Soccer Betting 101: Complete Guide
Learn match result betting, both teams to score, correct score, and more for PSL, Premier League, and international soccer matches.
Why Soccer is Perfect for Betting
Soccer (football) is the world's most popular sport, and betting on it is equally massive. With matches happening every day across PSL, Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and more, there's always an opportunity to bet smart.
This guide covers every major soccer bet type, from simple match winners to complex correct scores, with examples using SA and international teams you follow.
Soccer Betting Markets Explained
1. Match Result (1X2)
The most popular soccer bet. Pick the home team to win (1), a draw (X), or the away team to win (2).
Example:
Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates
- • Chiefs to win (1): 2.40
- • Draw (X): 3.20
- • Pirates to win (2): 2.90
If you bet R100 on Chiefs and they win, you get R240 back (R140 profit).
2. Both Teams To Score (BTTS)
Bet on whether both teams will score at least one goal each. Final result doesn't matter.
Example:
Mamelodi Sundowns vs AmaZulu
- • Both teams to score - Yes: 1.75
- • Both teams to score - No: 2.05
If the score is 2-1: BTTS Yes wins! Both teams scored.
If the score is 3-0: BTTS No wins. Only one team scored.
3. Over/Under Goals
Bet on whether the total goals scored will be over or under a specific number (usually 2.5).
Example:
Manchester City vs Arsenal - Total Goals: 2.5
- • Over 2.5 goals at 1.80 (3+ goals needed)
- • Under 2.5 goals at 2.00 (0, 1, or 2 goals total)
Common lines: 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 goals. The ".5" ensures no push (tie) – someone always wins.
4. Correct Score
Predict the exact final score. Very difficult but offers huge payouts.
Example Odds:
- • 1-0: 8.50
- • 2-1: 9.00
- • 0-0: 11.00
- • 3-2: 21.00
Tip: Most common soccer scores are 1-0, 2-1, 1-1, and 2-0. Betting on these offers better value than exotic scores.
5. Double Chance
Cover two of the three possible outcomes in one bet. Lower odds but safer.
Options:
- • 1X: Home win OR Draw
- • 12: Home win OR Away win (no draw)
- • X2: Draw OR Away win
Great for backing underdogs – you win if they draw or win, only lose if they're beaten.
Soccer Betting Strategies
Research Team Form
Check last 5 matches, home/away records, and head-to-head history. Form matters more than reputation.
Understand League Differences
PSL tends to have more draws than the Premier League. Italian Serie A has fewer goals than the Bundesliga. Adjust your bets accordingly.
Consider Motivation
Teams fighting relegation or competing for titles play differently than mid-table teams with nothing to play for.
Check Lineups
Missing key strikers affects BTTS and Over bets. Injured defenders impact Under and clean sheet bets.
Derby Matches Are Unpredictable
Chiefs vs Pirates, Liverpool vs Everton – form goes out the window. BTTS and Over 2.5 often hit in derbies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest soccer bet for beginners?
Match Result (1X2) is the simplest. Just pick Home Win (1), Draw (X), or Away Win (2). Perfect for beginners.
What does BTTS mean?
BTTS stands for 'Both Teams To Score'. You bet on whether both teams will score at least one goal each during the match.
Can I bet on PSL matches?
Yes! Hollywood Bets offers extensive PSL (Premier Soccer League) betting markets including Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and all SA teams.
What's the difference between Over 2.5 and Exactly 3 goals?
Over 2.5 wins if there are 3 or more goals total. Exactly 3 goals only wins if the final total is exactly 3 goals (like 2-1 or 3-0).