Goal line betting is when a better wagers on the total number of goals that will be scored in a selected match.
It is generally thought that there are three types of goal line bets. These are:
Half goal betting
Win to nil betting
Alternative goal line betting
Half goal betting
Have you ever looked at a football betting website and wondered how a team could score 2.5 goals? Don’t worry, you haven’t missed a massive change in the rule book, you were probably just looking at the most common type of goal line market, more commonly known as Over/Under. These markets allow betters to gamble on the number of goals in the match, without having to decide who wins or loses.
It’s important to note that in these markets, as well as majority of others, that goals scored in extra time do not count towards the bet unless otherwise specified by the bookie.
On kickoff.co.uk, our expert writers look through every match from over 30 leagues worldwide and highlight the most eye-catching fixtures in six goal line markets, as well as in many other markets, in the upcoming days. Bets can be made in these markets with the majority of bookmakers and are as follows:
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City scoring a record breaking 106 goals in the 2017/18 Premier League season, which averages to 2.8 a match.
Win to nil
Win To Nil is one of the more self-explanatory markets in football betting and does exactly what is says on the tin. It essentially involves placing two bets at once.
The first bet that a team will win, with the second bet being the other team will not find the back of the net. To break it down further, you bet on one team scoring, with the other not. Click on the link learn more about when to place win to nil bets in this market.
Alternative goal line betting
Although half goal markets are the most common in the world of goal line bets, it is possible to bet on quarter goals and the exact number of goals to be scored in a selected match.
Exact goal betting
Very similar to half goal betting markets. Simply choose a number and bet whether this number will be above or below the goals scored in a selected match.
As with the half goal markets, it doesn’t matter which team scores the goals or what the outcome of the match is.
The difference is, however, is that if the number selected is equal to the number of goals scored, a refund is made by the bookmaker.
Example of exact goal betting
In order to win an alternative goal line over 2 goals bet, at least three goals must be scored in the match.
If 1 goal is scored, the bet is lost.
If 2 goals are scored, your bet will be refunded.
As with other goal line betting markets, it’s possible to place this bet on different phases of a match. For example, if a better fancied Liverpool to score three goals in the first half against Fulham, they could bet exactly that. To be safer, they could also bet on over 2.5 goals scored, because if Klopp’s men netted fourth, the exact goal bet would be lost.
There can never be enough research done before placing a football bet.
When to place a goal line bet
There are many ways to win football bets and for more on that read our 5 step guide here. The most important aspect however, prior to placing any bet, is research. There is so much that can be analysed before making a choice, with just a few things worth looking at listed below:
How does a team play? Are they attacking or defensive?
How is the recent form of both teams? Have they been scoring or conceding a lot?
Is there any team news which may impact the result?
What is the history of results between these two teams?
Does either side perform considerably better home or away?
What to consider before placing a goal line bet
Small margins often decide football matches, and therefore football bets, so doing the research could be the difference between a successful or unsuccessful bet. It’s important to take the following information into consideration:
Leagues – It’s true that each league has different characteristics. Some have goals flying in left, right and centre, whereas others may involve more cagey affairs. For example, at time of writing, 71% of the 95 matches played in the Icelandic Urvalsdeild have resulted in over 2.5 goals, whereas just 28% of games in the Brazilian second tier have finished with over this total.
Matches – Some matches are clearly going to involve more goals than others. For example, when the stakes are higher between two quality teams, less goals are scored. We all thought the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League final would be a goal-fest, but alas, it wasn’t.
Although initially goal line bets can seem daunting and do require extensive knowledge about football and better, there are many positives. While some options offer a refund, betting on multiple outcomes is possible, and a big bankroll isn’t required.
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