Sports Betting Guide

Soccer Betting Guide

February 6, 2024

Betting Guide

Welcome to the world of Soccer Betting Guide! Whether you’re a seasoned bettor looking to expand your horizons or a complete newcomer eager to dip your toes into the thrilling realm of sports wagering, this guide is here to provide you with the essential information you need to know before placing a bet on the beautiful game. Before delving into the realm of Soccer Betting Guide, it’s crucial to understand the basics. Soccer matches can be wagered on through various betting markets, each offering unique opportunities and challenges.

Payouts and Profits Disclaimer

Payouts and profits within the Soccer Betting Guide may vary slightly depending on methodology and rounding when converting odds or calculating parlays. All payout and profit numbers here are shown for illustrative purposes only and may vary slightly from actual payouts and profits.

One key aspect of the Soccer Betting Guide is understanding the odds. Odds represent the likelihood of an event occurring and determine the potential payout of a winning bet. Understanding how to interpret odds is essential for making informed betting decisions. American odds have a +- (plus, minus) format. Negative American odds represent the amount you would need to bet in order to win $100. For example, let’s consider a soccer match where Team A is listed with odds of -200. If you want to bet on Team A, you would need to wager $200 in order to potentially win $100. If Team A wins, you would receive your original $200 stake back, plus an additional $100 in winnings, for a total payout of $300. Positive American odds, on the other hand, represent the potential profit you would make from a $100 bet. For instance, let’s say Team B is listed with odds of +150. If you decide to bet $100 on Team B and they win, you would receive your original $100 stake back, plus an additional $150 in winnings, resulting in a total payout of $250.

Choose Your Bets

Soccer Betting Guide markets include a variety of options, from traditional match-winner bets to more intricate options like Asian handicaps and over/under goals. There’s a wide range of betting markets to explore. Most Soccer Betting Guide markets include the following options:

3-Way Moneyline

The 3-way moneyline bet, also known as the match-winner or 1X2 bet, is a fundamental component of Soccer Betting Guide, and it’s the simplest and most popular form of soccer wagering. In this market, you predict which team will win the match or if it will end in a draw.

Example Match: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

Barcelona: +150
Real Madrid: +200
Draw: +250

In the example, a $100 bet on Barcelona would mean a $150 payout if they win the game, but a loss if Real Madrid wins or the game is a draw.

Point Spread

The point spread, or handicap, is a crucial component of Soccer Betting Guide, as it levels the playing field between two teams of varying strengths. In this market, the favorite team is given a negative handicap (e.g., -1.5 goals), while the underdog receives a positive handicap (e.g., +1.5 goals). Your bet’s outcome is determined by whether the team you choose covers the handicap.

Example Match: Manchester United vs. Liverpool

Manchester United: -1.5 (-110)
Liverpool: +1.5 (-110)

In the example, a $110 or $100 bet on either spread would pay out $100 or $90.91, respectively, if successful. For example, if the game ends 2-1 in favor of Manchester United, a $110 bet on Liverpool’s +1.5 goal spread would win $100 because, with the given handicap, they would’ve won the bet by 0.5 goals.

Over/Under

The over/under, or total goals, bet involves predicting whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a specific threshold set by the bookmaker. The line may be set at 2.5 goals, and you decide whether the total goals scored by both teams will be more or less than that number.

Example Match: Juventus vs. AC Milan

Over 2.5 Goals: -120
Under 2.5 Goals: +100

In the example, a $100 bet on the under-total would pay out $100 if the match ends 1-1 or with fewer goals. On the other hand, a $120 or $100 bet on the over-total would pay out $100 or $83.33, respectively, if the match were to end 2-1 or with more goals.

Correct Score

Betting on the exact final score of a match.

Example Match: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich.

Paris Saint-Germain 2-1: +800
Paris Saint-Germain 3-0: +1200
Draw 1-1: +500
Bayern Munich 3-2: +1500

In the example, a $100 bet on Bayern Munich to win exactly 3-2, would pay out $1,500. Similarly, a $100 bet on Paris Saint-Germain to win 2-1, would pay out $800.

Half-Time/Full-Time

Betting on the result of the match at half-time and full-time independently or in combination.

Example Match: Arsenal vs. Chelsea

Arsenal/Arsenal: +300
Arsenal/Draw: +1000
Draw/Arsenal: +600
Draw/Draw: +400
Chelsea/Chelsea: +400
Chelsea/Draw: +900

In the example, betting on Arsenal/Draw would mean that Arsenal would need to win the first half and draw (tie) in the second half. A $100 bet would pay out $1,000 if that were to happen.

Props (Player Props/Team Props)

Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are an integral part of Soccer Betting Guide, as they focus on specific events or occurrences within a soccer match. These bets can cover a wide range of possibilities, including individual player performances, team statistics, or specific game events.

