How to bet on soccer: Betting tips & guide

Guide to betting on soccer: Strategies, tips, and top sites

The growing popularity of soccer in the United States has led to a significant increase in coverage by US-based sportsbooks. With Copa America set to take center stage this summer, now is the perfect time to dive into soccer betting. This guide will walk you through how to bet on soccer, including strategies, tips, and recommendations for the best betting sites.

How to get started with soccer betting

Soccer is one of the most popular sports to bet on globally, with online betting platforms offering hundreds of markets on matches from leagues and tournaments worldwide. To get started, follow these steps:

• Choose a league or tournament: Begin by selecting the league or tournament you want to focus on. This summer, major events like Copa America and Euro 2024 will be at the forefront, offering a wealth of betting opportunities.
• Select a specific match: After choosing your preferred league or tournament, pick a match to bet on. Use our betting strategy guide to identify value bets and understand what to look for when assessing potential wagers.
• Determine your betting market: Once you’ve selected a match, narrow down your options by choosing the specific market you want to bet on. Soccer betting sites offer a wide range of markets, from simple win/loss bets to more complex propositions.
• Shop for the best odds: To maximize your potential returns, it’s crucial to compare odds across different sportsbooks. Finding the best odds is key to securing expected value in your bets.
• Decide your stake: Finally, decide how much you want to wager on your selected bet. Enter the amount in the bet slip, review your choices, and confirm your bet.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to place informed and strategic bets on soccer matches, enhancing your chances of success during events like Copa America and Euro 2024.

Example of a soccer bet

To illustrate how soccer betting works, let's use an example from the upcoming Copa America. Consider the first match for the US Men's National Team (USMNT) against Bolivia. This will be the debut fixture for both teams in the tournament. Here's how you might approach betting on this game:

1. Match details: The USMNT is set to play against Bolivia in their opening match of Copa America.

2. Select a bet type: You can choose from various types of bets, such as:

• Match result: Bet on which team will win the match or if it will end in a draw.
• Over/under goals: Wager on whether the total number of goals scored in the match will be over or under a specified amount.
• Both teams to score: Bet on whether both teams will score during the match.

3. Check the odds: Look up the odds for each type of bet on different sportsbooks to find the best value. For example, if the odds for the USMNT to win are 1.80 and Bolivia to win are 4.50, you can compare these with other sites to ensure you’re getting the best possible return.

4. Place your bet: Once you’ve decided on the bet type and found favorable odds, enter your stake amount. For instance, if you bet $50 on the USMNT to win at odds of 1.80, you could potentially earn $90 (your $50 stake plus $40 profit) if they win.

5. Confirm your bet: Review your choices in the bet slip, ensure everything is correct, and then confirm and submit your bet.

By following this process, you can place a well-informed bet on the USMNT vs. Bolivia match and enjoy the excitement of Copa America with a strategic approach.

Step-by-step guide to placing a soccer bet

In this guide, we provide a detailed tutorial on how to place a soccer bet, using BetOnline as our example sportsbook.

1. Create an account

Begin by opening an account with BetOnline. Click on the ‘Join’ button located at the top of the page. You’ll need to fill out a registration form with details such as your name, address, email, and a chosen password.

2. Make a deposit

After setting up your account, the next step is to fund it. Navigate to the cashier section and select the deposit option. Choose your preferred payment method and enter the amount you wish to deposit.

3. Select soccer from the navigation menu

Find the ‘Soccer’ category in the navigation menu. Clicking on this section will display all the soccer matches and betting markets available.

4. Choose the soccer game to bet on

Within the soccer section, select the match you want to bet on. You can use the menu to locate the league, cup, or tournament of interest, or simply choose from the list of upcoming games.

5. Confirm your odds, stake, and place the bet

Once you’ve picked your game, click on the odds you want to bet on to add them to your bet slip. Enter your stake amount in the bet slip and review the details to ensure the game, market, odds, and potential payout are correct. Click to confirm your bet, and it will be placed and live within a few seconds.

By following these steps, you can easily place a soccer bet on BetOnline and enjoy the betting experience with confidence.

