Soccer betting lines control the odds that you’ll face when betting on soccer matches. These lines can be super fickle, and learning how to read them is an essential skill for anyone that wants to make money.
Theres a whole bunch of factors that can alter these lines, so I’ll go through each and every one of them, and how you can read them depending on the bet. Let’s go through each in detail so you can min-max your way to major jackpots.
Types of Soccer Betting Lines Explained
Betting on soccer lines is a good move when:
- You can spot a clear favorite,
- You predict a high-scoring match
- Both teams have strong offenses
- Close matches
- Key players are absent
- You believe you have information/insight on a match not many possess.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that there are plenty of situations where you can take advantage of soccer betting lines. However, if you take the “key players are absent” factor and truly contextualize it for the match you’re betting on, you’ll notice there’s significant analysis behind it.
We’re not just talking about an obvious key-player absense (like the team’s top-scorer). It could be a player that has an overwhelmingly positive record against this rival, or it could be midfielder that has averaged numerous recoveries in the past 8 games, and is now facing a very offensive team that likes to hold the ball (like Barcelona or Manchester City). A player like that could be considered key in this specific scenario. We go over some of these scenarios over on our Soccer Betting Guide, so be sure to check that out too!
Moneyline Bets
A Moneyline bet is the simplest form of betting. You’re just picking which team you think will win the match. There are three possible outcomes:
- Team A wins
- Team B Wins
- Draw
Lets say youd like to make a Moneyline bet for a match between two teams that favor offensive football above all else. A good example would be Barcelona and Arsenal for a UCL Match.
A few years ago, Messi’s Barcelona would’ve been a favorite, but their recent seasons haven’t been as good. Arsenal, on the other hand, has continued to evolve in their local competitions (Premier League and English Cups) and have evened the odds substantially.
That being said, Barcelona under Hansi Flick has been playing at a fantastic level. With wins over Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, you could see why people would think there’s a clear favorite for this match-up and bet accordingly. Keeping up with the latest developments from both teams is, as you can see, essential to reading soccer betting lines and its movements.
Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal UCL Match
Let’s say the odds for this Champions League match are:
- Arsenal: -100
- Barcelona: +100
The odds tell you how much you need to bet to win a certain amount if you’re betting on the favorite, or how much you can win if you’re betting on the underdog.
By the way, we’re gonna keep using this match up as our baseline example throughout the piece so you can compare each bet and get a clear picture of how Soccer Betting Lines work and how they can be a part of your soccer betting strategy.
Heres How It Works
What happens if youre Betting on Arsenal to Win (Odds: -100)
What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100.
Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal to win.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount / (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Moneyline Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal UCL Match
Let’s say the odds for this Champions League match are:
- Arsenal: -100
- Barcelona: +100
The odds tell you how much you need to bet to win a certain amount if you’re betting on the favorite, or how much you can win if you’re betting on the underdog.
By the way, we’re gonna keep using this match up as our baseline example throughout the piece so you can compare each bet and get a clear picture of how Soccer Betting Lines work and how they can be a part of your soccer betting strategy.
What happens if you’re Betting on Arsenal to Win
The Odds for Arsenal are -100
- What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal to win.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount / (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
What happens if you’re Betting on Barcelona to Win
Odds: +100
- What It Means: The plus sign (+) indicates Barcelona is the underdog. You win $100 for every $100 bet.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona to win.
Calculating the Payout:
Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
A Summary
- Bet on Arsenal: If Arsenal wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
- Bet on Barcelona: If Barcelona wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
When to go for Moneyline Bets?
Generally speaking, go for a Moneyline bet when there’s a clear favorite and you believe they’ll take it. Alternatively, if the underdog’s key players are popping off and are currently peaking in terms of performance, you could bet on them for a bigger payout. If you believe a draw to be unlikely, that’s also a good sign that you should opt for a moneyline bet. By the way, we’re discussing a hypothetical UCL match on our practical example, but all this logic applies to a typical MLS match too.
3-Way Soccer Moneylines
A 3-Way Moneyline bet in soccer is different from the regular Moneyline bet because it includes the possibility of a draw. You have three options to bet on: Team A to win, Team B to win, or the match to end in a draw.
Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal. Let’s say the odds for the match are:
- Arsenal to Win: -100
- Barcelona to Win: +100
- Draw: +250
Now, let’s imagine you’re placing a $50 bet to keep all our bet amounts standard. Here’s how that’d look like, depending on who you bet.
Betting on Arsenal to Win
Odds: -100
- What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona to Win
If the Odds are +100
- What It Means: The plus sign (+) indicates Barcelona is the underdog. You win $100 for every $100 bet. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Betting on a Draw
If the Odds are +250
- What It Means: You win $250 for every $100 bet if the match ends in a draw. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 * (250/100) = $50 * 2.5 = $125 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $125 (profit) = $175
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | $125 | $175 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Outcomes and Payout Summary
- Bet on Arsenal: If Arsenal wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
- Bet on Barcelona: If Barcelona wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
- Bet on Draw: If the match ends in a draw, you get $175 back ($125 profit). If either team wins, you lose your $50.
3-Way Moneyline Bets Soccer Line Movements
A 3-Way Moneyline bet is a good idea when you have a strong prediction about the match outcome, whether it’s a win for either team or a draw. It’s particularly useful when you see high odds on a draw, there’s a clear favorite, or special circumstances like injuries come into play. Veteran gamblers also like to review the team’s recent performance and see if they’re both due to draw a game.
Everyone knows that Twitter accounts with proven track records and sources inside their respective clubs are, by far, the best sources of information for last-minute line movements. If a key defender like Araujo or Cubarsi is missing, then you’d probably see the draw and Arsenal win Soccer Betting Lines move significantly.
2-Way Soccer Moneylines
A 2-Way Soccer Moneyline bet is simpler than a 3-Way Moneyline because it eliminates the draw option. You’re only betting on one team to win, and if the match ends in a draw, your bet is refunded. This is also known as a “Draw No Bet.”
Both Barcelona and Arsenal aren’t particularly known for their strong defenses as of late, they’re more about overwhelming offense and high-level midfield control. If both teams are known for their offense, you could outright bet for whatever team has the strongest momentum on a 2 way soccer moneyline.
Soccer Betting Lines movements will usually shift depending on each team’s latest match history and performance. Unless something big happens at the last minute, it’ll just follow whatever trend it followed since bets were open for the match, so just keep an eye on their performance on local league matches.
Same Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the odds for the match are:
- Arsenal to Win: -100
- Barcelona to Win: +100
And you’re going to place a $50 bet.
Betting on Arsenal to Win with -100 odds.
- What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Draw | $50 | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona to Win with +100 Odds
- What It Means: The plus sign (+) indicates Barcelona is the underdog. You win $100 for every $100 bet. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Key Points of 2-Way Moneyline Bets
- No Draw Option: If the match ends in a draw, your bet is refunded.
- Simpler Betting: You only need to pick which team will win.
- Lower Risk: Draw outcomes are covered by a refund, reducing the risk of losing your bet entirely.
When to go for 2-Way Moneyline Bets?
A 2-Way Soccer Moneyline bet is a good option when you want to bet on a team to win but want some insurance in case the match ends in a draw. It’s simpler and less risky than a 3-Way Moneyline bet because your stake is refunded if it’s a draw.
Point Spread (Handicap) Bets
A Point Spread or Handicap bet gives one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage to level the playing field. This advantage is assigned by the bookmaker, and it makes betting more interesting, in otherwise unbalanced matchups. Soccer Betting Lines movements can get pretty nutty with these bets, so you’ll need to go the extra mile on your analysis.
Diehard fans of big teams usually have a variety of niche YouTube channels that follow their clubs with fervent dedication, and some of them even have a bit of insider scoops. These are very hit or miss, but some of these smaller YouTuber have remarkable analysis capabilities when it comes to their clubs or even national teams. Bruno Gonzales for Argentina’s national squad comes to mind, as his insight has certainly made me make a few phenomenal bets in South American qualifying matches.
This is certainly going above and beyond what any casual gambler does, but if you’re in it for the money, then you’d do well to rely on others with reliable information and analysis.
Let’s keep using our previous example: an UCL match between Arsenal and Barcelona.
Spread Betting Lines Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Betting on Arsenal -1 Spread
Odds: -100
- What It Means: Arsenal is given a virtual handicap of -1 goal. For your bet to win, Arsenal must win by at least 2 goals.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal -1.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal wins by 2+ goals | Win | $50 | $100 |
Arsenal wins by exactly 1 goal | Push (stake refunded) | $0 | $50 returned |
Arsenal draws or loses | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Going in detail:
- If Arsenal wins by 2 or more goals, you win your bet. You get your $50 back plus $50 profit, totaling $100.
- If Arsenal wins by exactly 1 goal, it’s a push. You get your $50 stake back.
- If Arsenal draws or loses, you lose your $50 bet.
Betting on Barcelona +1
Odds: +100
- What It Means: Barcelona is given a virtual advantage of +1 goal. For your bet to win, Barcelona must win, draw, or lose by exactly 1 goal.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona +1.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona wins or draws | Win | $50 | $100 |
Barcelona loses by exactly 1 | Push (stake refunded) | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona loses by 2+ goals | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
A Bit of Explaining:
- If Barcelona wins or draws, you win your bet. You get your $50 back plus $50 profit, totaling $100.
- If Barcelona loses by exactly 1 goal, it’s a push. You get your $50 stake back.
- If Barcelona loses by 2 or more goals, you lose your $50 bet.
When to go for Point Spread Bets?
Point Spread (Handicap) bets are a good idea when:
- Theres a clear favorite (usually the handicap is good enough to level the playing field),
- Potentially high scoring games (more chances for the favorite team to overcome the handicap)
- Absence of key players (a team might be a favorite, but without their striker they might not overcome the handicap entirely) This will shift the Soccer Betting Lines considerably.
Soccer Double Chance Lines
A Double Chance bet in soccer allows you to cover two of the three possible outcomes in a match with a single bet. This type of bet increases your chances of winning but typically offers lower odds compared to a straight win bet.
Soccer Betting Lines movements for these bets will drastically move for otherwise close matches, if key players are left out of the lineup. A match that would’ve been slightly tilted in Barcelona’s favor could see its lines shift if Pedri (who unfortunately suffers from injuries quite often) ends up in the infirmary.
His absence would diminish Barcelona’s midfield control, which is one of Arsenal’s strengths. You could very well bet on an Arsenal win, or a Draw since you can cover both outcomes.
Double Chance Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the odds for the match are:
- Arsenal to Win: -100
- Barcelona to Win: +100
You’re going to place a $50 bet.
Double Chance Bet Options
In a Double Chance bet, you have three options to choose from:
- Home Win or Draw (1X)
- Away Win or Draw (X2)
- Home Win or Away Win (12)
Betting on Arsenal or Draw (X2)
- Odds: Typically lower than a straight win bet due to the increased likelihood of winning.
- What It Means: You win if Arsenal wins or if the match ends in a draw.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal or Draw.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Draw | Win | $25 | $75 |
Barcelona Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona or Draw (1X)
Odds: Typically lower than a straight win bet due to the increased likelihood of winning.
- What It Means: You win if Barcelona wins or if the match ends in a draw.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona or Draw.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Draw | Win | $25 | $75 |
Arsenal Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Either Team to Win (12)
Odds: Typically higher than the other Double Chance options because a draw means you lose your money.
- What It Means: You win if either team wins. You lose if the match ends in a draw.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on either team to win.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Barcelona Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Draw | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for Soccer Double Chance Lines?
Double Chance bets are great when you want to minimize risk, especially in evenly matched games. This is the kind of bet you want to place if you think a draw is likely. When done correctly, you can increase your chances of winning (typically) smaller payouts, at least when compared to some of the riskier bets.
Over/Under (Total Goals) Bets
An Over/Under bet, also known as Total Goals bet, is where you predict whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a certain number set by the bookmaker.
