Home » The Ultimate Guide to Football Betting: Strategies, Tips, and FAQs

The Ultimate Guide to Football Betting: Strategies, Tips, and FAQs

By Andrew Sevastopolis
September 17, 2023

Football Betting is not just a pastime. It’s a thrilling and lucrative endeavour for fans of the beautiful game. Whether you’re new to betting or a seasoned punter, this guide is a MUST read. Below you will find valuable insights, strategies, and answers to common questions. by the end of it, you will be able to make informed decisions and enjoy a successful betting experience.

However, if you want to get straight to betting, choose a bookmaker from the list of 100% legal bookies in Ireland. You can come back here whenever you need advice, or have a question related to any betting activity.

Start football betting the right way. Alway be safe and bet with LEGAL bookies!

Before you embark on your football betting journey, it’s crucial to choose a trustworthy bookie. The internet is rife with fraudulent betting sites and apps. This makes it difficult for a lot of punters to make the right choice. No need to worry, though. Our team has put together a list of the top 10 legal bookies for Irish players. You can find it here.

Selecting one of the 10 legal bookies we recommend ensures you’ll protect your interests. After all, there’s no point in betting online if you can’t get your winnings, right?

Best 5 bookies for football betting:

UP TO 50€ IN FREEBETS

Bonus | T&Cs apply, 18+

 4.8/5

40€ FREEBET

Bonus | T&Cs apply, 18+

 4.8/5

100% up to 100€

Bonus | T&Cs apply, 18+

 4.8/5

100% up to 122€

Bonus | T&Cs apply, 18+

 4.8/5

BET 10€ BET 30€

Bonus | T&Cs apply, 18+

 4.8/5

Bet on what you know!

The world of online sports betting offers a plethora of options. While enticing odds may beckon you towards unfamiliar leagues and teams, it’s generally advisable to stick to what you know best. I recommend you bet on your favorite sport and the leagues you follow closely. This allows you to make more informed decisions and increases your chances of success.

Don’t risk your hard earned money betting on football if you do not understand or like the sport. And don’t think that just because a player is popular, this means he’ll score in today’s match. If football betting was that easy, everybody would be making money all the time. And that is not the case at all.

Never bet more than you can afford to lose

This is one of the most important rules when it comes to online football betting. Betting should be a form of entertainment first and foremost. So, if you want to start the right way, set aside some money for this hobby. Use only this amount and do not use money intended for other expenses, if and when your bets lose. Knowing when to stop is very important. If you have lost a large amount on a bet, do not immediately try to recover it by placing a new bet, with a bigger stake. If you gamble out of neccessity, you will surely make mistakes.

Sports betting is, after all, still a game of chance. Nothing can 100% guarantee that you have chosen the correct result. You must understand and accept this. Otherwise, you risk making mistakes that will have serious consequences. Discipline and self-control are very important when it comes to betting. If you were unlucky and lost the allocated amount of money, it is best to take a break. Later, you’ll be able to fund your account again and play without fear that a lost bet could ruin you financially.

Want to win more from football betting? Do your research

If you want to learn how to bet on soccer and win, you need to do some research. Being lucky or inspired is simply not good enough. Doing your due diligence is a must. Think of football betting the same way you do when it comes to the stock market. You wouldn’t invest in a company without knowing it’s current financial stats, right?

So, if you want to increase your chances of winning, a complete analysis of the match should be your first step. You need to look over the current statistics, form of each team, players, the latest news about the team and so on.

What stats should you be tracking?

Number of wins, losses or draws, the positions in the league, or other such statistics, can be very useful. However, there are other things you should look at:

– Shots on goal: the more shots a team has on goal, the greater their chances of scoring. But don’t forget to check the statistics related to the goals conceded.

– Number of cards received: here you need information about the referee of the match. It may be difficult, but this information is very important if you want to bet on the number of cards awarded in a match. It can affect the course of a game, if the referee is knows no easily award cards.

– Number of Goals Scored/Conceded: this is a very important and very useful statistic for a bettor who wants to place goals or excat score bets.

– Check each team’s form: The form of a team is very important. Even if on paper they look like an obvious favourite, it is important to look at their last matches.

– Find out who is playing: football is a team sport, but the team is made up of individuals. Sometimes the absence of a single player can completely change the outcome.

Don't ignore the news

Sports news are a very good source of information. Whether we’re talking about online news or TV, you’ll find out what statistics sites can’t show you. That way, you’ll be aware of everything that’s happening with the teams you want to bet on.

