Betting on Soccer With a Free Bet - Entertainment - Gambling

Although horse racing has long been the traditional gamblers' sport, football (that is soccer) these days offers such a vast selection of markets that it not only holds the interest of those who enjoy a flutter but also throws up opportunities for the serious punter at every turn.

Not only is it possible to bet on the final result of a fixture, but one can also take a punt on the exact score, the half-time score, the number of corners taken, the number of goals scored, the identity of the first or last goalscorer and the number of bookings to name but a few.

On top of this, wagering opportunities that were once only available on the really big matches are now there for anyone who wishes to place a bet on a fixture from the lower divisions, or from many of the continental and international leagues, including in the case of many sportsbooks leagues that one might consider quite obscure.

The best opportunities for the professional bettor arise within the shifting markets, both in the run-up to a game and, where, "in play" prices are available, whilst the game is actually taking place.

For example, let's consider a typical fixture in which the odds on a game finishing in a draw are, say, 3.00 (that's 2/1 in traditional UK betting speak). If the market is available "in play" the odds on a draw will shorten once the game has progressed beyond a certain point without a goal having been scored. If after fifteen minutes of play the game remains goalless the price is likely to have dropped, possibly to 2.75 (7/4), presenting us with an opportunity to lay the bet, thus locking in a confirmed profit.

Of course in such a situation there is always the possibility of an early goal. Whilst there may be other opportunities to lay the bet during the game, for example if the other team equalises, there is no certainty that a profitable laying opportunity will always arise.

The only certainty in online sports betting is when the original stake takes the form of a free bet, that is an enticement offered by a sportsbook to persuade the punter to use that particular book rather than any other. When free bets are offered a risk-free profit is assured before the fixture even takes place provided the correct matched betting strategy is employed at the betting exchange, and the customer can enjoy the game thereafter without fear of having to take a hit.

0