Barcelona under Flick has a habit of playing with a very advanced defense line to choke offenses with tactical offsides. It’s a very risky way of playing the game, but also quite effective if the coach is known for his meticulous work on his teams.
You could easily expect a high-scoring match due to this complete novel way of defending that Barcelona has displayed this season. This is the kind of insight that could drastically move soccer betting lines.
The key here is that this bet doesn’t depend on which team wins or loses, just the total number of goals.
Over/Under Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. The bookmaker sets the Over/Under line at 2.5 goals. The odds are:
- Over 2.5 Goals: -100
- Under 2.5 Goals: +100
You’re going to place a $50 bet.
Betting on Over 2.5 Goals
Odds: -100
- What It Means: You win the bet if the total number of goals scored by both teams is 3 or more.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Over 2.5 goals.
Possible Outcomes:
Total Goals Scored | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
3 or more goals | Win | $50 | $100 |
2 or fewer goals | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Under 2.5 Goals
Odds: +100
- What It Means: You win the bet if the total number of goals scored by both teams is 2 or fewer.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Under 2.5 goals.
Possible Outcomes:
Total Goals Scored | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
2 or fewer goals | Win | $50 | $100 |
3 or more goals | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for Over/Under Bets?
Go for Over bets when you notice both teams have strong offensive records, or don’t defend particularly well. Go for Under bets when you expect a high-stakes match with cautious play, or key players are missing, which will cause serious Soccer Betting Lines movements.
As always do your due diligence when it comes to a team’s recent form, playing styles, and head-to-head records. This bet type is ideal when you have a good read on the likely total goals rather than the match outcome.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
A Both Teams to Score (BTTS) bet is where you predict whether both teams will score at least one goal in the match. It doesn’t matter who wins or what the final score is, as long as both teams score.
BTTS Soccer Bet Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. You want to place a $50 bet on whether both teams will score. The bookmaker offers odds for BTTS:
- BTTS (Yes): -100
- BTTS (No): +100
How It Works
Betting on BTTS (Yes), Odds: -100
What It Means: You win the bet if both Barcelona and Arsenal score at least one goal each.
Your Bet: You bet $50 on BTTS (Yes).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Both teams score | Win | $50 | $100 |
One or both teams don’t score | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on BTTS (No), Odds: +100
- What It Means: You win the bet if at least one of the teams fails to score.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on BTTS (No).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
One or both teams don’t score | Win | $50 | $100 |
Both teams score | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a BTTS Bet?
Go for a Both Teams to Score (BTTS) bet when both teams have strong offensive records, play attacking styles, or have weak defenses. It’s also a good choice if key attackers are fit and playing, but don’t be surprised to see drastic Soccer Betting Lines movements if a scorer gets benched. This happened not long ago with Brazil’s squad on South America’s qualifiers, after the coach decided to bench Raphinha, even though he had showed tremendous scoring abilities in his club.
Draw No Bet (DNB)
This Soccer Betting Lines is Explained in great detail on our piece What Is Tie No Bet in Soccer, but let’s go over it since its one of the few bets that offers a nice safety net.
A Draw No Bet (DNB) is a type of bet where you pick a team to win, and if the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded. This bet eliminates the risk of a draw, making it a safer option.
So, isnt a DNB basically a 2-Way Moneyline bet?
A lot of folks get these two confused (and reasonably so), so lets clarify a bit:
- A two-way moneyline bet removes the draw option by including extra time or penalties, so you’re betting on which team ultimately ends up winning.
- On the other hand, a draw no bet applies only to regular time: if the game ends in a draw, your stake is refunded, and you only win if the side you went for wins within the first 90 minutes of a match.
DNB Soccer Bet Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. The odds are:
- Arsenal (DNB): -100
- Barcelona (DNB): +100
You decide to place a $50 bet. here’s how it works:
Betting on Arsenal (DNB), Odds: -100
- What It Means: You win the bet if Arsenal wins. If the match ends in a draw, you get your $50 back. If Barcelona wins, you lose your bet.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal (DNB).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Stake Refunded | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona (DNB)
- Odds: +100
- What It Means: You win the bet if Barcelona wins. If the match ends in a draw, you get your $50 back. If Arsenal wins, you lose your bet.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona (DNB).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Stake Refunded | $0 | $50 returned |
Arsenal Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a Draw No Bet?
Go for a Draw No Bet when the match is closely matched, and you want to minimize risk. It’s ideal if you slightly favor one team but think a draw is possible. DNB ensures you get your stake back if it ends in a draw, making it a safer option in uncertain matches.
First Goal Scorer
A First Goal Scorer bet is where you place a bet on which player you think will score the first goal in the match. It’s a popular type of bet because it keeps you engaged right from the start of the game.
First Goal Scorer Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. You want to place a $50 bet on who will score the first goal. Here’s how it works.
How It Works
- Choose a Player:
- You pick a player from either team who you think will score the first goal. For this example, let’s choose Robert Lewandowski from Barcelona and Bukayo Saka from Arsenal.
- Check the Odds
-
- Each player has different odds based on their likelihood to score first. Let’s say the odds are:
- Robert Lewandowski: +300
- Bukayo Saka: +400
-
Placing the Bet
Betting on Robert Lewandowski to Score First
- Odds: +300
- What It Means: If Lewandowski scores the first goal, you win your bet. The odds of +300 mean you win $300 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s how it breaks down.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (300/100) = $50 * 3 = $150 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $150 (profit) = $200
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Lewandowski Scores First | $50 | $150 | $200 |
Anyone Else Scores First | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Bukayo Saka to Score First
- Odds: +400
- What It Means: If Saka scores the first goal, you win your bet. The odds of +400 mean you win $400 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s how it breaks down.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (400/100) = $50 * 4 = $200 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $200 (profit) = $250
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Saka Scores First | $50 | $200 | $250 |
Anyone Else Scores First | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a First Goal Scorer Bet?
Go for a First Goal Scorer bet when a player is in great scoring form and if his team’s attacking strategy favors their playstyle. This might not always be the case, since some teams spread their goals across multiple players instead of relying on a classical “9” player.
You should also analyze the team’s starting lineup and recent performances and ask yourself if a team’s tactics and playstyle is optimal for their top scorer. Sometimes missing a key player, like the team’s top assister might seriously hinder his chances of scoring, so be on the lookout. This could cause some Soccer Betting Lines movements, but it’s usually the kind of insight that often goes overlooked.
Soccer Futures & Soccer Betting Line
A Soccer Futures bet is a long-term bet where you predict the outcome of an entire competition rather than a single match. You’re betting on events like who will win the Champions League, who will be the top scorer, or who will advance to the next round.
Futures Bet Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal in the Champions League
Let’s say you want to place a Futures bet on who will win the Champions League. The odds are:
- Arsenal to Win the Champions League: -100
- Barcelona to Win the Champions League: +100
You decide to place a $50 bet.
How It Works
- Betting on Arsenal to Win the Champions League
- Odds: -100
What It Means: Arsenal is a favorite, and you need to bet $100 to win $100. Since you’re betting $50, here’s what happens if Arsenal wins the entire Champions League.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount / (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins UCL | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Arsenal Doesn’t Win UCL | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona to Win the Champions League
- Odds: +100
- What It Means: Barcelona is the underdog, and you win $100 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s what happens if Barcelona wins the entire Champions League.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins UCL | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Barcelona Doesn’t Win UCL | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a Soccer Futures Bet?
It’s always tough to predict early on what will happen throughout a season no matter the competition. However, Soccer Futures are long-term wagers that depend more on a team’s momentum, depth, defensive stats and goal-scoring effectiveness. If a team is very efficient in terms of attempts per goal, then you got yourself a strong contender.
Going for this type of bet is a good idea if you have long-term confidence in a team’s reliability (think of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola’s Manchester City, or Real Madrid in UCL) so another thing to keep in mind if whether a team seems to be specially inspired to win a specific tournament.
Exact Score
An Exact Score Bet is where you predict the final score of the match. This type of bet can be quite challenging but also very rewarding because of the higher odds associated with predicting the exact outcome.
Exact Score Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal, and you want to place a $50 bet on the exact final score.
How It Works
- Choose an Exact Score:
- You pick the exact final score of the match. For example, you might predict Barcelona will win 2-1 against Arsenal.
- Check the Odds:
- Each potential exact score has different odds. For simplicity, let’s assume the odds are:
Barcelona 2-1 Arsenal: +400
- Each potential exact score has different odds. For simplicity, let’s assume the odds are:
Placing the Bet
- Betting on Barcelona to Win 2-1
- Odds: +400
- What It Means: If Barcelona wins 2-1, you win your bet. The odds of +400 mean you win $400 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s how it breaks down.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (400/100) = $50 * 4 = $200 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $200 (profit) = $250
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Exact Score is Barcelona 2-1 | $50 | $200 | $250 |
Any Other Score | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for an Exact Score Bet?
Go for an Exact Score Bet when you have strong insights into both teams’ scoring patterns and defenses. Remember that this type of bet works well if you can recognize the ebb and flow of a match, if you do youre that much closer to those high payouts.
Just remember to manage your bankroll effectively, though. If you’re a soccer fan, you’ll know that sometimes teams score goals completely out of context. Due to soccer’s natural entropy, you’d do well to take small risks at a time.
Asian Handicap
An Asian Handicap bet is a type of bet that aims to level the playing field between two teams by giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to one of the teams. This type of bet removes the possibility of a draw, offering only two outcomes: win or lose.
We have a very detailed section for Asian Handicaps on our Soccer Spread Betting piece that you should really check, it’ll give you more variety ahead of planning your bets.
That being said, let’s see how they work.
Asian Handicap Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. You want to place a $50 bet. The odds are:
Arsenal: -100
Barcelona: +100
Here’s how it works:
First Choose a Handicap for the Bet
The handicap is expressed in goals. For this example, let’s say the handicap is:
- Arsenal -0.5
- Barcelona +0.5
Betting on Arsenal -0.5, Odds: -100
- What It Means: Arsenal starts the match with a virtual disadvantage of -0.5 goals. For your bet to win, Arsenal must win the match outright.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal -0.5.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona +0.5, Odds: +100
- What It Means: Barcelona starts the match with a virtual advantage of +0.5 goals. For your bet to win, Barcelona must win or draw the match.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona +0.5.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Win | $50 | $100 |
Arsenal Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for an Asian Handicap Bet?
There are many ways to implement Asian Handicap bets into your Soccer betting strategy. Some use it when there’s a clear favorite, while others just choose to place these bets to cover an underdog’s win or draw. Due to their versatile nature, you can be very offensive or risk-adverse with these types of bets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are soccer betting lines?
Soccer betting lines are the different types of bets available for a match, such as moneyline, point spreads, over/under, and more.
How do moneyline bets work in soccer?
Moneyline bets involve picking which team will win the match. There are typically three outcomes: Team A wins, Team B wins, or a draw.
What is the difference between a two-way and three-way moneyline?
A two-way moneyline bet includes only two outcomes (win or lose), while a three-way moneyline bet includes three outcomes (win, lose, or draw).
How do point spreads and handicaps work in soccer betting?
Point spreads and handicaps level the playing field by giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to a team, making bets more balanced and potentially more rewarding.
What are over/under bets in soccer?
Over/under bets involve predicting whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a specified number.
How do you bet on draws in soccer?
You bet on a draw by selecting the draw option in a three-way moneyline bet, predicting that the match will end with no winner.
How can I know a winning team by odds?
Higher negative odds indicate the favorite, while higher positive odds indicate the underdog. Analyze team form, performance, and other factors alongside the odds.
Soccer betting lines control the odds that you’ll face when betting on soccer matches. These lines can be super fickle, and learning how to read them is an essential skill for anyone that wants to make money.
Theres a whole bunch of factors that can alter these lines, so I’ll go through each and every one of them, and how you can read them depending on the bet. Let’s go through each in detail so you can min-max your way to major jackpots.
