Soccer Betting

The first thing you need to know in soccer betting is how to interpret the odds. European and North American odds are shown differently, big surprise. European odds are shown in decimal form. If the soccer team you favor is offered at 3.00 odds, you will get back $3 on a win for every $1 wagered for a net profit of $2 ($3 minus your $1 wager). European odds of 1.60 means that you will make a net profit of $0.60 for every $1 wagered.

North American odds are determined by a money line. A soccer team that is listed at +160 is a 60-point underdog according to the line. This means that a winning bet would pay a profit of $160 for every $100 wagered. A money line of -160 means that a winning bet of $160 would pay $100 in profit.

There are many different types of bets that can be made on a soccer match. The given odds and types of bets will vary depending on the sportsbook. Straight or single bets are the most common and payout based on the given odds. Straight bets can be made for either team to win or for the match to end in a tie. Several bets can be combined for what is known as a parlay bet. For a parlay to win each individual bet in the parlay must win. Over/under bets are also common and involve the number of combined goals scored in a match. The types of bets offered and rules for each bet should be available and easily found at any sportsbook.

To become a successful soccer bettor you need to keep yourself informed. Keep a record of each days opening and closing odds as well as the outcome and scores of each match. Use this information to look for trends and odds that will give you an advantage. Also keep up to date on player performance and injury.

One of the most important things to remember is to bet with your head and not your heart. Most people have a weakness for favorite teams but this can skew a successful betting strategy and result in losses. Start off small and only bet on a few games at once. Figure out your bankroll first and bet accordingly. Make sure you bet small enough to continue throughout the season, don’t bet it all on a couple of matches and expect to double your money. Expect losing streaks and try to shoot for a 55% to 60% overall success rate. With time you’ll learn how to look for odds in your favor and increase your bankroll for future matches.