How to Win Football Bets: Six Tried & Tested Strategies Revealed

Football isn’t just a game; for millions of fans around the world, it’s a full-blown obsession.

Every week, people tune in to watch their favorite teams clash on the field, but there’s another thrilling aspect to the sport that grabs just as much attention—betting.

Football betting is huge, with over $500 billion wagered globally every year.

But let’s be honest, despite its popularity, making consistent money from football betting is tough.

With so many variables and unknowns in each match, it can feel nearly impossible to always come out on top.

That’s where knowing the right strategies can make all the difference.

In this article, we’re going to dive deep into the insider tips and strategies that seasoned football bettors use to consistently win.

From focusing on niche markets to capitalising on in-play opportunities, we’ve got you covered.

So, get ready to discover the secrets that can help you win your football bets more often.

 

The Winning Formula: Skill, Knowledge, and Discipline

Here at Honest Betting Reviews, we’ve spent countless hours researching the best betting strategies.

While many systems out there promise riches but fail to deliver, we’ve uncovered six powerful strategies that can genuinely help you turn a profit from football betting.

But before we dive into those top six strategies, it’s crucial to talk about the right mindset.

To succeed in football betting, you need a clear plan, a sensible staking strategy, meticulous record-keeping, and the resilience to handle losing streaks.

Mastering the Winning Mindset

Let’s face it—winning at football betting isn’t easy. But what sets the winners apart is their mindset. Here’s what you need to do:

• Have a Clear Strategy: Know your plan before you start and stick to it.
• Use a Sensible Staking Plan: Don’t blow your bankroll on a single bet.
• Keep Records: Track every bet you make.
• Endure Losing Streaks: Don’t give in to the temptation of chasing your losses.

As a football bettor, it’s crucial to practice critical thinking and analysis, especially when faced with tempting bets that offer large odds.

Avoid impulsively staking large amounts based solely on potential high returns; instead, evaluate the true chances of winning.

By following these principles, you’ll be better equipped to handle the ups and downs of football betting and increase your chances of success.

 

Top 6 Strategies to Win Your Football Bets

Now, let’s get into the meat of it—the six strategies that can help you win more often. These methods have been tried and tested, and we believe they’ll give you the edge you need.

Strategies like value betting and arbitrage can also help you win football bets mathematically by evaluating betting opportunities, identifying overpriced markets, and exploiting discrepancies in odds between bookmakers.

 

6.  Lay the Draw

One of the most popular strategies out there is the “lay the draw” system.

We have done a deep dive into the strategy here, but essentially it involves laying the draw on a betting exchange like Betfair before a match starts and then trading out once there’s a goal (or two, depending on your approach).

For example, you might exit with a profit if the score reaches 1-0 or 2-0 by the 65th minute.

The trick here is to closely watch the game’s flow—figure out which team is dominating and likely to score.

We recommend focusing on teams that play an open, attacking style, as they tend to have fewer draws.

While it might be tempting to hold out for a 2-0 scoreline, it’s often wiser to exit by the 65th minute to avoid potential losses.

If you prefer a lower-risk approach, you can trade out as soon as the first goal is scored for a smaller, but safer, profit.

With the right match selection and disciplined execution, the lay the draw strategy can provide steady gains. 

Summary – Lay the Draw Strategy

How It Works: The “Lay the Draw” strategy involves betting against a draw outcome in a football match on betting exchanges like Betfair.

This strategy allows you to trade out of the bet during the game, typically after a goal is scored, to secure a profit.

Example: Let’s say you lay the draw in a match between Chelsea and Liverpool at odds of 3.5.

As the game progresses, Liverpool scores a goal in the 60th minute, and the odds for a draw increase to 5.2.

You decide to trade out of your position, locking in a profit regardless of the final result.

This strategy works well in matches where one team is likely to dominate but where the draw odds are initially low.

Step-by-Step:

1. Choose a match where you expect one team to score.
2. Lay the draw on a betting exchange.
3. Monitor the match and trade out after a goal is scored.
4. Secure your profit before the match ends.

 

5. Try a Top Tipster

Another effective method is to rely on the expertise of a top football tipster. While there are tons of tipsters out there, only a few actually deliver profitable results.

