Betting on Soccer

Soccer is one of the most beloved sports in Canada, with fans following leagues from the MLS to Europe’s top competitions. While neither Canada nor the US has seen significant World Cup success, soccer’s global appeal makes it a prime choice for betting enthusiasts. Canadian bettors can enjoy wagering on games at any time, with bookmakers offering endless opportunities worldwide. Whether it's the Premier League, La Liga, or local matches, there's always action to bet on. Let’s explore the most common soccer betting options and how they work.

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Moneyline Bets

In soccer betting, a moneyline wager is straightforward: you pick the team you believe will win. Unlike point spreads, the margin of victory doesn't matter; it's solely about which team wins. Favorites are indicated with a minus (-) sign, and underdogs with a plus (+). These symbols show how much you'd need to bet on the favorite to win $100, or how much you'd win if you bet $100 on the underdog. Most online sportsbooks let you select the moneyline and enter your stake to see potential payouts. Uniquely, soccer allows betting on a draw, which has its own moneyline odds, reflecting the likelihood of a tie.

For example:

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

Point Spread (Goal Line) Bets

Point spread betting, often called the goal line in soccer, levels the playing field by assigning a goal handicap to each team. The favorite must win by more than the set goal line to cover the spread, while the underdog covers by winning outright or losing by less than the handicap. This method balances the odds between mismatched teams.

For example:

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

Here, betting on Manchester United requires them to win by at least two goals to succeed, while a bet on Stoke City wins if they win, draw, or lose by just one goal.

Over/Under (Total Goals) Bets

Over/Under bets, also known as totals, involve wagering on whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a number set by the bookmaker. You don't need to predict the exact score, just whether the goal total will be higher or lower than the bookmaker's line. This bet can complement other wagers like moneyline or point spread bets.

Additional Soccer Betting Options

Soccer's global popularity brings a variety of betting opportunities beyond standard wagers. You can bet on player achievements, such as who will score a hat trick, or team outcomes, like winning a major cup. National team competitions, especially during events like the World Cup, also offer extensive betting markets. Exploring these options can enhance your betting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a moneyline bet in soccer?

A moneyline bet involves picking the team you think will win the match. The margin of victory doesn't matter; it's about selecting the outright winner.

How does point spread betting work in soccer?

Point spread, or goal line betting, assigns a goal handicap to each team to balance the odds. The favorite must win by more than the handicap, while the underdog covers by winning outright or losing by less than the set number.

What are Over/Under bets in soccer?

Over/Under bets involve wagering on whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a number set by the bookmaker. It's about predicting the combined goal total, not the exact score.

Can I bet on a draw in soccer?

Yes, soccer uniquely allows betting on a draw, with its own moneyline odds reflecting the likelihood of a tie.

What other betting options are available in soccer?

Beyond standard bets, you can wager on player achievements, team outcomes in tournaments, and national team performances, especially during major events like the World Cup.