Football betting can be confusing if you don’t understand how it works. This guide explains how to bet on football step by step, focusing on the betting terms, markets, odds formats, best betting sites, and responsible practices that beginners in Nigeria need to know.
How to Bet on Football: Terms to Know
Before placing any football bet, you’ll see some common terms. Knowing what they mean helps you avoid mistakes.
- Stake: The amount of money you put on a football bet. Higher stake means higher risk, regardless of odds.
- Bankroll: Your total betting budget. Managing it well helps reduce unnecessary losses.
- 1X2: Standard match result betting: Home win (1), Draw (X), Away win (2). Odds vary by team strength.
- Accumulator (Acca): Multiple football bets combined into one ticket. Odds are higher, but all selections must win.
- Handicap: Gives a virtual advantage or disadvantage to a team to balance the odds. Odds can be moderate to competitive.
- Over/Under: Betting on total goals scored in a match. Lower lines have lower odds, and vice versa.
- Total Goal: Similar to Over/Under but focuses only on goal count instead of match result.
- Correct Score: Predicts the exact final score. Odds are usually high because it’s difficult.
- Both Teams To Score (BTTS): You predict whether both teams will score. Odds depend on team attacking strength.
- Half Time/Full Time (HTFT): Predicts the result at halftime and full-time. Odds are usually higher due to difficulty.
- Draw No Bet (DNB): Your stake is refunded if the match ends in a draw. Odds are lower but safer.
Most Common Betting Markets / Types
From our expert knowledge, these are the football betting options beginners in Nigeria encounter most often.
1. Handicap Betting
Handicap betting is used to balance matches where one team is clearly stronger. The stronger team may start with a minus goal handicap, while the weaker team gets a head start.
A team can have -1, -2 or +1, +2 added virtually to the score. Asian Handicap, on the other hand, removes the draw option and may split stakes. This can affect whether odds are slightly lower or more competitive depending on the line.
This type of football bet suits bettors who follow team strength closely and want more balanced odds rather than straight 1X2 outcomes.
2. Over/Under Betting
Over/Under betting focuses on the number of goals scored in a match instead of who wins. The most common line is Over/Under 2.5 goals.
If you pick Over 2.5, at least three goals must be scored. There are variations like 1.5, 3.5, or Asian goal lines such as Over 2.25. Lower goal lines usually come with lower odds, while higher lines carry higher odds.
This market suits beginners who prefer analysing team attacking and defensive form rather than predicting match winners.
3. Accumulator (Acca) Betting
An accumulator combines two or more football bets into one ticket. All selections must win for the bet to succeed.
Odds are multiplied, which increases potential returns, but also increases risk. Even one wrong prediction means the entire acca loses. Variations include system bets, which allow some selections to lose.
Acca betting suits bettors who want to combine multiple opinions but should be used carefully, especially with small stakes.
Acca vs Handicap vs Over/Under: Which to Choose
| Feature | Acca | Handicap | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner Friendly | No | Yes | Yes |
| Odds Level | Higher | Competitive | Competitive |
| Focus | Multiple matches | Team strength balance | Goal Count |
| Risk Level | Higher | Moderate | Moderate |
Advanced Betting Markets / Types
Once you understand the basics of football betting, you may notice more detailed markets.
Prop Betting
Prop or proposition betting focuses on specific events within a match rather than the final result.
Examples include first goalscorer, number of yellow cards, red cards, corners, or player shots on target. Odds vary widely depending on the event selected.
This type of football bet suits bettors who watch matches closely and understand team behaviour, discipline, and player roles.
Live Betting
Live betting allows you to place football bets while the match is ongoing.
Odds change in real time based on goals, red cards, or momentum shifts. Markets include next goal, live Over/Under, and match result. Because odds move fast, decisions need to be calm and informed.
Live betting suits experienced bettors who can follow matches closely without making rushed decisions.
Understanding Odds
Odds show how much you stand to win relative to your stake. There are three main formats: decimal, fractional, and moneyline.
1. Decimal Odds (Used in Nigeria)
Decimal odds are written like 1.80 or 2.50. They show total return, including stake.
For example, a ₦1,000 football bet at 2.50 returns ₦2,500 in total. Lower decimal odds usually mean the outcome is more likely, while higher odds suggest a less likely result.
This format is popular in Nigeria and most of Europe because it’s simple to calculate and easy to understand.
2. Fractional Odds
Fractional odds appear like 5/1 or 2/3. They show how much outcome you could receive in relation to your stake, not the total return.
For example, 5/1 means you get ₦5 for every ₦1 staked, plus your original stake back. If you stake ₦1,000, your outcome is ₦5,000 and total return is ₦6,000. With 2/3, you get ₦2 for every ₦3 staked, which usually means lower odds and a more likely outcome.
Fractional odds are mostly used in the UK and Ireland and are common in traditional football betting environments.
3. Moneyline Odds
Moneyline odds are written as +150 or -200. They are based on a fixed reference amount, usually 100 units.
A +150 odd means you get ₦150 margin for every ₦100 staked, which indicates a less likely outcome with higher odds. A -200 odd means you must stake ₦200 to get ₦100 margin, showing a more likely outcome with lower odds.
This odds format is mainly used in the United States and is less common on Nigerian football betting platforms.
Expert Tips to Bet Responsibly
Football betting should be approached with control and awareness. Responsible betting helps prevent financial stress and keeps decisions realistic. Here are our expert betting tips to bet on football.
1. Bet at Best Betting Sites in Nigeria
Choosing a safe betting site is important. All our recommended betting sites are licensed bookmakers to help protect your funds and personal details. In addition, look for fair welcome bonuses and clear terms.
In Nigeria, bookmakers like Bet9ja, Betano, and BetKing are licensed and commonly used, offering competitive odds and responsible betting features.
2. Plan Bankroll Management
Bankroll management means setting aside a specific amount for betting and sticking to it.
Simple methods include fixed staking, percentage staking, or limiting daily bets. This helps avoid chasing losses and keeps betting under control.
3. Make Informed Decisions
Always research before placing a football bet. Check team form, injuries, suspensions, and head-to-head records. Other than that, focus on value bets where odds reflect realistic outcomes rather than popular opinion.
Make sure you stay updated with current football news. We recommend going through our football news and editorial content to follow trends and match insights.
4. Consider Betting Tools
Betting tools help control behaviour. Examples include deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion, and reality checks.
Reputable Nigerian bookmakers provide these tools. If betting becomes difficult to control, support organisations like GambleAware (UK) and local responsible gambling resources, like Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (ANB), can offer guidance.
FAQs
How do I start football betting in Nigeria?
Open an account with a licensed bookmaker, learn basic betting terms, and start with small stakes.
Which football bet is best for beginners?
Over/Under and Handicap bets are often easier for beginners to understand than accumulators.
Is football betting guaranteed profit?
No, football betting carries risk, and outcomes are never guaranteed. Responsible betting is essential.