Types of Soccer Betting Lines Explained
Betting on soccer lines is a good move when:
- You can spot a clear favorite,
- You predict a high-scoring match
- Both teams have strong offenses
- Close matches
- Key players are absent
- You believe you have information/insight on a match not many possess.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that there are plenty of situations where you can take advantage of soccer betting lines. However, if you take the “key players are absent” factor and truly contextualize it for the match you’re betting on, you’ll notice there’s significant analysis behind it.
We’re not just talking about an obvious key-player absense (like the team’s top-scorer). It could be a player that has an overwhelmingly positive record against this rival, or it could be midfielder that has averaged numerous recoveries in the past 8 games, and is now facing a very offensive team that likes to hold the ball (like Barcelona or Manchester City). A player like that could be considered key in this specific scenario. We go over some of these scenarios over on our Soccer Betting Guide, so be sure to check that out too!
Moneyline Bets
A Moneyline bet is the simplest form of betting. You’re just picking which team you think will win the match. There are three possible outcomes:
- Team A wins
- Team B Wins
- Draw
Lets say youd like to make a Moneyline bet for a match between two teams that favor offensive football above all else. A good example would be Barcelona and Arsenal for a UCL Match.
A few years ago, Messi’s Barcelona would’ve been a favorite, but their recent seasons haven’t been as good. Arsenal, on the other hand, has continued to evolve in their local competitions (Premier League and English Cups) and have evened the odds substantially.
That being said, Barcelona under Hansi Flick has been playing at a fantastic level. With wins over Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, you could see why people would think there’s a clear favorite for this match-up and bet accordingly. Keeping up with the latest developments from both teams is, as you can see, essential to reading soccer betting lines and its movements.
Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal UCL Match
Let’s say the odds for this Champions League match are:
- Arsenal: -100
- Barcelona: +100
The odds tell you how much you need to bet to win a certain amount if you’re betting on the favorite, or how much you can win if you’re betting on the underdog.
By the way, we’re gonna keep using this match up as our baseline example throughout the piece so you can compare each bet and get a clear picture of how Soccer Betting Lines work and how they can be a part of your soccer betting strategy.
Heres How It Works
What happens if youre Betting on Arsenal to Win (Odds: -100)
What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100.
Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal to win.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount / (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Moneyline Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal UCL Match
Let’s say the odds for this Champions League match are:
- Arsenal: -100
- Barcelona: +100
The odds tell you how much you need to bet to win a certain amount if you’re betting on the favorite, or how much you can win if you’re betting on the underdog.
By the way, we’re gonna keep using this match up as our baseline example throughout the piece so you can compare each bet and get a clear picture of how Soccer Betting Lines work and how they can be a part of your soccer betting strategy.
What happens if you’re Betting on Arsenal to Win
The Odds for Arsenal are -100
- What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal to win.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount / (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
What happens if you’re Betting on Barcelona to Win
Odds: +100
- What It Means: The plus sign (+) indicates Barcelona is the underdog. You win $100 for every $100 bet.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona to win.
Calculating the Payout:
Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
A Summary
- Bet on Arsenal: If Arsenal wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
- Bet on Barcelona: If Barcelona wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
When to go for Moneyline Bets?
Generally speaking, go for a Moneyline bet when there’s a clear favorite and you believe they’ll take it. Alternatively, if the underdog’s key players are popping off and are currently peaking in terms of performance, you could bet on them for a bigger payout. If you believe a draw to be unlikely, that’s also a good sign that you should opt for a moneyline bet. By the way, we’re discussing a hypothetical UCL match on our practical example, but all this logic applies to a typical MLS match too.
3-Way Soccer Moneylines
A 3-Way Moneyline bet in soccer is different from the regular Moneyline bet because it includes the possibility of a draw. You have three options to bet on: Team A to win, Team B to win, or the match to end in a draw.
Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal. Let’s say the odds for the match are:
- Arsenal to Win: -100
- Barcelona to Win: +100
- Draw: +250
Now, let’s imagine you’re placing a $50 bet to keep all our bet amounts standard. Here’s how that’d look like, depending on who you bet.
Betting on Arsenal to Win
Odds: -100
- What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona to Win
If the Odds are +100
- What It Means: The plus sign (+) indicates Barcelona is the underdog. You win $100 for every $100 bet. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Betting on a Draw
If the Odds are +250
- What It Means: You win $250 for every $100 bet if the match ends in a draw. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 * (250/100) = $50 * 2.5 = $125 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $125 (profit) = $175
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | $125 | $175 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Outcomes and Payout Summary
- Bet on Arsenal: If Arsenal wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
- Bet on Barcelona: If Barcelona wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
- Bet on Draw: If the match ends in a draw, you get $175 back ($125 profit). If either team wins, you lose your $50.
3-Way Moneyline Bets Soccer Line Movements
A 3-Way Moneyline bet is a good idea when you have a strong prediction about the match outcome, whether it’s a win for either team or a draw. It’s particularly useful when you see high odds on a draw, there’s a clear favorite, or special circumstances like injuries come into play. Veteran gamblers also like to review the team’s recent performance and see if they’re both due to draw a game.
Everyone knows that Twitter accounts with proven track records and sources inside their respective clubs are, by far, the best sources of information for last-minute line movements. If a key defender like Araujo or Cubarsi is missing, then you’d probably see the draw and Arsenal win Soccer Betting Lines move significantly.
2-Way Soccer Moneylines
A 2-Way Soccer Moneyline bet is simpler than a 3-Way Moneyline because it eliminates the draw option. You’re only betting on one team to win, and if the match ends in a draw, your bet is refunded. This is also known as a “Draw No Bet.”
Both Barcelona and Arsenal aren’t particularly known for their strong defenses as of late, they’re more about overwhelming offense and high-level midfield control. If both teams are known for their offense, you could outright bet for whatever team has the strongest momentum on a 2 way soccer moneyline.
Soccer Betting Lines movements will usually shift depending on each team’s latest match history and performance. Unless something big happens at the last minute, it’ll just follow whatever trend it followed since bets were open for the match, so just keep an eye on their performance on local league matches.
Same Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the odds for the match are:
- Arsenal to Win: -100
- Barcelona to Win: +100
And you’re going to place a $50 bet.
Betting on Arsenal to Win with -100 odds.
- What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Draw | $50 | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona to Win with +100 Odds
- What It Means: The plus sign (+) indicates Barcelona is the underdog. You win $100 for every $100 bet. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Key Points of 2-Way Moneyline Bets
- No Draw Option: If the match ends in a draw, your bet is refunded.
- Simpler Betting: You only need to pick which team will win.
- Lower Risk: Draw outcomes are covered by a refund, reducing the risk of losing your bet entirely.
When to go for 2-Way Moneyline Bets?
A 2-Way Soccer Moneyline bet is a good option when you want to bet on a team to win but want some insurance in case the match ends in a draw. It’s simpler and less risky than a 3-Way Moneyline bet because your stake is refunded if it’s a draw.
Point Spread (Handicap) Bets
A Point Spread or Handicap bet gives one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage to level the playing field. This advantage is assigned by the bookmaker, and it makes betting more interesting, in otherwise unbalanced matchups. Soccer Betting Lines movements can get pretty nutty with these bets, so you’ll need to go the extra mile on your analysis.
Diehard fans of big teams usually have a variety of niche YouTube channels that follow their clubs with fervent dedication, and some of them even have a bit of insider scoops. These are very hit or miss, but some of these smaller YouTuber have remarkable analysis capabilities when it comes to their clubs or even national teams. Bruno Gonzales for Argentina’s national squad comes to mind, as his insight has certainly made me make a few phenomenal bets in South American qualifying matches.
This is certainly going above and beyond what any casual gambler does, but if you’re in it for the money, then you’d do well to rely on others with reliable information and analysis.
Let’s keep using our previous example: an UCL match between Arsenal and Barcelona.
Spread Betting Lines Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Betting on Arsenal -1 Spread
Odds: -100
- What It Means: Arsenal is given a virtual handicap of -1 goal. For your bet to win, Arsenal must win by at least 2 goals.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal -1.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal wins by 2+ goals | Win | $50 | $100 |
Arsenal wins by exactly 1 goal | Push (stake refunded) | $0 | $50 returned |
Arsenal draws or loses | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Going in detail:
- If Arsenal wins by 2 or more goals, you win your bet. You get your $50 back plus $50 profit, totaling $100.
- If Arsenal wins by exactly 1 goal, it’s a push. You get your $50 stake back.
- If Arsenal draws or loses, you lose your $50 bet.
Betting on Barcelona +1
Odds: +100
- What It Means: Barcelona is given a virtual advantage of +1 goal. For your bet to win, Barcelona must win, draw, or lose by exactly 1 goal.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona +1.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona wins or draws | Win | $50 | $100 |
Barcelona loses by exactly 1 | Push (stake refunded) | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona loses by 2+ goals | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
A Bit of Explaining:
- If Barcelona wins or draws, you win your bet. You get your $50 back plus $50 profit, totaling $100.
- If Barcelona loses by exactly 1 goal, it’s a push. You get your $50 stake back.
- If Barcelona loses by 2 or more goals, you lose your $50 bet.
When to go for Point Spread Bets?
Point Spread (Handicap) bets are a good idea when:
- Theres a clear favorite (usually the handicap is good enough to level the playing field),
- Potentially high scoring games (more chances for the favorite team to overcome the handicap)
- Absence of key players (a team might be a favorite, but without their striker they might not overcome the handicap entirely) This will shift the Soccer Betting Lines considerably.
Soccer Double Chance Lines
A Double Chance bet in soccer allows you to cover two of the three possible outcomes in a match with a single bet. This type of bet increases your chances of winning but typically offers lower odds compared to a straight win bet.
Soccer Betting Lines movements for these bets will drastically move for otherwise close matches, if key players are left out of the lineup. A match that would’ve been slightly tilted in Barcelona’s favor could see its lines shift if Pedri (who unfortunately suffers from injuries quite often) ends up in the infirmary.
His absence would diminish Barcelona’s midfield control, which is one of Arsenal’s strengths. You could very well bet on an Arsenal win, or a Draw since you can cover both outcomes.
Double Chance Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the odds for the match are:
- Arsenal to Win: -100
- Barcelona to Win: +100
You’re going to place a $50 bet.
Double Chance Bet Options
In a Double Chance bet, you have three options to choose from:
- Home Win or Draw (1X)
- Away Win or Draw (X2)
- Home Win or Away Win (12)
Betting on Arsenal or Draw (X2)
- Odds: Typically lower than a straight win bet due to the increased likelihood of winning.
- What It Means: You win if Arsenal wins or if the match ends in a draw.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal or Draw.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Draw | Win | $25 | $75 |
Barcelona Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona or Draw (1X)
Odds: Typically lower than a straight win bet due to the increased likelihood of winning.
- What It Means: You win if Barcelona wins or if the match ends in a draw.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona or Draw.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Draw | Win | $25 | $75 |
Arsenal Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Either Team to Win (12)
Odds: Typically higher than the other Double Chance options because a draw means you lose your money.
- What It Means: You win if either team wins. You lose if the match ends in a draw.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on either team to win.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Barcelona Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Draw | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for Soccer Double Chance Lines?
Double Chance bets are great when you want to minimize risk, especially in evenly matched games. This is the kind of bet you want to place if you think a draw is likely. When done correctly, you can increase your chances of winning (typically) smaller payouts, at least when compared to some of the riskier bets.
Over/Under (Total Goals) Bets
An Over/Under bet, also known as Total Goals bet, is where you predict whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a certain number set by the bookmaker.
Barcelona under Flick has a habit of playing with a very advanced defense line to choke offenses with tactical offsides. It’s a very risky way of playing the game, but also quite effective if the coach is known for his meticulous work on his teams.
