Football betting is not about simply picking a winner anymore. Many of today’s smart players realise that it is about finding value, timing your bets, and having a read on the game well before the final whistle. Whether you are a new football player or looking to step up your football betting strategy, one fact is certain: winning big is about far more than just being lucky.
At 96 app, we offer the platform and the insights necessary for you to think sharper and play smarter. The guide below takes you through everything you need to know to make informed bets and maximise your chances.
What is Football Betting?
Football betting consists of wagering money on predicted outcomes in a match or tournament. You can bet on anything in a football match, from the final score to how well certain players will perform.
- Match Result (1×2): Bet on how the final result of the match will be, either the home team (1), the away team (2), or a draw (X).
- Over/Under Goals: Bet on totals of goals to be scored, e.g. ‘Over 2.5’ or ‘Under 1.5’
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Bet on whether both teams will score in the match.
- First Goalscorer: Bet on which player you think will score first.
- Correct Score: Bet on the exact final scoreline of the match.
- Live or In-Play: Bet on events happening during the match as they occur.
At 96.com, you will have the world’s major leagues and India’s top leagues to choose from, allowing you to quickly identify the type of markets that fit your betting style.
Do Your Homework Before You Bet
Smart betting is based on research. You won’t make winning bets by guessing.
Here’s what you should look at before placing any bet:
- Recent Form: How did each team perform in their last five matches? Are they in good form or have they just lost three in a row?
- Injuries and Suspensions: The loss of one striker or one main defender can change the whole course of the match.
- Head-to-Head Records: Some teams play very well against their particular opponents due to their styles of play or psychological practices.
- Tactics and Forms: It is useful to know when a team plays more defensively or loses, as this is useful in determining total goals, BTTS, and half-time scores.
- Weather and Pitch: Rain or damp pitches will reduce the chances of goals as they will increase the likelihood of all 2×2 scores.
Spotting Value in the Odds
Value is the primary focus for intelligent bettors, not outcomes. A value bet means that the probability of an outcome is above what was offered in the odds.
Basically, what you have:
If a team has a 50% chance to win (true odds: 2.0), but the bookmaker is offering 2.4, this is an opportunity for value.
You aren’t going to win every value bet, but over time, you increase your profitability. At 96.com, we have the odds for you to have valuable opportunities offered across many markets.
Manage Your Bankroll Like a Professional
Bankroll management is important. You can have all the smartest predictions in the world, but if you bet out of discipline, it is ineffective.
Rules to follow:
- Establish a Monthly Betting Limit: Use only disposable income.
- Use Unit Betting: Use a fixed percentage of your bankroll (2-5% typically) per bet.
- Don’t Chase Lost Bets: Chasing a losing streak with a larger bets usually results in larger losses.
- Keep Records: Tracking every bet can help you identify trends and patterns, including mistakes and successful strategies.
To be successful at football betting is not a short-term, singular win, but a long-term, sustainable process.
Use Live Betting to Your Advantage
Live or in-play betting allows for real-time immediacy, which can be a powerful weapon provided you use your head.
Suppose: A favourite team starts slow and scores an early goal. You can bet they will come back to win around this time because you get much more discretionary ‘value’ for a comeback since they started poorly. Odds might increase on a comeback win.
You might notice momentum shifted for a team. Road teams often can gain confidence on the road after a significant play at any time in the game. Similar to road teams gaining momentum, you might notice a formation change that is not intended, based on a substitution or tactic, when teams are changing throughout the match.
Mix and Match Your Bets
You do not need to have the same bet type for each match or event. You can put together many different ways to combine a single bet with a total of 6 parlays at small stakes. A match result bet can be lumped in with goal combinations and market, in addition to player props specifically for scoring goals or first-half goals, all while not linking it to a full-time match result. Familiarising yourself with live betting and diversification/combination opportunities is a big advantage!
Be wary of linker overloaded multi-bets. Sure, they yield more potential return; however, risk also increases.
Why 96.com is the Smarter Bettor’s Choice
Here are some reasons why both professional and novice bettors in India trust 96.com.
- A plethora of betting markets, including both domestic and international football
- Rapid in-play betting with real-time updates
- Odds and payouts are transparent
- Safe and secure platform with immediate deposits and withdrawals
- Dedicated support and experienced insight into betting
Final Thoughts
Betting on football rewards those who research, analyse, and adjust. Betting is not about good luck; it is about making informed decisions, patience, and discipline. The advantage in betting, whether you bet on the Champions League final or the local league, comes from knowledge.
Begin to think like a bettor, not just a fan. Join 96.com and discover how to bet on football, the smart way.
