For fans of the beautiful game seeking to take their passion to the next level, anticipating match outcomes is an enthralling means of becoming more involved and engaged in the action. However, demystifying sports betting is an essential undertaking; ergo, this article serves as an introduction to everything required to commence betting on soccer, alongside tips and strategies to maximise the experience.
The Basics of Soccer Betting
In advance of signing up and placing an initial wager at a reputable provider such as Comeon Sportsbook, it is intuitive to comprehend the basics of soccer betting. Typically, betting on soccer matches encompasses anticipating innumerable outcomes of a match and placing a wager on a given result. The most widespread bet types include the following:
Match result (win, lose or draw): This is the typical choice of bet for beginner enthusiasts (and also the simplest to understand). For example, in the recent Premier League match between Everton and Manchester City, despite trailing 1-0 at the half, Pep Guardiola’s squad came out on top, eventually winning 3-1. To win this bet, a simple prediction of Man City winning the match would have resulted in a successful bet.
Over/under goals: The odds for the over/under bet for the match above were 2.5 goals – this means fans could have wagered for both teams to score less than 2.5 goals (representing the “under”) or more than 2.5 goals (representing the “over”). Most partakers anticipated a high-scoring affair and were thus successful if they placed a bet on the over.
Both teams score: This is another popular type of bet as the final result of the match becomes irrelevant. Punters are only required to bet if both teams will score a goal (or not at all) in a given match. Utilising the above example between Man City and Everton, savvy bettors would have earned some winnings had they placed a bet for both teams to score.
Understanding the different types of bets (as well as how to interpret various odds) provides a basic foundation for successful betting; however, it is certainly not the “be-all and end-all”. Ergo, conducting thorough research and analysis from team form and head-to-head records to player injuries is fundamental to making informed bets.
Using again the Manchester City/Everton example, the former have won 12 matches and tied just once over the last seven years in head-to-head matchups with Everton. Thus, informed bettors were wise to select Man City to win the match, even with their star striker Erling Haaland and midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne sidelined due to injury.
The Importance of Bankroll Management
Those who have committed significant time to betting research will have undoubtedly encountered the term “bankroll management” – ultimately representing a means of handling funds wisely. Managing finances is essential in everyday life, albeit particularly when placing wagers. Since sports betting should be primarily considered entertainment, prospective bettors should approach it as such and allocate a pre-defined spending amount.
Just as one might allocate money for concerts, attending the movies, or going out for dinner, determining a budget in advance and strictly adhering to it is vital in sports betting. The old adage of “never betting more than you can afford to lose” rings true for numerous reasons, where spending beyond your means could potentially lead to financial issues and diminish the pleasurable aspect of sporting engagement.
Thus, instead of wagering all of one’s bankroll money on one match, it is discerning to spread wagers across multiple matches and various bet types. This insulates funds if an unexpected outcome or upset occurs as we simply never know what can occur in a match – from the best player getting injured to a team being forced to play a man down as a result of a red card.
Emotional Control and Discipline
In betting, like other aspects of our lives, it can be easy to let our biases cloud our judgement. This is why it is critical to practice emotional control and discipline when placing wagers. For example, for those on a winning streak, ensure not to get carried away and make impulsive bets.
Additionally, while we may desperately wish for our favourite team to win a match, that does not always necessitate placing a wager on them to do so – taking personal emotions out of betting can be challenging, particularly at first. However, overall success will undoubtedly improve if we stick to making rational, data-based decisions.
