How To Bet on Soccer Online: A Beginner's Guide

No matter the time or date, there’s always a soccer game happening. Plus, some world-class competitions are coming up, giving soccer fans around the world a chance to tune into some intense action and high-quality entertainment. 

Want to elevate your viewing experience? It’s time to delve into the world of soccer betting. Knowing how to bet on soccer games online will boost your immersion and knowledge of the sport, so don’t delay. Scroll down to learn more about soccer betting ASAP.

Understanding Soccer Betting Basics

Are you curious about learning how to bet on soccer games online? Before you sign up for a sportsbook and make your first wager, you need to recap the basics of the game. From the odds to the key factors, we’ve gathered the crucial details to help you begin.

Navigating Soccer Betting Odds

Odds are crucial to any sports betting, including non-GamStop football betting. They show the likelihood of a particular outcome compared to the payout for a winning bet. 

There are three types of odds: fractional, decimal, and moneyline (American). Soccer games typically use fractional odds in the UK and Ireland and decimal odds in Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. 

Fractional odds show the potential payout against the required stake using a slash (/). For example, if a team has 6/1 odds to win, you’d win £6 for every £1 wagered. So, a bet of £20 would win £120 if successful. 

Decimal odds show you the potential return, including your initial stake. So, 6.00 odds with a £1 bet would give you £6 plus your original £1 wager. Many regard decimal odds as the easiest to read, as you can easily spot favourites and underdogs.

The higher the odds, the less likely the outcome. High odds come with more risk but can provide significant payouts when right. Alternatively, low odds come with little risk but have small payouts. Starting with low odds is better if you’re new to betting. This helps you manage risk and build your skills.

Factors That Affect Soccer Betting 

Knowing how to bet on soccer online isn’t just about reading the odds, though. You also need to research and analyse the stats before every game to increase your chances of a win.

Many punters try to skip the research bet. But without data to back up your bet, you’re making an impulsive and riskier wager. So, do the research and improve your odds!

Here are the top factors to consider when making a soccer bet:

• Recent team performance
• Player injuries
• Player suspensions
• Long-standing team rivalries
• Home and away advantages
• Manager tactics
• Refereeing strategies
• Team morale/motivations
• Weather conditions
• Recent player transfers

Alongside team-related analysis, check out the latest betting trends and market sentiment. As more information is released and public opinion evolves, so will the odds. 

If you don’t follow the odds movements, you might miss out on some valuable opportunities. Add these to your research list!

Choosing the Right Online Sportsbook

Your next task is to choose a reputable sportsbook. This might seem easy at first, but unfortunately, not all betting sites are designed with your best interests at heart. 

Don’t stress. There are a few criteria to look for that guarantee a pleasant betting site or non-GamStop sportsbook experience. Here are a few to note: 

1. Reputable Licence

A reputable licence from a well-known gambling commission proves that the website complies with local regulations. So, look for sportsbooks with UKGC, Curacao, MGA, and other licence banners. You can usually find these on the website footer.

2. Lots Of Soccer Coverage

There’s no point joining the sportsbook if it doesn’t provide ample soccer coverage! Look for bookies that cover all the best leagues and competitions, such as World Cup betting not on GamStop.

While investigating the sportsbook, check if your other favourite sports and markets are there. If the selection is limited, move on!

3. Customer Support

Perhaps not the most exciting feature, but customer support should be high on your list. The best betting websites offer comprehensive support 24/7 via phone, live chat, and email. If you can’t see any details about support on the betting site, it’s best to bypass it.

4. Valuable Bonuses & Promotions

Bonuses and promotions can supercharge your wagers and make your money go further. Check the bookie’s “Promotions” page for generous welcome offers, no-deposit bonuses, and free bets before you sign up. Some may even offer existing player promos and VIP schemes to give back to loyal players. 

5. Varied Payment Methods

The best sportsbooks offer a variety of payment methods to make funding your account quick and easy. From PayPal to credit card betting sites, there are plenty of options for all payment needs.

6. Fast Withdrawals

Nothing beats the excitement of a win – until you realise it will take over seven business days to receive your payout. That’s right. Some betting websites take that long to release your payment, and some dodgy websites don’t release it at all!

You can avoid long withdrawal times by checking the sportsbook’s average withdrawal time on their “payments” page. 

7. Positive Feedback

The fastest way to check whether a betting site is valid? Through expert sportsbook reviews. These show you the good, bad, and ugly all in one place. Easy.

Types of Soccer Bets to Place

You might not use every type of soccer bet out there. But if you want to know how to bet soccer online, you should familiarise yourself with the most popular ones. You’ll save time and stress when the game is about to start if you know what you’re looking for!

