Football Betting: Odds, Live Markets & Competitions

Adding that extra bit of tension to every game you watch, football betting is a fantastic way to up the ante for your experience during those pivotal matches. However, if you’ve never used football odds before, you might not know where to begin.

With Betway, it’s easy to see the latest football fixtures and which bets you can place on each game. From match results and the first goalscorer to corners, cards, and in-play action, there are markets to suit every kind of bettor.

With online football betting, you have the power to bet on football matches both before they kick off and throughout the action with live betting. Betway offers competitive football prices across an incredible range of matches, competitions and markets around the world, bringing you closer to the game wherever you are.

With the 2025/26 season now in full swing, there’s never been a better time to get involved in online football betting. So, if you’re looking to get a piece of the action, here’s how to get started betting on football.

How do football betting odds work?

As with all types of betting, football odds show you how likely a particular outcome is to happen in a game, and how much you could win if it does, based on your initial wager – the lower the odds, the more likely an outcome is to happen.

In the UK specifically, football betting prices are typically displayed in a fractional odds format – such as 2/1 or 5/3 - with shorter odds meaning you have a better chance of winning, at the cost of a lower potential return. Longer odds, on the other hand, suggest a less likely outcome, but ones that offer a bigger payout as a result.

For example, if you pick a team with the odds 5/1, for every £1 you stake, you will win £5 profit if the bet lands – plus your original stake back. Alternatively, if the odds are set at 7/2, for every £2 you place, you’d get £7 profit.

As for how football odds are calculated, these are set by bookmakers based on a variety of factors, including stats, team form, and current market trends. Many bookmakers actually look at betting trends as part of their analysis, because it ultimately shows which team customers are focusing their bets on.

Online football betting markets explained

Alongside knowing how football betting odds work, understanding football markets in general is key to making smart wagers and informing your overall betting strategy.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular options punters like to go with:

Win-Draw-Win (match result)

A classic betting option, this is a wager on whether the next match will be a home win, an away win, or a draw for your chosen team. It’s simple, effective, and perfect for beginners.

BTTS (both teams to score)

An estimation of whether or not both teams will find the net, a both teams to score bet is ideal for matches with attacking lineups, shaky defences, or when two high-tier teams known for their striking action go up against each other.

Over/Under goals

Premised on predicting the total number of goals in a match, common over/under lines usually include a margin of 2.5 goals, but this can go higher or lower, depending on the fixture.

Correct score

Another simple bet, here, you can go for a precision guess by predicting the exact final score. It’s a high-risk, high-reward betting option.

Half-time/Full-time

A bet where you predict the results of a game at half-time and full-time, this option is great for matches where momentum shifts are expected to occur.

Player specials

Built around niche outcomes and match potentials, it’s possible to place a bet on individual player performance during a game, such as:

• Being the first to score.
• Scoring at any point during a match.
• Whether or not the player receives a card.
• How many assists a player will make.
• How many on-target shots a player will make.

Team specials

Similar to player special bets, but based around your team’s performance instead, team special bets can include:

• The total corners taken.
• Total possession percentage.
• Whether or not a team comes away with a clean sheet.
• How many penalties are awarded?

Popular football competitions to bet on

Given that football is a year-round spectacle, you won’t be surprised to hear that we offer football betting for all competitions that take place in a given year, meaning there are literally countless games that you can bet on at any one time.

From the world’s biggest tournaments to lower league clashes, there’s no shortage of options for you to pick from, and our football betting framework lets you place bets on top-tier action and straightforward friendlies alike.

However, if you want to place a wager on this season’s highlight events, then here’s what you need to know:

Betting on the Premier League

The 2025/26 Premier League season is already delivering drama, with title contenders like Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool already battling for the title, and newly promoted sides like Leeds and Burnley merely fighting for survival.

Here, every match matters, and our entire suite of markets is open for betters to make predictions on the outcome of each game.

Betting on the UEFA Champions League

Europe’s elite clubs return for another thrilling Champions League campaign later this year, and punters can expect to see group stage upsets and knockout round classics happening at all stages of the tournament.

Right now, punters can begin their Champions League betting journey through the following markets:

• Match odds.
• Group winners.
• Tournament outrights.
• Player performance bets.
• Final winner predictions.

Of course, even more market options will open up as the tournament goes on, so make sure you keep an eye out for new betting alternatives in the future. And don't forget about Europa League betting, as Europe's second-tier competition also provides plenty of drama and exciting betting opportunities.

Betting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The countdown is on for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and this year’s showdown is set to be a barn burner, with expanded teams coming into the mix and a new format promising to make this tournament a historic one that you won’t want to miss.

At the moment, bettors can place wagers on the following Betway offers:

• Early outright odds.
• Group stage previews.
• Top goal scorer markets.
• Team specials.
• Player awards.

Of course, once the tournament starts, you’ll have plenty of other markets to choose from, including betting on which team will be the 2026 World Cup winner.

Betting on the Championship and EFL 2025/26 season

From the intensity of Championship betting to the unpredictability of League One and League Two, like the Premier League, the EFL never fails to deliver drama. At Betway, we’ve got every angle covered for the 2025/26 season - with betting markets open across all divisions.

Title races in the Football League often provide drama up until the final day, and this season looks no different. The Championship is wide open with Middlesbrough, Coventry and Ipswich all in with a great chance to top the table, while Cardiff are the favourites in the League One betting to win the title, and Bromley lead the way in the League Two odds.

There's still plenty of action left to unfold, though, and right now at Betway, Championship and EFL bettors can test their predictive skills with the following bets, alongside many others:

• Matchday fixtures.
• Top 4 finish.
• Relegation odds.
• Golden Boot winner.
• Manager specials.

