The goal line bet focuses on how many points are scored / goals in a match. This is different from the actual goal line. In betting, the concept of “line” refers to dividing two opposing selections. The line is between “Yes” and “No” outcomes.
If you come across the term “over one goal line”, it means at least two goals will be scored in the match. This particular market isn’t very popular with gamblers because the return for your bet is rather small. To have a chance of substantial returns, anything less than “more than five” or “fewer than five” is unsatisfactory.
In this case, what happens if exactly five goals are scored, like if the game ends 4:1? This is why goal line bets focus on whether there will be more or fewer than 2.5 or 3.5 goals. There will always be fewer or more than this total because there can be no such thing as half a goal.
Seeing a goal line bet example on “more/fewer” than anything over 3.5 is a rare thing because, according to statistics, most games have a maximum of three goals. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t wager that way. However, it’s best to get in touch with the sportsbook and ask for a quote of specific odds before you wager.
Best time to place a goal line bet
When the score passes 2-0 or 2-1, you might find real value in a correct score bet. This is because some teams are known for their powerful attacks and tend to score at least twice in a game. If luck is on your side, you will win. There’s no guarantee. Everyone knows of at least one match where one team was leading 2:0, keeping attacks at bay. However, a counterattack, a ricochet, or a goalkeeper coming up for a corner and a 3-1 correct score bet can be destroyed by a fourth goal for the winner.
There’s also the case where a team is leading 3-0 and aiming for an even bigger goal difference. You want them to win as you’ve predicted 4-0. They might let the other team score because their concentration slips.
Football is full of late, unexpected goals. You don’t need to worry about them with an over/under goal line bet all that much.
Placing a goal line bet
Not all bookmakers offer over or under betting. Look for one that offers a range of Goal Line bet options if it seems like there will be a lot of goals to bet on in the game. The more total goals there are, the longer you can expect the odds to be. You should bet on the higher total if you’re sure there will be a goal fest.
Conversely, if you don’t anticipate many goals, look for an over/under of a maximum of 2.5. Take an over/under of 1.5 if you can find one considering that 1-0 is the most common score in football.
To avoid a slipup, make use of the live streaming and early cash-out opportunities if betting online. Watch the game closely if you have played for a low score and it’s along the lines of 1-0. Cash out if the match suddenly opens up as one team starts chasing a goal. A late goal will ruin things.
Speculative betting
Those interested in speculative bets should read up on obscure leagues. In Europe, Russia’s top league has the lowest goal totals. Almost half of all games feature two or fewer goals. At the other end of the specter, you’ll find Austria and Turkey. About 40% of games in their top divisions average at least four goals in a match. They’re the ones to keep an eye on, from a single 4-0 result to a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Asian handicap
One interesting form of goal line betting is the Asian Handicap. It enables one to cover two results with one bet. You get a single price to calculate your potential wins, but your wager is split to cover the two selections. If you were to do the same using the traditional goal line bet, you’d have to place two separate bets at two different prices. The Asian Handicap market is also known as an “alternative goals” market.
