Best Soccer Betting Sites April 2025: Top Soccer Sportsbook Apps

Sportsbook promos and bonuses can significantly enhance your betting experience by providing you with additional funds for betting on soccer. Here are some of the top-notch soccer promo codes that have caught my attention:

In this article, I will use my experience as a bettor to guide you through the seemingly endless possibilities of sportsbooks that offer soccer betting, providing you with a comprehensive review of the top soccer betting sites available today. You can expect a thorough evaluation given that I have been betting on soccer for more than two decades, and have personally reviewed hundreds of sportsbooks. I will cover the odds, bonuses, betting options, ease of use, and other factors that matter the most when picking a company to bet with.

From FanDuel to BetMGM and many more, I will dive deep into each sportsbook's key features, and breakdown all of the strengths and weaknesses. My reviews will not only rely on qualitative impressions but also share quantitative measurements about how a sportsbook measures up in various categories of performance. I've used my personal experience of betting with these sportsbooks, as well as the wealth of data provided by Oddspedia to help give the most comprehensive rankings possible.

As part of the work I do with Oddspedia, there is a great focus on transparency and giving all the information possible to help people like you make the right decision. Therefore, I'll also discuss the drawbacks of each sportsbook, and the potential improvements that could be made. This will include a focus on elements like the ease of making a bet, speed of payouts, and the robustness of their mobile sports betting apps. Throughout the article, you'll also find links to other helpful resources to assist you in making an informed decision.

Whether you're a beginner in the world of soccer betting or a seasoned player looking for value elsewhere, this article is designed to provide valuable, honest, and useful information. The goal is to help you find the betting platform that best suits your needs and enhances your betting experience.

So, stick with me as I walk you through my review of the top soccer betting sites in 2025.

In this section, I'll introduce the top five soccer betting sites that have caught my attention - FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, and BetRivers. For each one, I'll highlight their unique features, strengths, and weaknesses to give you a clear picture of what they bring to the betting field. These are some of the best sportsbooks for good reason, and I'll detail why below.

FanDuel

FanDuel is a real superstar when it comes to betting on major events like the World Cup or the European leagues. As you would expect, there is also a great market offering across MLS, bug European leagues, and elite competitions like the Champions League and Copa Libertadores. I've found their user interface to be extremely intuitive and their odds to be competitive.

What really makes FanDuel shine, though, is its expansive coverage of international soccer events. The live-streaming feature also adds to the overall experience, providing the ability to watch the action unfold as you place your wagers.

When it comes to the bonus offer, FanDuel is also in the top tier. The sportsbook is running a bet $5, win $250 in bonus bets welcome offer. Oddspedia's FanDuel promo code guide will explain the offer in more detail, but the good news is you can use the $250 in bonus bets on soccer.

If I were to pick a fault for FanDuel, it would be that for smaller, regional leagues, the live coverage can sometimes be a bit thin. Despite that, the site's advantages far outweigh its limitations, making it a top recommendation for big-league betters.

• App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Sign up promo: Bet $5, win $250 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 0-5 days

Of course, there is a lot more to FanDuel's offering than what I have summarized above. If you are looking for a bit more detail then I suggest you read this FanDuel review.

DraftKings

Similarly to FanDuel, DraftKings does a fantastic job across the board. Where it really excels though is in the quality of its odds, the regularity of odds boost offers and the live betting department. I have personally found their "Flash Bet" function, which allows for quick bets in real-time during a match, to be a game-changer. This feature, combined with extensive coverage of leagues and events, makes DraftKings a great choice for those who like to place those in-the-moment wagers.

DraftKings' bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets promo is way up there compared to others in the industry. Our DraftKings promo code guide explains how to claim the new-user promo and the terms and conditions that apply.

One potential downside for DraftKings is that its user interface might feel a bit overwhelming for beginners, and its customer service response times could be quicker. That said, it's quite easy to adjust to the interface and any issues I've had with DraftKings have been resolved, it just might have taken a few hours or an extra day compared to some others. If you want more detail on the DraftKings interface, customer service, and all the things they do so well, you can read Oddspedia's DraftKings review.

