How to Bet on The World's Most Popular Sport
Soccer enjoys a global reputation as the most beloved sport and a top pick among bettors worldwide. Each day witnesses a multitude of enthusiastic fans participating in soccer betting. If you're venturing into the world of soccer betting for the first time, you might be wondering how to get started. We're here to provide guidance.
What makes soccer betting so appealing is its diversity. You can place bets on a wide range of outcomes, from simple win-loss scenarios to more intricate options like predicting the total number of goals or individual player performances. This variety ensures that there's always something new and intriguing to explore. Every match presents its own unique conditions and opportunities, making each bet a captivating experience.
How to Place a Soccer Bet
- Choose a Sportsbook
- Start by selecting a reputable online or mobile sportsbook that operates in North America. Ensure it is licensed and offers a wide range of soccer betting options.
- Create an Account
- Sign up for an account with the chosen sportsbook. Provide the required personal information, including your name, email address, and age to verify eligibility.
- Verify Your Identity
- Most sportsbooks will require you to verify your identity. This often involves submitting a copy of your ID and proof of address, such as a utility bill.
- Deposit Funds
- Fund your sportsbook account with real money. Common deposit methods include credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, or prepaid cards. Choose the option that suits you best.
- Navigate to Soccer Betting
- Once your account is funded, navigate to the soccer betting section of the sportsbook. This may be labeled as "Soccer," "Football," or "Soccer Betting."
- Browse Soccer Markets
- Explore the available soccer matches and markets. You can choose from various types of bets, including match result, total goals, in-play betting, and more.
- Place Your Bet
- Select the soccer match and market you want to bet on. Click on the odds associated with your chosen outcome to add it to your bet slip.
- Set Your Stake
- In your bet slip, enter the amount you want to wager on the selected outcome.
- Confirm Your Bet
- Review your bet slip to ensure all details are correct. Confirm your bet by clicking the "Place Bet" or similar button.
- Wait for Results
- Once your bet is placed, you'll need to wait for the match to conclude to see if your bet is successful.
- Withdraw Winnings
- If your bet wins, you can withdraw your winnings. Navigate to the withdrawal section of the sportsbook and choose your preferred withdrawal method.
- Responsible Betting
- Always bet responsibly and within your means. Set limits on your wagers and avoid chasing losses.
Understanding Soccer Odds
Understanding soccer betting odds is essential for a positive experience. Odds indicate the probability of outcomes and potential wins.
American Odds: Used in the U.S., showing winnings on a $100 bet. Positive numbers for underdogs indicate winnings from a $100 bet; negative numbers for favorites show the needed bet to win $100.
Example: If Toronto FC is +150 and Montreal Impact is -120, a $100 bet on Toronto wins $150, while it takes a $120 bet on Montreal to win $100.
Decimal Odds: Show total payout per unit bet, popular in Canada. The higher the decimal, the less likely the outcome, but the payout is greater for successful bets.
Example: Vancouver Whitecaps at 2.75 vs. Calgary FC at 3.10 means a $100 bet on Vancouver returns $275, and the same on Calgary yields $310.
Fractional Odds: Common in the UK, showing profit relative to the stake. The first number indicates potential profit for every unit of the second number bet.
Example: For a game with Toronto FC at 1/3 vs. Ottawa Fury at 4/1, a $100 bet on Toronto would return $133.33, while a $100 bet on Ottawa could net $400.
Key Types of Soccer Bets
There are hundreds of betting types for soccer but a few stand out as the most popular options:
Match Result (1X2): This bet predicts the outcome of a match - home team win (1), draw (X), or away team win (2).
Example: Premier League - Chelsea vs. Manchester City
1 (Chelsea) - X (Draw) - 2 (Manchester City)
Double Chance: It allows you to bet on two possible outcomes in a single bet, reducing risk.
