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Football Betting Sites

Written by Paul Kemp
Paul Kemp is an experienced sports writer covering Soccer, NBA and NHL. He also writes in depth reviews of sports betting sites based on his personal experience.
, | Updated: October 21, 2024

Soccer Betting SitesTo say that soccer is popular would be an understatement. The sport is beloved to millions of fans worldwide, and the vast majority of online bookies strive to provide the very best experience to those who go online to bet on their favorite association football teams. Seeing as this has been the case since the very creation of the remote bookmaker, the past several decades have seen an array of sportsbooks that have a dedicated soccer page.

This abundance has proven to be great, but at the same time, it is now fairly difficult to decide which one of the hundreds of online bookies would fit one’s wagering style the best. To make this choice easier, we have listed our top soccer betting sites below.

Football Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating

Comparison of Football Betting Sites

SportsbookSports on OfferMin DepositMin WithdrawalMin BetBonusesBonus Wagering RequirementsIn-Play BettingLicenses
BetwayFootball, Horse Racing, Golf, Basketball, Tennis, and 20+ other sports$/€10$/€10$/€0.10

• €50 Free Bets on First Losing Bet
• €30 Welcome Free Bet

Free bets must be fully wagered within 7 days

Yes

UKGC (#000-039372-R-319367)
MGA (#MGA/B2C/130/2006)
GGL (#RPDA-Dez. III. 34-73c 38.01/8-2019/13)
Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (#10181496-010)

888sportFootball, Horse Racing, Tennis, American Football, and 20+ other sports$/€10$/€10$/€0.10

• €30 Free Bet on First Bet
• €5 Weekly Free Bet

Free bets must be fully wagered

Yes

UKGC (#039028-R-319297-012)
MGA (#MGA/CRP/543/2018)
Government of Gibraltar (#112 and #113)

BetssonCricket, Baseball,Basketball, Soccer, and 30 other sports€10€20€0.10

Welcome Package: €100 Bonus
and €30 in Free Bets

Daily Acca Insurance: €15 cashback
up to 3 times a day (€45 in total)

8x the bonus at min.
odds of 1.80, 1x the
net win for
free bets at min. odds
of 1.50 (Welcome Offer)

No WR on Acca
Insurance

Yes

Malta Gaming Authority
(MGA/CRP/108/2004)

Swedish Gambling
Authority (SGA)

Danish Gambling
Authority (DGA)

22BetFootball, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Volleyball, and over 40 other sports$/€1$/€10$0.10

• 100% Welcome Bonus up to €122
• Friday Reload Bonus
• 100% Refund on Acca Bets
• Refund on Losing Bets
• Weekly Rebate

• 5x bonus funds on accumulator bets (Welcome Bonus)
• 3x bonus funds on accumulator bets (Friday Reload)
• Full free bet wagered (100% Refund on Acca Bets)

Yes

Curaçao (#8048/JAZ2017-067)
Kahnawake Gaming Commission (#00882)

BovadaAmerican Football, Baseball, Soccer, Basketball, and 20+ other sports• $10 - Crypto, Player Transfer, MatchPay• $20 - Bank Cards• $50 - Direct Bank Transfer• $10 - Voucher, MatchPay• $250 - Check by Courier• $1,500 - Bank Wire• $10 - All crypto except USDT and ETH• $50 - USDT and ETH$0.50

• 75% Welcom Crypto Bonus up to $750
• 50% Welcome Fiat Deposit Bonus up to $250

5x deposit + bonus (both types of Welcome Bonus)

Yes

Union of the Comoros

bet365Football, Tennis, Speedway, Table Tennis, and 40+ other sports$/€10$/€10$/€0.10

New Account Offer up to €50 in Bet Credits

Place qualifying bets to release bet credits (New Account Offer)

Yes

UKGC (#055148-R-331498-001)
MGA (#MGA/CRP/531/2018)
Government of Gibraltar (#076)
+10 jurisdictions (including US states)

Mr GreenFootball, Tennis, Esports, Horse Racing, and 30+ other sports$/€10$/€10$/€0.10