You could easily expect a high-scoring match due to this complete novel way of defending that Barcelona has displayed this season. This is the kind of insight that could drastically move soccer betting lines.
The key here is that this bet doesn’t depend on which team wins or loses, just the total number of goals.
Over/Under Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. The bookmaker sets the Over/Under line at 2.5 goals. The odds are:
- Over 2.5 Goals: -100
- Under 2.5 Goals: +100
You’re going to place a $50 bet.
Betting on Over 2.5 Goals
Odds: -100
- What It Means: You win the bet if the total number of goals scored by both teams is 3 or more.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Over 2.5 goals.
Possible Outcomes:
Total Goals Scored | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
3 or more goals | Win | $50 | $100 |
2 or fewer goals | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Under 2.5 Goals
Odds: +100
- What It Means: You win the bet if the total number of goals scored by both teams is 2 or fewer.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Under 2.5 goals.
Possible Outcomes:
Total Goals Scored | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
2 or fewer goals | Win | $50 | $100 |
3 or more goals | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for Over/Under Bets?
Go for Over bets when you notice both teams have strong offensive records, or don’t defend particularly well. Go for Under bets when you expect a high-stakes match with cautious play, or key players are missing, which will cause serious Soccer Betting Lines movements.
As always do your due diligence when it comes to a team’s recent form, playing styles, and head-to-head records. This bet type is ideal when you have a good read on the likely total goals rather than the match outcome.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
A Both Teams to Score (BTTS) bet is where you predict whether both teams will score at least one goal in the match. It doesn’t matter who wins or what the final score is, as long as both teams score.
BTTS Soccer Bet Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. You want to place a $50 bet on whether both teams will score. The bookmaker offers odds for BTTS:
- BTTS (Yes): -100
- BTTS (No): +100
How It Works
Betting on BTTS (Yes), Odds: -100
What It Means: You win the bet if both Barcelona and Arsenal score at least one goal each.
Your Bet: You bet $50 on BTTS (Yes).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Both teams score | Win | $50 | $100 |
One or both teams don’t score | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on BTTS (No), Odds: +100
- What It Means: You win the bet if at least one of the teams fails to score.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on BTTS (No).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
One or both teams don’t score | Win | $50 | $100 |
Both teams score | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a BTTS Bet?
Go for a Both Teams to Score (BTTS) bet when both teams have strong offensive records, play attacking styles, or have weak defenses. It’s also a good choice if key attackers are fit and playing, but don’t be surprised to see drastic Soccer Betting Lines movements if a scorer gets benched. This happened not long ago with Brazil’s squad on South America’s qualifiers, after the coach decided to bench Raphinha, even though he had showed tremendous scoring abilities in his club.
Draw No Bet (DNB)
This Soccer Betting Lines is Explained in great detail on our piece What Is Tie No Bet in Soccer, but let’s go over it since its one of the few bets that offers a nice safety net.
A Draw No Bet (DNB) is a type of bet where you pick a team to win, and if the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded. This bet eliminates the risk of a draw, making it a safer option.
So, isnt a DNB basically a 2-Way Moneyline bet?
A lot of folks get these two confused (and reasonably so), so lets clarify a bit:
- A two-way moneyline bet removes the draw option by including extra time or penalties, so you’re betting on which team ultimately ends up winning.
- On the other hand, a draw no bet applies only to regular time: if the game ends in a draw, your stake is refunded, and you only win if the side you went for wins within the first 90 minutes of a match.
DNB Soccer Bet Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. The odds are:
- Arsenal (DNB): -100
- Barcelona (DNB): +100
You decide to place a $50 bet. here’s how it works:
Betting on Arsenal (DNB), Odds: -100
- What It Means: You win the bet if Arsenal wins. If the match ends in a draw, you get your $50 back. If Barcelona wins, you lose your bet.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal (DNB).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Stake Refunded | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona (DNB)
- Odds: +100
- What It Means: You win the bet if Barcelona wins. If the match ends in a draw, you get your $50 back. If Arsenal wins, you lose your bet.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona (DNB).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Stake Refunded | $0 | $50 returned |
Arsenal Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a Draw No Bet?
Go for a Draw No Bet when the match is closely matched, and you want to minimize risk. It’s ideal if you slightly favor one team but think a draw is possible. DNB ensures you get your stake back if it ends in a draw, making it a safer option in uncertain matches.
First Goal Scorer
A First Goal Scorer bet is where you place a bet on which player you think will score the first goal in the match. It’s a popular type of bet because it keeps you engaged right from the start of the game.
First Goal Scorer Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. You want to place a $50 bet on who will score the first goal. Here’s how it works.
How It Works
- Choose a Player:
- You pick a player from either team who you think will score the first goal. For this example, let’s choose Robert Lewandowski from Barcelona and Bukayo Saka from Arsenal.
- Check the Odds
-
- Each player has different odds based on their likelihood to score first. Let’s say the odds are:
- Robert Lewandowski: +300
- Bukayo Saka: +400
-
Placing the Bet
Betting on Robert Lewandowski to Score First
- Odds: +300
- What It Means: If Lewandowski scores the first goal, you win your bet. The odds of +300 mean you win $300 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s how it breaks down.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (300/100) = $50 * 3 = $150 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $150 (profit) = $200
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Lewandowski Scores First | $50 | $150 | $200 |
Anyone Else Scores First | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Bukayo Saka to Score First
- Odds: +400
- What It Means: If Saka scores the first goal, you win your bet. The odds of +400 mean you win $400 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s how it breaks down.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (400/100) = $50 * 4 = $200 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $200 (profit) = $250
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Saka Scores First | $50 | $200 | $250 |
Anyone Else Scores First | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a First Goal Scorer Bet?
Go for a First Goal Scorer bet when a player is in great scoring form and if his team’s attacking strategy favors their playstyle. This might not always be the case, since some teams spread their goals across multiple players instead of relying on a classical “9” player.
You should also analyze the team’s starting lineup and recent performances and ask yourself if a team’s tactics and playstyle is optimal for their top scorer. Sometimes missing a key player, like the team’s top assister might seriously hinder his chances of scoring, so be on the lookout. This could cause some Soccer Betting Lines movements, but it’s usually the kind of insight that often goes overlooked.
Soccer Futures & Soccer Betting Line
A Soccer Futures bet is a long-term bet where you predict the outcome of an entire competition rather than a single match. You’re betting on events like who will win the Champions League, who will be the top scorer, or who will advance to the next round.
Futures Bet Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal in the Champions League
Let’s say you want to place a Futures bet on who will win the Champions League. The odds are:
- Arsenal to Win the Champions League: -100
- Barcelona to Win the Champions League: +100
You decide to place a $50 bet.
How It Works
- Betting on Arsenal to Win the Champions League
- Odds: -100
What It Means: Arsenal is a favorite, and you need to bet $100 to win $100. Since you’re betting $50, here’s what happens if Arsenal wins the entire Champions League.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount / (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins UCL | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Arsenal Doesn’t Win UCL | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona to Win the Champions League
- Odds: +100
- What It Means: Barcelona is the underdog, and you win $100 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s what happens if Barcelona wins the entire Champions League.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins UCL | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Barcelona Doesn’t Win UCL | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a Soccer Futures Bet?
It’s always tough to predict early on what will happen throughout a season no matter the competition. However, Soccer Futures are long-term wagers that depend more on a team’s momentum, depth, defensive stats and goal-scoring effectiveness. If a team is very efficient in terms of attempts per goal, then you got yourself a strong contender.
Going for this type of bet is a good idea if you have long-term confidence in a team’s reliability (think of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola’s Manchester City, or Real Madrid in UCL) so another thing to keep in mind if whether a team seems to be specially inspired to win a specific tournament.
Exact Score
An Exact Score Bet is where you predict the final score of the match. This type of bet can be quite challenging but also very rewarding because of the higher odds associated with predicting the exact outcome.
Exact Score Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal, and you want to place a $50 bet on the exact final score.
How It Works
- Choose an Exact Score:
- You pick the exact final score of the match. For example, you might predict Barcelona will win 2-1 against Arsenal.
- Check the Odds:
- Each potential exact score has different odds. For simplicity, let’s assume the odds are:
Barcelona 2-1 Arsenal: +400
- Each potential exact score has different odds. For simplicity, let’s assume the odds are:
Placing the Bet
- Betting on Barcelona to Win 2-1
- Odds: +400
- What It Means: If Barcelona wins 2-1, you win your bet. The odds of +400 mean you win $400 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s how it breaks down.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (400/100) = $50 * 4 = $200 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $200 (profit) = $250
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Exact Score is Barcelona 2-1 | $50 | $200 | $250 |
Any Other Score | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for an Exact Score Bet?
Go for an Exact Score Bet when you have strong insights into both teams’ scoring patterns and defenses. Remember that this type of bet works well if you can recognize the ebb and flow of a match, if you do youre that much closer to those high payouts.
Just remember to manage your bankroll effectively, though. If you’re a soccer fan, you’ll know that sometimes teams score goals completely out of context. Due to soccer’s natural entropy, you’d do well to take small risks at a time.
Asian Handicap
An Asian Handicap bet is a type of bet that aims to level the playing field between two teams by giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to one of the teams. This type of bet removes the possibility of a draw, offering only two outcomes: win or lose.
We have a very detailed section for Asian Handicaps on our Soccer Spread Betting piece that you should really check, it’ll give you more variety ahead of planning your bets.
That being said, let’s see how they work.
Asian Handicap Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. You want to place a $50 bet. The odds are:
Arsenal: -100
Barcelona: +100
Here’s how it works:
First Choose a Handicap for the Bet
The handicap is expressed in goals. For this example, let’s say the handicap is:
- Arsenal -0.5
- Barcelona +0.5
Betting on Arsenal -0.5, Odds: -100
- What It Means: Arsenal starts the match with a virtual disadvantage of -0.5 goals. For your bet to win, Arsenal must win the match outright.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal -0.5.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona +0.5, Odds: +100
- What It Means: Barcelona starts the match with a virtual advantage of +0.5 goals. For your bet to win, Barcelona must win or draw the match.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona +0.5.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Win | $50 | $100 |
Arsenal Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for an Asian Handicap Bet?
There are many ways to implement Asian Handicap bets into your Soccer betting strategy. Some use it when there’s a clear favorite, while others just choose to place these bets to cover an underdog’s win or draw. Due to their versatile nature, you can be very offensive or risk-adverse with these types of bets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are soccer betting lines?
Soccer betting lines are the different types of bets available for a match, such as moneyline, point spreads, over/under, and more.
How do moneyline bets work in soccer?
Moneyline bets involve picking which team will win the match. There are typically three outcomes: Team A wins, Team B wins, or a draw.
What is the difference between a two-way and three-way moneyline?
A two-way moneyline bet includes only two outcomes (win or lose), while a three-way moneyline bet includes three outcomes (win, lose, or draw).
How do point spreads and handicaps work in soccer betting?
Point spreads and handicaps level the playing field by giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to a team, making bets more balanced and potentially more rewarding.
What are over/under bets in soccer?
Over/under bets involve predicting whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a specified number.
How do you bet on draws in soccer?
You bet on a draw by selecting the draw option in a three-way moneyline bet, predicting that the match will end with no winner.
How can I know a winning team by odds?
Higher negative odds indicate the favorite, while higher positive odds indicate the underdog. Analyze team form, performance, and other factors alongside the odds.
Soccer betting lines control the odds that you’ll face when betting on soccer matches. These lines can be super fickle, and learning how to read them is an essential skill for anyone that wants to make money.
Theres a whole bunch of factors that can alter these lines, so I’ll go through each and every one of them, and how you can read them depending on the bet. Let’s go through each in detail so you can min-max your way to major jackpots.