Example Match: Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur.

Player X Over 1.5 Shots on Target: +140
Team X To Score First: -120
Player Y to Assist Anytime: +200
Team Y to Score in Both Halves: +300

In the example, if we bet $100 on Player X to have over 1.5 shots on target, meaning at least 2 shots on target, and that player achieves that, the bet would pay out $140. Alternatively, if we bet $120 or $100 on Team X to score first, meaning they score the opening goal of the match, and they do, the bet would pay out $100 or $83.33, respectively.

Parlay

A parlay, or accumulator, is a notable feature of Soccer Betting Guide that combines multiple individual bets into one larger bet. To win a parlay, all the individual bets within it must be successful. This type of bet offers higher potential payouts as the odds multiply with each added selection.

Example Matches: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid, Manchester United vs. Manchester City.

Leg 1: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid.

Betting Market: 3-Way Moneyline
Selection: Barcelona to win Odds: -150

Leg 2: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid.

Betting Market: Total Goals Over/Under
Selection: Over 2.5 goals
Odds: -110

Leg 3: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid.

Betting Market: Correct Score
Selection: Barcelona 2-1
Odds: +800

Leg 4: Manchester United vs. Manchester City.

Betting Market: Point Spread
Selection: Manchester United +1.5 goals
Odds: -130

Leg 5: Manchester United vs. Manchester City.

Betting Market: Half-Time/Full-Time
Selection: Draw/Manchester City
Odds: +700

Leg 6: Manchester United vs. Manchester City.

Betting Market: Props
Selection: Both Teams to Score
Odds: -120

To calculate the potential payout for this 6-leg parlay, we first convert each selection into decimal odds and multiply the odds of each individual selection, which we then multiply the result by the bet amount:

(-150) x (-110) x (+800) x (-130) x (+700) x (-120) → (250/150) x (210/110) x (9.0) x (230/130) x (8.0) x (220/120) = 743.0769231

Note that within the context of Soccer Betting Guide, many American odds converted to decimal odds are repeating decimals, so we’ve listed the step before the final result in the conversion to ensure the final payout is accurate. Now, we can multiply the resulting decimal odds by the bet amount ($100 for example), which will result in a $74,307.69 payout. With that said, if we bet $100 on this 6-leg parlay, and all legs are successful, the bet would pay out $74,307.69

Same Game Parlay (SGP)

Same Game Parlay is an exciting and increasingly popular type of bet in soccer that allows you to combine multiple outcomes within a single match into a single wager. With a same game parlay, you can bet on various aspects of the same soccer game, such as the result, goals scored, player performances, and other statistical outcomes. It offers a unique opportunity to customize your betting experience and potentially maximize your winnings.

Example Game: Manchester United vs Manchester City

Manchester United +1.5: -150
Player X to Score or Assist: -110
Total Corner Kicks Under 10.5: -120
Total Goals Over 3.5: +125

To calculate Same Game Parlay odds, we follow the same method as a regular parlay calculation: Convert each individual American odds into their respective decimal odds and then multiply them between each other.

(-150) x (-110) x (-120) x (+125) → (250/150) x (210/110) x (220/120) x (2.25) = 13.125

Note that many American odds converted to decimal odds are repeating decimals, so we’ve listed the step before the final result in the conversion to ensure the final payout is accurate. Then, just multiply the resulting decimal odds by 100 to obtain the payout of a $100 bet: $1,312.50.

First Goalscorer/Anytime Goalscorer

Predicting which player will score the first goal or any goal during the match.

Example Match: Chelsea vs. Manchester City

First Goalscorer: Player X (+400)

If you bet on Player X as the first goalscorer and he scores the opening goal of the match, you would receive a payout of $400 for every $100 wagered.

Anytime Goalscorer: Player Y (+200)

If you bet on Player Y as an anytime goalscorer and he scores at any point during the match, you would receive a payout of $200 for every $100 wagered.

Draw No Bet

Removing the possibility of a draw and placing a wager on the winner of the match. If the game ends in a draw, your stake is refunded.

Example Match: Liverpool vs. Arsenal

Liverpool: -200
Arsenal: +150

In the example, a $200 bet on Liverpool to win with the draw-no-bet option would pay out $100 if they win, $0 if they lose, or the $200 will be refunded if the match ends in a tie after the 90-minute regulation time.