First Deposit Free Bets

2x€10 free bets must be fully wagered within 7 days

Yes

UKGC (#039264-R-319432-018)
Ireland’s Revenue Commissioner (#1011600)
MGA (#MGA/CRP/121/2006)
Danish Gambling Authority (#18-0457046)
Swedish Gambling Authority (#23Si2199)

EverygameFootball, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Golf, and 10+ other sports$10$100 - $150$1

• 50% Sign-up Bonus up to $200
• 4 x $100 free bets
• $50 Weekly Free Bet on Losing Parlay Bets

• 8x deposit + bonus amount at min. odds of -200 (1.5) (Sign-up Bonus)
• All free bets must be fully wagered

Yes

No official license information

20BetFootball, Tennis, Basketball, Table Tennis, Ice Hockey, and 30+ other sports$/€10$/€10$/€0.10

• 100% Welcome Bonus up to $/€100
• Saturday Reload Bonus
• Forecast Free Bets

• 5x bonus amount on accumulator bets (Welcome Bonus)
• Full free bet wagered (Saturday Reload Bonus)
• Full free bet wagered (Forecast free bets)

Yes

Curaçao (#8048/JAZ2017-067)
Kahnawake Gaming Commission (#00882)

Top 9 Football Betting Sites

  1. Betway

    Betway logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    UKGC (#000-039372-R-319367) MGA (#MGA/B2C/130/2006) GGL (#RPDA-Dez. III. 34-73c 38.01/8-2019/13) Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (#10181496-010)
    Min Deposit
    $/€10
    Min Withdrawal
    $/€10
    Withdrawal Time
    • E-wallets - up to 24 hours• Debit cards and bank transfers - 2 business days
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoNeteller logoSkrill logoPayPal logoPaysafecard logoTrustly logoSofort logoNeosurf logoBancontact logo
    Sponsorships
    Arsenal FC, West Ham United FC, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Atletico Madrid FC
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes Email: support@betway.com Phone: varies according to country
    LinkedIn profile
    • Dedicated page for in-play betting
    • Punter can take advantage of early cash out
    • Competitive odds
    • Great market variety
    • SSL Encryption protect clients’ account information
    • Compatible with smartphones

    Betway’s layout is quite clean and very easy to navigate. The website is known for its rich catalog of markets, and apart from soccer, Betway users have access to sports the likes of Tennis, Cricket, Volleyball, eSports, Boxing, and more. In addition, soccer aficionados who prefer to stick to football matches will find that there is a lot to choose from in terms of bet variety. If you wish, you can go with the three-way moneyline, both teams to score, 1st goal, double chance, and correct score, among others. Combining different bets into parlays or system bets is also an option.

    Punters who prefer to be in on the action may also find their way to the live betting section of the website. Wagering on a match as the game is underway can lead to some of the most exciting moments of a punter’s betting career, and Betway’s excellent interface and live-stream features enhance the experience further.

    Betway’s website switches to a mobile interface when you use it on a smartphone browser, but the bookmaker also has mobile applications that can be downloaded from the iOS App Store or Google Play, depending on the type of device you utilize.

    The UKGC and the MGA are among the authorities which are responsible for regulating Betway’s regulations in Britain and internationally, and the bookmaker also boasts local licenses in Italy, Mexico, and Sweden.

  2. 888sport

    888sport logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    UKGC (#039028-R-319297-012) MGA (#MGA/CRP/543/2018) Government of Gibraltar (#112 and #113)
    Min Deposit
    $/€10
    Min Withdrawal
    $/€10
    Withdrawal Time
    • E-wallets and Rapid Transfer - 2-3 days• Visa and ApplePay - up to 6 days• Wire transfer - 5-8 days
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoNeteller logoSkrill logoPayPal logoPaysafecard logoTrustly logoNordea logoBank Transfer logoiDebit logoBoleto logoAstropay logoSofort logoecoPayz logoNeosurf logoWebMoney logoInstant banking logoInterac logoMuchBetter logoApple Pay logo
    Sponsorships
    National Football League (NFL), Dundalk Football Club, Cardiff City FC
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes email: support@888sport.com Phone: N/A
    LinkedIn profile
    • Soccer leagues receive great coverage
    • Numerous banking solutions
    • Decimal, Fractional and American Odds
    • Licensed by reputable regulators such as the UKGC and the MGA
    • An array of bet types for soccer events
    • The betslip is very easy to use

    This is a Gibraltar-based bookie that has become the go-to bookmaker of many punters on the web. The wagering interface is easy to use. It is not difficult to find the soccer category or any other sport you might fancy betting on, and the bet slip is also well-designed. Upon selecting several bets as opposed to just one, you will be presented with the option to combine said wagers into a parlay, keep them as singles, or create a round robin. In addition, you choose between the most popular odds formats, namely, decimal, fractional, and American Odds.

