Soccer betting is becoming more popular in North America, and there are many different ways to place wagers. American odds are shown with a minus (-) or plus (+) sign and indicate how much you need to risk to win $100.
Lineups are a major factor in soccer betting and can dramatically swing odds. Be sure to check lineups before the match starts.
It’s a form of entertainment
Many legal US sportsbooks offer a wide range of soccer betting options, including conventional three-way moneylines, totals and same-game parlays. These bets are available through desktop, mobile and tablet apps. Many of these apps also offer welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions that retail sportsbooks don’t offer.
Due to the low-scoring nature of soccer, over/under totals can be a great way to increase your winning potential. The standard over/under is set at 2.5 goals, but some bookmakers will offer alternative goal lines based on the overall likelihood of each team scoring in the match.
Soccer’s nonstop action lends itself to live or in-play betting, where you can wager on changing odds as the game unfolds before your eyes. This allows you to capitalize on momentum shifts, react to injuries/red cards and spot early trends. It also adds an element of immediate skill to your betting experience. You can use this information to place smarter bets and maximize your winnings.
It’s a sport
Whether you’re betting on the outcome of a match or on individual players, it’s important to understand how odds work. American odds use a plus or minus format. A minus sign means you must wager $100 to win $125, and a plus sign means you can expect to win your original stake back along with an additional $100 in winnings. Understanding the different types of soccer prop bets is also crucial. These bets are based on hyper-specific occurrences in a game and can offer huge payouts.
Three-way moneylines are the most basic bet type in soccer, with the option to bet on either team or a draw. Since soccer is a low-scoring sport, you can expect to see many matches end in a tie. Alternatively, you can place a bet on the Over/Under total goal market. This bet is based on the total number of goals scored during a match, and is only valid for 90 minutes of action.
It’s a game of skill
Aside from betting on the outright winner of a match, soccer bettors can also place bets on specific aspects of the game. These bets are often more profitable than standard moneyline wagers and offer a wider range of payouts. These bets are typically referred to as “derivative” soccer odds and can cover everything from the first or second goal of the game to how many corners will be taken in the match.
The most popular type of bet on soccer is the three-way moneyline. This bet offers odds on Team A winning, Team B winning, or a tie (tie). It is similar to ATS betting in American sports but with more options and better betting lines. You can also place a same-game parlay, which allows you to combine multiple outcomes within one wager. In addition to maximizing your profit potential, it’s important to explore different betting strategies that align with your goals and risk tolerance.
It’s a game of chance
Soccer betting offers a wide variety of wagers. You can bet on a team’s winning margin, the total number of goals scored, and more. These bets can offer substantial payoffs, but they are more complex than regular bets and require a deeper understanding of the game’s trends and matchups. Prop bets, or proposition bets, are another type of soccer wager. These bets are on specific events during a soccer match, such as which player will score the first goal or how many corner kicks a team will have. Tournaments typically feature hundreds of these wagers, offering more ways to bet on the game.
Soccer handicap lines are a unique form of soccer betting that level the playing field between two unevenly matched teams. They are similar to standard moneyline bets but feature fractional or whole-goal spreads. Unlike other sports, soccer matches do not typically end in a draw. If a bet is placed on a team that does not win, the bet will be considered a push and your stake will be refunded.