On top of all the domestic league action available, Betway offers FA Cup betting markets for every round of the world's oldest football competition. You can get even closer to the magic of the cup with prices available for every game on the road to Wembley.

Betting on European football

The best leagues in Europe are all about passion and thrilling football, and the 2025/26 season has so far been no different. Powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG and Inter continue to chase silverware, and you can bet on them all with our extensive range of European football markets.

If you're tracking the race for the Scudetto in Italy, you'll find plenty to explore when it comes to Serie A betting, where physical battles and defensive masterclasses are always on the menu. Meanwhile, those following French football will recognise the flair that makes Ligue 1 betting so engaging, with Lens currently battling PSG for supremacy in France.

In Spain, the precision and technical brilliance of clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid shape the appeal of La Liga betting, often offering dramatic swings when the top sides face off. Over in Germany, the high tempo of the Bundesliga, where Bayern Munich, Dortmund and Leverkusen often collide, create compelling opportunities for fans of Bundesliga betting.

With each fixture carrying weight, be it a title clash, a push for European qualification or a relegation battle, you’ll find a wide range of markets open throughout every gameweek. From goalscorers and match outcomes to in‑play action, cards, corners and more, there’s always a new angle to explore.

What is the best way to bet on football?

While you could head on down to your local bookie, online football betting is undoubtedly the most efficient way of betting, offering you unmatched convenience and that sought-after instancy factor.

Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to football betting, and the best strategy starts with doing your homework. That’s why we strongly recommend that you look at team form, injuries, head-to-head records, and recent performances before placing any bet.

For example, many punters like to start with simple match result markets, while those with a touch more experience may enjoy exploring options like both teams to score, over/under goals, or player specials.

Building an accumulator is also a good way to boost your odds potential, but it also increases risk, making such ventures all about finding the right balance for your risk appetite.

Whether you’re betting pre-match or in-play, staying informed and managing your stake sensibly is key to making smarter football bets.

How to bet online on football with Betway

Getting started with online football betting is quick and easy – especially with Betway. First, sign up with a few details and verify your account. Then, to bet on football, simply browse the fixtures that interest you, enter your stake, and place your bet – we even have a mobile app and live stats available!

With Betway, betting on football has never been more accessible.

Live & In-Play Football Betting

Football doesn’t stop, and neither do we. Our live football betting platform lets you wager as the action unfolds, with dynamic football prices and live stats on-screen helping to guide your every decision and keeping you in the game right up to the final whistle. 

In-play football betting allows you to stay involved at the heart of the action, where every shot, pass and tackle opens up new opportunities. With betting prices that update throughout the match, you can react in real time to the flow of the game and bet as the game unfolds. We offer a huge range of in-play markets across all of the world's biggest football competitions, meaning you'll never miss out on a chance to get involved.

Why bet on football with Betway?

Simply put, Betway is built for football fans. Here’s why so many bettors choose us every week:

Competitive football odds

We pride ourselves on offering some of the most competitive football odds in the industry. Whether you're betting on match results, goal scorers, or outright winners, our football prices are designed to give you maximum value. Updated in real-time, our odds ensure you’re always getting the best price available.

A huge range of markets

Football odds are unpredictable, but that’s also what makes it so exciting. At Betway, we offer over 100 betting markets per match, giving you endless ways to play, including:

• Match result (1X2).
• Both teams to score (BTTS).
• Over/Under goals.
• Correct score.
• Half-time/Full-time.
• First goalscorer.
• Player cards.
• Team specials.

Whether you’re betting on a tight tactical battle or a goal-fest, we’ve got the markets to match your strategy.

Bet Builder and accas made easy

Want to create your own custom bet? Our Bet Builder tool lets you combine multiple bet selections from the same match – perfect for crafting those unique wagers. Or if you prefer accumulators instead, then our tools let you build multi-leg bets across different matches and leagues with ease.

Either way, our Acca Boosts and insurance offers give you extra value and protection on any specialised bets you make.

Cash-out alternatives

Take control of your bets with our cash-out options, which let you lock in profits or cut your losses before the end of any game. Our partial cash-out system even lets you secure part of your stake while keeping the rest in play.

Where can I find extra football betting tips and odds?

For more information on football betting odds and extra wager tips, you can head straight over to our football blog for direct guides on football betting tips and pointers on how to read betting odds, making it easier for you to assess predictions ahead of football games – make sure you check them out before placing any bet!

Football betting FAQs

Still got a question or two around football betting and football odds? Take a look at our main football betting FAQs below to see if we’ve answered your queries.

Does Betway offer football live streaming?

Yes – selected matches are available to stream live for registered users with a funded account. This makes live football betting even easier, as you can watch the action unfold while placing your bets.

What is Bet Builder and how does it work?

Bet Builder lets you create a custom football bet by combining multiple selections from the same match, such as goal scorer, match result, and cards. However, it’s only available on selected fixtures.

Is Betway safe and licensed?

Absolutely. Betway is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and other international authorities.

Can I use free bets on football markets?

Yes – free bets awarded through promotions like the Betway Free Bet Club can be used on most football markets, unless otherwise stated in the terms and conditions.

Does Betway offer football accumulator insurance?

Betway often runs accumulator insurance promotions where you get your stake back as a free bet if one leg lets you down. Make sure you check the promotions page for current offers.

Can I cash out my football bets early?

Yes – Betway offers cash-out and partial cash-out options on selected markets when you bet on football, allowing you to settle your bet before the event concludes.

Can I use the Betway app to place football bets?

Yes – the Betway app is available for iOS and Android, offering full access to football betting markets, live football betting, streaming, and account management on the go to help you stay ahead of ongoing games – download it now from the Play Store or the App Store!

Can I bet on the 2026 World Cup now?

Yes – right now, outright markets are available for early predictions, including tournament winner, top goalscorer, and group stage outcomes.