We’ve tested numerous tipsters ourselves and found some of the best in the business, such as:

• The Footy God: First class football expert who has made over 80 points profit with an exceptionally high win rate of 71% and a phenomenal ROI of over 30%.
• Footballer Tips: Known for consistently profitable tips, primarily in major European leagues, with a track record of over £8,700 profit.
• Winning Footy Tips: A long-established service with over 190 units profit since 2012, focusing on top European leagues.

Using a tipster can save you a ton of time and effort, especially if you’re busy or don’t have time to analyze form and stats yourself.

Plus, if a tipster has a proven track record, they likely have an edge over the market, which could increase your chances of success.

If you cannot afford a subscription, some tipsters offer free football tips as well.

Summary – Using a Top Tipster

How It Works: Using a top football tipster service can save you time and effort while providing you with expert betting advice. These tipsters analyze matches, stats, and team news to offer predictions with a high likelihood of success.

Example: You decide to follow The Footy God, a respected tipster service known for its track record.

After subscribing, you receive a tip for an upcoming Serie A match, recommending a bet on Juventus to win with odds of 1.75.

Trusting their expertise, you place the bet and enjoy a win. This service has consistently provided winning tips, giving you confidence in their advice.

Step-by-Step:

1. Research and subscribe to a reputable tipster service like the Footy God.
2. Receive daily or weekly tips.
3. Place bets based on the tipster’s recommendations.
4. Review your profits over time.

 

4. Develop a niche

If you prefer to rely on your own skills rather than following a tipster, it’s wise to focus on a specific niche where you can become an expert.

For example, we know someone who developed a unique betting system for corners in football. He exploited how spread betting firms priced their corner supremacy markets, raking in profits before they caught on and closed his accounts.

Another example is the Corner Betting King, who also focuses exclusively on the corners market and has made over 150 points profit since 2022 with a win rate above 55%.

To consistently win your football bets, it’s smart to specialize in a niche—whether it’s over/under bets, corner markets, correct scores, or something else.

Dive into the stats, evaluate the odds, and look for hidden opportunities that others might miss.

Understanding decimal odds can help here, as they facilitate the calculation of potential winnings and implied probabilities, making it easier to assess your chances of winning.

Summary – Develop a Niche

How It Works: Specializing in a specific betting market or type of bet allows you to become an expert in that area. By focusing on a niche, you can exploit inefficiencies in the market that others might overlook.

Example: Let’s say you decide to focus on corner bets in the Premier League.

After extensive research, you notice that certain teams consistently wins a high number of corners, especially at home.

You begin placing bets on those teams to win the corner count, and over the season, your deep knowledge of this niche pays off with consistent wins.

Step-by-Step:

1. Choose a specific market, like corner bets or over/under goals.
2. Conduct thorough research and analysis.
3. Place bets based on your specialized knowledge.
4. Track your performance and adjust your strategy as needed.

 

3. Follow Low-Scoring Specialist Teams

Some football teams have a knack for winning by tight margins, like 1-0 or 2-0. Teams like Arsenal under George Graham or Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone are classic examples. These teams often see the same low scorelines repeatedly.

Despite this, correct score markets are usually priced based on a team’s overall strength, not necessarily their playing style. This means you can often find good value in backing 1-0 or 2-0 scorelines.

Take Atletico Madrid, for example. During the 2020-21 season, they won 12 out of 38 games with either a 1-0 or 2-0 scoreline.

By combining these scorelines (and maybe even adding 0-0), you could create a profitable betting strategy.

Look for these low-scoring specialist teams, especially in leagues like Greece, Portugal, Spain, and France which tend to be lower scoring.

Summary – Follow Low-Scoring Specialist Teams

How It Works: Certain football teams are known for consistently winning by narrow margins, often with scorelines like 1-0 or 2-0.

By identifying these teams and betting on their typical scorelines, you can take advantage of favorable odds.

Example: Atletico Madrid, under coach Diego Simeone, has been renowned for their tight defense and low-scoring games.

During the 2020-21 season, they won 12 out of 38 games with a 1-0 or 2-0 scoreline.

By betting on these outcomes in their matches, you could have profited from their consistent performance.

