Meaning of Odd and Even in Betting: Examples & Strategies

The meaning of odd and even in betting is predicting whether the total number of a specific outcome or statistic in a match will be an odd or even number. This market can apply to different stats, including goals, corners, cards, or any event with a stat line in a match.

This market is one of several niche options available in sports betting and can be confusing, especially to bettors still learning the ropes.

To help you understand how it works, we will break it down in clear terms, show simple examples, and share practical strategies for getting the most value from even-odd bets on the top betting sites in Nigeria.

CONTENTS

Table of Contents

What Is the Odd/Even Betting Market?

Odd/even in betting is predicting if the final total of an event in a game will be an even or odd number. If the final number is odd (1, 3, 5, etc), the odd bet wins, and if the final number is even (2, 4, 6, etc), the even bet wins.

The result of the match does not matter; only the final number of the particular match event counts. A simple rule for determining whether a match statistic is even or odd is to divide by 2. If it is divisible, it is an even number; if not, it is an odd number.

In Nigeria, most bettors prefer this market for total goals in football matches. You will see options like “Odd” or “Even” for full-time goals. On betting sites like Bet9ja, this market is also available for total goals in the 1st or 2nd half, as well as corners.

To understand how it works, let’s use a simple EPL example on Bet9ja. The match between Brentford and Fulham.

You will see two options:

• Odd (1.91)
• Even (1.87)

Now, let’s look at possible outcomes:

Final Score	Total Goals	Odd or Even	Winning Bet
1-0	1	Odd	Odd
1-1	2	Even	Even
2-1	3	Odd	Odd
2-2	4	Even	Even

That’s all this market is. You count the total goals at full time to see if it’s odd or even.

One important rule: only regular time counts. That means this bet applies only to the normal 90 minutes. Extra time and penalties do not count.

For example, if a World Cup or Champions League match ends 1-1 after 90 minutes, the total is 2 goals, which is even. Even if more goals are scored in extra time, your bet is already settled based on the 90-minute result.

At this point, you already understand the meaning of odd and even in betting and how it works in real matches. But, what happens if the score is 0-0?

Is a 0-0 Score Odd or Even?

A common question bettors ask is whether 0-0 is an odd or even bet. The answer is yes. This scoreline counts as even, so even bets win and odd bets lose. This is how it is settled for all major betting sites in Nigeria.

Odd/Even Live Betting

While most bookmakers offer more even and odd betting options in the pre-match market (full-time, first-half, second-half, and team-specific totals, etc), you can also place this bet in-play.

However, during live betting, the available options are usually limited. You will mainly see markets like full-time odd/even or second-half odd/even, with fewer variations available.

On Nigerian bookmakers like 1xBet, you will only see the ‘’Even’’ market with ‘’Yes’’ and ‘’No’’ options in-play.

As seen in the image above, you can type ‘’Even’’ in the search by market field to see this market.

From here, you get options to bet on:

• Total goals odd/even (regular time or 2nd half)
• Individual total 1 even
• Individual total 2 even

From experience, this market is very handy and can provide good value during big tournaments. For example, you can bet on World Cup matches live and get good value from the odd and even market.

Odd/Even Bet Variations on Nigerian Betting Sites

The full-match odd/even is the main version of this bet on most local platforms. But Nigerian betting sites also offer odd-even betting options on specific halves or individual team goals. Let's see the most popular variations below.

Full Match Odd/Even

This is the standard market available on most platforms. You bet on whether the total goals or any other event for which the option is available will be an odd or even number after the full 90 minutes.

Example: In an NPFL match between Kano Pillars and Enyimba, the game ends 3-2 in favour of Enyimba. The total goals are 5. Since 5 cannot be divided evenly by 2, it is an odd number. That means odd bets win, while even bets lose.

First Half Odd/Even (ODD HT)

Here, you only count goals scored in the first half (and added time). The second half does not matter.

Example: The first half ends 1-0. That gives a total of 1 goal in the first half. Since 1 is not divisible by 2, it is an odd number. So odd bets win, regardless of how many goals are scored after halftime, or in total.

Second Half Odd/Even (ODD 2HT)

This works the same way as the first half option, but only for goals scored in the second half.

Example: Taking our example from above, let's say three goals are scored by the away team after halftime, and the match finishes 1-3. Since 3 is an odd number, only odd bets will win in this scenario. Even bets lose, even though the full-time goals total is 4, an even number.

Home Team Odd/Even

You are betting on whether the home team’s total goals will be odd or even.

Example: Enyimba are playing at home and win 5-3. Enyimba scored 5 goals. Since 5 is an odd number, odd bets win for this market, even though the total match goals are 8.

Away Team Odd/Even

This market focuses only on the away team’s goals.

Example: Kano Pillars play away and lose 3-2. They scored 2 goals. Since 2 is even, even bets win in the away team market, even though the match total is 5.

Odd and Even Goals Examples

To further illustrate how this market works, let's show odd/even goal examples of common scorelines in football and see how bets are settled in this market.

