How to Bet on Soccer at an Online Sportsbook

Soccer is often called “the beautiful game,” and it’s easy to see why. With its global appeal, thrilling pace, and passionate fans, soccer has become more than just a sport—it’s become a lifestyle for millions. In recent years, betting on soccer has surged in popularity, with fans looking to add extra excitement and personal stakes to the games. Thanks to online platforms like FuturePlay, betting on soccer has become accessible, convenient, and loaded with various options for all kinds of bettors.

The popularity is reflected in betting, where soccer attracts billions of dollars in wagers each year. Major leagues, such as the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and international tournaments like the World Cup and UEFA Champions League, provide year-round excitement for bettors.

The Basics of Soccer Betting

Before placing bets, it’s important to understand how soccer and sports betting odds work. Odds indicate the probability of a certain outcome and determine your potential payout. There are three main formats:

1. American Odds: Positive (+) odds show potential profit on a $100 wager, while negative (-) odds show how much you need to bet to win $100.
2. Decimal Odds: Common in Europe, these odds show the total payout for each dollar bet, including your stake.
3. Fractional Odds: These are presented as a fraction (e.g., 5/1) and indicate how much profit you’ll earn relative to your stake.

Types of Soccer Bets

Money Line Bets

Money line bets are the simplest type of soccer bet and often the most popular choice among beginners. Here, you pick one of three outcomes: either Team A wins, Team B wins, or the match ends in a draw. This setup reflects soccer’s unique dynamics, where draws are frequent and significantly impact odds.

For example, a Premier League matchup may have the following odds:

• Manchester United: +180
• Draw: +210
• Liverpool: -140

Here, betting on Liverpool (the favorite) requires a higher stake to earn a substantial payout, while betting on an underdog or a draw offers a higher return due to lower probability.

Moneylines are ideal when:

• One team has a clear edge over the other.
• You’re confident in a match outcome based on team form, injuries, or historical performance.
• You want a straightforward betting option without complex variables.

Double Chance Bets

Double Chance is a more flexible option that lets you cover two outcomes in a single bet, increasing your chances of winning. Double Chance bets are great for reducing risk, making them popular for matches where teams are closely matched or where there’s a risk of a surprising result.

In a game between Team A and Team B, your options would be:

• Team A or Draw
• Team B or Draw
• Team A or Team B (any win, no draw)

While Double Chance bets offer lower odds compared to straight money line bets, they provide peace of mind in games where uncertainty looms. They’re also a good choice if you want to support an underdog while minimizing risk.

Spread or Goal Line Bets

Spread betting, known as goal line betting in soccer, adjusts the score to level the playing field between two unevenly matched teams. The spread is typically represented in half-goal increments to avoid ties, known as “pushes,” where neither side wins.

For example, if Barcelona is heavily favored over Valencia, the spread might look like this:

• Barcelona -1.5: Barcelona needs to win by 2 or more goals.
• Valencia +1.5: Valencia must win, draw, or lose by no more than 1 goal.

Spread bets offer an extra challenge for games with a clear favorite, balancing the odds and increasing the potential for better payouts. They’re also ideal when you think a dominant team might win but not by a large margin.

Totals or Over/Under Bets

In Totals or Over/Under bets, you’re not betting on the winner but on the number of goals scored in the game by both teams combined. If you see a line such as:

• Over 2.5 goals: A winning bet if the game has three or more goals.
• Under 2.5 goals: A winning bet if the game has two or fewer goals.

Totals betting allows you to focus on game dynamics rather than the winner, making it popular when teams with strong offensive or defensive records meet. You might favor Over-bets when two attacking teams are playing or Under-bets if defensive teams are squaring off.

Factors to Consider for Totals:

• Playing Style: Teams with high possession and offensive power tend to score more.
• Weather Conditions: Rainy or snowy conditions often lead to fewer goals.
• Team Motivation: Teams with league or tournament pressure may play more cautiously.