Let’s take for example the sudden arrival of a new coach. Such a change can have very important consequences. It can knock a team that has won its last few matches out of shape, or it can make a team become more ambitious.

Also, other types of news can be very useful when placing a bet on a football match. Weather information, for example. Will it rain at match time? Will there be blizzard? How do the two teams fare in these scenarios? The answers to these questions will bring you one step closer to victory.

Do you want..high odds, a great website, a fantastic mobile app, live betting, match streaming, full security?

Don't pay for football betting tips, do your own research!

Another type of scam is where individuals posing as experts sell tips to those who want to win at football betting. But what you need to know is that there is no such thing as an 100% sure bet. Even our free tips have a monthly win rate of 68-70%. So, beware of those who guarantee you will win!

It is best to do the research work yourself. I know it’s time consuming, but it will help you be in control. Once you get the hang of it, trust me, the whole process will become easier.

Join an online community

A very good reason not to pay for tips is that you can get those tips for free. Today, there are many online communities where bettors gather to discuss strategies and tips. We are one of them. All you have to do is follow us and you will find all the information you are looking for.

You will also receive advice on what strategies to use when betting, whether to use the Draw No Bet strategy, the Easy Money strategy or others. Plus, our tipsters post daily betting tips, free bets, offers and more.

GET DAILY TIPS ON YOUR EMAIL, BETTING GUIDES, EXLCUSIVE BONUSES AND MORE! OH, AND IT’S 100% FREE!

Choose the type of bet that suits you best

Once you’ve gathered all the information you need for the matches you want to bet on, it’s time to choose the type of bet that’s best for you. My earlier advice still stands: avoid the unknown, bet on what you know. Focus on bets that align with your expertise and confidence level. If you’re uncertain about match outcomes but have insights into player performance, consider bets like top scorer.

If you are still not sure which markets to choose, opt for single bets. These are the safest and best for informed players. They may not make you rich quickly, but they can bring you a big profit in the long run. When you have an ACCA with 10 selections, the chances of losing are much higher. If you, instead, bet on 10 individual matches, separately, you will depend more on your skill than on luck.

Compare the football betting odds of several bookies

You’ve gathered all the information, chosen the bet type, now it’s time to place the bet. But, there is one more thing you can do to earn more money. Compare the odds offered by several bookmakers. Odds are different from one bookie to the other. I know you might prefer a certain bookie, but you have the possibility to find better odds elsewhere.

For exemple, let’s say you want to bet on Arsenal to win against Everton. Unibet offers an odd of 1.53, 888sport has an odd of 1.49 and Betway has an off of 1.62. If you stake 100€ at Betway, your bet 62€. 888sport, however, will only bring you 49€. So, as you can see, the differences can be significant.

Don't bet just because the odds favor a team

There are always stories of the underdog winning a match. And, as I said above, football betting is still a game of luck. So anything can happen. If you don’t to your research, but opt to bet just because a team has better odds, you might lose.

A perfect example of this, is a match I personally lost money on: Netherlands vs Czech Republic, Euro 2020. A red card taken by Mathis De Ligt, when the score was 0-0, decisively influenced the fate of the game. Czech Republic won 2-0, although their opponents were clear favourites with odds of 1.60 to win. The odds for Czech Republic’s victory were 5.10.

If you want to be able to enjoy online soccer betting, it is best not to bet solely because of the odds. You risk losing your money and the joy of playing.

Don't bet on your favourites

I used to be tempted to bet on the matches of my favorite teams. But, the key to winning is to objectively. Subjectivity, unfortunately, has no place in the area of sports betting. When it comes to our favorite teams, we tend to overlook their flaws. We can, therefore, see them as better than they are, even invincible. Or, we can end up underestimating the opponent.

If you really want to bet on your team, bet small amounts that you won’t regret loosing if your bet turns out to be wrong.

Do you want a SUPER GREAT Welcome Bonus?

Get FREE money to start betting with and bet on the best Mobile Betting App! Start betting with a 40€ freebet + 10 casino bonus!

Try to learn from every bet you make

In football betting, as in life, learning from mistakes is crucial. Review your past bets and identify areas for improvement. Maybe you can work more on your research and decision-making processes. Maybe you can pay more attention to the markets you bet on. Analyse yourself and continuously refine your approach. Learning from both successes and failures is a path to becoming a more successful bettor.

