Betting comes with a set of its own professional slang terms used by both bookmakers and punters. Some of them, like “outright betting”, “handicap”, or “over/under” are almost universal for all types of betting. Others are sport specific.
In this article, we will discuss one such term. Let’s take a look at the meaning of booking points.
What are Booking Points in Football Betting?
Explained in layman’s terms, booking points are a system of showing how many yellow and red cards the referee showed during the game. But why would you need to know this information when betting on a match?
Booking points are a popular betting option. They can be used in a number of betting markets. For example, you can bet whether the total amount of booking points at the end of the match will be over or under a certain number set by the bookies. Another possible betting market is which team will accumulate a larger amount of booking points during the game.
Before we dive into the booking points calculation system, there are a couple of things you should remember when betting on booking points:
- Only cards given out during the 90 minute regular time count towards the booking points.
- Cards given in extra time or during penalties don’t count.
- Cards given to coaches, substitutes, or players off the pitch don’t count.
How Many Points is a Yellow Card Worth?
A yellow card is worth 10 points. This only counts for the players who are on the pitch. If a player got carded off pitch, this won’t be added to the total booking points.
If a player gets two yellow cards in one match, which automatically results in a red card, the total booking points awarded to the team will be 35 points.
How Many Points is a Red Card Worth?
A straight red card (not preceded by two yellows) is worth 25 points. However, if a player gets a red card as a result of two previous yellow cards, the total amount of booking points will be 35 instead of 45.
Each player can only be dished out 35 booking points in one match. Similar to the yellow card, red card points only count for players currently on the pitch.
If you’re interested in football betting and would like to try placing a bet on booking points markets, check out our football betting page.
Pros and Cons of Booking Points
Booking points add a certain layer of excitement to the game. Now you don’t have to only focus on the final result but can also follow the fouls and the cards dished out for them. This is particularly interesting when one team in the match is obviously much stronger than the other, and the result could be foreseen early on.
Unlike regular card markets, where each card only earns one or two points (for double booking), booking points hold a significant weight. This helps the punters get much closer to the booking point line.
On the other hand, the range of markets on booking points is much more limited compared to the standard card markets. Often, bookmakers only offer a single line for booking points.
How to Use Booking Points
We have discussed how booking points work, but if you’re planning to bet on booking points, there are a number of things you can do to maximize the value of your bet.
- Research the referee. Some referees are more “card happy”, while others give them out in a more reserved manner.
- Analyze the typical behaviour of the teams during a match. Some players tend to get rough more easily and are more likely to earn a card.
- It’s easier to lose cool and commit a foul if the team plays against a long-time rival. That’s why derby matches between local clubs almost always collect more cards and, correspondingly, booking points. The Premier League’s famous Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton or the Scottish Premiership’s Old Firm derby between the Celtics and Rangers are good examples of how ferocious such games can get.
- The importance of the match plays a big role too. While even a friendly can turn into a fierce battle, players are more likely to fight tooth and nail in matches for a place in the top tier or a significant trophy.
Consider these factors before you place your bet on booking points for a better outcome. You can bet on booking points as a separate bet or as part of a bet builder. Learn more about the Premier League vs Champions League difference or check the latest UEFA Champions League schedule to enhance your betting strategy.
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