Most football bets fall into a handful of markets. This is what 1X2, over/under and both teams to score mean, and what each one is best suited to.
Every tip on this site belongs to one of a few markets. Knowing what each one asks of the match makes it much easier to read a tip and to judge its price.
1X2 (match result)
You pick the result after 90 minutes plus stoppage time: 1 (home win), X (draw) or 2 (away win). Prices are decimal: a price of 1.50 returns 1.50 for every 1 staked, stake included. Extra time and penalties do not count. 1X2 prices carry a larger bookmaker margin than handicap and totals prices, so favourites at short prices have to win very often to be worth backing.
Asian handicap
A head start for one side, which takes the draw out of play. See our guide to reading Asian handicap lines for how whole, half and quarter lines are settled.
Over/under goals
You bet on whether the total number of goals in the match is above or below a line, usually 2.5. Over 2.5 needs three goals or more, Under 2.5 needs two or fewer. Whole lines such as 2 or 3 can push when the total lands exactly on the line, and quarter lines such as 2.75 split the stake like a quarter handicap.
Both teams to score (BTTS)
BTTS Yes wins if each team scores at least once, whatever the final result. BTTS No wins if at least one team fails to score, including 0-0.
Which one to use?
There is no best market. Totals depend on how open a match is, handicaps on the gap between two sides, 1X2 on who wins. What matters is the price you take against the real chance of the outcome, and that you stake only what you can afford to lose.
18+ only. Betting can be addictive: never stake money you cannot afford to lose. Read our responsible gambling page.