Over 1.0 Goals in Football Betting: What Does “Over 1” Mean?
Football has lots of markets and sometimes they can be confusing if you’re new to it.
One of those markets is the “over 1” bet and it leaves many punters scratching their heads.
So what does “over 1” mean in football betting and how can you use this market to your advantage?
In this guide we’ll break down the “over 1” bet, explain how it works and give you some expert tips on how to make the most of this betting option.
What is Over 1 in Football Betting?
The “over 1” bet is an over/under bet in football that’s focused on the total number of goals in the match.
When you bet on “over 1” you’re saying the total number of goals scored in match will be over 1.
If 1 goal is scored your stake is refunded. If more than 1 goal is scored you win the bet.
Here is a table summarising how the over 1.0 bet works:
Match Outcome | Over 1.0 Bet Result |
0-0 | Loss |
1-0 or 0-1 | Push (stake returned) |
1-1, 2-0, 2-1, etc | Win |
The “over 1 goal” market can be a lower risk option than betting on higher goal lines.
It’s especially effective in matches where you think there will be some goals but want the safety of a refund if only 1 goal is scored.
Over 1 vs Over 1.5
One important thing to note is the difference between the “over 1 goals” and “over 1.5 goals” markets.
Both bets are focused on the total goals scored in a match but the key difference is what happens if exactly 1 goal is scored.
With an “over 1” bet a single goal is a push or refund but with “over 1.5” if 1 goal is scored your bet loses.
This small difference makes the “over 1” bet a safer option for the cautious punter.
The difference between over 1.0 goals and over 1.5 goals can be summarised as follows:-
Criteria | Over 1.0 Goals | Over 1.5 Goals |
Winning Outcome | 1-1, 2-0, 2-1, etc | 1-1, 2-0, 2-1, etc |
Push (stake returned) | 1-0 or 0-1 | N/A |
Losing Outcome | 0-0 | 0-0, 1-0, 0-1 |
Typical Odds for Over 1.0 Goals Bet
The odds for an over 1.0 goals bet tend to typically be quite low.
For example, in a match between Aston Villa and Manchester Utd in the Premier League, the odds for over 1.0 goals is 1.13 (odds from the Betfair Exchange).
That compares to odds of 1.19 for over 1.5 goals and odds of 1.04 for the over 0.5 goals.
In summary then the odds for these goals markets in this match are:
- Over 0.5 goals: 1.04
- Over 1 goals: 1.13
- Over 1.5 goals: 1.19
So the lower odds for over 1.0 goals reflect that this is a slightly safer option than the over 1.5 goals bet for example.
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Real-Life Examples of Over 1
Let’s say there’s a Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham.
If you bet on “over 1” and the score is 1-0 your bet is refunded.
But if the score is 2-0 or 1-1 you win the bet since more than 1 goal was scored.
The over 1.0 goals bet is often used in matches where both teams play open football and can score at least once.
How Does Over 1 Work?
So in summary, how does an “over 1” bet work? Let’s break it down step by step.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
- Place Your Bet: You bet on a football match that there will be more than 1 goal scored.
- Possible Outcomes:
- 0 goals scored: You lose the bet.
- 1 goal scored: Your stake is refunded (push).
- 2 or more goals scored: You win the bet.
Payout
Payout on an “over 1” bet is determined by the bookmaker’s odds.
For example if the odds are 1.15 and you bet £10 you would win £1.50 if more than 1 goal is scored.
Compared to Other Over/Under Bets
Compared to higher goal lines like “over 1.5” or “over 2.5” the “over 1” bet is safer since you get your money back if 1 goal is scored.
However the odds will be lower due to this safety net, as we have seen in the example of Aston Villa vs Man Utd above.
Benefits of Betting on Over 1 Goals
There are various benefits to backing over 1 goals, in addition to the lower risk compared to higher goal lines.
High Win Rate
One of the major benefits of betting on over 1.0 goals is the relatively high win rate compared to more aggressive goal markets like over 2.5 or over 3.5 goals.
Since you’re only relying on at least one goal to avoid a loss and even a single goal results in a refund, the win rates can be as high as 80% or more, depending on the match.
Cheering On Goals
Another enjoyable aspect of betting on over 1.0 goals is the excitement it brings while watching a match.
Unlike some betting markets, where a slow, low-scoring game might still be beneficial, here you’re actively rooting for goals to be scored, regardless of which teams scores them.
Every time the ball hits the back of the net, you know you’re closer to a win, adding to the fun and engagement.
Flexibility in Betting
This bet type is flexible. You can use it in accumulators or live betting where the flow of the game may present good opportunities to back over 1.0 goals at higher odds than at the start – something we will delve into further below.