For instance, if Atletico Madrid is playing a lower-scoring team in La Liga, placing bets on 1-0 or 2-0 scorelines could yield profitable results.

Step-by-Step:

1. Identify teams that frequently win by narrow margins.
2. Analyze upcoming matches for these teams.
3. Place bets on likely scorelines, such as 1-0 or 2-0.
4. Track performance and adjust your betting strategy.

 

2. Trade the Football Markets

Another way to make money from football is by trading in-play markets instead of placing pre-match bets.

This approach allows you to profit from the movement in odds, rather than predicting the final outcome of the match.

Betfair’s football markets, especially in major leagues like the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, and the Champions League, have high liquidity.

This makes it easier to enter and exit trades and get good value.

Mastering the Betfair markets can be tough, but there are resources that can help. For instance, Goal Profits offers a complete trading package, including 16 strategies, a stats database, training videos, and more. You can also watch professional traders in action in their live chat room.

Another option is Assured Soccer Profits, a system focused on the correct score markets. It comes with a PDF guide, training videos, and ongoing support.

If you prefer to develop your own trading strategies, you can check out our Both Teams to Score Strategy and Over 2.5 Goals Strategy, which offer some starting points.

Summary – Trade the Football Markets

How It Works: Trading football markets involves placing bets in-play, focusing on profiting from the movement of odds rather than predicting the final outcome of a match. This strategy allows for flexibility and the opportunity to exit trades for a profit before the game ends.

Example: You’re watching a Champions League match between Real Madrid and PSG.

At halftime, the game is 0-0, and you notice that the odds for over 1.5 goals have drifted to 2.00.

Expecting goals in the second half, you place a bet on over 1.5 goals.

Shortly after, Real Madrid scores, and the odds drop to 1.30. You decide to cash out, securing a profit without needing to wait for the final result.

Platforms like Betfair offer the liquidity needed for trading in popular markets like the Premier League and Champions League, making it easier to find good opportunities and execute trades effectively.

Step-by-Step:

1. Choose a match with high liquidity, such as those in major leagues.
2. Monitor the game for opportunities, such as odds drifting on goal markets.
3. Place your in-play bet based on the changing dynamics of the game.
4. Exit the trade to lock in profit when the odds move in your favor.

 

1. Use AI Football Predictions

In the modern world of football betting, AI-driven predictions are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason.

Artificial intelligence can process vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make predictions with a level of accuracy that would be nearly impossible for a human to achieve on their own.

One of the standout platforms in this space is Predictology.

Predictology leverages advanced AI algorithms to analyze a multitude of factors that influence football outcomes.

These include team form, head-to-head stats and more. The platform then uses this data to generate predictions for upcoming matches.

Some key features of Predictology include:

• Data-Driven Insights: Predictology provides users with a wealth of data and insights that are grounded in real-world stats, giving you an edge in making informed betting decisions.
• Customizable Strategies: You can create and test your own betting strategies within the platform using its AI tools. This allows you to tailor your approach to your specific preferences and risk tolerance.
• Automated Betting: For those who prefer a hands-off approach, Predictology also offers automated betting options. You can set up your preferred football betting strategy, and the platform will place bets on your behalf, based on its AI-driven predictions.
• Consistent Profits: The AI model’s ability to learn and adapt over time means it can improve its predictions, helping you to build consistent profits in the long run.

We tested Predictology ourselves, and the results speak for themselves. Not only does it save you time and effort by crunching the numbers for you, but it also provides a level of analytical depth that would be difficult to achieve manually.

This makes it a powerful tool for both novice and experienced bettors.

By incorporating AI predictions into your betting strategy, you can take advantage of the latest technology like Predictology to increase your chances of winning.

Summary – Using AI Football Predictions

How It Works: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing football betting by providing data-driven predictions that can enhance your betting decisions. Platforms like Predictology use machine learning algorithms to analyze team performance, player statistics, and historical data to forecast match outcomes.

Example: Suppose you’re interested in betting on a Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United.

Using Predictology, you discover that the software predicts a high probability of a draw based on recent form and head-to-head records.

You place a bet on the draw, leveraging the Predictology’s analysis to make an informed decision.