Futures Bets

Futures betting focuses on long-term outcomes, often across an entire season or tournament. Common futures options in soccer include:

• League Winner: Pick the team you believe will win a league, like the English Premier League or Bundesliga.
• Top Scorer: Wager on the player who will score the most goals in a season.
• Team to Be Relegated: Choose a team likely to drop to a lower division based on season performance.

Because futures are long-term, payouts can be substantial if you’re accurate. Futures are perfect for fans who want to follow a season closely, though they do require patience.

Parlays (Accumulator Bets)

Parlay bets, or accumulators, combine multiple bets on a single ticket, where each selected bet, or “leg,” must win for the parlay to succeed. Parlays carry higher risk, as just one loss spoils the whole ticket, but they offer high potential rewards.

For instance, a 4-leg parlay on FuturePlay might include:

1. Barcelona to win
2. Juventus over 2.5 goals
3. Manchester United -1.5 spread
4. PSG moneyline

If all four predictions are correct, the parlay payout can be significant. However, keep in mind that the more legs you add, the harder it is to win.

Prop Bets

Prop bets allow you to wager on specific events or outcomes within a match that don’t necessarily relate to the game’s final result. Some examples include:

• First Goal Scorer: Bet on which player will score the first goal.
• Yellow/Red Cards: Bet on the number or occurrence of specific bookings.
• Exact Score: Predict the exact final score of the match.

Prop bets are ideal for those who love analyzing player performance and predicting specific game events. They can be highly rewarding, though they require an in-depth understanding of game dynamics.

Read More: Where does Soccer rank among the most popular sports in Canada

Soccer Betting Strategies for Success

Research-Based Betting

When it comes to soccer betting, research-based betting is one of the most effective strategies. It involves doing a deep dive into pre-match analysis, studying team form, recent performance trends, and factors like injuries or head-to-head records. This approach minimizes the influence of gut feelings or luck, giving bettors a more reliable foundation for their wagers. Consistent research leads to a better understanding of the game and can help uncover overlooked odds or potential outcomes.

Bankroll management

Bankroll management is another essential strategy. It’s the practice of setting a specific budget for betting and dividing it across multiple wagers without overspending. This approach reduces the risk of significant financial losses and helps keep betting sustainable. Many experienced bettors use a “unit system,” where each bet is only a small fraction (often 1-5%) of their total bankroll, allowing them to stay in control even during losing streaks.

Value betting

Value betting is a strategic method where you identify bets that offer odds higher than they should be based on your own probability estimates. By betting on these undervalued odds, you can find profitable opportunities that bookmakers might have missed. This approach requires good predictive skills and regular research, but if applied consistently, it can increase long-term returns.

Line shopping

Line shopping is another profitable technique. This strategy involves comparing odds for the same bet across different sportsbooks and choosing the one offering the best return. Even slight variations in odds can add up, so finding the most favorable odds for each wager can significantly boost profits over time. It’s a simple practice that helps maximize every betting opportunity.

Martingale system

Some bettors also use the Martingale system, which involves doubling your stake after each loss to recover previous losses with a single win. While it sounds effective in theory, this approach can lead to substantial losses if a winning bet doesn’t come soon enough. It’s a high-risk strategy and is generally best used cautiously with low-stakes bets or by more experienced bettors who can manage the risk.

Focus on Specific Leagues or Teams

Specializing in specific leagues or teams is another effective way to improve your betting. By following one league closely or focusing on a few teams, you can gain unique insights that casual bettors might overlook. Understanding a team’s style, key players, and tactical strengths can help you make more accurate predictions and identify valuable betting opportunities that others may miss.

Bet against the Public

Betting against the public, also known as “fading the public,” is popular in high-profile games where casual bettors tend to back the most famous or popular teams. This popularity can skew odds in their favor, creating better value for underdogs. By betting against the public, especially in high-stakes games, you may find favorable odds on less popular teams.