Types of Soccer Betting Lines Explained
Betting on soccer lines is a good move when:
- You can spot a clear favorite,
- You predict a high-scoring match
- Both teams have strong offenses
- Close matches
- Key players are absent
- You believe you have information/insight on a match not many possess.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that there are plenty of situations where you can take advantage of soccer betting lines. However, if you take the “key players are absent” factor and truly contextualize it for the match you’re betting on, you’ll notice there’s significant analysis behind it.
We’re not just talking about an obvious key-player absense (like the team’s top-scorer). It could be a player that has an overwhelmingly positive record against this rival, or it could be midfielder that has averaged numerous recoveries in the past 8 games, and is now facing a very offensive team that likes to hold the ball (like Barcelona or Manchester City). A player like that could be considered key in this specific scenario. We go over some of these scenarios over on our Soccer Betting Guide, so be sure to check that out too!
Moneyline Bets
A Moneyline bet is the simplest form of betting. You’re just picking which team you think will win the match. There are three possible outcomes:
- Team A wins
- Team B Wins
- Draw
Lets say youd like to make a Moneyline bet for a match between two teams that favor offensive football above all else. A good example would be Barcelona and Arsenal for a UCL Match.
A few years ago, Messi’s Barcelona would’ve been a favorite, but their recent seasons haven’t been as good. Arsenal, on the other hand, has continued to evolve in their local competitions (Premier League and English Cups) and have evened the odds substantially.
That being said, Barcelona under Hansi Flick has been playing at a fantastic level. With wins over Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, you could see why people would think there’s a clear favorite for this match-up and bet accordingly. Keeping up with the latest developments from both teams is, as you can see, essential to reading soccer betting lines and its movements.
Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal UCL Match
Let’s say the odds for this Champions League match are:
- Arsenal: -100
- Barcelona: +100
The odds tell you how much you need to bet to win a certain amount if you’re betting on the favorite, or how much you can win if you’re betting on the underdog.
By the way, we’re gonna keep using this match up as our baseline example throughout the piece so you can compare each bet and get a clear picture of how Soccer Betting Lines work and how they can be a part of your soccer betting strategy.
Heres How It Works
What happens if youre Betting on Arsenal to Win (Odds: -100)
What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100.
Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal to win.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount / (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Moneyline Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal UCL Match
Let’s say the odds for this Champions League match are:
- Arsenal: -100
- Barcelona: +100
The odds tell you how much you need to bet to win a certain amount if you’re betting on the favorite, or how much you can win if you’re betting on the underdog.
By the way, we’re gonna keep using this match up as our baseline example throughout the piece so you can compare each bet and get a clear picture of how Soccer Betting Lines work and how they can be a part of your soccer betting strategy.
What happens if you’re Betting on Arsenal to Win
The Odds for Arsenal are -100
- What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal to win.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount / (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
What happens if you’re Betting on Barcelona to Win
Odds: +100
- What It Means: The plus sign (+) indicates Barcelona is the underdog. You win $100 for every $100 bet.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona to win.
Calculating the Payout:
Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
A Summary
- Bet on Arsenal: If Arsenal wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
- Bet on Barcelona: If Barcelona wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
When to go for Moneyline Bets?
Generally speaking, go for a Moneyline bet when there’s a clear favorite and you believe they’ll take it. Alternatively, if the underdog’s key players are popping off and are currently peaking in terms of performance, you could bet on them for a bigger payout. If you believe a draw to be unlikely, that’s also a good sign that you should opt for a moneyline bet. By the way, we’re discussing a hypothetical UCL match on our practical example, but all this logic applies to a typical MLS match too.
3-Way Soccer Moneylines
A 3-Way Moneyline bet in soccer is different from the regular Moneyline bet because it includes the possibility of a draw. You have three options to bet on: Team A to win, Team B to win, or the match to end in a draw.
Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal. Let’s say the odds for the match are:
- Arsenal to Win: -100
- Barcelona to Win: +100
- Draw: +250
Now, let’s imagine you’re placing a $50 bet to keep all our bet amounts standard. Here’s how that’d look like, depending on who you bet.
Betting on Arsenal to Win
Odds: -100
- What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona to Win
If the Odds are +100
- What It Means: The plus sign (+) indicates Barcelona is the underdog. You win $100 for every $100 bet. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Betting on a Draw
If the Odds are +250
- What It Means: You win $250 for every $100 bet if the match ends in a draw. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 * (250/100) = $50 * 2.5 = $125 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $125 (profit) = $175
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | $125 | $175 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Outcomes and Payout Summary
- Bet on Arsenal: If Arsenal wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
- Bet on Barcelona: If Barcelona wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
- Bet on Draw: If the match ends in a draw, you get $175 back ($125 profit). If either team wins, you lose your $50.
3-Way Moneyline Bets Soccer Line Movements
A 3-Way Moneyline bet is a good idea when you have a strong prediction about the match outcome, whether it’s a win for either team or a draw. It’s particularly useful when you see high odds on a draw, there’s a clear favorite, or special circumstances like injuries come into play. Veteran gamblers also like to review the team’s recent performance and see if they’re both due to draw a game.
Everyone knows that Twitter accounts with proven track records and sources inside their respective clubs are, by far, the best sources of information for last-minute line movements. If a key defender like Araujo or Cubarsi is missing, then you’d probably see the draw and Arsenal win Soccer Betting Lines move significantly.
2-Way Soccer Moneylines
A 2-Way Soccer Moneyline bet is simpler than a 3-Way Moneyline because it eliminates the draw option. You’re only betting on one team to win, and if the match ends in a draw, your bet is refunded. This is also known as a “Draw No Bet.”
Both Barcelona and Arsenal aren’t particularly known for their strong defenses as of late, they’re more about overwhelming offense and high-level midfield control. If both teams are known for their offense, you could outright bet for whatever team has the strongest momentum on a 2 way soccer moneyline.
Soccer Betting Lines movements will usually shift depending on each team’s latest match history and performance. Unless something big happens at the last minute, it’ll just follow whatever trend it followed since bets were open for the match, so just keep an eye on their performance on local league matches.
Same Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the odds for the match are:
- Arsenal to Win: -100
- Barcelona to Win: +100
And you’re going to place a $50 bet.
Betting on Arsenal to Win with -100 odds.
- What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Draw | $50 | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona to Win with +100 Odds
- What It Means: The plus sign (+) indicates Barcelona is the underdog. You win $100 for every $100 bet. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Key Points of 2-Way Moneyline Bets
- No Draw Option: If the match ends in a draw, your bet is refunded.
- Simpler Betting: You only need to pick which team will win.
- Lower Risk: Draw outcomes are covered by a refund, reducing the risk of losing your bet entirely.
When to go for 2-Way Moneyline Bets?
A 2-Way Soccer Moneyline bet is a good option when you want to bet on a team to win but want some insurance in case the match ends in a draw. It’s simpler and less risky than a 3-Way Moneyline bet because your stake is refunded if it’s a draw.
Point Spread (Handicap) Bets
A Point Spread or Handicap bet gives one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage to level the playing field. This advantage is assigned by the bookmaker, and it makes betting more interesting, in otherwise unbalanced matchups. Soccer Betting Lines movements can get pretty nutty with these bets, so you’ll need to go the extra mile on your analysis.
Diehard fans of big teams usually have a variety of niche YouTube channels that follow their clubs with fervent dedication, and some of them even have a bit of insider scoops. These are very hit or miss, but some of these smaller YouTuber have remarkable analysis capabilities when it comes to their clubs or even national teams. Bruno Gonzales for Argentina’s national squad comes to mind, as his insight has certainly made me make a few phenomenal bets in South American qualifying matches.
This is certainly going above and beyond what any casual gambler does, but if you’re in it for the money, then you’d do well to rely on others with reliable information and analysis.
Let’s keep using our previous example: an UCL match between Arsenal and Barcelona.
Spread Betting Lines Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Betting on Arsenal -1 Spread
Odds: -100
- What It Means: Arsenal is given a virtual handicap of -1 goal. For your bet to win, Arsenal must win by at least 2 goals.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal -1.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal wins by 2+ goals | Win | $50 | $100 |
Arsenal wins by exactly 1 goal | Push (stake refunded) | $0 | $50 returned |
Arsenal draws or loses | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Going in detail:
- If Arsenal wins by 2 or more goals, you win your bet. You get your $50 back plus $50 profit, totaling $100.
- If Arsenal wins by exactly 1 goal, it’s a push. You get your $50 stake back.
- If Arsenal draws or loses, you lose your $50 bet.
Betting on Barcelona +1
Odds: +100
- What It Means: Barcelona is given a virtual advantage of +1 goal. For your bet to win, Barcelona must win, draw, or lose by exactly 1 goal.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona +1.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona wins or draws | Win | $50 | $100 |
Barcelona loses by exactly 1 | Push (stake refunded) | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona loses by 2+ goals | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
A Bit of Explaining:
- If Barcelona wins or draws, you win your bet. You get your $50 back plus $50 profit, totaling $100.
- If Barcelona loses by exactly 1 goal, it’s a push. You get your $50 stake back.
- If Barcelona loses by 2 or more goals, you lose your $50 bet.
When to go for Point Spread Bets?
Point Spread (Handicap) bets are a good idea when:
- Theres a clear favorite (usually the handicap is good enough to level the playing field),
- Potentially high scoring games (more chances for the favorite team to overcome the handicap)
- Absence of key players (a team might be a favorite, but without their striker they might not overcome the handicap entirely) This will shift the Soccer Betting Lines considerably.
Soccer Double Chance Lines
A Double Chance bet in soccer allows you to cover two of the three possible outcomes in a match with a single bet. This type of bet increases your chances of winning but typically offers lower odds compared to a straight win bet.
Soccer Betting Lines movements for these bets will drastically move for otherwise close matches, if key players are left out of the lineup. A match that would’ve been slightly tilted in Barcelona’s favor could see its lines shift if Pedri (who unfortunately suffers from injuries quite often) ends up in the infirmary.
His absence would diminish Barcelona’s midfield control, which is one of Arsenal’s strengths. You could very well bet on an Arsenal win, or a Draw since you can cover both outcomes.
Double Chance Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the odds for the match are:
- Arsenal to Win: -100
- Barcelona to Win: +100
You’re going to place a $50 bet.
Double Chance Bet Options
In a Double Chance bet, you have three options to choose from:
- Home Win or Draw (1X)
- Away Win or Draw (X2)
- Home Win or Away Win (12)
Betting on Arsenal or Draw (X2)
- Odds: Typically lower than a straight win bet due to the increased likelihood of winning.
- What It Means: You win if Arsenal wins or if the match ends in a draw.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal or Draw.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Draw | Win | $25 | $75 |
Barcelona Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona or Draw (1X)
Odds: Typically lower than a straight win bet due to the increased likelihood of winning.
- What It Means: You win if Barcelona wins or if the match ends in a draw.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona or Draw.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Draw | Win | $25 | $75 |
Arsenal Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Either Team to Win (12)
Odds: Typically higher than the other Double Chance options because a draw means you lose your money.
- What It Means: You win if either team wins. You lose if the match ends in a draw.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on either team to win.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Barcelona Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Draw | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for Soccer Double Chance Lines?
Double Chance bets are great when you want to minimize risk, especially in evenly matched games. This is the kind of bet you want to place if you think a draw is likely. When done correctly, you can increase your chances of winning (typically) smaller payouts, at least when compared to some of the riskier bets.
Over/Under (Total Goals) Bets
An Over/Under bet, also known as Total Goals bet, is where you predict whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a certain number set by the bookmaker.
Barcelona under Flick has a habit of playing with a very advanced defense line to choke offenses with tactical offsides. It’s a very risky way of playing the game, but also quite effective if the coach is known for his meticulous work on his teams.
You could easily expect a high-scoring match due to this complete novel way of defending that Barcelona has displayed this season. This is the kind of insight that could drastically move soccer betting lines.
The key here is that this bet doesn’t depend on which team wins or loses, just the total number of goals.
