Learning how to bet on soccer starts with 2 things: understanding how odds work and knowing the bet types that cover many wagers you’ll place. Soccer’s the most-watched sport on Earth, and with major competitions like the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, MLS, and world cup running most of the calendar year, there’s almost always a match to bet on.
This guide covers how to read American, decimal, and fractional odds, the core bet types every soccer bettor should know, what to know before betting on soccer, a step-by-step walkthrough for placing your first bet, and bankroll basics to bet responsibly.
What Is Soccer Betting?
Soccer betting means placing a wager on the outcome of a match or tournament, ranging from which team wins to which player scores first. The global soccer betting market is one of the largest in sports wagering, driven by the sport's international reach and near-constant match schedule across leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and MLS. Because soccer allows for a draw, soccer bets can differ from bets on other sports like basketball or American football, where a game can’t end tied. That difference shapes markets in this guide, starting with the 3-way moneyline.
How to Read Soccer Odds
Soccer odds tell you 2 things: which outcome the sportsbook considers more likely, and how much you can win on a given wager. Caesars Sportsbook displays odds in American format by default, but decimal and fractional formats are common internationally and worth understanding, especially since soccer's global audience means you could encounter all 3.
American Odds
American odds use a plus (+) or minus (-) sign relative to a $100 base. A minus sign shows how much you need to bet to win $100. A plus sign shows how much you win on a $100 bet. If a favorite is listed at -150, a $150 bet wins $100 in profit (the total pay out would be $250). If the underdog is listed at +130, a $100 bet wins $130 in profit (the total pay out would be $230).
Decimal Odds
Decimal odds represent the total payout per $1 wagered, including your original stake. Favorite at -150 American converts to roughly 1.67 decimal. A $100 bet at 1.67 returns $167 total, which is the same $67 profit reflected differently than the American format's rounding.
Fractional Odds
Fractional odds, common in the UK, show profit relative to your stake as a fraction. Underdog at +130 American converts to roughly 13/10 fractional, meaning a $10 bet profits $13.
Odds Format | Example | What It Means | $100 Bet Payout |
American | -150 | Bet $150 to win $100 | $250 total return |
American | +130 | Bet $100 to win $130 | $230 total return |
Decimal | 1.67 | Total payout per $1 wagered | $167 total return |
Fractional | 13/10 | Profit relative to stake | $230 total return |
Understanding conversion between formats matters most when comparing odds across markets or shopping for the best number on a specific match.
The Main Types of Soccer Bets
Soccer betting includes core bet types covering many wagers placed on any given match: moneyline bets, draw no bet, double chance, point spread (Asian handicap), totals, both teams to score, and parlays. Each works differently because soccer allows for a draw, so understanding how a sportsbook prices that 3rd outcome is central to reading any soccer line correctly.
Moneyline (3-Way and 2-Way)
A 3-way moneyline bet asks to pick the winner of the match, including the option to bet on a draw. For a match between Team A and Team B, odds might read Team A -110, Draw +240, Team B +280. Betting Team A at -110 requires a $110 bet to win $100, while betting the draw at +240 pays $240 profit on a $100 bet.
A 2-way moneyline removes the draw option entirely and is usually offered on markets where a winner is guaranteed, like a knockout-round match that goes to extra time and penalties.
→ See the full moneyline betting guide for a deeper breakdown of 3-way pricing
Draw No Bet
Draw no bet removes the draw as a losing outcome for your wager. If you bet on a draw no bet market and the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded. This market usually pays lower odds than a straight moneyline bet because the sportsbook is removing one path to losing your bet.
Double Chance
Double chance lets you bet on 2 of the 3 possible outcomes in a single wager, like a win or draw, covering everything except a Chelsea win. This market is popular for bettors who are confident a team won’t lose but aren’t sure about a win vs a draw.
