Football betting not only provides entertainment while watching matches but also offers a chance to earn extra income. To participate in betting, you first need to understand the rules and the types of bets offered by bookmakers. Today, Wintips will share with you a simple guide to reading tonight’s football odds for beginners. Let's dive in!
What Are Tonight’s Football Odds?
Football odds are the betting ratios set by bookmakers for each match. However, each bookmaker offers a variety of different betting types, which can be confusing for new players. Here are some basic symbols to remember:
The home team is listed on top, and the away team is listed below.
The favorite team is written in red, and the underdog is written in black.
The favorite team gives the handicap, and the underdog receives the handicap.
If both teams are written in black, they are considered evenly matched.
These simple symbols are not too difficult to remember, right? Keep them in mind to make reading tonight’s football odds easier.
Simple Guide to Reading Tonight’s Football Odds for Beginners
Each reputable bookmaker offers various types of bets. Consequently, the way you read and analyze them differs. Here are some popular football bets:
Asian Handicap
Also known as the Asian Handicap, this type of bet allows you to choose between two teams, the favorite or the underdog. You will see numbers like 0.5 – 1 or 1 – 1.5 on the bookmaker ratings odds table. These represent the handicap that the bookmaker offers when you place a bet.
Level Ball Handicap (0)
This bet appears in matches where the two teams are evenly matched. You only need to choose the winning team. If the match ends in a draw, you get your bet back. If the team you bet on wins, you win the full amount. Conversely, if the team loses, you lose your entire bet.
Quarter Ball Handicap (0.25)
This bet appears when there is a slight disparity between the two teams. The favorite gives a 0.25 goal handicap to the underdog. If the match ends in a draw, the favorite loses half the bet amount.
Half Ball Handicap (0.5)
In this bet, the favorite gives a 0.5 goal handicap to the underdog. There are no draws; only wins and losses are possible.
Three-Quarter Ball Handicap (0.75)
Here, the favorite gives a 0.75 goal handicap to the underdog. The favorite needs to win by at least one goal to win the bet.
One Goal Handicap (1)
In this bet, the favorite needs to win by at least two goals. If they win by one goal, the bet is refunded.
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One and a Half Goals Handicap (1.5)
The favorite must win by at least two goals to win the bet. If they win by only one goal, the underdog wins the entire bet.
One and Three-Quarter Goals Handicap (1.75)
The favorite needs to win by at least three goals. If they win by two goals, the underdog loses half the bet amount.
Two Goals Handicap (2)
The favorite needs to win by at least three goals. If they win by two goals, the bet is refunded.
European Odds (1X2)
This popular bet type requires predicting the outcome: win, draw, or loss. You can bet on the home team (1), away team (2), or a draw 
.
Over/Under Bets
Also known as O/U bets, these require predicting the total number of goals scored in the match. The bookmaker sets a number, and you predict whether the total goals will be over or under that number.
Key Points to Note When Analyzing Tonight’s Odds
For experienced players, analyzing odds is not difficult. However, if you are new, keep these points in mind:
Understand how to read the odds and the information on the bookmaker’s odds table.
Analyze teams before the match, considering factors like player performance, head-to-head history, lineups, and tactics.
Regularly update the odds table provided by the bookmaker, even during the match.
Know the basic information, such as rules and payout methods for different bets (European, Asian, level ball, handicap, corner bets, card bets, penalty bets).
If a level ball bet changes to 1/2 30 minutes before the match, choose the away team.
If the odds increase but the away team’s payout also increases, choose the away team.
If European odds favor a draw but Asian odds increase to 1/4, choose the home team.
Wintips has provided a simple guide to reading tonight’s football odds and some tips for effective analysis. However, these guidelines are not always 100% accurate. Combine them with your calculations to maximize your chances of winning. Good luck!