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Strategies for Betting on “Over 1.0 Goals”
When it comes to over 1.0 goals the key is to find teams and matches where at least one goal may be scored but not a goal fest.
This will give you better value for your bets.
The beauty of this market is it has a built-in safety net – if only one goal is scored your stake is refunded so you don’t lose your whole bet.
1. Target Teams with Consistent Scorers
The first step of this strategy is to target teams that score regularly but not necessarily high scoring teams.
These teams might not score 3 or 4 goals but they can score at least one. Look for teams that are solid in attack but not prolific.
For example a team that scores 1.2 to 1.5 goals per game can be a good target for an over 1.0 bet.
These types of teams will present much better value than backing teams that are obviously high scoring like Bayern Munich or Man City.
2. Opponent’s Defensive Weakness
Another factor to consider is the opponent’s defence.
If a team has a porous defence or concedes early goals then the chances of at least one goal being scored increase.
Teams that concede 1 or 2 goals per game create the perfect scenario for an over 1.0 goals bet where you’re hoping for at least one goal but prepared for a low scoring match.
3. Balanced Matches
Balanced matches where both teams are evenly matched can be good for over 1.0 goals bets.
In these games each team will create chances and score at least one goal but neither team will dominate the match.
A typical scenario is a 1-1 draw or a narrow win which means you can win your bet or get your stake back if one goal is scored.
4. Historical and Current Form
Historical and current form is key to making smart decisions on this market.
Look at their recent goal scoring trends—teams that score and concede regularly are the best for over 1.0 goals bets.
Also look at head to head records as some teams have a habit of producing tight low scoring games against certain opponents, while producing more open and goal friendly matches against other opponents.
5. Team News and Injuries
Key injuries especially to attacking players or defenders can have a big impact on whether goals will be scored.
If a team’s top scorer is out they may struggle to score so the bet becomes riskier.
If a team is missing key defenders then this can increase the chances of goals being conceded so the over 1.0 goals bet becomes more appealing.
6. Live Betting: Adjust as the Game Unfolds
If you’re watching the game live you can adjust your over 1.0 goals bet as the match unfolds.
If both teams are creating chances but haven’t scored yet then this might be the time to get in.
Tools like the In Play Scanner can be really useful in alerting you to instances where lots of chances are being created and a goal is likely to be scored.
It rates matches according to how many actions such as attacks, corners and shots are happening
When a rating hits a certain level (70 for example) it means a goal is likely to be scored and an alert will be sent.
We tested the scanner out over a three-month trial, and it made £632 in profit based on the alerts sent out.
One of the benefits of live betting is it allows you to take advantage of better odds if the game starts slowly but you think goals will come later.
7. Spread Across Leagues
Some leagues are more goal friendly than others.
For example the Bundesliga or Serie A tend to be more goal happy while Ligue 1 or La Liga are more tight and low scoring.
By spreading your over 1.0 goals bets across different leagues you can find more value in this market.
In short, the over 1.0 goals market allows you to bet on games where you think at least one goal will be scored and get a refund if one is.
By looking at balanced matches, team form and news and live betting you can gain an edge in this market.
Over 1 Mistakes
While the “over 1” bet is simple there are some common mistakes to avoid.
Misunderstanding the Bet
Many punters confuse “over 1” with “over 1.5”.
Remember “over 1” includes the option to get your money back if 1 goal is scored.
The market also only applies to goals scored in normal time (90 minutes). Any goals scored in extra time or in a penalty shootout do not count.
Ignoring Key Match Stats
Relying on gut feeling can be risky.
Make sure to check the stats before you bet. Average goals per match for example and the strategies described above are better approaches than relying on gut instinct.
Overrating Favourite Teams
Just because a team is favourite doesn’t mean they will produce a high scoring game.
Be careful when betting on favourites in defensive matches.
Getting the Most Out of Over 1 Goals Bets
To get the most out of “over 1” bets, it’s important to remember to:
Research Teams and Matches
Before you bet make sure to research the teams. Look into their form, injuries and head-to-head records.
Use Statistical Tools
Tools like the in-play scanner and stats sites like soccerstats.com can help you make better decisions when betting “over 1.”
Manage Your Bankroll
Even with low risk bets like “over 1” you need to manage your bankroll.
Stick to a staking plan and don’t go chasing losses.
Conclusion
The “over 1” bet is a great addition to any punter’s arsenal – a way to bet on goals in football matches with a bit of safety net.
By understanding the market, researching your bets and avoiding the mistakes listed above you will be better equipped than most punters when approaching over 1 goals bets.
Whether you want a standalone bet or to add to an accumulator, the “over 1” market is a flexible and can be a profitable football betting option with the right approach.
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