Asian Handicap

Similar to the regular point spread, but with additional handicaps to eliminate the possibility of a draw. Let’s look at some examples to better understand how Asian handicap works:

Asian Handicap (-0.5, -1) – Also known as -0.75: In this scenario, the favorite team starts with a handicap of -0.5 and -1 goals, while the underdog team starts with a 0.5 and 1-goal advantage. If you bet on the favorite, they must win by at least two goals for your bet to be successful. If the match ends in a one-goal victory for the favorite, you win the -0.5 portion of the bet (your stake is halved), and half of your wager is refunded (the -1 portion of the bet pushes). Alternatively, if you bet on the underdog, they can win the match or even lose by one goal for your bet to be a winner.

Example Match: Girona vs Real Betis

Girona -0.75: +125
Real Betis +0.75: -165

Scenario 1 (favorite): You bet $100 at +125 odds on Girona:

If Girona wins by 2 or more goals, you win the full amount of $225 (the original $100 plus the $125 payout). If Girona wins by 1 goal, your stake is halved, and you receive $112.50 as a win (half of your original $100 plus the $62.50 payout), with the other $50 refunded. Lastly, if Girona draws or loses, you lose the full amount.

Scenario 2 (underdog): You bet $100 at -165 odds on Real Betis.

If Real Betis wins or the match ends in a draw, you win the full amount of $160.61 (the original $100 plus the $60.61 payout). If Real Betis loses by 1 goal, you receive a partial refund. You get $80.30 (half of your $100 bet plus the $30.30 payout) as a win, and the other $50 is refunded. Lastly, if Real Betis loses by 2 or more goals, you lose the full amount.

Asian Handicap (+0.0, +0.5) – Also known as +0.25: Here, the underdog team is given a handicap of +0.25 goals. If you bet on the underdog, your bet will be a winner if they win the match. If the match ends in a draw, you will win half of your wager (the +0.5 portion of the bet), and the other half will be refunded (the +0.0 portion of the bet, which could be treated as draw-no-bet). If the underdog loses by one goal, you will still receive a partial refund, as half of your wager is settled as a winner.

Example Match: NYC FC vs PHI Union

NYC FC -0.25: +100
PHI Union +0.25: -135

Scenario 1 (favorite): You bet $100 at +100 odds on Philadelphia Union:

If Philadelphia wins by 1 or more goals, you win the full amount of $200 (the original $100 plus the $100 payout). If the game ends in a tie, your stake is halved, and you receive $100 as a win (half of your original $100 plus the $50 payout), with the other $50 refunded. Lastly, if Philadelphia draws or loses, you lose the full amount.

Scenario 2 (underdog): You bet $100 at -135 odds on NYC FC:

If NYC FC wins or the match ends in a draw, you win the full amount of $174.07 (the original $100 plus the $74.07 payout). If the game ends in a tie, your stake is halved, and you receive $87.04 as a win (half of your original $100 plus the $37.04 payout), with the other $50 refunded. Lastly, if NYC FC loses by 2 or more goals, you lose the full amount.

Double Chance

Betting on two of the three possible outcomes in a match, such as a win or draw for one team.

Example Match: Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund

Bayern Munich or Draw: -250
Borussia Dortmund or Draw: +200
Borussia Dortmund or Bayern Munich: -500

In the example, betting $250 on Bayern Munich or Draw (also seen as Bayern Munich/Draw) would pay out $100 if one of two things happens: If Bayern Munich wins outright or if they draw. Similarly, betting $500 on Borussia Dortmund/Bayern Munich would pay out $100 if either Bayern Munich wins or Borussia Dortmund wins (as long as the game doesn’t end in a tie, the bet is successful).

Clean Sheet

Wagering on whether a team will prevent the opposing team from scoring.

Example Match: Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United Clean Sheet: +150
Tottenham Hotspur Clean Sheet: +300

In the example, a $100 bet on Tottenham to keep a clean sheet, which could result in a 0-0 tie or a shutout win, would pay out $300.

Time of First Goal/Time of Goal

Predicting the time interval in which the first or any goal will be scored

Example Match: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

Time of First Goal: 0-15 minutes (+400)

If you bet on the time of the first goal being scored within the 0-15 minute interval, and a goal is scored within that timeframe, your bet is successful, and you receive a payout of $400 for every $100 wagered.

Time of Goal: 60th-75th minute (+600)

If you bet on a goal being scored between the 60th and 75th minute, and a goal is scored within that timeframe, your bet is successful, and you receive a payout of $600 for every $100 wagered.

Corner Kicks

Betting on the total number of corner kicks awarded during the match.

Example Match: Juventus vs. Inter Milan

Total Corner Kicks Over 10.5: -140
Total Corner Kicks Under 10.5: +100

In the example, a $100 bet on the under-total would pay out $100 if there are 10 or fewer corner kicks during the match.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

Wagering on whether both teams will score at least one goal during the match.

