Curious about the term BTTS but not sure what it means? You are not alone. It is a common football betting market that appears on most fixtures. Understanding it can make it easier to follow certain bets.
Bookmakers may present markets in different ways. Betting inherently carries risk, so it might be wise to only stake amounts you are comfortable with and to make use of safer gambling tools offered by UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)-licensed operators.
This guide aims to explain BTTS, with examples and tips on how it appears across football bets.
What Does BTTS Mean in Football Betting?
BTTS stands for “Both Teams to Score”. This market settles on whether both teams score at least one goal each during the regular 90 minutes, including injury time. Extra time and penalties are not included for settlement.
You can choose “Yes” if you think both teams will score, or “No” if you think one or both will not. The match result does not affect the market. For example, a 2-1 home win or a 1-1 draw would settle as “Yes”, while a 2-0 or 0-0 result would settle as “No”.
BTTS focuses on goals rather than the winner, so it is available on most fixtures across major leagues and cups. Bookmakers usually display the “Yes” and “No” options clearly on the bet slip.
If you decide to try your hand at football betting, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Does a BTTS Bet Work?
When placing a BTTS bet, bettors select “Yes” or “No” for a single match. Many people place single bets in this market as it is straightforward and based on one game.
BTTS can also be included in multiples or accumulators. For instance, you could select BTTS “Yes” in three different matches on the same slip. Each match would need both teams to score for the bet to settle as successful. Adding more selections increases the potential return, but the risk rises because all parts must meet the outcome.
Some bookmakers combine BTTS with other markets, such as BTTS with the match result or with over/under a certain number of goals. These combined bets are settled if all components meet the outcome.
Different Types of BTTS Markets
Football betting platforms in the UK offer variations of the Both Teams to Score market. These can be combined or specified for different periods of play. Two common types are explained below.
BTTS and Match Result
This market requires a prediction of both whether each team will score and which team will win or if the match will end in a draw. For example, you might select “Both Teams to Score and Home Team to Win”. All parts of the selection must be correct for the bet to settle as successful.
Bookmakers may present this with three-way results (Home Win, Away Win, or Draw) alongside BTTS. The odds are typically higher as the bet combines multiple outcomes. The display may vary, so it might be a good idea to check the selection on your slip before confirming.
BTTS in the First or Second Half
Some operators offer BTTS bets limited to the first or second half of a match. In this case, the bet requires both teams to score within the chosen half. If only one team scores, or neither scores, the bet settles as unsuccessful. Terms for these half-specific markets are included in each operator’s football rules.
Pros and Cons of BTTS Betting
BTTS is straightforward because it does not require predicting the match winner or exact scoreline. You only need to consider whether both teams score.
The market remains open until the end of regular time. A late goal can change the outcome, which may affect your selection.
The main limitation is that both teams must score for a “Yes” selection to succeed. Matches with few chances, a goalless draw, or one team not scoring will settle as “No”. Accumulator selections can increase complexity, as each leg of the bet must meet the outcome.
The odds reflect perceived likelihoods. Matches with two attacking teams may have shorter “Yes” odds, while games involving defensive styles or fatigued squads may offer longer odds. Considering these patterns could help in evaluating the market.
How to Read Odds for BTTS Markets
BTTS odds are usually displayed as fractions, such as 4/5 or 6/4. Some platforms allow switching to decimal odds.
Fractional odds show potential profit relative to stake. For example, if BTTS “Yes” is 5/6, a £10 stake could return £8.33 in profit, plus the original £10 stake. Decimal odds indicate the total return per pound staked. For instance, 1.83 means a £10 stake could return £18.30. Actual odds may vary and can change before kick-off depending on factors such as team news, recent form, or weather.
Shorter odds suggest the outcome is considered more likely, while longer odds suggest it is less likely. Checking prices before placing a bet might help you assess their suitability.
Is BTTS a Popular Market with UK Bettors?
BTTS is commonly offered for UK league and cup football, including the Premier League and European competitions. Its focus on goals rather than precise results can make it easier to assess compared with other markets.
It can be included in accumulators, where multiple BTTS selections are combined for a potential return. Operators may present slightly different odds or add-ons, such as combining BTTS with match results or totals. Understanding how the market is settled and displayed could help when selecting fixtures to follow.
Always remember to gamble responsibly and within your means.
