Football Betting at Bally Bet Sports & Casino

We may not have the same name for it - soccer in the US, football in the UK - but we can all agree, it’s the beautiful game. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love the thrill of the game, betting on football adds a whole new level of excitement to every kick, tackle and goal.

And with Bally Bet you can get closer to the action and bet on football online, with awesome markets to wager on and in-play football betting available!

But don’t sweat it if you’re new to football betting. Our complete guide to football betting has everything you need to know to get started, from what football betting actually means, the markets that matter and what to look out for when betting on the leagues that get everyone talking.

We’ll also show you how to use our very own sports betting app to place your football wagers, whether that’s at home or on the go.

Read on and be enlightened.

What Is Football Betting?

We’re sure most reading this will need no introduction to football betting. With 70% of bettors saying they’d placed a wager on football in 2023, it’s comfortably the most popular UK sports betting market.

But for the 30% that haven’t joined the fun yet, now is the perfect time to change that – and we’ll start with a quick definition of football betting.

Put simply: football betting is when you wager on the outcome of football matches or specific events that happen within them. You can bet on a match before it kicks off, or get stuck into the live, in-play markets that change with every pass and shot on goal.

And while there are some more details involved – like the different football betting markets available, special terms and odds – it really is as simple as betting on what you think will happen in a game of football.

Explained: Football Betting Terms

Let’s kick-off with some of the most common terms you’ll find when betting on football. Take a look below to find out what a variety of the top ones mean.

Popular Football Betting Markets

We’ve got so many incredible betting options for you here at Bally Bet, it’s hard to keep track. Here’s a peek at some of the most popular markets you can choose from before and during the game, and what they all mean.

Match result

Win, lose or draw. Predict the outcome of a match and get paid out if your guesses are correct.

Over/under goals

Think it’ll be a snoozefest or expecting goals galore? Hit up the over/under markets to wager on how many times you think the ball will cross the line.

Both teams to score (BTTS)

Go one step further than the over/under. To win this bet, both teams have to find the back of the net during the game.

Handicaps

Level the playing field with a handicap bet. Just like in American football betting, handicaps give the underdogs a head start so they theoretically have the same chance of winning.

Let’s say it’s Manchester City against Fulham. You might take Fulham +2, which pays out if they win, draw or lose by less than two goals.

And if you were wondering what Asian handicaps are in football, then this is where things are a little different. This type of handicap takes the draw out of the equation, so teams can basically only win or lose.

There are three options to pick from: quarter goal (+/- 0.25 or 0.75), half goal (+/- 0.5) or full goal (+/- one goal). With full goal you can get your stake back for a draw, while with quarter goals you can hedge your bets slightly to reduce the risk.

Correct score

Place a bet on the exact result of any match with our correct score markets. The more goals there are the bigger the odds will be, so let’s hope for plenty of attacking prowess.

Goal scorers

Maybe you’ve got a striker on a hot streak, or you fancy a defender to net from a set piece. Pick out a player to score during the match - first, last or any time - for the chance to share some of their glory.

Cards

Referees have to keep a closer eye on some players. Wager on one who you think will receive a yellow or red card from the match official, and if they get their name in the book, you win!

Popular Types of Football Bets

Now that you’re all clued up on what football betting is, what certain terms mean and the markets you can find when you play with us, it’s time to discuss the most popular types of football bets out there.

Singles

You might hear these called ‘straight up’ wagers from time to time. A single bet is placed on one outcome from an event, from any of the markets we’ve got on offer.

There’s no waiting around to settle when you go for a single bet. When it’s either won or lost, it’s settled. So, if your goal scorer finds the net right at the start, you’ll be straight in the money.

Multiples

Multiples have become one of the most popular wagers for sports bettors, and they’re just as common in football as they are in horse racing, American football and everything else.

The most well-known multiple bet is the accumulator. Add two or more selections to your online sports betting slip, and every pick has to win to trigger the payout. Most players opt for match results, but you can include goal scorers, BTTS, cards and more, too.

Taking a chance on some underdogs? Check out other multiples including trixies (three doubles and a treble) and yankees (six doubles, four trebles and a four-fold accumulator), where you can still make a profit even if you’re not totally right.

Outrights

Outright wagers can be placed across a season, giving you something to follow as the games unfold. Bet on league champions, relegated teams, cup winners, top goal scorers and much more!

The Top Football Leagues and Competitions to Bet On

We mentioned having football odds from around the world, with a heap of pre-match and live betting options.

Check out some of the top football events below, and when you can look forward to them.

Domestic Leagues and Tournaments

Get your bets on for all the major domestic football league competitions, which bring the drama and the markets across Europe and the rest of the world. With us, you can choose from:

Premier League – the biggest and most-watched league in the world. Every game’s a spectacle and every bet an exciting opportunity.

La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 – giants across the continent, featuring distinct styles and fierce rivalries.

EFL Cup and FA Cup – classic knockout drama where anything can happen.

At Bally Bet, we cover all these and so much more, providing markets and odds to suit every fan and every style. Jump in and see for yourself.

International Tournaments

The best playing the best – that’s what it’s all about. International tournaments bring together the top nations from across the globe, delivering unforgettable matches and exciting betting markets. Here are just some of the options we’ve got to choose from:

FIFA World Cup – the ultimate prize in football. Held every four years, it’s more than a month of non-stop action. And the 2026 World Cup will see 48 national teams compete across the USA, Canada and Mexico, with the final showdown taking place at MetLife Stadium.