Example Match: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich

Both Teams to Score (BTTS): -110

If you bet $110 on both teams to score (BTTS), and both teams manage to score at least one goal each during the match, your bet is successful, and you receive a payout of $100.

Live Betting/In-Play Betting

Live betting, also known as in-play betting, allows you to place bets on a soccer match while it is in progress. The odds and available betting markets are continuously updated to reflect the current state of the game. This type of betting offers an exciting way to react to the action as it unfolds and take advantage of changing circumstances.

Research and Analysis

Before placing any soccer bets, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and analysis to increase your chances of success. Here are some key factors to consider when analyzing soccer matches:

Team Form: Assess the recent performance of both teams, including their win-loss records, goal-scoring statistics, and defensive performances.
Head-to-Head Records: Examine the history of previous matchups between the two teams, including recent encounters, to identify any trends or patterns.
Home and Away Performance: Consider how teams perform at home and away, as some teams have a strong home advantage, while others excel on the road.
Team News: Stay updated on team news, including injuries, suspensions, and lineup changes, as these factors can significantly impact a team’s performance.
Motivation and Importance: Evaluate the significance of the match for both teams. Teams may approach games differently based on their objectives, such as winning a league title, avoiding relegation, or progressing in a cup competition.
Weather Conditions: Weather can influence the style of play and the outcome of a match. Wet or windy conditions may favor one team over another.
Managerial Tactics: Consider the tactics employed by each team’s manager and how they may influence the game’s outcome.
Key Players: Identify the key players on each team and assess their recent form and impact on matches.
Referee and Disciplinary Records: Be aware of the referee assigned to the match and any tendencies they may have regarding card issuance and fouls.
Public Opinion: While not a definitive factor, it can be useful to gauge public sentiment and betting market trends to identify potential value bets.

Bankroll Management

Effective bankroll management is crucial for long-term success in soccer betting. Here are some essential tips to manage your bankroll wisely:

Set a Budget: Determine the amount of money you are willing to allocate for soccer betting. This should be an amount you can afford to lose without affecting your daily life.
Bet Sizes: Decide on the size of your bets as a percentage of your total bankroll. A common rule of thumb is to bet between 1% and 5% of your bankroll per wager.
Unit System: Implement a unit system, where one unit represents a specific percentage of your bankroll. For example, if your bankroll is $1,000, one unit might be $50 (5% of your bankroll). This helps standardize your bets.
Avoid Chasing Losses: Never increase your bet size to recover losses. Stick to your bankroll management plan and avoid emotional decisions.
Set Realistic Goals: Define your goals for betting, whether it’s making a profit over a season or a month. Avoid unrealistic expectations.
Monitor Your Bets: Keep a record of all your bets, including the type of bet, stake, odds, and outcome. This helps you assess your betting performance and identify areas for improvement.
Avoid Impulse Betting: Don’t place bets on a whim or without proper research. Stick to your pre-determined betting strategy.
Diversify Bets: Avoid putting all your bankroll into a single bet or market. Diversify your bets across different matches and markets to spread risk.
Be Patient: Betting is a long-term endeavor. Success may not come immediately, so be patient and stick to your strategy.

Shop for the Best Odds

Odds can vary between different sportsbooks and betting sites. To maximize your potential returns, it’s essential to shop for the best odds available. Consider opening accounts with multiple reputable sportsbooks to compare odds before placing your bets. Over time, even small differences in odds can have a significant impact on your overall profitability.

Stay Informed

Staying informed about the latest news, team updates, and developments in the world of soccer is essential for successful betting. Follow soccer news websites, watch games, and engage with the soccer community to gain insights into teams and players. Being up-to-date will help you make more informed betting decisions.

Manage Your Emotions

Emotions can play a significant role in soccer betting. Avoid making impulsive bets based on excitement or frustration. Stick to your strategy, follow your research, and don’t let emotions cloud your judgment.

Wager Responsibly

At Parlay Pimps, we encourage responsible betting. Set a budget, adhere to time limits, avoid chasing losses, and remember, betting is not a financial shortcut. Use tools to manage your limits and seek help if needed. Betting should remain a source of fun, not financial reliance.

Conclusion

Soccer betting offers an exciting and potentially rewarding way to enjoy the sport while testing your knowledge and intuition. To become a successful soccer bettor, it’s crucial to understand various betting markets, conduct thorough research, manage your bankroll wisely, and stay disciplined. Remember that betting should be done responsibly and for entertainment purposes, and you should only wager money that you can afford to lose. Good luck, and enjoy the beautiful game of soccer!

Please remember that responsible sports gambling should always be done within your financial limits, never exceeding what you can afford to lose. It’s important to view gambling as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money, and to always be aware of the risk of addiction. If you feel you have a problem, seek help from a professional organization specialized in gambling addiction.