• App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Sign up promo: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 0-3 days

BetMGM

As you can see from this BetMGM review, the sleek and modern interface and general user experience is top tier. I personally find this betting site to be the easiest to navigate and find what I'm looking for. Another obvious area where BetMGM stands out is the offer available to new customers. If you sign up today you can get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win. Use the BetMGM bonus code ODDSBONUS when completing the sign-up form.

While many bettors are aware that the top soccer betting sites cover major competitions like MLS, the Premier League, La Liga extensively, BetMGM stands out by also offering comprehensive coverage of South American, Mexican, and other smaller professional leagues. In my experience, the depth and breadth of their coverage in these regions are unmatched. Coupled with their user-friendly interface and the size of the welcome offer, BetMGM offers a fantastic experience for bettors interested in these leagues.

BetMGM is in a similar position to DraftKings with its customer service in that there is some room for improvement with response times. Additionally, although I find it the easiest to use, I have found myself betting elsewhere on the hunt for the best value with some soccer betting markets. If you're not betting big, this probably isn't too much of a worry though.

• App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
• Sign up promo: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if the first bet loses
• Payout speed: 0-3 days

Caesars Sportsbook

The Caesars name carries a lot of weight, especially with those who have been around the block in the world of gambling. One thing is for sure though, Caesar Sportsbook hasn't made this list based on reputation, its earned its place through delivery a great betting experience.

With one of the nicest bonuses on the market, things get off to a great start when you first sign up. Just make sure you use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code OPBONUSDYW to unlock 10 100% profit boost tokens.

Caesars Sportsbook isn't just about the welcome offer though, existing customers can take advantage of plenty more event-based offers, odds boost and insurance bets. I also think the easy-to-navigate app with reliable performance and consistent odds offering needs a shoutout as well.

One area where Caesars Sportsbook should look to improve is with more unique features, and its live-streaming options can be limited. Despite this, it's a reliable choice for those who prefer a straightforward, no-nonsense betting experience.

• App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
• Sign up promo: Bet $1, get 10x 100% profit boosts
• Payout speed: 0-5 days

BetRivers

I've got mentioned BetRivers last, but this condensed list of best soccer betting sites could be in any order depending on what it is you're looking for. There's a fantastic BetRivers second-chance bet offer of up to $500 depending what state you're in, and a long list of regular promotions that exceed anything you'll find elsewhere. These include the iRR rewards points, a refer-a-friend program, daily odds boosts and fantastic bet insurance offers.

I have also been impressed with BetRivers' user-friendly design and competitive odds. They also offer a variety of unique betting options that set them apart from their competitors. However, like Caesars Sportsbook, it is let down by its live-streaming feature as it's somewhat lacking, and they could improve coverage of international events. Despite these minor shortcomings, BetRivers is still a great platform that offers so much to soccer bettors.

• App Store rating: 4.4 (iOS), 3.4 (Android)
• Sign up promo: Up to a $500 second-chance bet
• Payout speed: 0-5 days

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution in soccer betting. The best platform for you will depend on your personal preferences and how you like to bet. It doesn't matter if you've got a love for live betting or you like to deep dive on soccer markets around the world, the list I've put together above will have something for everyone.

If you're betting on soccer, evaluating the different sportsbooks can seem like a daunting task with so many options available. Don't worry, I'm here to guide you through the process and thanks to the thousands of data points collated by Oddspedia, all the information you need is in one place:

Trust and security

I'm sure I'm not alone here when I say this is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a sportsbook to bet with, be it soccer, basketball, football, or any other sports. I always ensure the sites I bet with are trustworthy and secure. As well as making sure it's licensed and regulated by reputable authorities, I also look for sites that use encryption technology to secure transactions and protect personal information. Personally, I won't place a bet on a site unless I know it's safe and secure.

Mobile app experience

For many of us, betting on the go is essential. The best sites offer well-designed mobile apps that provide an easy-to-navigate and intuitive experience. It's also a plus if the app offers the full functionality of the desktop site, allowing you to place bets, deposit and withdraw funds, and watch live streams.

Competitive odds

To get the most value for your money, it's imperative that you look for sites that offer competitive odds. Some sites consistently offer better odds than others, and those small differences can add up over time. It might only be an extra couple of percent on your initial stake but over the course of a soccer season, those small amounts can add up. This is where the power of Oddspedia really helps me as a bettor. I used to spend hours cross-referencing soccer odds across multiple sites to make sure I got the best deal. Now I just go direct to Oddsepdia's latest soccer odds page to get the information I need.