Example: La Liga - Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
1X (Barcelona or Draw) - 12 (Barcelona or Real Madrid) - X2 (Draw or Real Madrid)
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): You bet on whether both teams will score goals in the match.
Example: MLS - New York Red Bulls vs. LA Galaxy
BTTS (Both Teams to Score) - Yes or No
Total Goals (Over/Under): Bet on the total number of goals scored in a match, usually in half-goal increments.
Example: Premier League - Arsenal vs. Liverpool
Over 2.5 Goals (More than 2.5 goals) - Under 2.5 Goals (2 goals or fewer)
Asian Handicap: It provides a handicap to level the playing field, often used in matches with clear favorites.
Example: Bundesliga - Bayern Munich vs. SC FreiburgBayern Munich -1.5 (+110) - SC Freiburg +1.5 (-120)
Correct Score: Predict the exact final score of the match for potentially high returns.
Example: Serie A - Juventus vs. AC Milan2-1 (Juventus wins 2-1) - 0-0 (Match ends in a draw with no goals)
First Goalscorer: Bet on which player will score the first goal in the match.
Example: Champions League - Real Madrid vs. Paris Saint-Germain Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) - Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
In-Play Betting: Place bets during the match based on real-time events like goals, corners, or player actions.
Example: FA Cup - Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur Bet on Manchester United to score the next goal during the match.
Accumulator (Parlay): Combine multiple bets into a single wager for larger potential payouts.
Example: Mix matches from different leagues in an accumulator bet.
Draw No Bet:
This eliminates the possibility of a draw, providing a refund if the match ends in a tie.
Example: Serie A - Inter Milan vs. Napoli Inter Milan Draw No Bet (Inter Milan wins or refund if it's a draw)
Live In-Play Betting on Soccer Games
Live in-play betting is a dynamic aspect of soccer wagering, allowing bettors to engage with ongoing matches. It offers real-time opportunities without leading to bets. Key points include:
- Real-Time Betting: Live in-play betting lets you place bets while a soccer match is ongoing, covering various aspects of the game.
- Wide Betting Options: Options include predicting next goal scorers, team to score next, total goals in a period, and more.
- Market Fluctuations: Odds change rapidly as the game progresses, influenced by goals, injuries, and team performance.
- Informed Decisions: Observing the match helps make informed betting choices based on current dynamics.
- Responsibility: Approach live betting responsibly, set limits, and avoid chasing losses due to rapidly changing odds.
- Match Streaming: Some platforms offer live streaming, enhancing the experience and aiding informed bets.
- Fast Payouts: Winnings from live bets are settled promptly after the match ends.
How to Bet on Soccer FAQs
General
How do I start soccer betting online or on mobile in North America?
To begin, choose a reputable sportsbook, create an account, and verify your identity.
What should I look for in a sportsbook for soccer betting in North America?
Look for a licensed sportsbook that offers a wide range of soccer betting options.
Account Setup:
What information is required to create a sportsbook account?
You'll need to provide personal information, including your name, email address, and age for eligibility verification.
Why do sportsbooks require identity verification?
Identity verification is a standard procedure to ensure the legal age and identity of bettors.
Depositing Funds
How can I deposit funds into my sportsbook account?
Common deposit methods include credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, or prepaid cards. Choose the method that suits you best.
Is it safe to deposit real money into a sportsbook account?
Reputable sportsbooks use secure encryption to protect your financial information, making it safe to deposit funds.
Betting Process
How do I navigate to soccer betting on the sportsbook's website or mobile app?
After funding your account, navigate to the soccer betting section, usually labeled as "Soccer," "Football," or "Soccer Betting."
What types of soccer bets are available for selection?
You can choose from various bets, including match result, total goals, in-play betting, and more.
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Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.
In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content.
Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.
| Experience | Year |
| Engaged in private entrepreneurship | 2000-2013 |
| Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting | 2013-2020 |
| Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol | 2022 |
"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports."
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Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.
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Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.
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Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.
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Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.