Top soccer wagers include:

• Match outcome – As the name suggests, match outcome wagers predict how the match will end (e.g., win, loss, or draw). This is a great place to start. 
• Correct score – This is another self-explanatory bet. Instead of predicting which team will win, you guess the exact final score of the match. 
• First goalscorer – Selecting the first goalscorer is a great option if you’re familiar with the players. 
• HT/FT – HT/FT (half-time/full-time) looks at the score outcome at half-time and then again at full-time.
• Over/Under – In over/under, the bookie sets a final goal prediction. It’s your job to guess whether the final result will be over or under this outcome.

These five bets aren’t only on offer but also a great starting place for new bettors. As you develop your skills, you can branch out to more complex or specific bets, such as the first corner, both teams to score, or total match corners. 

Tips for Successful Soccer Betting

Once you know how to bet on soccer games online, you can expand your strategy with expert-approved tips and tricks. 

Our team has gathered some influential hacks you can use to develop your approach and minimise your risk. See the top options below:

1. Practise With Small Bets

This might not be what you want to hear, but the best way to become a successful soccer bettor is to start with small wagers and work your way up to significant stakes. So, limit yourself to small amounts at first, and when you start winning or develop a knack for reading the odds, you can slowly increase your spending.

Note that you should only increase your spending if it’s within your budget. But more on responsible spending in the bankroll section.

2. Tune Into the Action

Most bettors will already be watching the games, but if you’re not, this is your sign to start watching football matches. Yes, you can research and read the latest information without watching. However, viewing soccer players in action will give you extra insights into their playing style, strengths, and weaknesses that the data might not show.

Some bookies even offer live streaming of matches within their sportsbooks, so there’s no excuse to miss the games.

3. Be Aware Of Upcoming Competitions

Big events and cup competitions can have ripple effects on league soccer games. This is due to extra pressure from fans and the media, new strategies, and different player rotations. 

4. Diversify Your Bets

When you find a bet you love, it can be tempting to stick to it. But as the saying goes, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” If something unpredictable happens, you could end up with a significant loss and a damaged bankroll.

Instead, consider different bet types and spread your bets across different markets and matches. This way, if something doesn’t turn out how you expect, you still have the chance to win in other areas.

5. Shop Around For Odds

Each betting site offers unique odds based on the bookie’s predictions. This means there are sometimes discrepancies in soccer odds, where one sportsbook might over or underestimate the chance of something happening. 

If you shop around for odds, you can identify and take advantage of these mismatches. To nail this, you need to do your own research and know the game and teams well.

6. Focus On A Specific League

Do you follow the Premier League? Or do you prefer the Bundesliga? If you’re partial to a specific team or league, prioritise it. It’s easier to bet on leagues you enjoy, so don’t push yourself into studying you aren’t drawn to. 

7. Look At Historical Data

Most bettors fixate on upcoming games and the latest matches. While this isn’t bad, you should also look at old games and historical trends. Examining the past can tell you a lot about the future. So, treat yourself to a soccer history lesson.

Managing Your Bankroll Effectively

Even if you’re only planning on becoming a casual soccer bettor, you must invest time into managing your bankroll. Without proper bankroll management, you risk big losses and financial harm. 

Here’s everything you need to know before you play:

What Is A Bankroll?

In sports betting, your bankroll is the budget you set aside for gambling. It’s a specific amount you can afford to lose and doesn’t include any cash set aside for your rent, bills, or groceries. 

Having a separate betting budget is critical as this limits your spending. It also protects you from racking up debt and making impulsive decisions. 

Creating A Soccer Betting Bankroll

Knowing how to bet on soccer games online is nothing if you don’t have a trusty bankroll strategy. 

To create your bankroll, you must assess your finances and determine how much disposable income you can spend without impacting your living expenses and savings. This will look different for everyone, so don’t take a random amount from online. Weigh up how much you can afford to gamble. 

Many punters strengthen their bankroll by using the unit system. This is where you divide your bankroll into “units” (1-3% of the overall amount) and use these to make consistent bets. Units are suitable for avoiding risk and making equally sized wagers.

Establishing Bankroll Limits

Alongside surveying your finances and using the unit system, you may want to set bankroll limits. Win and loss limits tell you when to tap out and safeguard your bankroll against losses or overconfidence from winning streaks. 

Bankroll limits require discipline, though. Once you reach the win/loss limit, you need to be the one who decides to step back. 

How To Navigate Losing Streaks

Proper bankroll management helps you avoid losing streaks. However, soccer betting is unpredictable, and sometimes, losing streaks are inevitable. 

If you notice a negative trend, reassess your bankroll and strategy. You may identify a weakness or mistake. You should also check your loss limits, as it might be time to take a break from betting.

Losses are a natural element of sports betting. Remain patient, stick to your strategy, and remember that the streak won’t last forever. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Soccer Betting

Examining common errors alongside expert tips and tricks is also helpful when learning how to bet on soccer online. Knowing typical pitfalls increases your expertise and helps you sidestep them. 

See the top mistakes soccer bettors make below:

1. Impulsive Betting

Impulsive or emotional betting is the best way to place an uninformed bet. Sports betting requires research and analysis to ensure you’re making an informed decision. 