Market coverage

Whether you're into the Premier League, La Liga, other domestic leagues around the world or smaller leagues, make sure your chosen site covers the markets you're interested in. The best sites offer extensive coverage of different leagues and events. It will depend on what type of markets you enjoy betting on, but I always look for variety and option beyond traditional bet types like the game result (moneyline), the spread, over/under, and props.

Bonuses and promotions

Many sportsbooks offer bonuses and promotions to attract and retain bettors. These can range from welcome bonuses to bonus bets, loyalty programs, and cashback offers. However, always check the terms and conditions before claiming a bonus to make sure it's a good deal. This is another areas where I've come to lean on Oddspedia over the years. The best sportsbook promo and bonus codes page is updated on a daily basis and has so much information on what all the betting sites in the US are offering,

Customer support

Customer support is crucial in case you run into any issues. If you're like me, you obviously want the best odds and great promotions, but it's not really worth that much if you run into issues and there is no one around to help. The best sites offer quick, helpful, and friendly support through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone. I've had my share of customer support experiences, and let me tell you, a responsive support team can make a world of difference.

Payment methods

Having a variety of secure payment options is important for a smooth betting experience. I always look for sites that support a range of methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers. Some people will often look specifically for sportsbooks that allow you to bet with cryptocurrency. While this isn't personally important for me, it's obviously something you need to consider if that's what you're interested in.

Payout speeds

Lastly, check the site's payout speeds. The best sites process withdrawals quickly and efficiently, allowing you to access your winnings without unnecessary delay. I've found that a lot of this will rely on the payment method you use and anything from a couple of hours to three days is probably a reasonable expectation in my experience. However, betting sites do have the ability to speed this process up (or slow it down) by being quicker to settle your wagers. The sooner that money is in your account, the sooner you can process the withdrawal and get access to your funds.

Evaluating a soccer betting site requires careful consideration of these factors, each carrying different weights for different individuals. Remember, the most important thing is to find a site that suits your personal needs and betting style. I hope this breakdown of what I look for helps you make an informed decision when choosing your next soccer betting platform.

As I've spent quite some time exploring various soccer betting sites, I've found the process to join them quite similar across the board. To make it easier for you, I've broken down the process you can expect from signing up process through to withdrawing any winnings in five easy-to-follow steps:

1. Pick a sportsbook

Start by choosing the right soccer betting site based on the factors we discussed earlier, including trust and security, competitive odds, market coverage, and more. It's all about finding a site that fits your betting style and preferences. Once you've found the best soccer betting site for you, you can begin the sign up process.

2. Fill in the sign up form

Once you've made your choice, head over to the site and look for the "Sign Up" or "Register" button, typically found on the top right corner of the homepage. You'll be asked to provide some basic information such as your name, email address, and date of birth. Some sites might also ask you to set up security questions for extra protection. Remember, it's crucial to provide accurate information for verification purposes.

3. Make your first deposit

After successfully creating your account, it's time to deposit funds. Navigate to the "Deposit" or "Banking" section, choose your preferred payment method, and follow the prompts to complete the deposit. Most sites offer a variety of payment options including credit/debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, and Skrill. Make sure you check the first deposit requirements of the welcome bonus you want to claim before confirming your first deposit.

4. Place your first wager

With funds in your account, you're now ready to place your bets. Browse through the different soccer leagues and matches available, and when you've made your selection, click on the odds to add them to your bet slip. Enter the amount you want to wager, double-check your bet, and hit the "Place Bet" button. Similarly to your first deposit, you should check the wagering requirements attached to any offer you are looking to claim to ensure you qualify for the bonus funds.

5. Withdraw your winnings

Hopefully it won't be long before you hit your first win! To withdraw your earnings, go to the "Withdraw" or "Cash Out" section, select your preferred payment method, and specify the amount you wish to withdraw. Do note that withdrawal times vary depending on the method and the site's processing times.

You can see from the above that signing up and using a soccer betting site is as straightforward as it gets. Still, it's essential to read the terms and conditions of each site before signing up to avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line.

As someone who's placed a fair share of soccer bets, I've come to appreciate the variety of bet types that the sport offers. To help you get a clearer picture, I'll outline some of the most common types, using real-life examples from the soccer world.

