Starting a journey in football betting can feel overwhelming. With dozens of different markets, odds formats, and betting strategies available, it’s easy for newcomers to make mistakes early on. Choosing the right types of bets is crucial to building confidence, learning how markets work, and most importantly — avoiding unnecessary losses.
In this guide, we’ll break down which football bets are best suited for beginners, why they work, and how to approach them smartly.
Why Simplicity Matters in Early Betting
One of the biggest errors beginners make is diving into complex bets without understanding basic concepts. Starting simple helps new bettors:
- Understand how odds reflect probabilities.
- Build confidence through small, consistent wins.
- Minimize risk while learning bankroll management.
- Focus on match analysis rather than chasing big payouts.
As you gain experience, you can gradually explore more advanced markets. But first, mastering the basics is key.
Best Bet Types for New Football Bettors
Here are the most beginner-friendly bet types, based on simplicity, predictability, and value:
1. Match Result (1X2)
The most classic football bet:
- 1 = Home team wins
- X = Draw
- 2 = Away team wins
This bet is simple and intuitive. It focuses purely on the final result after 90 minutes (plus injury time), making it the perfect starting point.
2. Double Chance
This bet gives you two outcomes instead of one, increasing your chances of winning.
Example: “Home Win or Draw” — you win if the home team either wins or draws.
Double chance reduces odds slightly but offers more safety, which is ideal for beginners who want to reduce risk.
3. Over/Under Goals
Rather than predicting the exact score, you bet whether the total number of goals will be over or under a line (e.g., Over 2.5 Goals).
This simplifies the game: you don’t care who wins — only how many goals are scored.
4. Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Another simple market: will both teams score at least one goal?
Yes or No.
This is easier to predict in leagues with attacking teams and is less dependent on final match results.
5. Draw No Bet
This type removes the risk of a draw ruining your bet.
- If your team wins, you win.
- If the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded.
It’s safer than a straight match-winner bet, making it attractive for cautious beginners.
Beginner Betting Tips from Experienced Bettors
| Tip From Experienced Bettors | Why It Helps Beginners |
|---|---|
| Start with small stakes | Minimizes early financial risk |
| Focus on leagues you know well | Better understanding of teams |
| Avoid accumulator (parlay) bets early on | Single bets are easier to manage |
| Track your bets in a spreadsheet | Helps identify strengths and weaknesses |
| Always research team news before betting | Injuries and suspensions matter |
Learning from those who have gone through the beginner phase can save new bettors a lot of mistakes — and a lot of money.
What to Avoid When Starting Out
Not all bet types are beginner-friendly. Here’s what newcomers should generally avoid until they have more experience:
- Correct Score Bets: Predicting an exact score is extremely difficult.
- First Goalscorer Bets: High variance, low hit rate.
- Complex Handicaps (Asian, Alternative lines): Require deep understanding of spreads and probabilities.
- Massive Accumulators: Tempting due to high potential payouts, but very low success rates.
Sticking to simple markets allows beginners to focus on the fundamentals of good betting: analysis, discipline, and bankroll management.
Football betting can be a fun and rewarding hobby when approached with patience and the right strategy. Choosing beginner-friendly bet types like Match Result, Double Chance, Over/Under Goals, Both Teams to Score, and Draw No Bet helps new bettors build a solid foundation.
As your understanding of the game and the markets grows, you can expand into more complex betting styles. But in the beginning, simplicity and discipline are your best friends.
Remember: every expert once started as a beginner. Focus on learning first profits will follow naturally with experience.