If you’re betting based on personal bias or random gut feeling, you’re opening yourself up to higher risk and potential losses. Of course, one or two fun bets aren’t harmful. But you should avoid making bets without research wherever possible.

2. Chasing Losses

Chasing losses is one of the leading gambling no-nos. This refers to when bettors make bigger bets to try and re-earn previous losses. It might seem like a sturdy plan in theory, but it usually ends up with more potential risk, larger losses, and more of your bankroll spent.

Losses sometimes happen, but the best way to rebuild your bankroll is to remain consistent. Keep placing even bets and think of your long-term goals.

3. Limited Betting Markets

It’s great to specialise in one or two niche betting markets. But you should broaden your horizons every now and then to enhance your potential winnings and diversify your bets. This also broadens your overall soccer betting experience, making you a more confident bettor in the long run.

4. Betting Based On The Buzz

If your favourite soccer analyst says one team is guaranteed to win, should you wager on them without thinking? Nope!

Often, the media will focus on a few favourite teams or players. While media buzz usually has a reason behind it, it never promises a win. Even if every professional bettor believes Team A will win the cup, you should still do your own research before confirming your bet. You never know. You might spot something that changes your opinion.

5. Not Reflecting On Mistakes

Making mistakes isn’t pleasant, and no one wants to think about where they went wrong. However, reflecting on your betting mishaps is key to improving your skills. 

Next time you face a significant loss or downward trend, see if you did anything differently that may have caused the loss. Knowing what to avoid helps develop your strategy for future bets. 

Many bettors keep records of their wagers to help them identify mistakes. Get into the habit of logging your bets into a spreadsheet or document and watch your performance improve.

6. Forgetting Long-Term Goals 

Betting goals are there to keep you focused. Without long-term goals, you may be more likely to spend in random amounts and make uninformed decisions. So, keep your long-term goals close when you’re betting. They’re a great way to stay motivated and disciplined.

7. Overlooking Bonuses 

Finally, if you’re betting on an online sportsbook or safe offshore betting site, you must take advantage of the bonuses and promotions. These aren’t always available, so if some juicy promos are on offer, snap them up and boost your soccer bets.

Sportsbooks even release special promos around big games and events, so keep checking the promotions page even after you’ve used your welcome bonus.

Staying Up-to-Date with Soccer News and Trends

If you’re a keen soccer fan, you’re probably already following the news and trends. But don’t worry if you’re new. We’ve found the best ways to stay in the loop of the latest news to ensure your research and bets are accurate. 

Why Should Bettors Follow Soccer News?

Soccer betting is all about understanding the game and predicting outcomes. Cutting-edge news and trends influence betting outcomes, and by following them, you can stay ahead of the curve and make better-informed decisions. 

With the latest news at your side, you can anticipate certain events and adapt your strategy accordingly. It’ll also help you understand the game better, which will, in turn, make betting easier. 

Soccer News & Trends To Watch

So, are there any specific news and trends to be aware of? Below are some of the categories to be aware of.

• Emerging talents and young players making breakout performances
• Managerial techniques or strategy changes
• Transfers, suspensions, and injuries
• Team rivalries and disputes
• Player and team form
• Upcoming championships and international competitions

Reading soccer analysis and news usually includes all of the above. So, find a popular soccer outlet and get stuck in. 

Where To Find Soccer News & Trends

These days, there are plenty of places to explore the latest soccer news. Here are some of our expert’s favourites:

• Sports news websites – Outlets like Sky Sports, BBC Sport, and ESPN cover international leagues and competitions.
• Soccer-only platforms -If you’re not interested in any other sports, a soccer-only website might be best for you. For example, Goal.com. This website provides extensive coverage, worldwide events, interviews, and professional analysis – everything you need to make an informed bet.
• Social media accounts – Do you prefer reading the news via Instagram or Twitter? No stress. There are plenty of social media soccer accounts to follow. You can even turn notifications on for these, so you don’t miss a thing.
• Podcasts and radio – Alongside written media, you can also tune into analysis podcasts and sports radio stations so you can get the lowdown while folding your laundry.
• Forums – If you want to skip the middleman and chat with other enthusiasts, forums are a great place to develop your knowledge. However, be aware that some tips on forums might not be accurate. If you want valid information, stick to the official news platforms.
• TV programmes – TV soccer shows are still one of the most popular forms of soccer media. So, tune into Match of the Day of Sky Sports for the top coverage.

Enjoying the Thrill of Soccer Betting Responsibly

Learning how to bet on soccer games online is an exhilarating experience. From taking control of your bankroll to impressing your mates with your knowledge, it’s all about nurturing your strategy and safely managing risk. If betting ever feels compulsive or loses the excitement, take a step back and cool off for a while.
Want to continue learning? Visit the BettingNonGamStop blog to learn more about all things sports betting.