Soccer moneyline

This is perhaps the most straightforward bet where you simply pick the team you think will win. For instance, if you believe Liverpool will defeat Manchester United in their upcoming game, you'd place a moneyline bet on Liverpool. If Liverpool do get the win, your bet will be settled as a winner. If the game ends in a tie or Manchester United win, the wager will be a loser.

Soccer Over/Under

In this type of bet, the sportsbook sets a total number for the combined score of both teams, and you bet on whether the actual total will be Over or Under that number (hence why the market is either called the total or the Over/Under) . An example of this type of bet could be if the Over/Under for a Barcelona vs. Real Madrid game is set at 2.5. If you think there will be three or more goals scored in total, you'd bet the Over. If you think there will be less than three, you'd take the Under.

Soccer handicap

With a handicap bet, the sportsbook gives the underdog team an advantage to make the game more balanced from a betting perspective. If Manchester City are playing West Ham, they will be heavy favorites for a straight up win on the moneyline. You therefore might turn to the handicap ("spread") to get better odds. Manchester City could be listed as -1.5, this means West Ham have a one goal headstart for this market. Manchester City must win by two clear goals for a handicap wager on them to win. If you take West Ham on the spread in this game (+1.5), they could lose by one goal, draw the game or win outright for your handicap wager on them to win.

Soccer props (proposition bet)

Prop bets are bets on specific outcomes within a match that don't necessarily relate to the final result. For example, you could bet on whether Lionel Messi will score the first goal of the game in Inter Miami's next MLS game. You could bet on on Cristiano Ronaldo to have over 3.5 shots on target in his next Al Nassr game, a team to get a certain number of cards of corners. I find prop bets to be great fun as there is so many different opportunities with all the in game events in soccer.

Soccer futures

As the name implies, these are bets on events that will happen in the future, like who will win the FIFA World Cup or who will be the top scorer in the Premier League season. I enjoy placing my futures wagers at the start of a season or competition as you get pretty good odds because it's over a longer period of time and quite a lot can change from when you place that initial wager. One downside for a lot of people though is that these bets can tie up your funds for longer periods of time given that a soccer season can last nearly ten months.

Soccer parlay

This is a single bet that combines two or more individual wagers. For a parlay bet to win, each of the linked wagers must win. For instance, you could place a parlay bet predicting that Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea will all win their respective matches. The great part of these types of wagers in soccer is that you can do them across different competitions so you are restricted in finding value in one particular league. You could put one bet on Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Ajax, Boca Juniors the Philadelphia Union all to win.

Soccer same-game parlay

The principle of a same-game parlay in soccer is the same as a normal parlay. It combines multiple wagers ("legs") into one to create higher odds, but all of the wagers must win for the parlay to win. The difference with a same-game parlay is, you guessed it, all the events take place in the same game. This means you could bet on USMNT to beat Spain in a World Cup game, Christian Pulisic to score first, Tyler Adams to get booked, Spain to have the most corners, and the game to have over 2.5 goals.

Live soccer betting

Also known as in-play soccer betting, this allows you to place bets after a match has already started. The odds change dynamically based on the state of the game. You might be looking to bet on Brazil before a Copa America game against Peru but want better odds than the pre-game market has listed. If you wait for kick-off and the game gets 15 minutes in, you'll likely get a better line on Brazil winning the game. The longer you wait and the game remains goalless, the higher the odds will get. However, the risk here is that Brazil could score five minutes into the game and the odds shorten dramatically compared to pre-game and you miss out on the wager altogether.

Goal line betting

Now let's delve into another interesting betting type in soccer - goal line betting. Sometimes, this can be a little tricky for newcomers, but I assure you it's a fascinating option once you understand it.

Similar to over/under bets, goal line betting involves predicting the total number of goals scored in a match. However, there's a twist - it often includes the option for a draw.

In goal line betting, the sportsbook sets a line for the total goals in a match. For instance, let's imagine that in an upcoming Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund game, the goal line is set at 3. Here's how you can bet:

• Over 3: If you bet on over 3, you're predicting that the total goals scored by both teams combined will be more than 3. If the match ends with 4 or more goals, your bet is a winner.
• Under 3: Conversely, if you bet on under 3, you're predicting that the total goals scored will be less than 3. If the match ends with 2 or fewer goals, you've won your bet.
• Exactly 3: Now, what happens if the match ends with exactly 3 goals, say with a 2-1 score? In this case, the bet is considered a "push," and your wager amount is returned to you.

