With so many different betting markets available in football, it’s easy to come across one that isn’t immediately clear—like “winner of tie”. If the term sounds confusing, you’re definitely not the only one wondering what it actually means.
This guide breaks it down in simple terms, explaining exactly what you’re betting on if you choose to place this bet, how these bets are usually settled, and how the format of the match can affect the outcome.
Whether you’re just getting started or brushing up on your options, understanding how the “winner of tie” market works can help you make more informed choices if you’re considering placing a bet. Read on to learn more.
When Football Matches End With a Tie
In football, a tie—often referred to as a draw—occurs when both teams have scored the same number of goals by the end of 90 minutes. This outcome is fairly common in league matches and some early-stage cup fixtures.
In league play, a draw at full-time simply means the match ends with no winner, and both teams take one point each. There’s no extra time or penalties—what happens in the 90 minutes is all that counts.
In knockout formats, however, a tie after regular time often leads to extra time and possibly a penalty shootout to decide who progresses. But not all betting markets factor in these additional stages—some settle bets based purely on the result after 90 minutes.
For bettors, it’s useful to know whether a tie is a final outcome or just the start of further play. Understanding the competition format and how a particular market is settled is important if you’re considering placing a bet.
Winner of Tie Bet: The Basics
A “winner of tie” bet is all about which team will progress to the next round, rather than what the score is at the end of 90 minutes. Bettors are backing the team they believe will qualify—regardless of whether the match is decided in normal time, extra time, or on penalties.
This market is particularly relevant during knockout stages, where a clear outcome is required. The key detail is that the bet remains active even if the game finishes level after regular time. What matters is which side ultimately goes through.
For bettors, it offers a way to focus on overall progression rather than the timing or method of the win.
Are Penalties Part of Your Bet?
For bettors, knowing whether penalties are included in a bet is important to avoid any surprises. Many standard football bets—such as match result or correct score—are settled based on the 90-minute outcome, meaning extra time and penalties usually don’t count.
However, in a “winner of tie” market, penalties do matter. This type of bet covers the full match journey, including extra time and a shootout if needed. It stays open until one team officially progresses.
To make sure the bet aligns with expectations, it’s always worth reading the terms provided by the bookmaker. These should clearly state whether penalties are part of the market.
Example: Winner of Tie on Your Bet Slip
If you select a “winner of tie” market on a UK betting site, your choice will appear on your bet slip before you place the bet.
If, for example, Manchester United face Liverpool in a cup knockout, you might choose “Manchester United – To Qualify” or “Liverpool – To Qualify.” This means you’re predicting which club will progress, regardless of extra time or penalties.
Your bet slip will show the team you’ve chosen under the relevant market, displaying your stake and the potential return. This gives you a chance to review everything before confirming.
Always double-check that you understand what’s being backed, and use available account tools if you want to set a spending limit or take a break.
Tie Bets: Does It Count as a Win?
A “tie” or “draw” bet is not the same as a “winner of tie” wager. In this case, bettors are backing the outcome where both teams finish with the same number of goals at the end of 90 minutes.
If a draw is selected and the match ends level at full-time, the bet is typically settled as a win on standard 90-minute markets. These markets do not consider what happens during extra time or penalty shootouts.
By contrast, for “winner of tie” bets, a draw after 90 minutes doesn’t settle the outcome. The market remains open until one team qualifies for the next round, whether that result comes in extra time or through penalties.
Common Questions About Tied Matches
Tied matches can sometimes lead to confusion for football bettors, especially when it comes to how bets are settled in different markets. Whether it’s a league game ending level after 90 minutes or a knockout fixture going to penalties, understanding the rules behind each market helps avoid surprises. Below are some frequently asked questions that explain how ties are handled in football betting:
What happens to a bet on a team to win if the match ends in a draw?
In most standard match result markets—often known as “90-minute” bets—a draw means the bet is settled as a loss. These markets are based solely on the score at the end of normal time, including any added stoppage time.
Do all football betting markets settle based on the 90-minute result?
Not all of them. While many markets use the full-time (90-minute) result to settle bets, others—such as “winner of tie” or “to qualify”—take into account extra time and, if necessary, penalties. The bet description will usually explain what counts towards the outcome.
Will a draw bet win if the game finishes level after 90 minutes?
Yes. If a bettor places a draw bet in a 90-minute market and the match ends level at full-time, the bet is usually paid out as a win.
What if it’s unclear which rules apply to the bet?
If there’s any doubt, checking the rules listed in the market or visiting the help section on the betting site is a good idea. Most platforms also provide customer support or live chat to help clarify how specific bets will be settled.
How can bettors keep things safer when placing football bets?
Most licensed sites include helpful tools such as deposit limits, reality checks, and time-outs. These features are designed to support safer betting and give players the option to manage how and when they bet.
As always, if you choose to place any form of bet, keep responsible gambling practices in mind and never wager more than you are willing to lose.
