Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, with over 4 billion fans globally. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, especially in the US, so does betting on soccer matches. Wagering on the beautiful game can be lucrative if you know the secrets to soccer betting success.
Understand the Betting Lines
The first key is understanding the different types of bets and how to read the betting lines. The main ways to bet on soccer are the 3-way moneyline, point spreads, and totals (over/under). The 3-way moneyline has odds for a win, loss, or draw. Point spreads even out the match by giving the underdog a goals advantage. Totals set a line on the number of goals scored.
Follow Form and Statistics
Soccer betting is a game of numbers. Study form tables to see how teams have performed lately. Look at significant stats like shots, possession, passes, and more. Sites like Opta provide excellent statistical analysis of matches. Use trends to gain betting value.
Know Team News and Lineups
Injuries, suspensions, and squad rotation dramatically affect match outcomes. Follow team news closely in the build-up to games to get insight into potential lineup changes. This can provide a betting edge, especially in props and totals.
Shop For the Best Odds
Soccer betting lines fluctuate at sportsbooks as money pours in. Use odds comparison sites to find the best prices on wagers. A half-point difference in the spread or moneyline odds translates to better payouts.
Manage Your Bankroll
Set a soccer betting budget and stick to it. Never chase losses or bet more than you can afford. Have betting rules like unit sizes and stop losses. Proper bankroll management is vital to long-term profitability.
Take Advantage of Promotions
FanDuel Online Casino and other sportsbooks run lucrative soccer betting promotions like odds boosts, profit boosts, and free bets. Make the most of these offers to extract maximum value from your wagers.
Use Betting Systems
Employ staking systems like Kelly Criterion and Martingale to optimize returns. Kelly bets your edge based on expected value. Martingale chases losses with doubling bets. Systems impose discipline and strategy.
Dig Deep Into Analytics
Soccer analytics have exploded in recent years, moving far beyond just goals and assists. Advanced stats like expected goals (xG), key passes, shot-creating actions and possession value can give you an edge. xG measures shot quality based on historical conversion rates. Key passes indicate playmaking ability. Shot-creating actions quantify players’ overall offensive contributions. Possession value looks at possession efficiency rather than just total possession. Follow journalists and analysts focused on soccer analytics on social media and podcasts. Absorb their insights into the numbers behind the game.
Have a Staking Plan
Determine your soccer betting unit – perhaps 2% of your bankroll. With a $1000 bankroll, a unit is $20. For low-confidence bets, stake 1 unit. Medium-confidence is 1.5 or 2 units. High-confidence 3 units. This staking methodology maintains discipline. Don’t increase your unit size after wins or losses. Setting a maximum loss amount per match prevents overstaking. Some bettors stake higher units on totals and spreads versus the moneyline since they offer better returns at lower risk. Always adjust your staking plan based on your risk tolerance and bankroll size.
Know When to Pass
Not every game is worth betting on. You don’t have to bet just for the sake of it. If there is no value in the odds or you don’t have a strong read, there is no shame in sitting it out. Passing on games is an underutilized betting skill.
With an understanding of soccer betting fundamentals, bankroll management, line shopping, statistical analysis, and discipline, you can become a profitable soccer bettor. Do your homework and stay patient – the big wins will come.
