What Is a First Goalscorer Bet? A Beginner’s Guide to Predicting the Opening Goal

Why First Goalscorer Bets Can Be Confusing

If you’ve ever browsed through a football betting site, you’ve probably seen the “First Goalscorer” market and wondered what it means. Maybe you’ve asked yourself: “Do I win if my player scores at any time?” or “What happens if nobody scores?” For beginners, this type of bet can seem a little tricky. But don’t worry—once you understand how it works, it’s actually one of the most exciting ways to add extra interest to a football match.

What Is a First Goalscorer Bet?

A First Goalscorer bet is a simple wager on which player will score the first goal in a football match. If the player you pick is the very first to put the ball in the net (excluding own goals), your bet wins. If any other player scores first, or if the match ends 0-0, your bet loses.

This bet is popular because it offers higher odds compared to just betting on a team to win. That’s because predicting the first goal scorer is harder—there are many players on the pitch, and anything can happen.

How Does a First Goalscorer Bet Work? An Example

Let’s say Liverpool are playing Manchester United. You look at the First Goalscorer odds and see:

– Mohamed Salah: 5.00 (4/1)
– Darwin Núñez: 7.00 (6/1)
– Marcus Rashford: 8.00 (7/1)
– Bruno Fernandes: 11.00 (10/1)

You decide to bet $10 on Mohamed Salah to be the first goalscorer. If Salah scores the first goal of the match, you win $50 (your $10 stake x 5.00 odds). If anyone else scores first, or if the match finishes 0-0, you lose your bet.

Common Questions About First Goalscorer Bets

What if My Player Doesn’t Start the Match?

If your chosen player doesn’t start the match but comes on as a substitute before the first goal is scored, your bet still stands. But if the first goal is scored before your player enters the pitch, your bet is lost. If your player never plays at all, most bookmakers will refund your stake.

What If the First Goal Is an Own Goal?

Own goals do not count for First Goalscorer bets. If the first goal is an own goal, the bet continues and the next goal (that is not an own goal) is considered the “first” for betting purposes.

What Happens If the Game Ends 0-0?

If there are no goals scored in the match, all First Goalscorer bets lose.

What If My Player Scores the Second or Third Goal?

Your bet only wins if your player scores the very first goal of the match. If they score later, your bet loses. However, some bookmakers offer “Anytime Goalscorer” markets, where your player can score at any time during the match for your bet to win.

Why Choose a First Goalscorer Bet?

First Goalscorer bets are popular for a few reasons:

– Higher odds: Because it’s harder to predict, the payouts can be much bigger than standard match bets.
– Excitement: Every attack and shot on goal becomes more thrilling if your player is involved.
– Knowledge advantage: If you follow team news, player form, and likely line-ups, you might spot value others miss.

When Might You Place a First Goalscorer Bet?

– When a striker is in top form: If a player has been scoring regularly, they’re a good candidate.
– Against weak defenses: If a team is known for conceding early, their opponents’ forwards might be a smart pick.
– On set-piece takers: Defenders or midfielders who take penalties or free kicks can be good value.

Risks and Things to Watch Out For

First Goalscorer bets are fun, but they come with risks:

– Hard to predict: Even the best strikers don’t score first every week.
– Team selection: If your player is rested or benched, your chances drop.
– Substitutions: If your player comes on late, they may have little time to score.
– Own goals: These can delay your bet or make it more complicated.

How Does It Compare to Similar Bets?

– First Goalscorer vs. Anytime Goalscorer: “Anytime” bets win if your player scores at any point, but the odds are lower.
– First Goalscorer vs. Last Goalscorer: “Last Goalscorer” bets pay if your player scores the final goal of the match.
– First Goalscorer vs. Team to Score First: You can also bet on which team will score first, which is easier to predict but offers lower odds.

Tips for Beginners

– Check the starting line-ups: Make sure your player is likely to start the match.
– Look for value: Don’t just pick the favorite—sometimes midfielders or defenders who take penalties or free kicks offer better odds.
– Consider the opposition: Teams with weak defenses or who concede early are good targets.
– Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose: These bets are hard to win, so keep your stakes sensible.

Conclusion: Should You Try First Goalscorer Bets?

First Goalscorer bets are a fun way to add excitement to a football match, especially if you have a favorite player or enjoy following team news. They offer the chance for bigger payouts, but they’re also harder to win than some other bet types. If you want to give them a try, start small, do your research, and remember: it’s all about enjoying the game.

If you’re new to betting, try watching a few matches and tracking which players score first before placing your first bet. Over time, you’ll get a feel for which players and situations offer the best value. Good luck, and enjoy the match!