But here's where it gets a bit more interesting. Some sportsbooks offer what are known as "split goal lines" or "Asian goal lines." In this case, your wager is divided into two halves, with one half assigned to one goal line and the other half assigned to another.

For example, a goal line might be presented as 2.5, 3. This means half of your stake goes on Over 2.5, and the other half goes on Over 3. If the match ends with exactly 3 goals, you win the Over 2.5 half of the bet, while the Over 3 half is a push.

Goal line betting offers more flexibility and can add a layer of excitement to the match as you root for just one more goal or hope the defense stands firm.

It's important to remember that different soccer betting sites may offer different bet types and odds. Understanding these bet types and when to use them can greatly enhance your soccer betting experience.

Soccer betting rules compared to other sports

One thing I have found with betting on soccer is that it's important to familiarise yourself with the rules of sportsbooks and how certain markets are settled. It's sometimes not the same as US-specific sports like football and basketball.

Firstly, the markets are only settled on regulation time results (unless stated otherwise). So, if you wager on a Champions League knockout game and it goes to extra-time or penalties, your wager will be settled based on the result after the regulation time. If you bet Manchester City on the moneyline against Real Madrid and the game ends 1-1 but Manchester City win 3-1 after extra time, the result would be settled as a draw and your wager would actually lose.

Secondly, while a "push" is pretty standard for bettors in North America (getting your stake back if the spread or total lands on the exact market number), it's best to double check that it applies to your soccer wagers as well.

After betting on soccer for a couple of decades now, I have claimed my fair share of bonuses. Unfortunately for me, the new customer offers are way higher than they used to be. Although I can't claim a lot of these offers as I'm an existing customer, it's great news for those of you who haven't signed up to many sportsbooks yet. The different types of bonuses offered by soccer betting sites can significantly enhance your betting experience and possibly boost your winnings. These bonuses typically come in three forms with welcome bonuses: deposit match, first wager insurance, and bet and get.

Deposit match

When I first signed up for my preferred betting site, I was greeted with an enticing welcome bonus. It's often a "deposit match" type bonus where you get a percentage of your first deposit. For example, a site might offer a 50% deposit match welcome bonus up to $500, which means they will give an additional 50% of your first deposit back as bonus bets (up to $500). This gives you a chance to boost the value of your first deposit as you could deposit an initial $1,000 and get another $500 on top as a bonus. You could of course deposit a lower amount like $100 and get an additional $50. Be sure to read the fine print though and know what percentage you are getting as part of the offer.

First wager insurance

Another common welcome bonus I've used is the first wager insurance. This is where your first bet with a sportsbook is "insured" so if it loses, you get your initial stake back. Like the deposit match, it will be capped at a certain amount. So if you sign up, deposit $250 and bet $250 on Real Madrid's next game on the moneyline and they lose, you'll get $250 back in bonus bets. If they win, you just keep the winnings from your wager. As I mentioned above, check the terms and conditions on these offers before you claim them. There may be a minimum odds requirement for your first wager to qualify for this offer.

Bet and get

Sometimes, soccer betting sites will offer special incentives to entice you to sign up and bet. These are often packaged as a "bet and get" offer where you have to wager a certain amount, to get an amount back in bonus bets. This could be a bet $10 get $100 offer where you deposit and wager $10 of your own money, and then get an additional $100 in bonus bets afterwards. They often aren't as high as the deposit match welcome bonuses but require a lower deposit or wager to get the full bonus fund amount.

Existing customer promotions

Once you're an existing customer you can no longer qualify for the welcome bonus or sign up offers but you'll find a variety of ongoing promotions to keep things exciting. These could be specific to soccer events, such as enhanced odds for a big match, or they could be more general, like accumulator boosts or cashback offers. In the last few weeks I've received a cashback offer where I got 10% back on my losses over a weekend, a $50 bonus bet and a 25% parlay boost.

I can't stress enough the importance of always reading the terms and conditions of these bonuses, whether they are new customers offers or an existing customer promotion. They often come with specific wagering requirements, and understanding these can help you maximize the benefit you get from them.

