Betting on football has become a very popular source of fun in recent years. In fact, some people became football fans through betting. Whether you're enthusiastic about this sport or not, putting your money on match outcomes requires more than just basic football knowledge.
As a beginner, you first need to understand all the basics of football as a sport before joining the gambling fraternity. Once you have the know-how, you'll need to learn all available markets in the industry before you can bet on the action at LeoVegas. Some of these markets include match outcomes (1X2) and goal counts (over and under). 
Basic Terminologies
Like any other industry, the betting community has its unique terms used to describe certain actions. Some of them might be similar across all sports.
Below are the common terms often utilized in football betting, which new betters should know. These are some of the most familiar concepts you're likely to come across as you join the football betting community.
- Stake: This refers to the amount of money placed on a given bet. Most companies have a minimum and maximum amount you can stake or place for a single bet. Of course, the more money you use, the more profits you're likely to make.
- Handicap: This is a technique where the underdog in a match is given an advantage over the other team–which is always regarded as the clear favourite to win the game. For instance, if it's Manchester United playing against team X from the lower division, team X is given two or three goals before the match starts. In this case, Manchester United is handicapped and has to score more than three goals without conceding for you to win the bet.
- 90-minute betting: This term refers to various bets that can be placed and become eligible within the normal 90 minutes. For instance, you could bet that a player will score a goal in that match. If they make an appearance before the full-time whistle goes, then they're eligible for the bet. However, if that player scores within the extra 30 minutes, then that might not be counted.
- Over/under: These terms are usually used when you bet on the number of goals to be scored in the match. It normally provides you with the option of betting on whether the number of goals will exceed a given number. For instance, over 3.5 means four or more goals.
- Accumulator: As the name suggests, this is where you put several bets in one slip. By doing so, you increase the total number of odds, which means more profits if the bet is won.
- DNB: Draw No Bet means if both teams end up drawing the match, your money is refunded. In other words, the bet is only counted if either of the sides wins.
- Double chance: This is another very popular market in the world of football betting. It means you can choose two options in a 3-way bet, which gives high chances of winning. For instance, you can bet on a home team to win or draw (1X). Similarly, you can back the other team to win or draw (X2). Keep in mind that this market always has very low odds because you have high chances of winning.
Beginner's Betting Tips
Aside from knowing the betting jargon, it's also crucial to keep in mind some of the following tips as you try finding your way in football betting.
- Always follow your mind, not your heart. This is a very critical factor, especially when analysing those games that involve your favourite teams.
- Don't be too greedy, even if the outcomes are consistently going your way. You need to be disciplined and stick to your plan.
- Try to be patient and pick the right bets. Remember, not all bets are going to favour you.
- Always avoid friendly matches because there isn't much at stake in these games.
- Try to understand the current state of every team you're betting on by checking on their form and other factors like injuries.
- Going through the league fixtures is very important, especially if it's one of the busiest, like the English Premier League. That gives you an idea of how the manager might set up their team in the upcoming match.
Conclusion
Football betting can be fun if you do it the right way, but it can also be a nightmare if you're in it for quick wealth. As a beginner, it's imperative that you take a keen interest in the basic terminologies and markets such as DNB, handicap, over/under, and 90-minute betting. As you get started, keep in mind some of the tips covered in this article, as they'll help enhance your betting experience.
