Spread betting on football isn’t your standard win-lose-draw setup. It’s a bit different, offering more flexibility and risk depending on how far you think a match result will go. If you’re already familiar with fixed odds, spread betting flips that structure a little. You’re not just predicting the outcome, you’re predicting how right or wrong you might be – and that’s where the wins (or losses) can stack up.
Let’s break down what spread betting means in football and why some punters prefer it over traditional betting markets.
Understanding the Basics of Spread Betting
Spread betting is a form of wagering where your profit or loss is determined by how accurate your prediction is. Instead of placing a single stake on a fixed outcome, you’re backing whether an event will end up higher or lower than a bookmaker’s prediction – the spread.
It’s often used in financial markets, but it’s also become quite popular in sports betting. Football, with all its stats and variables, is one of the top sports where it’s applied.
The Spread Explained
The spread itself is a range set by the bookmaker. Think of it as their best guess at an outcome. Your job is to decide whether the actual result will be above or below it.
Let’s say a bookmaker sets the spread for total goals in a match at 2.8 to 3.0. You can:
- Buy (bet higher) if you think there will be more than 3 goals.
- Sell (bet lower) if you think there will be fewer than 2.8 goals.
How much you win or lose depends on how far off the actual result is from the spread and how much money you stake per point.
An Example of Football Spread Betting in Action
Suppose you think a game between Arsenal and Chelsea will be tight. The bookmaker sets the spread for the total number of goals at 2.8 to 3.0. You sell at 2.8 for £10 per point. The match ends 1-1 (2 goals total).
Since the result is 0.8 below your sell price (2.8 – 2 = 0.8), your profit is 0.8 x £10 = £8.
If it ended 3-2 (5 goals), you’d lose (5 – 2.8 = 2.2) x £10 = £22.
This is where spread betting can feel high risk. There’s no cap on how much you could lose. But the same goes for potential winnings.
Popular Football Spread Betting Markets
Spread betting covers a wide range of football markets. Some of the most common include:
Total Goals
Betting on how many goals will be scored in a match.
Corners
Back or lay how many corners will be taken by both teams combined.
Bookings
Wager on how many yellow and red cards might be handed out, with values assigned to each type of card.
Win Index
This one’s unique to spread betting. Teams are given points for results (e.g., 25 for a win, 10 for a draw, 0 for a loss). You buy or sell based on how you think a team will perform.
Shirt Numbers
Total the shirt numbers of all goalscorers. It’s a quirky one but surprisingly popular.
Each of these markets has its own spread, and you decide whether the final result will land above or below it.
How Spread Betting Differs from Fixed Odds
Fixed odds betting gives you a set return if your prediction is right, and you lose your stake if you’re wrong. Spread betting is a bit more dynamic.
You’re rewarded (or penalised) based on how close you get to the actual result. It rewards accuracy but punishes wild guesses. There’s no binary win/lose, which adds depth – but also increases the stakes.
That makes it better suited to bettors who have a good feel for the game and like the idea of high-risk, high-reward scenarios.
Pros of Football Spread Betting
- More flexibility in how you bet.
- Potential for bigger profits when you’re accurate.
- Huge variety of markets to explore.
- Encourages deeper analysis and strategy.
Cons of Football Spread Betting
- No fixed loss limit unless you set a stop-loss.
- Can be volatile if you’re not familiar with the format.
- Not ideal for casual punters looking for low-stakes entertainment.
Managing Risk
With the potential for big wins comes the risk of significant losses. That’s why many spread betting platforms allow you to set stop-losses or limit your exposure.
Some tips:
- Start small. Don’t jump in with big stakes until you’ve got a handle on how it works.
- Use stop-loss settings.
- Focus on one or two markets before branching out.
- Keep your emotions in check – chasing losses doesn’t work well with spread betting.
Spread Betting and Strategy
To get the most from football spread betting, it helps to apply a bit of strategy. It’s not just about gut feeling – a little research goes a long way.
- Look at recent team form, especially for markets like win index or total goals.
- Pay attention to weather and pitch conditions – these can affect scoring and corner counts.
- Study referee statistics if you’re betting on bookings.
- Don’t ignore the underdogs – upsets can be profitable if you’re on the right side of the spread.
Is Spread Betting Legal and Regulated?
Yes, but it’s treated differently to fixed odds betting. Spread betting is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, not the UK Gambling Commission. That’s because it falls under the financial markets umbrella.
So any platform offering football spread betting must follow strict guidelines, offer risk warnings, and assess suitability before letting someone open an account.
This adds a layer of security but also means you might need to go through a few more steps to get started.
Where to Bet on Football Using Spreads
While spread betting isn’t available on every site, you’ll find it on platforms that offer both financial and sports markets. If you’re more interested in traditional fixed odds and want a wide range of options, check out our football odds section here at 7bet.
We keep it straightforward and offer markets for top leagues and major tournaments with all the regular bet types.
Spread betting on football is a different way to look at the game. It adds layers of strategy and opens the door to more nuanced outcomes. If you’re confident in your knowledge and don’t mind a bit of risk, it can be a more involved and potentially rewarding approach.
That said, it’s not for everyone. Fixed odds betting remains a simpler and more accessible option, especially if you’re just starting out. But for those looking to go beyond the usual bets and test their predictions with a little more precision, football spread betting is worth exploring.
Betting is only available to participants aged 18 years and over. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org