In the UK, online gambling is regulated and has been so since 2005, with such remarkable growth observed so far. Regardless of the sport, there are many betting markets, all being monitored by the UKGC to ensure transparency. Before highlighting some popular UK betting markets, it’s important to get well-versed with the betting term. So, let’s look at how betting markets work.
How Betting Markets Work
A betting market is the specific outcome of an event. Online gambling operators typically use them to guide punters on decisions when placing bets on particular games. By design, prospective bettors have an extensive choice of multiple betting markets.
It is the responsibility of punters to do adequate research before choosing any one of these markets. By following this expert guide to betting online, bettors can confidently get started with this process. The next section analyzes some of the most popular UK betting markets.
A Look At Popular Betting Markets In The UK
The best betting markets naturally come with fewer variables that make it more likely for bettors to earn a win. Although it has become a norm, less risky markets are not always the right ones. Below are some of the most common betting markets used by punters in the UK:
Over/Under Betting Market
Over/under markets are extremely popular among punters and are accessible across many varieties of sports. This market, sometimes called ‘Totals,’ is based on the total number of goals in a specific game. This is generally a combination of the goals scored by the home team and those scored by the away team.
While over/under markets are pretty straightforward, it’s still essential to know precisely what one is doing. These markets can range between 0.5 and 4.5, the most common being the 2.5 scoreline. However, because it’s impossible for any team to score half a goal, this market guarantees a win or loss.
Asian Handicap Market
In Asian handicap markets, one of the teams usually has a predetermined advantage over the other. In this type of spread betting, bookies try to level the playing field by eliminating the possibility of draw outcomes. In other words, if you back the favourite team, it must overcome the handicap to turn a profit.
Asian handicaps typically start at a quarter-goal and may get up to three goals in games with unevenly matched teams. This is done by offering a headstart to the underdog while the team favoured to win gets a goal deficit. Handicaps predict a game’s final score using quarter goals and the posted total.
Correct Score Market
The correct score market allows punters to place bets on the final result of regular play in a particular game. In football, betting sites consider ‘normal play’ as 90 minutes; this includes injury time but excludes extra time and penalties. To improve your winning chances, only bet on scorelines you believe may happen within the game’s allocated standard time.
The strategy for betting on the correct score market is quite simple. You pick a game, observe the lineups, compare possibilities, and select a scoreline you believe fits best. This selection is subsequently included in your bet slip, where you can place your wager and await the outcome.
Both Teams To Score Market (BTS)
The overall simplicity of this market makes it one of the most popular and accessible betting options for new punters. Both sides need to score at least one goal to win a bet in the BTS market. If, by some ill luck, however, just one or neither side bags a goal, the bet is lost. Bookmakers in the UK will usually give bettors two options to pick from in this betting market. These are:
- Both teams to score – Yes
- Both teams to score – No
By selecting ‘Yes,’ the expected outcome is that both teams will score one or more goals. Alternatively, opting for ‘No’ means winning if neither team scores. Punters can also win from the ‘No’ selection if only one team scores a goal.
Conclusion
Betting markets play an essential role by simplifying the betting process. Punters should consider picking any of the popular UK betting markets above. The competitive fixed odds offered on each will ensure you place your bets like a professional.Don’t throw all your eggs into one basket when it comes to betting markets, use your finance wisely and try out a few to see what works best for you.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