UEFA European Championship – where Europe’s finest battle it out every four years for continental glory. In 2028, the UK and Ireland will play host to 24 nations all going for gold.

Africa Cup of Nations – a showcase of African footballing quality, packed full of skill, flair and passion.

Copa América – South America’s giants go head-to-head in one of the sport’s most fiercely contested tournaments.

Global Club Competitions

Club football doesn’t stop at domestic leagues. The world’s biggest teams also battle it out on global and continental stages.

UEFA Champions League – the pinnacle of European club football, where only the elite make it to the final in May.

UEFA Europa League – high-octane knockout drama with a place in the following year’s Champions League competition on the line.

UEFA Europa Conference League – Europe’s newest competition, which gives more clubs the chance to shine on the big stage.

FIFA Club World Cup – revamped for 2025 and bigger than ever, 32 teams from across the globe travelled to the US in summer to fight for the title of world champions.

Keen to experience these action-packed competitions? We’ve got all angles covered at Bally Bet.

Football Betting Tips

Wondering how to bet on football for beginners? We’ve got you. Here are some hints to help all the rookies out there.

Stats are your friends - do the research

Statistics don't lie. So, it can pay to do some fact-finding before you pick something to bet on.

For example, some teams have terrible records at certain stadiums. Everton haven’t won at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge since 1996, which is almost three decades! Head-to-head records are a great guide too, as you might just find favoured opposition.

When it comes to players, some of them can’t help but find the net against certain teams, while others can’t hit a barn door.

Check the form book to find games where one side is hot, while the other is not. You may just find a little bit of value.

Don’t bet on friendlies

Friendlies aren’t always friendly to bettors. These usually take place before the regular season when the real competition starts, and they’re all about trying out new tactics and building fitness. So, you might see a whole lot of strange results from the pre-season.

Check the fixtures

Fatigue and travel can affect teams more than you might think. Factor that in when looking at your team’s upcoming matches.

Stay up to date with the latest news

Things can change very quickly in football, and so can the odds. Whether it’s a sudden shower of rain or an injury in the warm-up, there’s always something to keep an eye out for.

You can bet on football right up until kick-off or even afterwards with in-play betting, so sometimes it’s worth watching and waiting before hitting the ‘Place Bet’ button.

Bet with your head, not your heart

One of the main tips for betting on football is to always use your head. We know everyone wants to see their team win, but it’s not always realistic.

Use the form guide and all the stats available to make a decision on who to wager on. Don’t let your heart run the show.

Don’t chase losses

Sports betting, football or otherwise, is meant to be fun. To that end, whenever you place a wager, make sure that you’re keeping within your means and aren’t betting on impulse.

How to Bet on Football Online

Ready to go? Us too. First things first, log in or sign up with us. After all, you don’t want to miss out on all our epic online sports betting options.

Next, click ‘Sports’ to open our virtual sportsbook, the ideal place to bet online. Once you’re in, head to the ‘Football’ hub to find all the available markets.

All that’s left is to add something to your bet slip. Add a stake to the wager, then press ‘Place Bet’ and you’re good to go!

Make your way through our wide range of markets - correct scores, match results and Asian handicaps to name just a few – and you’ll find plenty to choose from.

Bet on Live Football

Watching the big game and got a hunch about the next play? Our football betting in-play markets are where you want to be.

Place wagers as the teams go head-to-head, and you could join the star players in hitting the back of the net.

Click the ‘Live Now’ tab in our Sportsbook and scroll down to our in-play football leagues, with odds and markets updating in real time to get you closer to the game.

Play Your Way With the Bally Bet Sports & Casino App

Heading out? There’s no need to miss a moment of the beautiful game. We’ve got everything you need for a top football betting experience.

Download the Bally Bet Sports & Casino mobile app to play on Apple or Android devices, and you can get involved even when you’re out and about.

Our sports betting mobile app is great for in-play excitement, building accas and everything else that comes with football betting. Come and see for yourself.

Football Betting FAQs

Got some last-minute thoughts before the whistle blows? Don’t worry, just check out our answers to some of the most common questions below.

How do odds work in football?

Football odds are simple to work out. A £10 bet at 2/1 or 3.0 pays out £30, so there’s £20 profit plus your stake back. At Bally Bet, you can pick between decimal, fractional and American odds. Check out our sports betting odds blog to find out more about each.

Do football bets include extra time?

All football wagers are settled at the end of 90 minutes unless stated otherwise. So, if your anytime goal scorer finds the back of the net in extra time, it won’t count. Look out for the ‘Team to Qualify’ markets and if your selection wins in extra time or on penalties, you’ll get paid out.

What does 'Draw No Bet’ mean in football?

Not fully confident that the team will get the job done? Use the ‘Draw No Bet’ market to get your stake back if the team you pick draws. It still pays out if the selection wins the match, but at smaller odds than standard match result wagers.

What does ‘1x’ mean in football betting?

‘1x’ means double chance. It’s a wager on the home team to win or draw, so you’re in the money if they don’t lose. Want to take the away side to win or draw? Look for the ‘x2’. Don’t fancy the draw? ‘12’ pays out if either team wins.

What does ‘each way’ mean in football betting?

‘Each way’ means the same when you bet on sports, whether that’s football, horse racing or something else. An each way wager has two bets - one win-only, and one place-only. It’s basically a little insurance if your pick comes up just short.