What Does ‘Both Teams to Score’ Mean in Betting? A Beginner’s Guide
Why ‘Both Teams to Score’ Can Be Confusing
If you’ve ever browsed a football betting site or listened to friends talk about their bets, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Both Teams to Score” or seen it shortened to “BTTS.” At first, it might sound like some complicated betting jargon. Is it about who wins? Is it about the number of goals? Or is it something else entirely? For beginners, understanding what “Both Teams to Score” means—and how it works—can be a bit confusing. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll see why it’s one of the most popular and straightforward football bets out there.
What Does ‘Both Teams to Score’ (BTTS) Mean?
“Both Teams to Score” is a simple bet where you predict whether both teams in a football match will score at least one goal each during regular time. That’s it. You’re not betting on who wins, loses, or draws. All that matters is that both teams manage to find the back of the net at least once.
There are two options:
Yes (BTTS): You win if both teams score at least one goal each.
No (BTTS): You win if at least one team fails to score (so if the match ends 1-0, 0-0, 2-0, etc.).
Example of a BTTS Bet
Let’s say you’re looking at a match between Manchester United and Liverpool. You place a “Both Teams to Score – Yes” bet.
– If the final score is 2-1, 1-1, 3-2, or any result where both sides have at least one goal, your bet wins.
– If the final score is 1-0, 0-0, 3-0, or any result where one team doesn’t score, your bet loses.
How Does BTTS Work in Practice?
When you open a betting site and click on a football match, you’ll usually see the “Both Teams to Score” market listed alongside other options like “Match Result” or “Over/Under.” You simply pick “Yes” or “No” and enter your stake.
It doesn’t matter:
– Who wins the match
– How many total goals are scored (as long as both teams score at least once for “Yes”)
– When the goals are scored (as long as it’s within regular time)
It does matter:
– That both teams score at least one goal each for “Yes”
– That at least one team fails to score for “No”
BTTS Variations
Some bookmakers offer variations like “Both Teams to Score in the First Half” or “Both Teams to Score in the Second Half.” The principle is the same, but the bet only counts if both teams score during the specified half.
Why Choose a BTTS Bet?
BTTS bets are popular for a few reasons:
1. Simplicity: You don’t need to predict the winner or the exact score. If both teams score, you win.
2. Excitement: Every attack, every shot on target, and every defensive mistake keeps your bet alive until the final whistle.
3. Flexibility: BTTS bets work well for matches where you expect both teams to have strong attacks or weak defenses.
4. Less Frustration: If your favorite team concedes but also scores, you can still win your bet—even if they don’t win the match.
When Does BTTS Make Sense?
BTTS is a good option when:
– Both teams have a history of scoring and conceding goals.
– The match features attacking teams or leaky defenses.
– You’re unsure who will win but expect an open, lively game.
Example: If Arsenal and Tottenham are playing, and both teams have been scoring lots of goals but also letting in a few, a BTTS bet could be a smart choice.
Risks and Things to Watch Out For
Like any bet, BTTS has its risks. Here’s what you should consider:
1. Defensive Teams: If one or both teams are known for strong defenses or tend to play cautiously, the chances of both teams scoring drop.
2. Injuries or Suspensions: If a key striker is missing, one team might struggle to score.
3. Weather and Pitch Conditions: Bad weather or a poor pitch can make goals harder to come by.
4. Importance of the Match: In knockout games or matches where a draw is enough for one team, they might play more defensively.
5. Odds Can Be Low: In matches where both teams are expected to score, the odds for BTTS-Yes can be quite low, meaning smaller potential returns.
How Does BTTS Compare to Similar Bets?
BTTS vs. Over/Under:
– Over/Under bets are about the total number of goals in a match (e.g., Over 2.5 goals).
– BTTS is only about whether both teams score, regardless of the total.
Example: If a match ends 1-1 (two goals), a BTTS-Yes bet wins, but an Over 2.5 goals bet loses.
BTTS vs. Match Result:
– Match Result bets require you to pick the winner or predict a draw.
– BTTS doesn’t care who wins, just that both teams score.
BTTS + Match Result (Combo Bets):
– Some bookmakers let you combine BTTS with a match result (e.g., “Both Teams to Score and Liverpool to Win”), which increases the odds but also the risk.
Tips for Beginners: Making the Most of BTTS Bets
1. Do Your Research: Look at recent results, team news, and head-to-head stats. Are both teams scoring and conceding regularly?
2. Avoid Lopsided Matches: If one team is much stronger, the weaker team might struggle to score.
3. Consider the Context: Is the match important? Are teams likely to attack or play it safe?
4. Shop Around for Odds: Different bookmakers may offer slightly different odds on BTTS bets.
5. Start Small: As with any new betting market, start with small stakes until you get a feel for how BTTS works.
Conclusion: Is BTTS Right for You?
“Both Teams to Score” is a straightforward and exciting way to bet on football. It’s perfect for matches where you expect action at both ends of the pitch, and it doesn’t require you to predict the winner. Just remember to do your homework and be aware of the risks. With a bit of research and a cautious approach, BTTS can add a new layer of excitement to watching football—whether you’re a beginner or just looking for something different.
Actionable Insight: Next time you’re thinking about placing a football bet, look for a match where both teams have been scoring regularly. Try a small BTTS-Yes bet and see how it feels. You might find it’s a fun and simple way to get started with football betting!