Over/Under Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. The bookmaker sets the Over/Under line at 2.5 goals. The odds are:
- Over 2.5 Goals: -100
- Under 2.5 Goals: +100
You’re going to place a $50 bet.
Betting on Over 2.5 Goals
Odds: -100
- What It Means: You win the bet if the total number of goals scored by both teams is 3 or more.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Over 2.5 goals.
Possible Outcomes:
Total Goals Scored | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
3 or more goals | Win | $50 | $100 |
2 or fewer goals | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Under 2.5 Goals
Odds: +100
- What It Means: You win the bet if the total number of goals scored by both teams is 2 or fewer.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Under 2.5 goals.
Possible Outcomes:
Total Goals Scored | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
2 or fewer goals | Win | $50 | $100 |
3 or more goals | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for Over/Under Bets?
Go for Over bets when you notice both teams have strong offensive records, or don’t defend particularly well. Go for Under bets when you expect a high-stakes match with cautious play, or key players are missing, which will cause serious Soccer Betting Lines movements.
As always do your due diligence when it comes to a team’s recent form, playing styles, and head-to-head records. This bet type is ideal when you have a good read on the likely total goals rather than the match outcome.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
A Both Teams to Score (BTTS) bet is where you predict whether both teams will score at least one goal in the match. It doesn’t matter who wins or what the final score is, as long as both teams score.
BTTS Soccer Bet Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. You want to place a $50 bet on whether both teams will score. The bookmaker offers odds for BTTS:
- BTTS (Yes): -100
- BTTS (No): +100
How It Works
Betting on BTTS (Yes), Odds: -100
What It Means: You win the bet if both Barcelona and Arsenal score at least one goal each.
Your Bet: You bet $50 on BTTS (Yes).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Both teams score | Win | $50 | $100 |
One or both teams don’t score | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on BTTS (No), Odds: +100
- What It Means: You win the bet if at least one of the teams fails to score.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on BTTS (No).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
One or both teams don’t score | Win | $50 | $100 |
Both teams score | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a BTTS Bet?
Go for a Both Teams to Score (BTTS) bet when both teams have strong offensive records, play attacking styles, or have weak defenses. It’s also a good choice if key attackers are fit and playing, but don’t be surprised to see drastic Soccer Betting Lines movements if a scorer gets benched. This happened not long ago with Brazil’s squad on South America’s qualifiers, after the coach decided to bench Raphinha, even though he had showed tremendous scoring abilities in his club.
Draw No Bet (DNB)
This Soccer Betting Lines is Explained in great detail on our piece What Is Tie No Bet in Soccer, but let’s go over it since its one of the few bets that offers a nice safety net.
A Draw No Bet (DNB) is a type of bet where you pick a team to win, and if the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded. This bet eliminates the risk of a draw, making it a safer option.
So, isnt a DNB basically a 2-Way Moneyline bet?
A lot of folks get these two confused (and reasonably so), so lets clarify a bit:
- A two-way moneyline bet removes the draw option by including extra time or penalties, so you’re betting on which team ultimately ends up winning.
- On the other hand, a draw no bet applies only to regular time: if the game ends in a draw, your stake is refunded, and you only win if the side you went for wins within the first 90 minutes of a match.
DNB Soccer Bet Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. The odds are:
- Arsenal (DNB): -100
- Barcelona (DNB): +100
You decide to place a $50 bet. here’s how it works:
Betting on Arsenal (DNB), Odds: -100
- What It Means: You win the bet if Arsenal wins. If the match ends in a draw, you get your $50 back. If Barcelona wins, you lose your bet.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal (DNB).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Stake Refunded | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona (DNB)
- Odds: +100
- What It Means: You win the bet if Barcelona wins. If the match ends in a draw, you get your $50 back. If Arsenal wins, you lose your bet.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona (DNB).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Stake Refunded | $0 | $50 returned |
Arsenal Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a Draw No Bet?
Go for a Draw No Bet when the match is closely matched, and you want to minimize risk. It’s ideal if you slightly favor one team but think a draw is possible. DNB ensures you get your stake back if it ends in a draw, making it a safer option in uncertain matches.
First Goal Scorer
A First Goal Scorer bet is where you place a bet on which player you think will score the first goal in the match. It’s a popular type of bet because it keeps you engaged right from the start of the game.
First Goal Scorer Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. You want to place a $50 bet on who will score the first goal. Here’s how it works.
How It Works
- Choose a Player:
- You pick a player from either team who you think will score the first goal. For this example, let’s choose Robert Lewandowski from Barcelona and Bukayo Saka from Arsenal.
- Check the Odds
-
- Each player has different odds based on their likelihood to score first. Let’s say the odds are:
- Robert Lewandowski: +300
- Bukayo Saka: +400
-
Placing the Bet
Betting on Robert Lewandowski to Score First
- Odds: +300
- What It Means: If Lewandowski scores the first goal, you win your bet. The odds of +300 mean you win $300 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s how it breaks down.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (300/100) = $50 * 3 = $150 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $150 (profit) = $200
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Lewandowski Scores First | $50 | $150 | $200 |
Anyone Else Scores First | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Bukayo Saka to Score First
- Odds: +400
- What It Means: If Saka scores the first goal, you win your bet. The odds of +400 mean you win $400 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s how it breaks down.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (400/100) = $50 * 4 = $200 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $200 (profit) = $250
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Saka Scores First | $50 | $200 | $250 |
Anyone Else Scores First | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a First Goal Scorer Bet?
Go for a First Goal Scorer bet when a player is in great scoring form and if his team’s attacking strategy favors their playstyle. This might not always be the case, since some teams spread their goals across multiple players instead of relying on a classical “9” player.
You should also analyze the team’s starting lineup and recent performances and ask yourself if a team’s tactics and playstyle is optimal for their top scorer. Sometimes missing a key player, like the team’s top assister might seriously hinder his chances of scoring, so be on the lookout. This could cause some Soccer Betting Lines movements, but it’s usually the kind of insight that often goes overlooked.
Soccer Futures & Soccer Betting Line
A Soccer Futures bet is a long-term bet where you predict the outcome of an entire competition rather than a single match. You’re betting on events like who will win the Champions League, who will be the top scorer, or who will advance to the next round.
Futures Bet Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal in the Champions League
Let’s say you want to place a Futures bet on who will win the Champions League. The odds are:
- Arsenal to Win the Champions League: -100
- Barcelona to Win the Champions League: +100
You decide to place a $50 bet.
How It Works
- Betting on Arsenal to Win the Champions League
- Odds: -100
What It Means: Arsenal is a favorite, and you need to bet $100 to win $100. Since you’re betting $50, here’s what happens if Arsenal wins the entire Champions League.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount / (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins UCL | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Arsenal Doesn’t Win UCL | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona to Win the Champions League
- Odds: +100
- What It Means: Barcelona is the underdog, and you win $100 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s what happens if Barcelona wins the entire Champions League.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins UCL | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Barcelona Doesn’t Win UCL | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a Soccer Futures Bet?
It’s always tough to predict early on what will happen throughout a season no matter the competition. However, Soccer Futures are long-term wagers that depend more on a team’s momentum, depth, defensive stats and goal-scoring effectiveness. If a team is very efficient in terms of attempts per goal, then you got yourself a strong contender.
Going for this type of bet is a good idea if you have long-term confidence in a team’s reliability (think of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola’s Manchester City, or Real Madrid in UCL) so another thing to keep in mind if whether a team seems to be specially inspired to win a specific tournament.
Exact Score
An Exact Score Bet is where you predict the final score of the match. This type of bet can be quite challenging but also very rewarding because of the higher odds associated with predicting the exact outcome.
Exact Score Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal, and you want to place a $50 bet on the exact final score.
How It Works
- Choose an Exact Score:
- You pick the exact final score of the match. For example, you might predict Barcelona will win 2-1 against Arsenal.
- Check the Odds:
- Each potential exact score has different odds. For simplicity, let’s assume the odds are:
Barcelona 2-1 Arsenal: +400
- Each potential exact score has different odds. For simplicity, let’s assume the odds are:
Placing the Bet
- Betting on Barcelona to Win 2-1
- Odds: +400
- What It Means: If Barcelona wins 2-1, you win your bet. The odds of +400 mean you win $400 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s how it breaks down.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (400/100) = $50 * 4 = $200 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $200 (profit) = $250
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Exact Score is Barcelona 2-1 | $50 | $200 | $250 |
Any Other Score | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for an Exact Score Bet?
Go for an Exact Score Bet when you have strong insights into both teams’ scoring patterns and defenses. Remember that this type of bet works well if you can recognize the ebb and flow of a match, if you do youre that much closer to those high payouts.
Just remember to manage your bankroll effectively, though. If you’re a soccer fan, you’ll know that sometimes teams score goals completely out of context. Due to soccer’s natural entropy, you’d do well to take small risks at a time.
Asian Handicap
An Asian Handicap bet is a type of bet that aims to level the playing field between two teams by giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to one of the teams. This type of bet removes the possibility of a draw, offering only two outcomes: win or lose.
We have a very detailed section for Asian Handicaps on our Soccer Spread Betting piece that you should really check, it’ll give you more variety ahead of planning your bets.
That being said, let’s see how they work.
Asian Handicap Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. You want to place a $50 bet. The odds are:
Arsenal: -100
Barcelona: +100
Here’s how it works:
First Choose a Handicap for the Bet
The handicap is expressed in goals. For this example, let’s say the handicap is:
- Arsenal -0.5
- Barcelona +0.5
Betting on Arsenal -0.5, Odds: -100
- What It Means: Arsenal starts the match with a virtual disadvantage of -0.5 goals. For your bet to win, Arsenal must win the match outright.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal -0.5.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona +0.5, Odds: +100
- What It Means: Barcelona starts the match with a virtual advantage of +0.5 goals. For your bet to win, Barcelona must win or draw the match.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona +0.5.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Win | $50 | $100 |
Arsenal Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for an Asian Handicap Bet?
There are many ways to implement Asian Handicap bets into your Soccer betting strategy. Some use it when there’s a clear favorite, while others just choose to place these bets to cover an underdog’s win or draw. Due to their versatile nature, you can be very offensive or risk-adverse with these types of bets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are soccer betting lines?
Soccer betting lines are the different types of bets available for a match, such as moneyline, point spreads, over/under, and more.
How do moneyline bets work in soccer?
Moneyline bets involve picking which team will win the match. There are typically three outcomes: Team A wins, Team B wins, or a draw.
What is the difference between a two-way and three-way moneyline?
A two-way moneyline bet includes only two outcomes (win or lose), while a three-way moneyline bet includes three outcomes (win, lose, or draw).
How do point spreads and handicaps work in soccer betting?
Point spreads and handicaps level the playing field by giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to a team, making bets more balanced and potentially more rewarding.
What are over/under bets in soccer?
Over/under bets involve predicting whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a specified number.
How do you bet on draws in soccer?
You bet on a draw by selecting the draw option in a three-way moneyline bet, predicting that the match will end with no winner.
How can I know a winning team by odds?
Higher negative odds indicate the favorite, while higher positive odds indicate the underdog. Analyze team form, performance, and other factors alongside the odds.
Soccer betting lines control the odds that you’ll face when betting on soccer matches. These lines can be super fickle, and learning how to read them is an essential skill for anyone that wants to make money.
Theres a whole bunch of factors that can alter these lines, so I’ll go through each and every one of them, and how you can read them depending on the bet. Let’s go through each in detail so you can min-max your way to major jackpots.
Types of Soccer Betting Lines Explained
Betting on soccer lines is a good move when:
- You can spot a clear favorite,
- You predict a high-scoring match
- Both teams have strong offenses
- Close matches
- Key players are absent
- You believe you have information/insight on a match not many possess.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that there are plenty of situations where you can take advantage of soccer betting lines. However, if you take the “key players are absent” factor and truly contextualize it for the match you’re betting on, you’ll notice there’s significant analysis behind it.