    Soccer aficionados will find that 888sport strives to cover as many football leagues as possible, including popular leagues like the England Championship, the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and the Brazil Serie A, among many others.

    Funding one’s account is not a difficult task at 888sport, given that the bookie accepts an impressive variety of banking solutions. You could opt for traditional methods like bank transfer, and credit and debit cards are also available depending on your location. In addition, you can go for an e-wallet solution, and the accepted digital wallets include, but are not limited to, Neteller, Skrill, and Paypal. Prepaid cards, the likes of PaySafeCard, are also an option.

  3. Betsson

    Betsson logo
    Review
    Licenses
    Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/CRP/108/2004)Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)Danish Gambling Authority (DGA)
    Min Deposit
    €10
    Min Withdrawal
    €20
    Withdrawal Time
    Bank Transfer: 2 to7 daysCards: 2 to 5 daysE-Wallets: Up to 24hours
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoNeteller logoSkrill logoPaysafecard logoTrustly logoBank Transfer logoMaestro logoBitcoin logoInterac logoMuchBetter logo
    Sponsorships
    Atletico NacionalInter MilanOFI CretePremier Padel
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: YesEmail: support-en@betsson.comPhone: +356 2260 3300
    Facebook profileX profileInstagram profileYouTube chanelTikTok profileLinkedIn profileSpotify porofileApple Podcast chanel
    • Excellent mobile solutions
    • The layout is well-organized
    • Great soccer coverage
    • Live betting is available
    • Extensive FAQ section
    • Minimum deposit requirement of just €10

    Betsson is a sportsbook that is preferred by both seasoned punters and bettors who are new to wagering on soccer and sports in general. Creating an account is not a troublesome task, and newcomers will also find that identity verification takes no time at all. Once done, punters can make their first deposit, and they are not obligated to fund their account with a lot of money since the deposit minimum is a mere €10. In addition, the banking solutions one can pick from are sufficient in terms of variety. Bettors whose preferences are similar to digital wallets can go with Neteller or Skrill, while bank transfers and the utilization of credit and debit cards is also possible.

    Having superb desktop betting solutions is mandatory for any modern sportsbook, but just as important is the experience of wagering at a certain bookmaker when a punter is on the go. Betsson is more than aware that many of its clients value mobility when it comes to betting, and it has thus ensured that bettors will be able to choose the experience that best suits their preferences. Those who wish to have a dedicated application can download Betsson from their respective app stores, depending on whether they wager on an Android device or an iPhone. If someone finds that downloading a dedicated app is a hassle, then the mobile interface of Betsson is more than sufficient as it is comfortable to use and it includes all the features of the PC version.

  4. 22Bet

    22Bet logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    Curaçao (#8048/JAZ2017-067) Kahnawake Gaming Commission (#00882)
    Min Deposit
    $/€1
    Min Withdrawal
    $/€10
    Withdrawal Time
    • Cryptocurrencies - 15 minutes• E-wallets - up to 24 hours• Credit & debit cards - up to 7 business days
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoNeteller logoSkrill logoSkrill 1-Tap logoPayPal logoPay4Fun logoPerfect Money logoSticpay logoBoleto logoBitcoin logoDogecoin logoEthereum logoDash logoZCash logoTether logoRipple logoLitecoin logoUnionPay logoAstropay logoJeton logoBitcoin Cash logoCardano  logoStellar  logoEOS logoAvalanche logoBinance Coin logoChainlink logoPolygon logoShiba Inu logoBitcoin Gold logoVerge logoDigiByte logoTron logoItaú Unibanco logoBradesco logoBanco do Brasil logoCaixa logoSantander logoAirtm logoDai logoPolkadot logoNEM logoQTUM logoTrueUSD logoPax Dollar logoLoterica logoJuventus logoBasic Attention Token logoToncoin logoCosmos Atom logoParis Saint-Germain Token logoAS Roma logoBinance USD logo
    Sponsorships
    N/A
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes email: support-en@22bet.com Phone: +357 99 816806
    X profileInstagram profileLinkedIn profile
    • An array of language options
    • Coverage of numerous sports
    • Great variety of odds formats, including Hong Kong, Indonesian, and Malaysian odds
    • Excellent selection of deposit methods
    • Punters have the ability to choose between numerous withdrawal solutions
    • Verification does not take long

