A Comprehensive Guide to the Most Popular Football Bets Today

Among the many types of football bets offered by reputable bookmakers, which ones do you usually go for? What makes each of these bet types different? And if you had to choose, which one should you play? Let’s explore the answers with win betting tips in the detailed guide below.

What Are Football Bets?

Football bets refer to specific types of wagers placed on football matches. When a bettor wants to place a bet on a particular match, they do so through an online bookmaker.

Common Types of Football Bets

On average, a single football match will feature a wide variety of betting options from trustworthy bookmakers. However, from a professional perspective, these can generally be divided into two main categories:

Main Bets: These are the most popular and commonly played bet types.

Side Bets: Less commonly chosen options, usually with fewer participants.

The payout odds can vary depending on the bookmaker ratings you choose. Trusted platforms usually offer more detailed and transparent betting information, helping you analyze and place more accurate bets.

Popular Football Bets You’ll Encounter

There are countless football bet types out there, but realistically, you won’t have the time or budget to play them all. Below is a list of the most frequently encountered bets in online football betting.

1. 1×2 Betting (Match Result)

Also known as European Odds, this is the most popular and straightforward bet type.

In this bet, you have three options:

Home team wins

Away team wins

Match ends in a draw

Odds vary based on the team selected, and all relevant information is clearly displayed on the bookmaker’s odds table.

2. Correct Score Bet

This bet has significantly higher payouts compared to others—but also much lower chances of winning.

Bookmakers provide a list of possible final scores with corresponding odds. If the final score matches your bet exactly, the reward can be very lucrative.

3. Odd/Even Bet

A high-risk, high-luck bet where you predict whether the total number of goals scored in the match will be odd or even.

This bet remains a favorite among many players due to its simplicity and excitement.

4. Total Goals (Over/Under)

Also known as the Over/Under (O/U) bet, you predict whether the total number of goals scored will be over or under a set number.

Bookmakers might further split this into:

Total goals by both teams

Total goals by a specific team

This is one of the most widely played bet types due to its clarity and flexibility.

5. First/Last Goal Bet

Here, you wager on whether a team will score the first or last goal of the match.

Despite being considered a side bet, it continues to attract many players—especially at reputable sportsbooks that offer high payouts for this category.

6. Handicap Betting

One of the most complex bet types, Handicap bets (also known as Asian Handicap) are recommended for more experienced players.

The bookmaker will determine a stronger and a weaker team. The weaker team will be given a goal advantage, while the stronger team must overcome this handicap for bets on them to win.

For example, in a mismatch, the weaker team might be given a +1 or +2 goal advantage.

7. Over/Under Goals (Tài Xỉu)

This is another form of the Over/Under bet, particularly popular in Asian markets.

It focuses solely on the total number of goals scored by both teams. The actual winner of the match is irrelevant to the outcome of this bet.

8. Card Betting (Yellow/Red Cards)

Here, you bet on the number of cards (yellow and/or red) issued during a match.

Referees control this outcome by penalizing fouls. Though considered a secondary bet type, it’s simple and engaging. Only trusted bookmakers usually offer this option.

9. Corner Kick Betting

Also known as Corner Bets, these focus on the total number of corner kicks in a match.

Reputable platforms often offer multiple variations:

Total corners by both teams

First team to get a corner

Over/Under corners, etc.

Final Thoughts

We’ve just covered some of the most common and popular best sporting directors in football available today. While there are many other lesser-known types, understanding the ones listed above is more than enough to help you bet with confidence.

Remember, choosing the right type of bet depends on your knowledge, playing style, and risk tolerance. Take time to explore each option and enjoy a smarter betting experience.