Cash-Out Option

The cash-out option is a helpful tool that allows bettors to close a bet before the match ends, letting them secure profits or minimize losses depending on how the game is unfolding. This feature is especially useful in unpredictable matches where momentum shifts quickly, providing a way to take control of a bet in real-time.

Home vs. Away Analysis

Analyzing home vs. away performance is also essential. Many teams perform significantly better at home due to fan support, familiarity with the pitch, and reduced travel fatigue. Conversely, away teams might struggle in foreign environments. By factoring in each team’s home and away records, especially in important or local rivalry games, you can improve the accuracy of your predictions.

Match Analysis

Finally, keeping up with team news and injuries gives you an extra edge. Knowing if key players are injured or suspended can dramatically change the dynamics of a game, affecting both performance and odds. Tracking this information closely and adjusting your bets accordingly, especially just before the match or with in-play betting, can lead to smarter betting decisions.

Using these strategies can improve your chances of consistent success in soccer betting. With a disciplined approach, careful planning, and ongoing research, each wager can become a calculated decision rather than a gamble.

Benefits of Using FuturePlay for Soccer Betting

Promotions and Bonuses

• Welcome Bonuses: New users often receive a substantial welcome bonus to match their initial deposit, giving you extra funds to explore different bet types and familiarize yourself with the platform.
• Free Bets and Cashback Offers: FuturePlay rewards loyal bettors with free bets and cashback opportunities on specific games or during special events. Cashback offers help you recover a portion of your wager if the bet doesn’t go your way, providing a cushion against losses.
• Seasonal and Event-Based Promotions: During major soccer tournaments like the World Cup or Champions League, FuturePlay often launches special promotions that enhance the excitement of betting on high-stakes matches.

Exclusive VIP Program with Enhanced Benefits

FuturePlay’s VIP program is designed for dedicated bettors who want to unlock additional perks and privileges. The VIP program has tiered levels, each offering benefits that increase as you progress through the ranks. Here’s what you can look forward to as a FuturePlay VIP:

• Increased Cashback: The VIP program includes an elevated cashback percentage, which helps you recoup a larger portion of your bets. This is particularly helpful for high-stakes bettors or those who place regular wagers, as it adds to your bankroll and offsets potential losses.
• Larger Wager Sums: As a VIP member, FuturePlay allows you to place higher wager sums, giving you more flexibility and freedom with your betting strategy. This feature is especially advantageous when you’re confident in a specific match outcome and want to capitalize on favorable odds.

Comprehensive Statistics and Real-Time Insights

One of the standout features of FuturePlay is its vast collection of soccer statistics and real-time insights available directly on the platform. This data empowers bettors to make well-informed decisions by offering crucial information on team and player performance. Here’s how these statistics benefit your betting:

• Detailed Pre-Game Analysis: FuturePlay provides extensive pre-game statistics, including team form, head-to-head history, recent performance, player stats, and more. This allows you to analyze matchups and spot trends that could influence your betting choices.
• Live Updates and Game Flow Stats: For those interested in live betting, FuturePlay offers real-time stats, like possession percentage, shots on goal, corner counts, and cards issued. Having access to this up-to-the-minute data is essential for adapting your bets mid-game and taking advantage of shifts in momentum.

User-Friendly Interface and Seamless Experience

FuturePlay is designed with user experience in mind, offering an intuitive, easy-to-navigate platform that lets you place bets quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a beginner exploring the different types of soccer bets or an experienced bettor placing live bets, the platform layout is both accessible and functional. Here are some features that enhance the experience:

• Simple Bet Slips and Quick Navigation: With a clear layout, you can easily add bets to your slip, view odds, and monitor potential payouts in real-time. This streamlined interface is crucial when you’re live betting and need to make swift decisions.
• Reliable Customer Support: FuturePlay provides dependable customer support, helping users with any questions or issues related to betting, promotions, and technical problems. A helpful support team is essential, especially if you’re a new bettor needing guidance on navigating the platform.