    At 22bet, punters have more options when it comes to odds formats. Apart from the traditional odds we are used to seeing in the west, such as the American, Fractional and Decimal odds, 22bet also allows for picking between the formats popular in Asia. Hong Kong odds are an option, as are Malaysian and Indonesian odds. This strive towards catering to a global audience does not end here, as the vast majority of 22bet users can choose to use their own native language on the website. The supported languages include, but are not limited to, English, Hungarian, Russian, Turkish, Chinese, Finnish, Italian, and Japanese.

    Although many soccer fans prefer to stick to this sport when it comes to their betting endeavors, there are also those who like to dabble in other sports. Thankfully, 22bet is perfect for such bettors, as you can wager on events related to basketball, tennis, baseball, ice hockey, boxing, handball, and many more.

    This bookmaker has also made it exceptionally easy to fund your account or cash out your funds, seeing as you can use virtually any online payment solution, and it is very likely that you will find it on 22bet’s list of deposits and withdrawal methods. Skrill and Paypal are among the formats representing e-wallets, while prepaid vouchers are also an option thanks to the inclusion of PaySafeCard. Bank transfer is another solution you can utilize, and finally, cryptocurrencies are another type of banking method featured at 22bet.

  5. Bovada

    Bovada logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    Union of the Comoros
    Min Deposit
    • $10 - Crypto, Player Transfer, MatchPay• $20 - Bank Cards• $50 - Direct Bank Transfer
    Min Withdrawal
    • $10 - Voucher, MatchPay• $250 - Check by Courier• $1,500 - Bank Wire• $10 - All crypto except USDT and ETH• $50 - USDT and ETH
    Withdrawal Time
    • Bitcoin - Up to 24 hours • Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin - Up to 1 hour• Check by Courier - Approximately 10-15 Business Days • Bank Wire - Approximately 10-15 business days
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoBank Transfer logoBitcoin logoEthereum logoTether logoLitecoin logoBitcoin Cash logoAmex logoMatchPay logoPapara logo
    Sponsorships
    N/A
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes Email: service@bovada.lv Phone: N/A
    Facebook profileX profileInstagram profileLinkedIn profile
    • Competitive odds
    • An array of soccer markets
    • SSL Encryption
    • Clean betslip design
    • Creating an account is streamlined
    • Convenient interface

    Bovada was launched in 2011, and throughout the years it has proven itself to be a reputable sportsbook that serves its users well. Soccer fans, in particular, are in for a treat, as Bovada strives to cover all major championships and leagues, including the FIFA world cup, and the UEFA Championships. In addition, events pertaining to country-specific leagues the likes of the Premier League, Denmark’s Superligaen, the Bundesliga in Germany, the Netherlands’ Eredivisie, and Italy’s Coppa Italia, among many others.

    Instead of being limited to pre-match bets, football betting aficionados can also wager on the odds as a game is underway. The markets available do not vary much from what you can wager on during pre-match betting, and the choices on offer are impressive all in all. Draw no bet, over/under, double chance, correct score, and goal props are among the bets punters can pick from.

    If you prefer to wager on live matches on the go as opposed to being stuck to your desktop computer, Bovada can very easily be used on smartphones. You do not need to download a dedicated application and can instead simply load the website on your mobile browser. It will automatically switch to the mobile layout, and you will find that everything Bovada has to offer will be at your fingertips. So long as you have a device with an internet connection and a browser, you are good to go.

