Soccer offers more distinct bet types than almost any other sport on the US betting board — and picking the wrong market for your situation is one of the most common ways bettors lose money before the referee even blows his whistle. This page maps every major soccer wager type, explains how each one is priced, and points you toward the dedicated guide where you can go deeper.
What are the main soccer bet types available at US sportsbooks?
Every licensed US sportsbook covers the core soccer markets. The table below shows the main bet types, how many outcomes each carries, and the typical line structure you'll see.
| Bet Type | Outcomes | Grades On | Typical Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Way Moneyline (1X2) | 3 (Win / Draw / Win) | Regulation time | All three priced in American odds |
| Draw No Bet | 2 (Win or refund) | Regulation time | Lower odds than 1X2; stake returned on draw |
| Asian Handicap | 2 (after handicap applied) | Regulation time | Fractional lines, e.g. –1.5 / +1.5 |
| Total Goals (Over/Under) | 2 (Over or Under) | Regulation time | Most common line: 2.5 goals |
| Both Teams to Score (BTTS) | 2 (Yes or No) | Regulation time | Yes/No prop odds |
Why does the draw matter so much in soccer betting?
The three-way moneyline is the starting point for most soccer bettors, but that third outcome — the draw — is where many beginners get hurt. Back a team to win on the 1X2 line and a late equalizer costs you the entire stake, even if your side led for 89 minutes. Because three outcomes share the total probability, sportsbooks embed more margin into the 1X2 than they do in two-outcome markets, which is something I covered extensively when I worked on the trading desk. You can find a full breakdown — including how to calculate exactly what that extra margin costs you — in the guide to soccer moneyline betting and what the 3-way line really costs you.
If the draw risk bothers you, two cleaner alternatives exist. Draw No Bet removes the draw entirely: your stake comes back if the match ends level, and you only lose if the other team wins. The trade-off is reduced odds compared to the 1X2. Asian handicap takes the same concept further by applying a fractional goal start to one side — say, Manchester City at –1.5 goals — so they must win by two or more for your bet to grade a winner. For a detailed walkthrough of quarter-ball lines and half-wins, see the guide on how Asian handicap betting works in soccer.
What are totals and props in soccer?
The most common totals line is set at 2.5 goals, which eliminates any push since goals are whole numbers. You're simply choosing whether both teams will combine for three or more goals (over) or two or fewer (under). The 2.5-goal line suits low-scoring matches like top defensive encounters, while high-line games push bettors toward alternative totals at 3.5 or even 4.5. The over/under goals betting guide explains how to evaluate these lines before kick-off.
Both Teams to Score — commonly shortened to BTTS — is a yes/no prop on whether each side finds the net at least once in regulation. It's popular as a parlay leg because the market isolates a single game variable. The BTTS betting guide goes into the market mechanics and when the Yes side typically holds value.
Does it matter whether a bet grades on regulation time only?
Absolutely — and this is a detail that trips up even experienced US bettors who come from football or basketball. Most soccer markets, including the 1X2, Asian handicap, totals, and BTTS, are graded on 90 minutes plus referee-added stoppage time only. Goals scored in extra time or penalty shootouts do not count unless the market explicitly says otherwise. Before placing any wager on a knockout tournament match — Champions League, World Cup, or US Open Cup — always confirm the grading rules. The full explanation is in the guide on what "regulation time only" means for your soccer bets.
How should you choose which bet type to use?
The right market depends on your read of the match, your tolerance for the draw outcome, and how efficiently each line is priced at a given book. A strong favorite on the 1X2 may look attractive until you account for the draw margin; switching to Asian handicap often gives you a cleaner number at similar or better value. Line shopping across multiple licensed US sportsbooks is the single most reliable way to find the better price — operators in states like Colorado (20 active books) and Arizona (17 active books) create genuine competition on the same match. For a broader framework on how to approach these decisions, read the guide on soccer betting strategy and thinking like a trader.
Ready to compare where to place these bets? The best US sportsbooks for soccer betting page reviews platform depth, market variety, and current new-user offers across the major licensed operators. And if you want to make sure you're reading the odds correctly before you commit, the guide to American, decimal, and fractional odds formats covers every format you'll encounter.
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