We’re not just talking about an obvious key-player absense (like the team’s top-scorer). It could be a player that has an overwhelmingly positive record against this rival, or it could be midfielder that has averaged numerous recoveries in the past 8 games, and is now facing a very offensive team that likes to hold the ball (like Barcelona or Manchester City). A player like that could be considered key in this specific scenario. We go over some of these scenarios over on our Soccer Betting Guide, so be sure to check that out too!
Moneyline Bets
A Moneyline bet is the simplest form of betting. You’re just picking which team you think will win the match. There are three possible outcomes:
- Team A wins
- Team B Wins
- Draw
Lets say youd like to make a Moneyline bet for a match between two teams that favor offensive football above all else. A good example would be Barcelona and Arsenal for a UCL Match.
A few years ago, Messi’s Barcelona would’ve been a favorite, but their recent seasons haven’t been as good. Arsenal, on the other hand, has continued to evolve in their local competitions (Premier League and English Cups) and have evened the odds substantially.
That being said, Barcelona under Hansi Flick has been playing at a fantastic level. With wins over Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, you could see why people would think there’s a clear favorite for this match-up and bet accordingly. Keeping up with the latest developments from both teams is, as you can see, essential to reading soccer betting lines and its movements.
Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal UCL Match
Let’s say the odds for this Champions League match are:
- Arsenal: -100
- Barcelona: +100
The odds tell you how much you need to bet to win a certain amount if you’re betting on the favorite, or how much you can win if you’re betting on the underdog.
By the way, we’re gonna keep using this match up as our baseline example throughout the piece so you can compare each bet and get a clear picture of how Soccer Betting Lines work and how they can be a part of your soccer betting strategy.
Heres How It Works
What happens if youre Betting on Arsenal to Win (Odds: -100)
What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100.
Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal to win.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount / (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Moneyline Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal UCL Match
Let’s say the odds for this Champions League match are:
- Arsenal: -100
- Barcelona: +100
The odds tell you how much you need to bet to win a certain amount if you’re betting on the favorite, or how much you can win if you’re betting on the underdog.
By the way, we’re gonna keep using this match up as our baseline example throughout the piece so you can compare each bet and get a clear picture of how Soccer Betting Lines work and how they can be a part of your soccer betting strategy.
What happens if you’re Betting on Arsenal to Win
The Odds for Arsenal are -100
- What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal to win.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount / (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
What happens if you’re Betting on Barcelona to Win
Odds: +100
- What It Means: The plus sign (+) indicates Barcelona is the underdog. You win $100 for every $100 bet.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona to win.
Calculating the Payout:
Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
A Summary
- Bet on Arsenal: If Arsenal wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
- Bet on Barcelona: If Barcelona wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
When to go for Moneyline Bets?
Generally speaking, go for a Moneyline bet when there’s a clear favorite and you believe they’ll take it. Alternatively, if the underdog’s key players are popping off and are currently peaking in terms of performance, you could bet on them for a bigger payout. If you believe a draw to be unlikely, that’s also a good sign that you should opt for a moneyline bet. By the way, we’re discussing a hypothetical UCL match on our practical example, but all this logic applies to a typical MLS match too.
3-Way Soccer Moneylines
A 3-Way Moneyline bet in soccer is different from the regular Moneyline bet because it includes the possibility of a draw. You have three options to bet on: Team A to win, Team B to win, or the match to end in a draw.
Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal. Let’s say the odds for the match are:
- Arsenal to Win: -100
- Barcelona to Win: +100
- Draw: +250
Now, let’s imagine you’re placing a $50 bet to keep all our bet amounts standard. Here’s how that’d look like, depending on who you bet.
Betting on Arsenal to Win
Odds: -100
- What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona to Win
If the Odds are +100
- What It Means: The plus sign (+) indicates Barcelona is the underdog. You win $100 for every $100 bet. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Betting on a Draw
If the Odds are +250
- What It Means: You win $250 for every $100 bet if the match ends in a draw. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 * (250/100) = $50 * 2.5 = $125 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $125 (profit) = $175
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | $125 | $175 |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Outcomes and Payout Summary
- Bet on Arsenal: If Arsenal wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
- Bet on Barcelona: If Barcelona wins, you get $100 back ($50 profit). If they lose or draw, you lose your $50.
- Bet on Draw: If the match ends in a draw, you get $175 back ($125 profit). If either team wins, you lose your $50.
3-Way Moneyline Bets Soccer Line Movements
A 3-Way Moneyline bet is a good idea when you have a strong prediction about the match outcome, whether it’s a win for either team or a draw. It’s particularly useful when you see high odds on a draw, there’s a clear favorite, or special circumstances like injuries come into play. Veteran gamblers also like to review the team’s recent performance and see if they’re both due to draw a game.
Everyone knows that Twitter accounts with proven track records and sources inside their respective clubs are, by far, the best sources of information for last-minute line movements. If a key defender like Araujo or Cubarsi is missing, then you’d probably see the draw and Arsenal win Soccer Betting Lines move significantly.
2-Way Soccer Moneylines
A 2-Way Soccer Moneyline bet is simpler than a 3-Way Moneyline because it eliminates the draw option. You’re only betting on one team to win, and if the match ends in a draw, your bet is refunded. This is also known as a “Draw No Bet.”
Both Barcelona and Arsenal aren’t particularly known for their strong defenses as of late, they’re more about overwhelming offense and high-level midfield control. If both teams are known for their offense, you could outright bet for whatever team has the strongest momentum on a 2 way soccer moneyline.
Soccer Betting Lines movements will usually shift depending on each team’s latest match history and performance. Unless something big happens at the last minute, it’ll just follow whatever trend it followed since bets were open for the match, so just keep an eye on their performance on local league matches.
Same Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the odds for the match are:
- Arsenal to Win: -100
- Barcelona to Win: +100
And you’re going to place a $50 bet.
Betting on Arsenal to Win with -100 odds.
- What It Means: The minus sign (-) indicates Arsenal is the favorite. You need to bet $100 to win $100. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Draw | $50 | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona to Win with +100 Odds
- What It Means: The plus sign (+) indicates Barcelona is the underdog. You win $100 for every $100 bet. For a $50 bet, here’s what happens.
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Draw | $50 | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona Wins | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Key Points of 2-Way Moneyline Bets
- No Draw Option: If the match ends in a draw, your bet is refunded.
- Simpler Betting: You only need to pick which team will win.
- Lower Risk: Draw outcomes are covered by a refund, reducing the risk of losing your bet entirely.
When to go for 2-Way Moneyline Bets?
A 2-Way Soccer Moneyline bet is a good option when you want to bet on a team to win but want some insurance in case the match ends in a draw. It’s simpler and less risky than a 3-Way Moneyline bet because your stake is refunded if it’s a draw.
Point Spread (Handicap) Bets
A Point Spread or Handicap bet gives one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage to level the playing field. This advantage is assigned by the bookmaker, and it makes betting more interesting, in otherwise unbalanced matchups. Soccer Betting Lines movements can get pretty nutty with these bets, so you’ll need to go the extra mile on your analysis.
Diehard fans of big teams usually have a variety of niche YouTube channels that follow their clubs with fervent dedication, and some of them even have a bit of insider scoops. These are very hit or miss, but some of these smaller YouTuber have remarkable analysis capabilities when it comes to their clubs or even national teams. Bruno Gonzales for Argentina’s national squad comes to mind, as his insight has certainly made me make a few phenomenal bets in South American qualifying matches.
This is certainly going above and beyond what any casual gambler does, but if you’re in it for the money, then you’d do well to rely on others with reliable information and analysis.
Let’s keep using our previous example: an UCL match between Arsenal and Barcelona.
Spread Betting Lines Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Betting on Arsenal -1 Spread
Odds: -100
- What It Means: Arsenal is given a virtual handicap of -1 goal. For your bet to win, Arsenal must win by at least 2 goals.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal -1.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal wins by 2+ goals | Win | $50 | $100 |
Arsenal wins by exactly 1 goal | Push (stake refunded) | $0 | $50 returned |
Arsenal draws or loses | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Going in detail:
- If Arsenal wins by 2 or more goals, you win your bet. You get your $50 back plus $50 profit, totaling $100.
- If Arsenal wins by exactly 1 goal, it’s a push. You get your $50 stake back.
- If Arsenal draws or loses, you lose your $50 bet.
Betting on Barcelona +1
Odds: +100
- What It Means: Barcelona is given a virtual advantage of +1 goal. For your bet to win, Barcelona must win, draw, or lose by exactly 1 goal.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona +1.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona wins or draws | Win | $50 | $100 |
Barcelona loses by exactly 1 | Push (stake refunded) | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona loses by 2+ goals | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
A Bit of Explaining:
- If Barcelona wins or draws, you win your bet. You get your $50 back plus $50 profit, totaling $100.
- If Barcelona loses by exactly 1 goal, it’s a push. You get your $50 stake back.
- If Barcelona loses by 2 or more goals, you lose your $50 bet.
When to go for Point Spread Bets?
Point Spread (Handicap) bets are a good idea when:
- Theres a clear favorite (usually the handicap is good enough to level the playing field),
- Potentially high scoring games (more chances for the favorite team to overcome the handicap)
- Absence of key players (a team might be a favorite, but without their striker they might not overcome the handicap entirely) This will shift the Soccer Betting Lines considerably.
Soccer Double Chance Lines
A Double Chance bet in soccer allows you to cover two of the three possible outcomes in a match with a single bet. This type of bet increases your chances of winning but typically offers lower odds compared to a straight win bet.
Soccer Betting Lines movements for these bets will drastically move for otherwise close matches, if key players are left out of the lineup. A match that would’ve been slightly tilted in Barcelona’s favor could see its lines shift if Pedri (who unfortunately suffers from injuries quite often) ends up in the infirmary.
His absence would diminish Barcelona’s midfield control, which is one of Arsenal’s strengths. You could very well bet on an Arsenal win, or a Draw since you can cover both outcomes.
Double Chance Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the odds for the match are:
- Arsenal to Win: -100
- Barcelona to Win: +100
You’re going to place a $50 bet.
Double Chance Bet Options
In a Double Chance bet, you have three options to choose from:
- Home Win or Draw (1X)
- Away Win or Draw (X2)
- Home Win or Away Win (12)
Betting on Arsenal or Draw (X2)
- Odds: Typically lower than a straight win bet due to the increased likelihood of winning.
- What It Means: You win if Arsenal wins or if the match ends in a draw.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal or Draw.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Draw | Win | $25 | $75 |
Barcelona Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona or Draw (1X)
Odds: Typically lower than a straight win bet due to the increased likelihood of winning.
- What It Means: You win if Barcelona wins or if the match ends in a draw.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona or Draw.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Draw | Win | $25 | $75 |
Arsenal Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Either Team to Win (12)
Odds: Typically higher than the other Double Chance options because a draw means you lose your money.
- What It Means: You win if either team wins. You lose if the match ends in a draw.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on either team to win.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Barcelona Wins | Win | $25 | $75 |
Draw | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for Soccer Double Chance Lines?
Double Chance bets are great when you want to minimize risk, especially in evenly matched games. This is the kind of bet you want to place if you think a draw is likely. When done correctly, you can increase your chances of winning (typically) smaller payouts, at least when compared to some of the riskier bets.
Over/Under (Total Goals) Bets
An Over/Under bet, also known as Total Goals bet, is where you predict whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a certain number set by the bookmaker.
Barcelona under Flick has a habit of playing with a very advanced defense line to choke offenses with tactical offsides. It’s a very risky way of playing the game, but also quite effective if the coach is known for his meticulous work on his teams.
You could easily expect a high-scoring match due to this complete novel way of defending that Barcelona has displayed this season. This is the kind of insight that could drastically move soccer betting lines.
The key here is that this bet doesn’t depend on which team wins or loses, just the total number of goals.