Last but not least, try to follow the matches you bet on

This applies even if you are not a fan of live betting. The information you gather from the matches you follow is very useful. Of course, if you bet live it is crucial to watch the event to get as much real-time information as possible.

Luckily, even if you’re not home, or can’t find the match on TV, you can still watch it. There are a few bookies who offer live streaming for thousands of events. Usually, they require either a bet on the event you want to stream, or a positive balance in your account. Here are the bookies where you can enjoy this feature for football betting:

Football Betting Markets: The Most Popular Types of Online Football Bets

Football offers the richest range of betting markets. For a novice punter, it might be difficult to understand them at first. But, as I mentioned above, it is important to know what you are betting on. So, below you can find some of the most popular football betting markets available.

Match bet

This is the simplest type of bet for football matches. You will come across it most often in the form of 1×2 and. There are three outcomes in football: win, draw or loss. So, you the opportunity to predict which team will win the match or if there will be a draw. You can bet on the winner of the match both before the match starts, or you can use this market in live football betting.

Double Chance Betting

A versatile option that allows you to cover two different outcomes in a single match. It significantly reduces the risk associated with traditional match betting. This is an excellent choice for those who seek a higher probability of success, albeit with slightly lower odds.

For instance, imagine a Premier League clash between Manchester United and Chelsea. If you place a Double Chance bet on United (1X), you win if they emerge victorious or if the match ends in a draw. Alternatively, you can bet on one of the two teams to win with Double Chance betting (12), but in this case, a draw would result in a lost bet. It’s a straightforward way to hedge your bets and enhance your chances of winning.

Handicap Betting

Often referred to as 3-Way Handicap, is another popular choice among football enthusiasts. It involves introducing a goal difference between two teams before a match begins, either as an advantage or a disadvantage for the selected team. This adds an intriguing dimension to your wagers.

For example, consider Arsenal facing off against Leicester in the Premier League. You might decide to bet on Arsenal with a -1 goal handicap, requiring them to win by at least two goals for your bet to succeed. This type of betting allows you to explore scenarios where one team is considered significantly stronger or weaker than the other. You can learn more about handicap betting here.

Individual Player Betting

Football betting extends beyond team outcomes. You can also bet on individual player performances and achievements. These bets encompass a wide range of possibilities, from top goal scorer predictions to betting on the player of the tournament. For example, throughout the season, you can bet on a player to clinch the Golden Boot award in their league or tournament. Additionally, you can wager on the top assist, which player will be the first to receive a card, or even whether a player will score a goal.

Football Betting Specials.

These offer a unique and diverse array of betting opportunities. These special bets often revolve around off-field events and happenings within the football world. For instance, you can bet on the next Premier League manager to be sacked. Transfer betting is another captivating option, where you can wager on a player’s next club during a specific transfer window. Keep an eye out for summer transfer rumours, as they often give rise to exciting betting opportunities.

Total score

If you are not sure of the final outcome of a football match, you can bet on the total number of goals scored. This bet works on the under/over system. You can predict the number of goals for each team, per match or per half. The same applies to the number of corners, fouls, yellow or red cards, etc.

Correct score

One of the hardest types of bets, but also one of the most exciting. Correct Score brings you winnings only if, as the name suggests, you choose the correct score of the match. It is not easy at all to guess the score of a match. Many players prefer this market to test their knowledge, inspiration and luck. And for the adrenaline rush that a winning bet gives them. But, when learning how to bet on football, it is better to avoid such difficult bets.

Types of online football betting odds

If you are interested how to bet on football online, it is important to know where you can find the best betting odds, but also what is the for mat of these odds. There are currently three types of odds: decimal, fractional and American.

Decimal odds

Decimal odds are the most common and easiest for players. By multiplying the stake amount by the odds, you can easily find out the value of your winnings. Example: When you bet 50€ on an odd of 2.00, if your bet is a winner, you will receive back 100€, i.e. 50 € your bet and 50€ profit.

Fractional odds

Fractional odds represent the potential profit relative to your stake. They are presented in the form of a fraction, such as 5/1, 2/3, or 10/11. To understand fractional odds, you need to grasp two key components.
Numerator (Left Side): The numerator represents the potential profit you can make from a bet. It shows how much you stand to win if your bet is successful.

Denominator (Right Side). This represents your stake, or the amount of money you need to wager in order to potentially win the profit indicated by the numerator.