  6. bet365

    bet365 logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    UKGC (#055148-R-331498-001) MGA (#MGA/CRP/531/2018) Government of Gibraltar (#076) +10 jurisdictions (including US states)
    Min Deposit
    $/€10
    Min Withdrawal
    $/€10
    Withdrawal Time
    * E-wallets - 1-4 hours* Debit Card - 1-4 hours* Credit Cards - 1-5 days* Wire Transfer - up to 12 hours
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoNeteller logoSkrill logoSkrill 1-Tap logoPayPal logoPaysafecard logoBank Transfer logoInstadebit logoiDebit logoAstropay logoInterac logoApple Pay logo
    Sponsorships
    UEFA Champions League
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes email: support.eng@customerservices365.com Phone: 00 800 1236 5365
    Facebook profileX profileLinkedIn profile
    • Live streaming
    • Available on smartphones
    • The website is secure and users can enable two-factor authentication
    • Licensed by reputable regulatory bodies
    • Cash out available
    • 24/7 customer support

    Bet365 is one of the largest players in the sports betting world. The bookmaker has been around for over two decades at the time of writing, and it continues to entertain experienced and new punters alike.

    Soccer lovers can wager on the spread or place over/under bets, double chance, both teams to score, team or player props, and so on. You could also try wagering on other sports from time to time, and options such as cycling, eSports, golf, basketball, and motorsports can all be found within bet365’s catalog. Additionally, punters can spice up their wagering sessions by visiting Bet365’s live casino section.

    Seeing as betting on the web is not always smooth sailing, punters are bound to run into an issue sooner or later. Thankfully, Bet365’s customer services are available around the clock, seven days a week, so finding help is simply a matter of reaching out. You can use live chat to receive help almost instantly. Other options include calling via telephone or sending an email.

    Bettors who have made Bet365 their sportsbook of choice do not need to worry about the safety of their account or information when they wager on the website. All client data is encrypted with the usage of Secure Socket Layer encryption, and you can also utilize two-factor authentication to further protect your account from third parties with malicious intentions.

  7. Mr Green

    Mr Green logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    UKGC (#039264-R-319432-018) Ireland’s Revenue Commissioner (#1011600) MGA (#MGA/CRP/121/2006) Danish Gambling Authority (#18-0457046) Swedish Gambling Authority (#23Si2199)
    Min Deposit
    $/€10
    Min Withdrawal
    $/€10
    Withdrawal Time
    • Credit/Debit cards - up to 3 days• Bank transfers and Trustly - up to 5 business days• E-wallets and Paysafe wallets - up to 2 hours
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoNeteller logoSkrill logoPaysafecard logoTrustly logoBank Transfer logoSofort logoMuchBetter logoGiropay logoRevolut logo
    Sponsorships
    N/A
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes email: customerservice@mrgreen.com Phone: N/A
    Facebook profileX profileLinkedIn profile
    • SSL Encryption
    • The design language of the website is elegant and organized
    • UKGC license
    • The registration process is very easy
    • Covers many soccer leagues
    • Customer support can be contacted via live chat

    Headquartered in Malta, Mr Green is a classy bookmaker that was founded in 2008 and continues to entertain punters from across the globe. Upon visiting the bookie’s website or trying their application, it is immediately notable how clean the overall design is, along with the fitting color palette that is pleasant to look at.

    Mr Green’s library consists of an impressive variety of markets, and this includes sports the likes of basketball, baseball, horse racing, and motorsports, along with more exotic markets such as politics. Naturally, soccer is included within Mr Green’s catalog, and you can wager on a game’s winner, as well as bet variations such as double chance, handicap, and player specials, among others.

    Punters who find themselves in a bit of a pickle while using the website can contact Mr Green’s customer support team, and this is an excellent option for punters who need assistance in general. You can try contacting them whenever you wish, as customer support is available 24/7. As for the means of communication one can utilize, live chat is the quickest way to get help, as responses tend to be practically instant. Punters can also opt for sending an email, although this option is not as fast as the live chat. Finally, calling is another quick and easy option that tends to closely rival live chat support.