Final Score	Total Goals	Odd or Even	Which Bet Wins
0-0	0	Even	Even
1-0	1	Odd	Odd
1-1	2	Even	Even
2-1	3	Odd	Odd
2-0	2	Even	Even
1-3	4	Even	Even
4-1	5	Odd	Odd
4-0	4	Even	Even

Other Sports that offer Even/Odd Bets

Odd/even bets are also available in many other sports, not just football. The most common options on major bookmakers include:

• Basketball: Bet on whether the total points scored in a game will be odd or even. For example, in the Lakers-Nuggets game, the final score is 102-98, which means the total is 200, so the Even bet wins.
• Tennis: Available on the total number of games played in a match or set. If a match ends 2-0 (6-4, 6-3), the number of total games is 19, so the Odd bet wins.
• American Football: You can bet on the total points scored by one or both teams. Let’s say the final score is 21-17; the total is 38, so the Even bet wins.
• Baseball: Bet on the total runs scored in the game. For example, at the end of the game, the score is 5-4, which totals 9 runs, so the Odd bet wins.
• Cricket: Some bookmakers offer odd/even bets on total runs or specific innings totals. In a T20 cricket match, Team A scores 165 runs and Team B scores 158 runs, which equals a total of 323 runs. Since 323 is an odd number, Odd bets win.

Is the Odd/Even Bet a Good Bet?

The odd/even bet is simple, and that’s what makes it a good bet. But, like any other market, it also has downsides and benefits.

One reason many Nigerian punters like it is that it is easy to understand. You don’t need to analyse too many different statistics like in 1×2 betting. You are only looking at the most common patterns of a match statistic.

It also works well for quick bets, especially in live betting when you’re watching the game and can see if one more goal will land.

But know that this market is not a true 50/50 bet. Bookmakers build in a margin, which is why odds are usually around 1.85 instead of 2.00. If you understand how betting odds work, you will see that both sides cannot offer equal value. So while the market looks simple, the edge is still with the bookmaker.

A Smarter Way to Bet: Combining Odd with Over 2.5 Goals

One simple way to get more value from odd and even betting is to place two bets on the same match: one on Odd total goals and one on Over 2.5 goals.

If a match finishes with 3, 5, or 7 goals, both bets win. That means you land Over 2.5, and the total is also Odd. This works best when the odds for Over 2.5 are higher than the odds for Odd, which gives you a better overall return.

Let's explain with a simple example:

• ₦1,000 on total goals Odd at 1.85, returns ₦1,850
• ₦1,000 on Over 2.5 goals at 2.00, returns ₦2,000

If both win (e.g., 2–1, total = 3 goals):

• Total return = ₦3,850
• Total stake = ₦2,000
• Profit = ₦1,850

If only one wins (e.g., 2–2, total = 4 goals):

• Over 2.5 wins, ₦2,000
• Odd loses, ₦0
• Total return = ₦2,000, break-even

But, you lose all your stake if the result is 2-0 or 0-0, so both Over 2.5 and Odd bets are sunk. Also, you lose a bit of your stake when the result is 1-0. Here, you lose only ₦150 since the Odd bet wins (₦1,850 win), but the Over 2.5 bet loses.

The best way to combine these two bets for even more value is to use bet builders. With this tool, you can combine multiple selections from the same match for even bigger odds.

Odd/Even Betting Tips for Nigerian Punters

Here are simple tips to help you use this market more effectively.

1. Use live betting for better value: This option is especially valuable in-play, where a single goal can flip the total from even to odd, or vice versa. If the score is 0-0, 1–1 or 2–1, especially after the 60-minute mark, you know exactly what the next goal will do, so you can enter with a clear idea of the outcome you need.
2. Check recent goal patterns: Look at the teams’ last 5 matches and count how many ended with odd or even total goals to identify patterns.
3. Pick even for high-scoring or draw-type games, and odd for narrow wins: If you expect a possible draw, the even bet makes sense since results like 0-0 and 1-1 both deliver. This bet also makes sense for high-scoring matches, especially when one team is the overwhelming favourite. On the other hand, matches between low-scoring teams tend to finish 1–0 or 2–1, which favours the odd bet.
4. Use it inside bet builders for better value: On its own, odd/even odds are usually around 1.85, which includes the bookmaker’s margin. Instead of betting it as a single, combine it with other markets (over/under, BTTS, etc.) in a bet builder for bigger odds.
5. Set limits and manage your stake: Always decide how much you are willing to risk before betting. This helps you avoid chasing losses.

These tips can help you make better decisions, but they are not guarantees. Outcomes still depend on the match, and the bookmaker will always have a slight edge, so always bet responsibly.

Conclusion

The meaning of odd and even in betting is predicting whether the final statistic of a match ends in an odd or even number. Your bet wins if that outcome matches your selection.

You don’t need to pick a winner or scoreline with this bet. Based on our testing of Nigerian betting sites, this market is easy to find and can offer good value when used correctly.

We’ve shown how it works with real examples, explained the key variations, and highlighted important rules to remember when betting on this market, such as the 90-minute settlement.

The main thing to remember is that this is not a true 50/50 bet, and as with all gambling, it must be approached with a clear strategy and solid bankroll management. For more beginner-friendly betting strategies to improve your wagering outcomes, check our betting guides page.

FAQs