Over/Under Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. The bookmaker sets the Over/Under line at 2.5 goals. The odds are:
- Over 2.5 Goals: -100
- Under 2.5 Goals: +100
You’re going to place a $50 bet.
Betting on Over 2.5 Goals
Odds: -100
- What It Means: You win the bet if the total number of goals scored by both teams is 3 or more.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Over 2.5 goals.
Possible Outcomes:
Total Goals Scored | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
3 or more goals | Win | $50 | $100 |
2 or fewer goals | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Under 2.5 Goals
Odds: +100
- What It Means: You win the bet if the total number of goals scored by both teams is 2 or fewer.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Under 2.5 goals.
Possible Outcomes:
Total Goals Scored | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
2 or fewer goals | Win | $50 | $100 |
3 or more goals | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for Over/Under Bets?
Go for Over bets when you notice both teams have strong offensive records, or don’t defend particularly well. Go for Under bets when you expect a high-stakes match with cautious play, or key players are missing, which will cause serious Soccer Betting Lines movements.
As always do your due diligence when it comes to a team’s recent form, playing styles, and head-to-head records. This bet type is ideal when you have a good read on the likely total goals rather than the match outcome.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
A Both Teams to Score (BTTS) bet is where you predict whether both teams will score at least one goal in the match. It doesn’t matter who wins or what the final score is, as long as both teams score.
BTTS Soccer Bet Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. You want to place a $50 bet on whether both teams will score. The bookmaker offers odds for BTTS:
- BTTS (Yes): -100
- BTTS (No): +100
How It Works
Betting on BTTS (Yes), Odds: -100
What It Means: You win the bet if both Barcelona and Arsenal score at least one goal each.
Your Bet: You bet $50 on BTTS (Yes).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Both teams score | Win | $50 | $100 |
One or both teams don’t score | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on BTTS (No), Odds: +100
- What It Means: You win the bet if at least one of the teams fails to score.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on BTTS (No).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
One or both teams don’t score | Win | $50 | $100 |
Both teams score | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a BTTS Bet?
Go for a Both Teams to Score (BTTS) bet when both teams have strong offensive records, play attacking styles, or have weak defenses. It’s also a good choice if key attackers are fit and playing, but don’t be surprised to see drastic Soccer Betting Lines movements if a scorer gets benched. This happened not long ago with Brazil’s squad on South America’s qualifiers, after the coach decided to bench Raphinha, even though he had showed tremendous scoring abilities in his club.
Draw No Bet (DNB)
This Soccer Betting Lines is Explained in great detail on our piece What Is Tie No Bet in Soccer, but let’s go over it since its one of the few bets that offers a nice safety net.
A Draw No Bet (DNB) is a type of bet where you pick a team to win, and if the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded. This bet eliminates the risk of a draw, making it a safer option.
So, isnt a DNB basically a 2-Way Moneyline bet?
A lot of folks get these two confused (and reasonably so), so lets clarify a bit:
- A two-way moneyline bet removes the draw option by including extra time or penalties, so you’re betting on which team ultimately ends up winning.
- On the other hand, a draw no bet applies only to regular time: if the game ends in a draw, your stake is refunded, and you only win if the side you went for wins within the first 90 minutes of a match.
DNB Soccer Bet Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. The odds are:
- Arsenal (DNB): -100
- Barcelona (DNB): +100
You decide to place a $50 bet. here’s how it works:
Betting on Arsenal (DNB), Odds: -100
- What It Means: You win the bet if Arsenal wins. If the match ends in a draw, you get your $50 back. If Barcelona wins, you lose your bet.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal (DNB).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Stake Refunded | $0 | $50 returned |
Barcelona Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona (DNB)
- Odds: +100
- What It Means: You win the bet if Barcelona wins. If the match ends in a draw, you get your $50 back. If Arsenal wins, you lose your bet.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona (DNB).
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Stake Refunded | $0 | $50 returned |
Arsenal Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a Draw No Bet?
Go for a Draw No Bet when the match is closely matched, and you want to minimize risk. It’s ideal if you slightly favor one team but think a draw is possible. DNB ensures you get your stake back if it ends in a draw, making it a safer option in uncertain matches.
First Goal Scorer
A First Goal Scorer bet is where you place a bet on which player you think will score the first goal in the match. It’s a popular type of bet because it keeps you engaged right from the start of the game.
First Goal Scorer Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. You want to place a $50 bet on who will score the first goal. Here’s how it works.
How It Works
- Choose a Player:
- You pick a player from either team who you think will score the first goal. For this example, let’s choose Robert Lewandowski from Barcelona and Bukayo Saka from Arsenal.
- Check the Odds
-
- Each player has different odds based on their likelihood to score first. Let’s say the odds are:
- Robert Lewandowski: +300
- Bukayo Saka: +400
-
Placing the Bet
Betting on Robert Lewandowski to Score First
- Odds: +300
- What It Means: If Lewandowski scores the first goal, you win your bet. The odds of +300 mean you win $300 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s how it breaks down.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (300/100) = $50 * 3 = $150 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $150 (profit) = $200
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Lewandowski Scores First | $50 | $150 | $200 |
Anyone Else Scores First | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Bukayo Saka to Score First
- Odds: +400
- What It Means: If Saka scores the first goal, you win your bet. The odds of +400 mean you win $400 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s how it breaks down.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (400/100) = $50 * 4 = $200 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $200 (profit) = $250
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Saka Scores First | $50 | $200 | $250 |
Anyone Else Scores First | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a First Goal Scorer Bet?
Go for a First Goal Scorer bet when a player is in great scoring form and if his team’s attacking strategy favors their playstyle. This might not always be the case, since some teams spread their goals across multiple players instead of relying on a classical “9” player.
You should also analyze the team’s starting lineup and recent performances and ask yourself if a team’s tactics and playstyle is optimal for their top scorer. Sometimes missing a key player, like the team’s top assister might seriously hinder his chances of scoring, so be on the lookout. This could cause some Soccer Betting Lines movements, but it’s usually the kind of insight that often goes overlooked.
Soccer Futures & Soccer Betting Line
A Soccer Futures bet is a long-term bet where you predict the outcome of an entire competition rather than a single match. You’re betting on events like who will win the Champions League, who will be the top scorer, or who will advance to the next round.
Futures Bet Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal in the Champions League
Let’s say you want to place a Futures bet on who will win the Champions League. The odds are:
- Arsenal to Win the Champions League: -100
- Barcelona to Win the Champions League: +100
You decide to place a $50 bet.
How It Works
- Betting on Arsenal to Win the Champions League
- Odds: -100
What It Means: Arsenal is a favorite, and you need to bet $100 to win $100. Since you’re betting $50, here’s what happens if Arsenal wins the entire Champions League.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount / (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 / (100/100) = $50 / 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins UCL | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Arsenal Doesn’t Win UCL | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona to Win the Champions League
- Odds: +100
- What It Means: Barcelona is the underdog, and you win $100 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s what happens if Barcelona wins the entire Champions League.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (100/100) = $50 * 1 = $50 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $50 (profit) = $100
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins UCL | $50 | $50 | $100 |
Barcelona Doesn’t Win UCL | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for a Soccer Futures Bet?
It’s always tough to predict early on what will happen throughout a season no matter the competition. However, Soccer Futures are long-term wagers that depend more on a team’s momentum, depth, defensive stats and goal-scoring effectiveness. If a team is very efficient in terms of attempts per goal, then you got yourself a strong contender.
Going for this type of bet is a good idea if you have long-term confidence in a team’s reliability (think of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola’s Manchester City, or Real Madrid in UCL) so another thing to keep in mind if whether a team seems to be specially inspired to win a specific tournament.
Exact Score
An Exact Score Bet is where you predict the final score of the match. This type of bet can be quite challenging but also very rewarding because of the higher odds associated with predicting the exact outcome.
Exact Score Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal, and you want to place a $50 bet on the exact final score.
How It Works
- Choose an Exact Score:
- You pick the exact final score of the match. For example, you might predict Barcelona will win 2-1 against Arsenal.
- Check the Odds:
- Each potential exact score has different odds. For simplicity, let’s assume the odds are:
Barcelona 2-1 Arsenal: +400
- Each potential exact score has different odds. For simplicity, let’s assume the odds are:
Placing the Bet
- Betting on Barcelona to Win 2-1
- Odds: +400
- What It Means: If Barcelona wins 2-1, you win your bet. The odds of +400 mean you win $400 for every $100 bet. Since you’re betting $50, here’s how it breaks down.
Calculating the Payout:
- Formula: Bet Amount * (Odds/100)
- Calculation: $50 * (400/100) = $50 * 4 = $200 (profit)
- Total Return: $50 (your bet) + $200 (profit) = $250
Outcome | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Exact Score is Barcelona 2-1 | $50 | $200 | $250 |
Any Other Score | $50 | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for an Exact Score Bet?
Go for an Exact Score Bet when you have strong insights into both teams’ scoring patterns and defenses. Remember that this type of bet works well if you can recognize the ebb and flow of a match, if you do youre that much closer to those high payouts.
Just remember to manage your bankroll effectively, though. If you’re a soccer fan, you’ll know that sometimes teams score goals completely out of context. Due to soccer’s natural entropy, you’d do well to take small risks at a time.
Asian Handicap
An Asian Handicap bet is a type of bet that aims to level the playing field between two teams by giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to one of the teams. This type of bet removes the possibility of a draw, offering only two outcomes: win or lose.
We have a very detailed section for Asian Handicaps on our Soccer Spread Betting piece that you should really check, it’ll give you more variety ahead of planning your bets.
That being said, let’s see how they work.
Asian Handicap Example: Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Let’s say the match is between Barcelona and Arsenal. You want to place a $50 bet. The odds are:
Arsenal: -100
Barcelona: +100
Here’s how it works:
First Choose a Handicap for the Bet
The handicap is expressed in goals. For this example, let’s say the handicap is:
- Arsenal -0.5
- Barcelona +0.5
Betting on Arsenal -0.5, Odds: -100
- What It Means: Arsenal starts the match with a virtual disadvantage of -0.5 goals. For your bet to win, Arsenal must win the match outright.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Arsenal -0.5.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Barcelona Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
Betting on Barcelona +0.5, Odds: +100
- What It Means: Barcelona starts the match with a virtual advantage of +0.5 goals. For your bet to win, Barcelona must win or draw the match.
- Your Bet: You bet $50 on Barcelona +0.5.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome | Bet Result | Profit | Total Return |
---|---|---|---|
Barcelona Wins | Win | $50 | $100 |
Draw | Win | $50 | $100 |
Arsenal Wins | Lose | Lose $50 | $0 |
When to go for an Asian Handicap Bet?
There are many ways to implement Asian Handicap bets into your Soccer betting strategy. Some use it when there’s a clear favorite, while others just choose to place these bets to cover an underdog’s win or draw. Due to their versatile nature, you can be very offensive or risk-adverse with these types of bets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are soccer betting lines?
Soccer betting lines are the different types of bets available for a match, such as moneyline, point spreads, over/under, and more.
How do moneyline bets work in soccer?
Moneyline bets involve picking which team will win the match. There are typically three outcomes: Team A wins, Team B wins, or a draw.
What is the difference between a two-way and three-way moneyline?
A two-way moneyline bet includes only two outcomes (win or lose), while a three-way moneyline bet includes three outcomes (win, lose, or draw).
How do point spreads and handicaps work in soccer betting?
Point spreads and handicaps level the playing field by giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to a team, making bets more balanced and potentially more rewarding.
What are over/under bets in soccer?
Over/under bets involve predicting whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a specified number.
How do you bet on draws in soccer?
You bet on a draw by selecting the draw option in a three-way moneyline bet, predicting that the match will end with no winner.
How can I know a winning team by odds?
Higher negative odds indicate the favorite, while higher positive odds indicate the underdog. Analyze team form, performance, and other factors alongside the odds.