As a bettor, I love these bonuses and promotions because they provide an opportunity to bet more, potentially win more, and certainly enjoy the betting experience more. Plus, they give you a great way to explore the different betting options without risking too much of your own money.

UEFA Champions League odds

Only four teams remain for this year's quest for Champions League glory. Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski leads the way with 25 goals on the season. 

*All odds via Bet365

Betting on soccer is obviously great fun and can add to the excitement of watching a game. It can also be a way of making profit if you put the time in and work hard (and end up on the right side of luck every now and again). Fortunately, Oddspedia provides a wealth of resources designed to give bettors an edge. Let's take a closer look at what's available.

Soccer odds

One of the most important tools for any bettor is a reliable source of odds information. Understanding the odds is crucial for making informed decisions about your bets, and Oddspedia's soccer odds section offers real-time odds from a multitude of sportsbooks.

Here, you can find a detailed breakdown of odds for matches in all the major soccer leagues worldwide. The site presents the odds in a clear, easy-to-understand format, allowing you to quickly compare and select the best value for your bets. This is invaluable for making informed decisions on where to place your bets for maximum potential returns.

Soccer picks and predictions

In addition to odds, expert picks and predictions can help guide your betting strategy. If you're unsure where to place your money, or simply want some professional insight, Oddspedia's soccer picks and predictions are a fantastic tool to inform your decision making process.

The picks are provided by betting experts who analyze a range of factors, including team form, player injuries, and head-to-head records to predict the likely outcomes. They can provide a solid basis for your betting strategy or serve as a second opinion to validate your own thoughts.

When it comes to soccer betting, it's important to know that the sport is played all around the globe, offering a plethora of leagues to bet on. Here are some of the top leagues and competitions that offer great betting opportunities:

English Premier League (EPL)

Without a doubt, the English Premier League, often referred to as the EPL, is one of the most popular leagues for bettors. It's made up of 20 teams, including powerhouses like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal. The competitiveness of the league, coupled with the global stars that play in it, provides a broad range of betting opportunities.

UEFA Champions League

The UEFA Champions League is an annual club competition that sees the best teams from Europe's top leagues compete against each other. It includes giants like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan. With high-profile games at every stage of the competition, it provides numerous exciting betting prospects.

Major League Soccer (MLS)

Major League Soccer is the premier soccer league in the United States and Canada. Although it may not have the same pedigree as the EPL or the Champions League, its steady rise in quality and competitiveness has made it a popular choice for bettors. Stars like Lionel Messi, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Lorenzo Insigne playing in the league show just how big MLS has become in recent years.

La Liga

Spain's La Liga is home to two of the most famous clubs in the world: Barcelona and Real Madrid. With top-class talent performing in every match, this league offers a variety of thrilling betting options. Spanish teams have won Europe's premier club competition 19 times (four more than any other) which highlights the quality within Spain's top division.

Bundesliga

The Bundesliga is Germany's top-tier soccer league, well-known for its fast-paced matches and high-scoring games, featuring top teams like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. These features provide plenty of intriguing betting possibilities, especially for over/under goal markets. Bundesliga futures have become a bit one dimensional of late with Bayern Munich winning 11 in a row, but that doesn't take away from the quality of games week to week.

Serie A

Italy's Serie A has long been one of the top soccer leagues in the world. With famous clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan, Napoli and AC Milan, this league offers a wide range of betting options. Despite heavy dominance from Juventus in previous years, the Turin-based club have had some struggles over previous season and the re-emergence of Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Napoli (who won their first title in 33 years last season) has seen Serie A attract much more interest from soccer fans and bettors alike.

FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest soccer tournament on the planet. It's held every four years, with teams from all over the globe competing for the prestigious title. The tournament draws massive global attention, making it a prime event for soccer betting.

Copa America and UEFA European Championship (Euros)

Continental competitions like Copa America (South America) and the Euros (Europe) take place every four years (offset by two years from the World Cup) and feature the best national teams from their respective continents. Much like the World Cup, these tournaments have huge appeal from a betting perspective from the initial futures before the tournaments start, through to the final game.

