Betting on Soccer

Moneyline Bets (Match Result)

In soccer betting, a moneyline bet—also known as a "match result" bet—is the most straightforward way to wager. You’re simply picking which team will win the game. Unlike sports like basketball or football, there’s no point spread to consider. You only care about the outcome: Team A wins, Team B wins, or the match ends in a draw.

Moneyline odds are shown with either a minus (-) or plus (+) sign. The minus sign means the team is favored to win, and you’ll need to risk more to win less. The plus sign means the team is the underdog—you risk less to win more.

Soccer is unique because a tie is a common result. That’s why most sportsbooks offer three-way moneyline bets: Home win, Away win, or Draw.

Example:

• Manchester United: -315
• Stoke City: +800
• Draw: +425

If you bet $100 on Stoke City and they win, you’d earn $800. If you bet on Manchester United, you'd need to risk $315 to win $100. A $100 bet on a draw would return $425 if the match ends in a tie.

Point Spread (Goal Line) Bets

Point spread betting—called the "goal line" in soccer—levels the playing field between stronger and weaker teams. The sportsbook gives a handicap to the favorite, which they must overcome for your bet to win.

The underdog, on the other hand, can win your bet even if they don’t win the match, as long as they keep the score within the spread.

Example:

• Manchester United: -1.5 (-115)
• Stoke City: +1.5 (-110)

Here, Manchester United must win by at least 2 goals for the bet to succeed. Stoke City can lose by one goal, draw, or win—and your bet on them would still win.

Goal line bets are especially useful when one team is heavily favored, and the moneyline offers little value.

Over/Under (Total Goals) Bets

Over/Under bets—also known as "totals"—let you bet on how many goals will be scored in a match. The sportsbook sets a predicted total, and you decide whether the actual number of goals will be over or under that line.

You don’t need to choose a winner. This bet focuses purely on the combined score from both teams.

Example: Over/Under 2.5 Goals

• If the final score is 2-1 (total: 3 goals), the "Over" wins.
• If the final score is 1-1 (total: 2 goals), the "Under" wins.

Over/Under bets are popular because they can add excitement even when you're not rooting for a specific team. Many sportsbooks offer multiple goal lines (e.g., 1.5, 2.5, 3.5) for added flexibility.

Prop Bets (Player & Match Events)

Prop bets—or proposition bets—let you wager on specific events within a match. These don’t depend on the final outcome and are great for adding variety to your betting strategy.

Common soccer prop bets include:

• First goal scorer
• Player to score at any time
• Total corners
• Team to keep a clean sheet
• Both teams to score (BTTS)

Props are especially popular during major tournaments or rivalry matches. They reward in-depth knowledge of players, tactics, and recent form.

Futures Bets

Futures bets are long-term wagers placed on outcomes that will be decided later in a season or tournament. You’re predicting big-picture results instead of single matches.

Examples of futures bets include:

• Winner of the Premier League or World Cup
• Top goal scorer for a league or tournament
• Which teams will qualify for the Champions League

Futures often offer higher odds, but they require patience and good prediction skills. Keep an eye on player injuries, team form, and fixture congestion when placing futures.

Parlays (Accumulators)

Parlays—or accumulators—combine multiple bets into one ticket. To win, all your selections must be correct. The more bets you add, the higher the payout—but also the risk.

For example, a 3-leg parlay might include:

• Manchester United to win
• Over 2.5 goals in another match
• Both teams to score in a third game

If even one leg loses, the whole parlay loses. Parlays are exciting and can turn small stakes into big returns, but they’re harder to win than single bets.

Live (In-Play) Betting

Live betting lets you place wagers while the match is in progress. Odds change in real-time based on what’s happening on the field, making timing crucial.

Popular live bets include:

• Next team to score
• Total goals updated during the match
• Player to score in the second half

Live betting is fast-paced and exciting, but it requires quick decisions and a good understanding of momentum and game flow.

Final Thoughts on Soccer Betting

Soccer offers a wide variety of betting options, from simple moneyline bets to complex accumulators. Whether you're a casual fan or a serious bettor, understanding the types of wagers and how they work is key to success.

Always bet responsibly and take time to research teams, players, and stats. Good bankroll management and discipline can make your betting experience more enjoyable—and more profitable in the long run.