  8. Everygame

    Everygame logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    No official license information
    Min Deposit
    $10
    Min Withdrawal
    $100 - $150
    Withdrawal Time
    * Bitcoin and ecoPayz - 48 hours* Checks (the US only) - 5 business days* Bank wires - up to 15 business days* SEPA - up to 4 business days
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoBank Transfer logoBitcoin logoLitecoin logoecoPayz logoeZeeWallet logoNeosurf logoBitcoin Cash logoDiscover logoAmerican Express logo
    Sponsorships
    N/A
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes Email: bet@everygame.eu Phone: Scheduled calls only
    X profile
    • In-play is available
    • Callback and live chat support
    • Numerous banking solutions
    • Decimal, fractional and American odds types
    • The betslip is very convenient
    • Great market variety

    EveryGame is a global bookie that is loved by punters from far and wide. The bookmaker covers a multitude of sports, and punters who like to jump from sport to sport will be able to do so because cricket, eSports, golf, tennis, and many more are all a part of EveryGame’s catalog.

    As for soccer fans, they will find that wagering on soccer can be quite fun at EveryGame, seeing as the bookie has made sure to include the most popular bet types such as over/under, double chance, correct score, half time/full time, and the three-way moneyline among many others.

    In addition, the betslip is always to the right, which makes it easy to browse EveryGame’s catalog while still keeping track of your bets. Adding possible outcomes to your betslip is as simple as clicking the odds, and you will also have the option to either keep your bets as singles, combine them into parlays, or place a teaser bet instead. Punters who are fond of the thrill that live betting can provide will have the opportunity to wager on their favorite games as the action is in full swing.

  9. 20Bet

    20Bet logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    Curaçao (#8048/JAZ2017-067) Kahnawake Gaming Commission (#00882)
    Min Deposit
    $/€10
    Min Withdrawal
    $/€10
    Withdrawal Time
    • E-wallets - 12 hours• Cryptos - 24 hours•Credit/debit cards - 7 business days
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoPaysafecard logoPerfect Money logoBitcoin logoEthereum logoLitecoin logoAstropay logoMiFinity logoSofort logoecoPayz logoCashtoCode logoJeton logoeZeeWallet logoFlexepin logoNeosurf logoInterac logo
    Sponsorships
    N/A
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes email: support@20bet.com Phone: N/A
    X profileInstagram profileLinkedIn profile
    • Live streaming
    • A multitude of deposit methods
    • The registration process is very quick
    • Variety of markets
    • Live betting
    • American, Decimal and fractional odds

    The registration process at 20bet takes no time at all, and once done, new users have a lot to choose from in terms of banking solutions. Tried-and-true options such as credit and debit cards are available, and you could also go for an e-wallet like Jeton or STICPAY. Finally, punters who utilize blockchain technology can deposit or withdraw their funds via Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, and other cryptocurrencies.

    The website’s layout is well-organized, and punters can easily navigate the menus and find the sports, leagues, or events they aim to wager on. The bookmaker’s visual interface does not disappoint on mobile either, and its application can be downloaded either from the Google Play Store or the App Store, depending on the operating system of your smartphone. If the idea of installing an app sounds unappealing, the website automatically converts to a mobile layout when you use a browser on your smartphone, and this is another efficient option for punters on the go.

    Something that can greatly enhance the wagering experience of a punter is the opportunity to place bets as a game is taking place. 20bet is perfectly aware of just how popular live betting has become in the past few decades, and it has dedicated an entire section of its online sportsbook for in-play betting. In addition, the UEFA Champions League, the Bundesliga, and the Premier League are among the leagues soccer betting aficionados can find at 20bet.

Football Betting Overview

Soccer is one of those sports that will always receive lots of attention at online betting hotspots. The game is loved by many, and for bettors who are simply concerned with the fun aspect of it all, there is something special about the opportunity to participate in a match and back your favorites with a bet. Ambitious punters also tend to gravitate towards soccer for its popularity and the sheer number of markets one can find on sports betting websites. No matter what type of punter you are, you will have a lot to pick from when you begin searching for your favorite sportsbook.

History of Soccer Betting

History of Soccer BettingThere is evidence that games involving a ball date all the way back to the time of the Aztecs, and games that were somewhat similar to football, were played in Medieval England. What we now know as soccer today, however, was established as its own, distinct sport in 1863, Britain. It was then that the rules of association football were officially laid out.

