Here in the US, when it comes to sports betting, lots of attention is given to NFL, basketball, baseball and hockey. But you really shouldn’t forget about soccer (known as football outside North America) which is starting to become pretty popular with US sports bettors.
With huge global leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League attracting millions of fans from all over the world, betting on soccer offers all sorts of opportunities.
If you’re new to the idea of soccer betting and thinking of getting started, then here’s a quick guide on how it works, the different types of wagers available, and some of our top tips for US bettors.
The Different Soccer Betting Markets
Unlike traditional American sports, soccer betting has a unique structure – which means there are various betting markets that you might not already be familiar with:
Moneyline Betting – Three-Way Moneyline
One of the biggest differences with other US sports is that matches can end in a draw. With a three-way moneyline bet you can put your money on:
- Home Team to Win
- Away Team to Win
- Draw
Double Chance
This bet lets you cover two of the three possible outcomes in a match, which means a better chance of winning but with a lesser payout. The three options are:
- Home team win or draw
- Away team win or draw
- Home team win or away team win
Draw No Bet
This bet takes the draw option off the table. So, if the game does end in a tie, your bet will be refunded.
Over/Under (Totals)
Over/Under betting in soccer basically refers to the total number of goals that are scored (by both teams) in a match. Bookies usually set the line at 2.5 goals – so:
- Betting over 2.5 goals means that at least 3 goals will need to be scored.
- Betting under 2.5 goals means that 2 goals or fewer will need to be scored.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
This is pretty simple – you are betting on whether you think both teams will score at least one goal. You can either bet Yes (both teams score) or No (one or both teams won’t score).
Asian Handicap Bet
This bet basically eliminates the possibility of a draw by giving one of the teams a handicap. For example, a team could start with a -0.5, -1, or even -1.5 goal handicap (depending on how much of a favourite they are considered), so they’d need to win by a certain margin for your bet to pay out.
Futures Betting
These are just bets on long-term outcomes rather than single matches – such as:
- The Premier League winner
- Champions League winner
- Top tournament goal scorer
- Teams that will be relegated
The Most Popular Soccer Leagues to Bet On
For US bettors, we’re not just limited to Major League Soccer. Some other great leagues to try your luck on include:
English Premier League
The EPL is the most-watched soccer league worldwide – with the very best teams in the world like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City, making it one of the most competitive. You’ll find all sorts of Premier League betting odds on all different options.
La Liga
The Spanish league, home to teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid, has some of the sports most attacking football and it’s filled with footballing superstars.
Serie A
Italy’s top-flight league is home to clubs like Juventus and AC Milan – and is filled with tactical battles, solid defensive play – which often means lower-scoring games.
Bundesliga
Then, there’s the Bundesliga, which is famous for its high-scoring matches. If you’re looking to make over 2.5 goal bets and BTTS bets, this league is a good call.
Top Tips for US Bettors
Looking to get started? Then here are our top tips:
- Understand the League and Teams – Research team form, injuries, and playing styles before you place a bet.
- Compare Odds – Different sportsbooks offer different odds, so shop around.
- Don’t Forget About Draws – Soccer games frequently end in a draw, so don’t forget to factor this into your bets.
- Try Live Betting – Because it’s such a dynamic game, it’s perfect for live betting.
- Budget Carefully– Whether you bet on soccer, football or basketball, set a budget and stick to it.
Hopefully you’re all set to step into the world of soccer betting! Good luck, have fun – and always gamble responsibly!