Over time, using their predictions can help you spot trends and opportunities that others might miss.

Step-by-Step:

1. Sign up for a prediction platform like Predictology.
2. Select your preferred leagues and teams.
3. Use AI predictions to guide your bets.
4. Regularly review and adjust your strategy based on outcomes.

 

 

Conclusion – How to Win Football Bets

These are the six most effective ways to win at football betting. Although there is no method that guarantees you can win your football bets, following this advice will likely improve your returns and put you well ahead of most other punters out there.

If you have your own successful strategies for betting on football, we would be interested in hearing them and discussing them further.

When betting on football, it is important to always gamble responsibly and only wager money that you can afford to lose.

 

 

FAQ: Football Betting Strategies

1. What are football betting strategies?

Football betting strategies are systematic approaches to placing bets on football matches.

These strategies aim to increase your chances of winning by analyzing data, trends, and market conditions.

Examples include value betting, lay the draw, and using AI predictions.

2. How does AI prediction in football betting work?

AI prediction in football betting uses machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data, including team performance, player stats, and historical results.

Platforms like Predictology use AI to generate predictions that can help you make informed betting decisions.

3. What is value betting?

Value betting involves identifying bets where the odds offered by the bookmaker are higher than the true probability of the outcome.

By consistently placing value bets, you can increase your chances of long-term profitability. 

4. How do I start with value betting?

To start value betting, you’ll need to:

• Understand how to calculate the true probability of an event.
• Compare these probabilities to the odds offered by bookmakers.
• Use a platform like TradeMate Sports to identify value bets and track your progress.

5. What is the lay the draw strategy?

The lay the draw strategy involves betting against the possibility of a draw in a football match.

You lay the draw on betting exchanges like Betfair and trade out of the bet during the match when conditions are favorable, typically when a goal is scored.

6. Can I really make money with football betting strategies?

Yes, it is possible to make money with football betting strategies. Some of the strategies outlined above have proven themselves to produce a profit under live test conditions.

However, it requires discipline, research, and patience. No strategy guarantees profits, and it’s essential to manage your bankroll wisely and avoid chasing losses.

7. How important is it to keep records of my bets?

Keeping records of your bets is crucial. It helps you track your performance, identify successful strategies, and avoid repeating mistakes.

Detailed records include bet type, stake, odds, and outcomes.

8. Should I use a tipster service?

Using a tipster service in sports betting can be beneficial, especially if you don’t have time to analyze games yourself.

Look for tipsters with a proven track record, like those reviewed here at Honest Betting Reviews, and ensure their tips align with your betting goals.

Some bettors also try to win football bets mathematically, using strategies such as value betting and arbitrage, which are also valid approaches. 

9. What is the best way to develop a niche in football betting?

To develop a niche, focus on a specific market or type of bet, such as corner bets or correct scores.

Study this niche extensively, analyze relevant statistics, and track your results.

Specializing can give you an edge over more generalist bettors. 

10. What are some common mistakes to avoid in football betting?

Common mistakes include:

• Betting emotionally on your favorite team.
• Not managing your bankroll properly.
• Chasing losses after a losing streak.
• Ignoring the importance of research and relying solely on luck.

11. How can I stay updated on team news and stats?

Stay updated by following sports news websites, subscribing to football analysis platforms, and using sites like Flashscores which provide real-time updates and comprehensive stats.

12. Is it better to bet before a match or during it?

Both approaches have their advantages. Pre-match betting allows for thorough analysis, while in-play betting can offer opportunities to capitalize on changing dynamics during a match.

Some strategies, like trading football markets, focus specifically on in-play betting.

13. What is bankroll management, and why is it important?

Bankroll management involves setting aside a specific amount of money for betting and planning how much to wager on each bet.

It’s crucial for sustaining your betting activities over the long term and minimizing the risk of losing your entire bankroll.

Managing your finances through a betting account by setting a specific monetary level and adjusting stakes to manage winnings and losses can help mitigate risks.

14. Can I combine multiple strategies for better results?

Yes, combining strategies like value betting, AI predictions, and using tipster services can enhance your betting approach.

However, ensure that you have a sufficient bankroll for each football betting strategy.