That same year also marks the foundation of the first-ever football association in the world. With this, the game quickly gained popularity, and a passionate betting scene surrounding the sport was soon formed.

Betting was against the law in Britain in the 1860s, but this did not deter soccer bettors from wagering on their favorite teams. Thankfully, legislation improved significantly in the 20th and 21st centuries, and now betting on football is legal in many countries across the globe. Moreover, betting is far more accessible nowadays, thanks to modern technology. The first revolution in sports betting happened when the television found its way to almost every 20th-century household, and bettors could wager on football before and in between game broadcasts.

The next major change for soccer betting happened thanks to the world wide web. The internet allowed bookmakers to reach an audience like never before by simply allowing individuals to wager online. Now, sports betting aficionados are spoiled for choice in terms of the number of leagues they can wager on and the sheer variety of wagers that can be placed at online bookies.

Types of Soccer Bets

Types of Soccer BetsFans of obscure sports have likely run into the problem of having either not enough matches to wager on or little in terms of variety when it comes to the bets themselves. Thankfully, soccer does not face such problems. It is, instead, a behemoth of a global sport, and football events tend to be the bread and butter of the majority of sportsbooks. As such, you will have a lot to pick from as you contemplate the potential bets you can place as an anticipated event draws near.

Win Bets

Win BetsThis is a category that encompasses some of the most simple and straightforward bets you can place. The 1×2 bet, which is also known as the three-way moneyline, gives punters three options to pick from. Here is an example of how this bet would look like at a bookmaker:

  • Watford: 2.30
  • Draw: 3.25
  • Sheffield United: 3.25

Then we have the double chance, which, as implied, is a bet where you can pick two possible outcomes as opposed to just one, and you again have a choice of three bets to place. In this case, we will examine the same game between Watford and Sheffield United to see how exactly this could play out:

  • Home and Draw: 1.33
  • Home and Away: 1.57
  • Away and Draw: 1.33

Evidently, there are still a total of three bets to pick from, but the way they are structured ensures that each bet has two chances of succeeding.

Finally, there is the draw no bet, which is even more simple as there are only two outcomes punters can pick from:

  • Watford: 1.61
  • Sheffield United: 2.20

What makes this bet special is that it is possible to push. Therefore, if the match ends in a tie, you will receive your stake back.

Both Teams to Score

Both Teams to ScoreIf you are a punter who is not fond of complicated wagers and wish to try a bet that rivals even win/lose bets in their simplicity, then both teams to score might be perfect. This is what a typical BTTS listing looks like:

If you believe that both Watford and Sheffield United will have scored by the end of the match we looked at previously, you will pick the “yes” option. If you believe the opposite and that neither team will manage to land a goal, then you can pick the “no” bet.

Handicapping

HandicappingWhether it is listed as the spread or the handicap, this type of bet involves leveling the playing field of the favorite and the underdog. This means that you are not simply betting on the team you believe will win, as the specific number of goals is significant.

Even if the presumed winners were to become victorious, if they did not win by enough points, i.e., cover the spread, then those who wagered on them will have lost.

Likewise, you will not necessarily part with your stake if the underdogs lose. So long as they do not lose by more points than what is listed in the bet, and they do not land on a push, your wager will be a winning one. We will examine the following listing:

  • Watford: -1.5: 1.9
  • Sheffield United: +1.5: 1.9

Here, Watford must win by at least two points if you wish to wager on them and succeed. On the other hand, so long as Sheffield United loses by no more than one point, you will have won this bet.

There are two types of handicap betting, the first of which allows for draws to occur. Bookmakers use whole numbers for the points of these handicap bets, and it is thus possible for a team to lose or win by the exact number listed.

The second type is called the no draw handicap, which simply adds half a point to each listing in order to eliminate the chances of a push.

Another aspect of soccer handicapping you should keep in mind is that, unlike NFL football, the point spread tends to be quite low, and it rarely exceeds 2 points. This is due to soccer’s low-scoring nature, which makes it more similar to NHL hockey in this regard.

Totals

TotalsOften seen as one of the best bets for punters who wish to win, totals are bets that center around whether the teams in a match will score over or under a certain number of points.