Different types of soccer bets

Soccer offers a wide variety of betting options, with numerous markets available for each game. In our guide to soccer betting, we detail the different types of bets you can place and explain how each one functions.

1. Match result

The match result market involves predicting the final outcome of a soccer match and is commonly referred to as the 1X2 market, three-way moneyline bet, or win-draw-win market. In this type of bet, you have three possible outcomes to choose from:

• Home Win (1): You predict that the home team will win the match. If the home team emerges victorious, your bet is successful.
• Draw (X): You predict that the match will end in a draw or tie. If the game finishes with no winner, your bet is successful.
• Away Win (2): You predict that the away team will win the match. If the away team wins, your bet is successful.

To place a bet in the match result market, choose one of these three outcomes based on your analysis and predictions. The odds provided for each outcome, known as the three-way moneyline odds, will determine the potential payout for a successful bet.

2. Double chance betting

Double chance betting lets you cover two of the three possible outcomes in a soccer match, increasing your chances of winning. Instead of betting on just one outcome (home win, draw, or away win), you select two options from the three possibilities. Here’s how it works:

• Home Win or Draw (1X): You win if the home team wins or the match ends in a draw.
• Draw or Away Win (X2): You win if the match ends in a draw or the away team wins.
• Home Win or Away Win (12): You win if either the home team or the away team wins (a draw means you lose).

Although double chance bets offer a higher likelihood of winning, the odds are generally lower compared to the standard match result market. This is because the probability of a successful outcome is higher with double chance bets.

Over/under total goals

The over/under total goals market lets you wager on whether the total number of goals scored in a match will exceed or fall short of a specific number set by the bookmaker. For instance, if the line is set at 2.5 goals, you can place bets on:

• Over 2.5 goals: You win if three or more goals are scored in the match.
• Under 2.5 goals: You win if two or fewer goals are scored in the match.

In this market, the focus is solely on the total number of goals scored, regardless of which team scores or the final result of the match.

Handicap and asian handicap betting

Handicap betting:

In handicap betting, one team is given a virtual advantage or disadvantage in terms of goals before the match starts. This aims to level the playing field and provide more balanced betting options. For example:

• Team A with a -1 handicap: Team A must win by at least two goals for your bet to be successful.
• Team B with a +1 handicap: Team B can win the match or draw, and your bet will still be successful.

The handicap adjusts the final result to reflect the virtual advantage or disadvantage.

Asian handicap betting:

Asian handicap is a variant that eliminates the possibility of a draw by using fractional handicaps, which offers more precise betting options and tighter odds. For example:

• -1.5 Asian handicap: The favored team must win by at least 2 goals for a successful bet.
• +1.5 Asian handicap: The underdog team can either win or lose by just 1 goal, and your bet will be successful.

Asian handicap bets create a two-way market by removing the draw option, which differs from standard handicap betting. Unlike full goal lines, Asian handicaps are designed to avoid the possibility of a draw, providing a more straightforward betting outcome.

Top soccer tournaments to bet on

Soccer offers a variety of significant tournaments throughout the year, each providing ample betting opportunities. In this section of our guide on how to bet on soccer, we focus on some of the most prominent tournaments.

The Copa America

The Copa America, founded in 1916, is the oldest international football tournament. Traditionally featuring South American teams, the 2024 edition will include Canada, the USA, and Mexico for the first time. This historic tournament will be hosted in the USA, with numerous stadiums temporarily transformed for the event. It will see 16 teams competing in four groups, with eight advancing to the knockout stages and eventually the final. Uruguay holds the record with 15 titles, matched by Argentina, while Brazil has won it nine times.

The UEFA European Championship

The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the Euros, is a prestigious tournament held every four years. It gathers Europe's top national teams to compete for the title of European champions. Euro 2024 will follow a familiar format, starting with a qualification phase and leading to a final tournament with 24 teams. These teams will be divided into groups, with the top teams and the best third-placed teams moving on to the knockout rounds. Since its inception in 1960, the Euros have grown significantly, showcasing the best of European football.

The FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup, organized by FIFA, is the premier international soccer tournament. Held every four years, it features national teams from across the globe. The World Cup includes a qualification phase followed by a final tournament with 32 teams competing in a month-long event. Teams are divided into groups for the initial stage, and the top teams progress to the knockout rounds. Since its inaugural tournament in 1930 in Uruguay, the World Cup has grown in prestige and viewership, becoming one of the most-watched sporting events worldwide.

UEFA Champions League

The UEFA Champions League stands as the pinnacle of club football in Europe, orchestrated by UEFA. The competition features a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a grand final. Initially launched in 1955 as the European Cup, it has since evolved into a major global event. Real Madrid holds the record for the most titles, having won the tournament 14 times, while AC Milan and Liverpool follow with seven titles each. For more information on betting strategies and opportunities for the Champions League, explore our detailed guide.

MLS Cup

The MLS Cup is the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS), representing the highest level of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. This event marks the conclusion of the MLS Cup Playoffs, which feature the leading teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences. The playoffs progress through knockout rounds leading to the conference finals, with the champions of each conference facing off in the MLS Cup final. Since its inception in 1996, with D.C. United claiming the first title, the most successful teams are LA Galaxy and D.C. United, each with five championships. Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City have each secured two titles.

Europa League

The Europa League, formerly known as the UEFA Cup, commenced in the 1971-1972 season and was rebranded in 2009 to broaden opportunities for teams not qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. The tournament follows a group stage format, transitioning into knockout rounds before reaching the final. The winner of the Europa League earns a berth in the Champions League for the following season. Sevilla holds the record with six Europa League titles, while Juventus and Inter Milan have each won the competition three times.

Pros and cons of soccer betting

Soccer betting strategy

To excel in soccer betting, immersing yourself in the sport and employing a robust betting strategy is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to various strategies ranging from basic to advanced levels that can help increase your chances of success.

Basic strategies 

Match analysis strategy

This involves a detailed examination of teams, players, recent performance, head-to-head statistics, injuries, and other relevant factors. By assessing these elements, you can make informed bets. The key is to spot value bets where there is a discrepancy between your own analysis and the bookmaker's odds.

Bankroll management

Effective bankroll management is crucial. Set a budget for betting and avoid chasing losses or making excessively large bets. Divide your bankroll into units and bet a consistent percentage of your total funds, typically between 1-5%. Use a points system to rank bets, placing more points on stronger bets to align with a larger portion of your bankroll.

Specialization strategy

Focus on specific leagues, teams, or markets where you have in-depth knowledge or access to reliable information. Specializing in a particular area allows you to become an expert and potentially gain an edge over bookmakers by narrowing down the vast number of games to those where you can leverage your expertise.

Intermediate strategies

Value betting  

Identify bets with positive expected value (+EV) by comparing your own odds assessment with those offered by bookmakers. Look for opportunities where the bookmaker’s odds are higher than your calculated odds. Consistently finding value bets can lead to long-term profitability. This strategy requires a good understanding of odds and disciplined betting to avoid emotional decisions.

In-play betting

Place bets during a match to capitalize on real-time developments and changing dynamics. This requires keen observation and quick decision-making. By monitoring the flow of the game, shifts in momentum, and team performance, you can identify profitable betting opportunities as the match progresses.

Advanced strategies

Arbitrage betting

Take advantage of discrepancies in odds offered by different bookmakers to guarantee a profit regardless of the match outcome. This involves placing bets on all possible outcomes across various bookmakers. While arbitrage opportunities are rare and require careful research and fast execution, they can ensure a risk-free profit. 

Poisson distribution strategy

Utilize the Poisson Distribution model to predict the number of goals in a match based on historical data. This model calculates the probabilities of different score lines and goal counts. Compare these predictions with bookmakers’ odds to find value bets. This strategy involves statistical analysis and should be complemented with current factors like team form and injuries.

Advanced statistical models

Employ advanced statistical models, such as machine learning algorithms, to analyze large data sets and make predictions. These models consider various factors including team performance, player stats, and playing styles. While they offer valuable insights and potential advantages, they require expertise in data analysis, programming, and statistical modeling to implement effectively.

By applying these strategies, you can enhance your soccer betting approach and improve your chances of making profitable bets.