Innovative Betting Options and Customization

FuturePlay offers a variety of betting options that can be customized to suit individual preferences, allowing you to tailor your betting experience. From standard bets to more unique markets, FuturePlay’s options appeal to every type of bettor:

• Diverse Betting Markets: You’ll find every type of soccer bet available, from the classic moneyline, spreads, and totals to more niche options like prop bets, accumulators, and player-specific bets. This variety keeps the experience fresh and allows you to experiment with different strategies.
• Bet Builder: Some bettors enjoy combining multiple predictions into a single customized bet, a feature FuturePlay’s Bet Builder tool makes possible. With this tool, you can personalize your bet with a mix of markets, such as both teams to score, over/under, and first goal scorer, creating a unique wager tailored to your insights and predictions.
• Live Betting Flexibility: FuturePlay’s live betting interface allows you to adjust and refine your bets in real time, which is invaluable when watching the game and tracking its momentum. With live betting, you can capitalize on changes in odds as they happen, adding an interactive layer to your betting strategy.

How to Make a Soccer Bet on FuturePlay

Placing a soccer bet on FuturePlay is straightforward and user-friendly, designed to get you into the action quickly and confidently. Whether you’re new to betting or an experienced bettor exploring a new platform, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your first soccer bet on FuturePlay:

Create and Verify Your FuturePlay Account

1. Sign Up: If you don’t already have an account, head to FuturePlay’s website and select the “Sign Up” button. You’ll be prompted to enter some basic login information.
2. Verify Your Account: Some regions may require age verification or additional information to comply with regulations. Check your email for a verification link or complete any required steps on the site to activate your account.

Make a Deposit

1. Choose Your Deposit Method: Once you’re logged in, navigate to the Deposit section to fund your account. FuturePlay offers a variety of deposit methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and some cryptocurrencies.
2. Claim Any Available Bonuses: FuturePlay often has promotions for new users, like deposit match bonuses or free bets. Be sure to review and claim any bonuses you’re eligible for, as this can give you extra funds to get started.

Explore the Soccer Betting Section

1. Find the Soccer Category: From the main menu, under “Top Sports” go directly to the “Football” section. Here, you’ll see a list of leagues, tournaments, and upcoming matches.
2. Choose a League or Event: FuturePlay features both popular leagues (such as the English Premier League, La Liga, and the Champions League) and smaller leagues, giving you a wide variety of options. Click on a league to view all scheduled games and available betting markets.

Select Your Betting Market

Browse Available Bet Types: Once you’re in the game view, you’ll see a range of betting options, including: moneyline, double chance, totals, spreads/handicaps, and more.

Add Your Selection to the Bet Slip

1. Make Your Selection: Click on the odds next to your chosen outcome, and it will automatically add that selection to your bet slip, located on the side of the screen.
2. Customize Your Bet Slip: In the bet slip, you’ll see options for adjusting the bet type. For example, if you want to place multiple bets on one ticket, you can combine them into a parlay (accumulator) for a potentially larger payout.
3. Enter Your Stake: Decide how much you want to wager and enter that amount into the bet slip. FuturePlay will display the potential payout based on the odds and your stake, so you know the return if you win.

Place Your Bet

1. Confirm the Bet: Double-check your selections and the amount you’re wagering. When you’re ready, finalize your bet.
2. Get Confirmation: FuturePlay will provide a confirmation message, and you can view your bet under your “My Bets” or “Bet History” section, allowing you to track its progress and outcomes.

Conclusion

Betting on soccer isn’t just about guessing outcomes; it’s a game of analysis, timing, and strategy. To succeed, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of each bet type, track team form, evaluate player performance, and consider other factors. By approaching each bet with a clear plan and responsible bankroll management, you can enhance your experience and potentially increase your returns.

Remember, the goal is to enjoy the game and the betting experience, so avoid letting emotions dictate your choices. FuturePlay’s variety of options lets you immerse yourself in every kick, pass, and goal. As you continue betting on soccer, keep refining your strategy and learning from each game.