Totals are perfect for those games where the teams are more or less on the same skill level, and past game data also points towards them performing similarly during their upcoming game. You can simply wager that the match will be goal-heavy, or if the teams are known to both be cautious and play very defensively, you could wager that they will score fewer goals than what is given by the bookmaker.

Similar to the handicap, a total bet has two variations depending on whether your bet can result in a push. The first one eliminates such an outcome through the usage of half points. The second type of over/under bet does not bother with adding half a point and instead just keeps the points as whole numbers.

Soccer Parlay

Soccer ParlayIn a sense, a parlay bet is several wagers combined into one. The individual bets that make up a parlay are often referred to as legs or selections.

What makes accas unique is that the odds of each leg are multiplied by one another, which results in exceptionally good odds that ensure an impressive payout should the parlay be successful. Here is an example of an acca bet where we have put $10 at stake:

  • Leicester City – Brentford: Home 2.05
  • AFC Bournemouth – Aston Villa: Away 2.15
  • Everton – Chelsea: Tie 3.80

Since this is an accumulator bet, what we first need to do is multiply the odds by one another, which leaves us with final odds of 16.74. Now, we shall use the formula below to see how much we stand to win:

Profit = (stake x decimal odds) – stake = $167,4 – 10 = $157.4

Now, let us compare this to the payout of the same bets placed as singles

  • Profit = (stake x decimal odds) – stake = 20.5 – 10 = $10.5
  • Profit = (stake x decimal odds) – stake = 21.5 – 10 = $11.5
  • Profit = (stake x decimal odds) – stake = 2538 – 10 = $28
  • Total Profit = $50

Evidently, parlays are far more generous than your average series of single bets. Things look so good, in fact, that some might wonder why punters do not simply combine their bets into parlays every single time. Ultimately, this is because there is a catch. An accumulator needs to meet the following condition for a successful bet: all selections must win. Therefore, if you have an acca consisting of five bets, four of them can end in success for you, but just one loss will cost you the entire parlay. This is in stark contrast to single bets, where each individual wager is independent of the rest. Accumulators, therefore, carry a lot of risks, more so than a traditional series of single bets. It is for this reason that experienced punters recommend you avoid including more than two or three selections in a parlay.

It is worth noting that certain sportsbooks offer features and promotions that can somewhat mitigate the risks. The most typical form such promotions take is called acca insurance. If you take advantage of this feature, your stake will be returned to you if just one of your legs loses.

FAQ

  1. Why do I need to verify my identity after I have created an account at a bookmaker?

    Identity verification is a common requirement by a number of regulatory bodies. In short, sportsbooks need to verify your identity if they wish to continue operating legitimately. As for why such identity checks are required in the first place, it serves to confirm the age of potential customers, and verification also assists in preventing fraudulent activities and money laundering.

  2. What is in-play?

    In-play, also known as live betting, is the practice of placing wagers as a game is underway. It can lead to lots of exhilarating moments, especially in sports like soccer, where every goal counts.

  3. Are soccer parlays worth it over single bets?

    That would depend entirely on the type of punter you are, as well as the particular situation at hand. In general, parlays are far more difficult to win compared to a series of single bets, so you will need to be extra confident in your skills as an analyst. If you are more of a casual bettor who simply likes wagering as a leisurely activity, on the other hand, parlays can be very exciting so long as you are alright with their risky nature.

  4. How long will it take for deposits to reach my account?

    This will vary from deposit method to deposit method. With most e-wallets, for instance, deposits tend to be instant, although in some cases, it might take a couple of minutes for the money to appear in your account. Credit and debit card depots are another quick banking solution that is usually instant. Bank transfers tend to differ as transaction speeds are often determined by your bank. They can range from a few minutes to several days or even an entire week.

  5. I do not have a computer, can I wager on my smartphone?

    Most modern sportsbooks have created mobile apps that run natively on the most popular smartphone operating systems. This means that you will be able to download the app of your bookie of choice regardless of whether you are an Android or iOS user. If the bookmaker happens to not have a dedicated app, their website will be optimized to work well not just on desktop computers but on the browsers of smartphones as well.

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