Example 5/1 Fractional Odds. If you see odds like 5/1, it means that for every 1€ you wager, you have the potential to win 5€ in profit. If you bet 10€ at 5/1 odds and your bet wins, you would receive 50€ in profit (5 times your 10€ stake) plus your original 10€ stake back, for a total return of 60€.

American odds

American odds, also known as moneyline odds, are a popular way to express betting odds in the United States. They use positive and negative numbers to indicate potential profit and the risk involved in a bet.
American odds can be categorized into two main types: positive (+) odds and negative (-) odds.

Positive (+) American Odds: Positive odds are used to represent the potential profit you can make on a $100 bet. Here’s how they work:

Positive Whole Numbers: If you see positive odds like +200, it means that a $100 wager on this outcome would result in a profit of $200 if your bet is successful. Your total return, in this case, would be $300, including your original $100 stake.

Positive Decimals: Sometimes, you’ll encounter positive decimal odds, such as +2.00. In this case, a $100 bet would result in a $200 profit, and your total return would be $300.

Negative (-) American Odds: Negative odds indicate the amount you need to wager in order to potentially profit $100. They are typically associated with favorites or more likely outcomes:

Negative Whole Numbers: If you see negative odds like -150, it means you would need to bet $150 to potentially make a profit of $100. If your bet is successful, you would receive $250 in total, which includes your original $150 stake.

Negative Decimals: Similar to positive decimal odds, negative decimal odds are used in some cases, like -1.50. In this scenario, you would need to wager $150 to potentially make a profit of $100, resulting in a total return of $250.

Even-Money (-100): When you encounter -100 odds, it means you would need to bet $100 to potentially make a profit of $100. Your total return, if successful, would be $200, equal to your original stake plus the profit.

American odds can also be used for calculating implied probabilities. To calculate the implied probability of a positive moneyline, you can use the formula:

Implied Probability (%) = 100 / (American Odds + 100)
For negative moneylines, the formula is slightly different:
Implied Probability (%) = -American Odds / (-American Odds + 100)

Where to bet on football

Football betting lovers have access to a plethora of bookies. To bet, all you have to do is open an account with one of the legal bookmakers in your country. Opening an account is easy and free.

Our team of seasoned tipsters has put these platforms to the test. We’ve gone the extra mile for you. We’ve signed up, tested every feature on offer, and wagered our own hard-earned money. So here are the best 5 bookies you can trust with your money:

BET365
THE ALL TIME CHAMPIONS!

✅ Best Cash Out function
✅ Extremely reliable & trustworthy bookie
✅ Our favorite for FOOTBALL & horse racing
✅ BOG on horse racing
✅ Fast deposits & withdrawals

Bet365 is the world’s leading online bookmaker and the top rated bookie in more than 40 countries. With an extensive range of pre-match and In-Play markets available on over 40.000 sporting events from around the world, you can get great value at Bet365.

Plus, it’s the best when it comes to live-streaming. All you need is a funded account, or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. All streams can be viewed on mobile, tablet and desktop so you can keep up with the action wherever you are.

This UK bookmaker will give you unbeatable odds for anything from horse racing to football, basketball, golf or even cricket. What’s even better is that when you sign up to Bet365, the bookmaker will give you up to 100€ extra to play with.

UNIBET
YOUR ALL-IN-ONE BETTING DESTINATION

Unibet stands as one of the leading international sportsbooks. The bookie has earned a top spot among bettors for its comprehensive offerings. In a single platform, Unibet presents a diverse range of gambling options. This encompasses sports betting, casino & live games, bingo, and poker.

✅ Live streaming for +30,000 events
✅ High odds with a margin between 5.0-5.4%
✅ Extremely serious and world-famous sportsbook
✅ Fast payouts and instant deposits
✅ Very good interface on any device
✅ Frequent and creative promotions

When it comes to sports betting, Unibet sets the standard for exceptional odds. The bookie distinguishes itself by operating on a low profit margin. This translates to favorable odds, whether you’re wagering on major tournaments or exploring niche markets.

BETWAY
YOUR ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR SPORTS BETTING

✅ Weekly free bets & promos

✅ Competitive Odds

✅ Live stream

✅ BOG on horse racing

✅ Best Cash out options

✅ Sports and Live Casino Mobile App (Android and IOS)

Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a casual bettor, Betway has a lot to offer. When it comes to sports betting, there’s no denying that Betway is a top contender in the market. One of Betway’s standout features is its selection of sports and markets. Almost every sport you can think of is available on their platform. In Ireland, Betway reigns supreme when it comes to markets in sports like Soccer, Horse racing, Hurling, Tennis, and Basketball.

