Understanding Bookmaker Odds – Common Types of Football Betting Odds
Bookmaker odds are a familiar concept in the world of sports betting, especially in football. Whenever a bookmaker offers soccer prediction games betting on a match, they provide various odds for players to choose from. So, what are the most commonly used types of betting odds? Let’s explore them in detail below.
1. Betting Is a Particularly Addictive “Substance”
Most people are aware that drugs such as heroin or ecstasy are dangerous and addictive. However, not many realize that football betting can be just as addictive — and just as destructive.
Numerous scientific studies have shown that football betting affects the human nervous system in a way similar to stimulants or narcotics. Winning a bet can cause a high similar to drug-induced euphoria. The player may feel intense excitement and pleasure, sometimes lasting for hours.
Conversely, when a person loses a bet, they can experience symptoms of sadness, depression, panic, and even desperation — much like a drug addict experiencing withdrawal. There have even been tragic cases of individuals taking their own lives due to heavy football betting losses.
What makes football betting particularly dangerous is its direct connection to passion. Most people who gamble on football are also football enthusiasts. According to many psychological studies, this emotional involvement makes football betting even harder to quit compared to other forms of gambling. That’s why the best course of action is to stay away from this risky form of betting altogether.
Asian Handicap (Handicap Odds)
Asian Handicap Which is the most accurate football prediction app is the most popular type of odds in both major and minor football matches. This system aims to balance the level of competition between two teams, making the bet more interesting and fair. Below are some typical formats you will encounter:
Level Ball (0 Handicap)
This is known as a "Draw No Bet" or "Level Ball" market. It usually applies when both teams are considered evenly matched in terms of strength and performance. Neither team is given an advantage, and no handicap is applied.
If you bet on either team and they win, you win the bet.
If the match ends in a draw, the bet is refunded.
Quarter Ball Handicap (0.25)
This is often called “Level Quarter Ball” or “Draw No Bet Half Win.” It means the favorite gives a slight edge to the underdog.
If the favored team wins: Bet on them = win full amount. Bet on underdog = lose full bet.
If the match ends in a draw: Bet on the favorite = lose half, Bet on the underdog = win half.
Half Ball Handicap (0.5)
Here, the stronger team gives the weaker team a half-goal advantage before kickoff.
If the favored team wins: you win the bet if you placed money on them.
If the match ends in a draw or loss for the favored team: you lose your bet.
Three-Quarter Handicap (0.75)
Also known as “Half One” handicap, this format works as follows:
If the stronger team wins by 1 goal: Bet on them = win half the stake. Bet on the underdog = lose half the stake.
If the stronger team wins by 2 or more goals: Bet on them = win full amount.
If the match ends in a draw or the underdog wins: Bet on the underdog = win full amount.
One Goal Handicap (1.0)
The favored team starts the match with a 1-goal disadvantage.
If they win by exactly 1 goal: The bet is refunded (draw).
If they win by 2 or more: Bet on the favorite = win.
If they draw or lose: Bet on the favorite = lose.
Asian Handicap is one of the core formats offered by bookmakers in almost every football match.
European Odds (1X2 Betting)
European soccer prediction sites today odds, also known as 1X2, are the simplest type of betting odds and are particularly popular among beginners. Unlike Asian Handicap which involves multiple conditions, European odds only require you to choose from three possible outcomes:
1 (Home Win): You bet that the home team will win. If they do, you win. If they lose or draw, you lose.
X (Draw): You bet on a draw. You win if the match ends in a tie. You lose if there's a winner.
2 (Away Win): You bet that the away team will win. If they do, you win. If they lose or draw, you lose.
This type of bet does not involve handicaps or complex calculations, making it a go-to option for new bettors.
Over/Under (Total Goals Betting)
Over/Under, often abbreviated as O/U or known as Tài/Xỉu in Vietnamese, is another popular betting market. This format doesn’t focus on which team wins or loses, but rather on the total number of goals scored in the match.
Over (Tài): You bet that the total number of goals scored by both teams will be more than the number set by the bookmaker.
Under (Xỉu): You bet that the total number of goals will be less than the set number.
Push (Hoàn tiền): If the total number of goals exactly matches the bookmaker’s number, your stake is refunded.
For example, if the Over/Under is set at 3 goals:
Final score 2-1, 3-0, 1-2, or 0-3 = Push (refund).
Final score 3-1, 4-0, etc. = Over wins.
Final score 1-1, 2-0 = Under wins.
Final Thoughts
The above article has summarized the most common types of football betting odds offered by bookmakers. Whether you're new to sports betting or looking to deepen your understanding, knowing how to read these odds will give you a major advantage when placing your bets.
We hope this guide from Parrotlinux helps you analyze odds more effectively and choose the most suitable betting strategy. Stay informed, bet smartly, and enjoy the game!