Point Spread (Asian Handicap)
Soccer spread betting, called Asian handicap, applies a goal-based head start or deficit to level the perceived talent gap between 2 teams. If a team’s a -1 handicap favorite against a promoted club, that team must win by 2 goals or more for the bet to pay off. A -0.5 handicap simplifies this to a straight win-or-lose bet with no draw possible, since half-goal lines cannot push.
Totals (Over/Under Goals)
Totals betting asks whether the combined goals scored by both teams will go over or under a set number, usually 2.5 goals. A bet on under 2.5 goals wins if the final combined score is 2 goals or less. A bet on over 2.5 wins at 3 goals or more.
→ See the full totals and over/under betting explainer for alternate goal lines
Both Teams to Score
This market asks a simple yes-or-no question: will both teams score at least 1 goal in the match. It’s popular in matches between 2 offense-minded clubs and can pair well with totals betting for bettors building a broader view of how a match will play out.
Same Game Parlay
A Same Game Parlay (SGP) combines multiple bets from a single match into one wager, like pairing a moneyline pick with both teams to score and an over on total goals for example. Every leg must win for the parlay to pay out, and odds multiply across legs, increasing potential payout but also increasing risk since a single missed leg loses the entire wager.
→ See the full guide to Same Game Parlay betting for combination rules and examples
What to Consider When Soccer Betting
Soccer betting involves statistics, team information, scheduling considerations, and several types of wagers. These factors can provide context, but no statistic, trend, or research method can predict or guarantee the outcome of a match.
Understand expected goals: Expected goals, commonly called xG, estimates the quality of scoring opportunities based on factors associated with each shot. It can provide more context than the final score alone, but xG models may differ by provider, and previous results don’t guarantee future performance
Review confirmed lineups and player availability: Injuries, suspensions, starting lineups, and tactical changes may affect how a team approaches a match. Distinguish between predicted and confirmed lineups, and don’t treat unverified reports as fact
Consider the schedule and competition format: Travel, rest, fixture congestion, and multi-leg competitions may affect lineup decisions. Avoid assuming how motivated a team will be or which players will start without confirmed information
Review the available odds and markets: Soccer matches may offer moneyline, draw, spread, total, player, and team markets. Confirm the selected market, odds, stake, settlement terms, and potential payout before placing a wager
Understand that odds can change: Odds and market availability may change before kickoff as new information becomes available or wagering activity shifts. A change in odds doesn’t guarantee a particular result
→ See the full guide to soccer stats and data analysis for how to find and interpret reliable team and player data.
How to Place Your First Soccer Bet: Step-by-Step
Placing a soccer bet on Caesars Sportsbook is straightforward once your account is set up. The process is the same whether you’re betting on a match this weekend or a championship futures market months in advance.
Create and verify your account: New users must verify their identity, confirm they are 21 years of age or older, and be physically located in a state where Caesars Sportsbook operates legally.
Deposit funds: Add funds using a bank transfer, debit card, or another supported payment method. Set a deposit amount you’re comfortable risking before you start browsing markets.
Find your match: Navigate to the soccer tab and select your league, then choose the specific match you want to bet on.
Select your bet type and odds: Choose a market, such as moneyline, totals, or point spread, and tap the odds you want. The selection populates your bet slip automatically with the current odds and potential payout.
Enter your stake and confirm: Type the amount you want to wager into the bet slip. Review the potential payout, then confirm the bet. Your wager is locked in at the odds shown at the time of confirmation.
Spending Limits and Responsible Soccer Betting
Soccer betting should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money. Every wager carries financial risk, regardless of the amount staked or the research completed beforehand.
Set personal limits: Decide in advance how much time and money you’re comfortable spending. Never wager money needed for bills, savings, debt payments, or other essential expenses
Keep wager amounts within your limits: Don’t increase the amount wagered in response to a previous win or loss
Avoid chasing losses: Continuing to wager or increasing wager amounts in an attempt to recover previous losses can result in additional financial harm
Take breaks when needed: A full weekend schedule doesn’t create an obligation to wager on multiple matches or remain active throughout the day
Use responsible gaming tools: Caesars Sportsbook offers responsible gaming options that may include limit-setting, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion. Available tools and requirements vary by jurisdiction
Bet on Your Favorite League
Soccer betting opportunities run year-round across domestic leagues, continental competitions, and international tournaments. Explore dedicated betting hubs for the competitions you follow most closely.
