terms
- What Is Football Betting?
- Types of Football Bets
- Football Betting Odds Explained
- In-Play Betting
- Bookmakers
- Betting Exchanges
- Bet Builders
- Bankroll Management
- Safer Gambling