22BET
A BOOKIE FOR EVERYONE!

22bet has been around for over 5 years and has managed to become one of the most popular bookmakers in the world. No other bookie offers as many deposit and withdrawal methods as 22bet! Instant payouts, small betting limits and great odds! These are all benefits that will appeal to even the most demanding bettors. On the downside, some basic features like Bet Builder and live streaming are missing. Even so, 22bet has proven to be a reliable site that deserves your attention!

✅ Almost 95% profit margin

✅ You can bet on more than 50,000 monthly events

✅ More than 500 markets for the most popular sports events

Odds are very competitive, especially in the top leagues. In the case of football, the profit rate is around 94.8%. Betting limits are what makes 22Bet stand out. This is why the bookie appeals to both casual players and those looking for big prizes. Minimum bets start at €0.20, making it ideal even for those who watch every penny when betting online.

888SPORT
THE BEST BOOKIE FOR BEGINNERS

✅ An impressive amount of markets

✅ Daily money-back offers and promotions

✅ Live streaming available on Irish & UK racing

✅ BOG on horse racing

✅ A good varied option of deposit methods

888’s sportsbook boasts a comprehensive selection. Even lesser-known or niche competitions are well-represented. But, when it comes to popular football matches, 888Sport shines. You’ll find an extensive array of betting options and over 300 markets you can bet on. Their pre-match section boasts an impressive payout rate of 95% or more. For tennis enthusiasts, 888Sport’s payout rate rises to 96% or more on the Match Winner market.

Conclusion: Mastering Football Betting

Football Betting is not just about chance. It’s about making informed decisions based on research and strategy. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can enhance your Football Betting experience and increase your chances of success.

Don’t forget that responsible betting is key to enjoying the game. Stay within your limits, bet for fun, and may your Football Betting journey be both exciting and profitable!

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BETTING AND BECOME AN EXPERT?

Get our FREE e-book betting guide. 80+ pages of tips, precious info and tutorials. So you can win more! Click here.

Football Betting FAQs

❓ Is football betting legal?

Yes, Football Betting is legal in many countries. But, it’s essential to check local regulations before signing up with a bookie. You can also check our site. We have comprehensive lists of legal bookies you can choose from.

✅ How Do I Place a Football Bet Online?

To bet on football online, you’ll need to create an account on a reputable sportsbook or betting site. After registering, you can browse available matches and place your bets.

🧐 What Types of Bets Can I Place on Football Games?

There are various types of football bets, including moneyline bets (predicting the match outcome), over/under bets (betting on total goals), handicap bets (accounting for point differences), and accumulator bets (combining multiple wagers).

⚠ Can I Bet on International Football Matches?

Yes, you can bet on a wide range of football matches, including international competitions like the World Cup, UEFA Euro, and continental championships.

🔥 Is It Possible to Bet In-Play During a Match?

Yes, in-play betting, also known as live betting, allows you to place wagers while a match is in progress. This dynamic form of betting adds excitement to the experience.

⚽ What Are Some Strategies for Successful Football Betting?

Effective football betting strategies include analyzing team form, researching player statistics, managing your bankroll, and considering factors like injuries and team news.

🌞 What Is the Difference Between Pre-Match and Live Betting?

Pre-match betting involves placing bets before a match begins, based on pre-game statistics and analysis. Live betting, on the other hand, allows you to bet in real-time as the match unfolds.

🟩 What Is Asian Handicap Betting in Football Betting?

Asian handicap betting is a popular form of wagering that aims to eliminate the possibility of a draw by assigning handicaps to teams. This levels the playing field and provides more balanced odds.

Author: Andrew Sevastopolis

Andrew Sevastopolis is a seasoned expert in the online betting world, boasting years of experience that have shaped his deep understanding of the industry. Through astute decision-making and strategic betting, he has not only amassed a substantial fortune but has also earned a reputation as a trustworthy authority in the field. Andrew is renowned for his ability to distill complex betting concepts into easy-to-understand guides, making him the go-to source for both new and experienced punters looking to enhance their betting knowledge. His comprehensive guides are widely regarded as the best in the industry, offering invaluable insights and strategies to help bettors make informed choices and maximize their chances of success.