Key Soccer Betting Terms to Know
Soccer betting comes with its own vocabulary, and knowing these terms makes reading any match odds board easier.
Term | What It Means |
Moneyline | A bet on which team wins the match outright, including the draw as a 3rd option in soccer |
Draw No Bet | A wager where a tied match results in a refund instead of a loss |
Asian Handicap | A goal-based spread applied to level two teams of different perceived ability |
Totals (Over/Under) | A bet on whether combined goals scored will exceed or fall short of a set number |
Both Teams to Score | A yes-or-no bet on whether each team scores at least once |
Same Game Parlay | Multiple bets from one match combined into a single wager with multiplied odds |
Expected Goals (xG) | A statistic measuring the quality of scoring chances a team creates, independent of actual goals scored |
Vig (Vigorish) | The built-in margin a sportsbook charges, reflected in odds that don’t reflect true probability |
Futures Bet | A long-term wager on an outcome decided well in advance, like a league or tournament winner |
Why Serious Soccer Fans Bet with Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook gives soccer bettors a full range of markets, from straightforward moneylines to same-game parlays, making betting on soccer easy for a first-time bettor placing a single moneyline wager to an experienced fan building a multi-leg parlay.
Caesars Rewards on Every Single Bet: Eligible real-money wagers placed on soccer, can earn Rewards Credits for Caesars Rewards. Rewards Credits can be redeemed for hotel stays, dining, and live entertainment at Caesars Rewards destinations.
A Bet Slip Built for Every Experience Level: The bet slip on Caesars Sportsbook shows the most common soccer markets first (moneyline, totals, and handicap), with plain-language labels. New bettors aren’t guessing at how the number resolves
Odds Boosts, Promos, and Same Game Parlays: Caesars Sportsbook may feature promotional odds boosts on marquee soccer matches, alongside a same-game parlay builder for combining multiple soccer markets into one ticket.
Available Across the Country: Caesars Sportsbook operates in states across the country where sports betting is legal, subject to each state's laws. and minimum age requirements. You must be physically located in a state where sports betting is legal to place a live wager.
Ready to place your first soccer bet? Download the Caesars Sportsbook app to get started here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do soccer odds have 3 outcomes instead of 2?
Soccer moneyline odds include a draw because matches can end tied after regulation, unlike sports such as basketball or American football. Caesars Sportsbook prices all 3 outcomes (home win, draw, away win) separately on every 3-way moneyline market.
What does a plus or minus sign mean in soccer betting odds?
A plus (+) sign shows how much profit a $100 bet returns. A minus (-) sign shows how much you must bet to win $100. Caesars Sportsbook displays American odds by default, alongside optional decimal and fractional formats.
How much money do I need to start betting on soccer?
Caesars Sportsbook allows wagers as small as $0.10 on most markets, so new bettors can start with a small stake while learning how odds and payouts work. There is no required minimum deposit beyond what a chosen payment method allows.
What is the safest type of soccer bet for a beginner?
No soccer wager is inherently safe. A straight moneyline or totals (over/under) bet on a single match is one of the most straightforward options for new soccer bettors because it involves one outcome and no combined legs. Parlays and props carry higher risk because every selection must win.
Can I cash out a soccer bet before the match ends?
Caesars Sportsbook offers a cash out feature on many soccer markets, allowing bettors to settle a wager early for a partial payout based on the live state of the match. Availability varies by specific bet type and match.
Does a draw count as a loss on a moneyline bet?
Yes. A straight moneyline bet on either team loses if the match ends in a draw, since the draw is a separate, 3rd outcome. Draw No Bet markets exist specifically to refund your stake instead of losing it in a tie.