Soccer betting, much like any form of sports betting, isn't just about luck. It's about implementing well-thought-out strategies that increase your chances of success. As a seasoned soccer bettor, I've tested numerous strategies over the years and put in 100 of hours of gathering data and building models to help make more accurate predictions. I've been fortunate enough to enjoy success but I've also had plenty of failures along the way. Here are some of the most effective strategies I can recommend for those at a beginner to intermediate level:

Keep a close eye on team and player stats

Soccer, like any sport, is a numbers game. Therefore, stats are crucial to placing well-informed bets. Team stats such as goals scored, goals conceded, possession percentage, and shots on goal can reveal a lot about the team's style and effectiveness.

Similarly, player stats like goals scored, assists, passes completed, and tackles won can help you understand the contributions of individual players. Knowledge of these stats can come in handy, especially when you're placing bets on specific events, such as a player to score or a team to win to nil.

One important part of this strategy is using the right data points in your analysis. Actual stats do tell a certain story but underlying performance metrics provide much more data to work from and can really help empower your betting. Expected goals for and against is a great example of this. Soccer is a low scoring sport, so the variance in goals scored and conceded can sometimes be misleading. If you expand the sample of data and use expected numbers, it can help provide much more insight into the relative strength or weakness of a team.

Pay attention to rule changes

The introduction of VAR or more added time in soccer games isn't just something that will impact fans, it can have a huge knock-on effect with betting. I vividly remember the first World Cup when VAR was introduced and taking the range of penalty props available was such a great strategy to follow. The introduction of the rule increased the chances of penalties being awarded but sportsbooks hadn't properly accounted for it. The fact that the odds for the favorite to score a penalty in the game is now typically around +300 to +700 whereas for the World Cup it was more around +550 to +1000 shows just how much value was on offer.

A more recent example of a rule change that can benefit bettors is the additional time being added on to games and the guidance given to referees to not accept any forceful complaining. Games now regularly have upwards of 10 minutes added on compared to an average of 2-4 minutes, this is just even more playing time for goals to be scored (making the overs a good play). The guidance to referees has seen an uplift in yellow cards being show so looking a total bookings or specific players to get booked could prove to be a profitable strategy.

Stay updated on injuries and lineups

Injuries can have a significant impact on a team's performance. If a key player is sidelined, it can disrupt a team's synergy and affect their overall performance. Before placing any bet, I make it a point to check injury updates. Knowing who's injured, how long they're expected to be out, and who's likely to replace them can help you make more accurate predictions about a game's outcome.

In the modern world, almost everyone in the betting market will have access to this information. Where you can gain an edge however is through using platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to get early information on lineups. Even if a player isn't injured, they may be rested. If you can get this information and react before the rest of the market does, you can give yourself a real advantage.

Understand the influence of coaches

A team's strategy and performance are largely determined by the coach. Understanding a coach's philosophy, preferred formations, and tactical decisions can give you an edge when betting. This isn't just in general but getting granular and learning how a coach will approach certain games against certain teams. I've found this great for over/under betting as once you nail how defensive or offensive a coach might be in a given game, and how that matches up against the opponent's style, you can get a great steer on what to expect in terms of goals.

Don't be drawn in by player form

Many believe that a player's current form can greatly affect the outcome of a game. "If a striker is on a scoring streak, they're more likely to score in the upcoming match". "If a goalkeeper has been keeping clean sheets, there's a good chance they might continue this trend". I would advise against following these kind of trends blindly and instead digging into the underlying numbers I mentioned before. What does the strikers expected goals actually say? Have they been running hot and soon likely to regress? Has a goalkeeper been facing great chances but just been lucky enough that the other team's players miss?

The key here is to always question data. Spend you time looking deeper into what others may take at face value and it could benefit you in the long run.

Analyze previous head-to-head matches

Analyzing previous encounters between the teams can provide valuable insights. Some teams tend to perform well against certain opponents due to stylistic or psychological reasons. If you notice a consistent trend in previous head-to-head matches, it might be worth considering in your betting strategy. This is more beneficial in a sports like soccer compared to something like the NFL as in domestic leagues, teams are guaranteed to play each other at least twice. They could also meet in cup competitions.

Providing you look at a timeframe where coaches or players haven't changed too much (normally around 3-4 seasons), this can give you almost 10 recent head-to-head matchups to help with your analysis.

Remember, soccer betting isn't an exact science, and even the best strategies can't guarantee a win. However, these approaches can help you make more informed decisions and improve your chances of successful betting.