When it comes to betting on football games, understanding the winning margin can be the difference between you winning or losing. Basically, it refers to the gap in the number of goals scored between the two participating teams at the end of a match. As a punter, you wager on what the goal difference will be. Let us take the example of a match between Liverpool and Manchester United in the Premier League. If Liverpool beats Manchester United with a 2-goal difference, your bet on a 2-goal win margin will earn you a payout.
Betting on a winning margin is the extension of a standard bet wherein you predict the outcome of a match. It adds depth to your bets by offering you diverse odds based on the recent history between both teams. You are required to take a strategic approach with the aim to capitalize on accurate score differentials, thus increasing the excitement as well as potential returns on your bets.
How to Define a Winning Margin Bet?
A winning margin bet is generally a single bet, with many gamblers seeing it as a side bet. It is a bet that you place on a precise difference in the goal between two teams. In an example of a match between the aforementioned teams, a two-goal margin can be 2-0, 3-1, 4-2, etc. This allows you to place extra bets in addition to the winning outcome.
A winning margin bet does not necessarily mean placing a wager only on the difference of goals between the two competing teams. It also means accurately predicting the overall result of the football match. So, if Liverpool wins a match against Manchester United by 1-0, 2-0, or 4-3, you successfully win the bet.
What are the Variations of Winning Margin Bet?
One of the coolest aspects of a winning margin bet is that it is not limited to just one set of numbers. Predicting an exact score margin means you can place wagers on margin options such as 1, 2, 3, 4, and more. Below, let us look at the different gambling variations available for you in regard to a winning margin.
- A 1-goal winning margin bet: In the same example of a match between Liverpool and Manchester United, you can place a winning margin bet by 1 goal on either Liverpool or Manchester United. The gap between the goals can be anything such as 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, and so on. In the event of a draw, you will have lost the bet
- A 2-goal winning margin bet: Here, the goal margin must be 2 goals and scoreline other than that will lead to a lost bet. So, say you bet on Liverpool to win a match against Manchester United. The Reds must then have a score of 2-0, 3-1, 4-2, etc.
- A 3-goal winning margin bet: As the goal margin increases, so does the risk. But a 3-goal margin is still an achievable feat in football. In this case, you will have to predict the gap in the scores to be of 3 goals. For instance, scorelines such as 3-0, 4-1,5-2, etc. will win you the bet
- A 4-goal or more winning margin bet: These bets are ambitious and carry some of the highest odds seen in football betting. In such games, you will witness extreme dominance from one team wherein they end with margins such as 4-0, 5-1, and so on
- Draw bets: You can also wager on teams that you think will either score no goals or end the match with an equal number of goals. Here, you can see scores such as 0-0, 1-1, 3-3, etc. It is noteworthy that these bets end when the clock hits 90 minutes, and any added time or penalties are not taken into account while issuing payouts
Things to Consider While Placing a Winning Margin Bet
The amount of research that you perform before placing a winning margin bet significantly impacts the outcome. It is important that you look at the different elements that have benefited the teams or hampered their performances of late. All related data is readily available online and only takes a few minutes of your time to prepare you for a strong bet. Listed below are a few things that you should look into before placing a winning margin bet.
- Current team form: Make sure to analyze the form of both teams, including their defensive and offensive performances. This will give you an insight into where their strengths and weaknesses lie, whether they have scored more goals or conceded more
- Head-to-head stats: Reviewing the previous encounters between the teams will tell about which team’s form tips the scales in their favor. The team that has found recent success more may end up having a superior scoreline out of the two
- Home/away performances: It is no secret that teams tend to perform better while playing in home conditions as opposed to away games. Nevertheless, by combining the recent form and strength of a team, you will be able to make an informed decision on your bet
- Suspensions and injuries: Player suspensions and injuries can seriously affect a team’s scoring or defensive abilities in a match. Ensure that you are knowledgeable about key players missing out
- Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions, too, can remarkably impact the way a football match is played. It impacts not only the physical performance of the players, but also their psychological conduct owing to the threat of a potential injury
- Market odds: Bookmakers often provide you with well-researched odds that make decision-making easy for you. While you can go with the presented odds, you can also choose to ignore them and go with your gut, thus taking a higher risk
- Importance of the game: It is important that you consider the context of the match. Whether it is a crucial fixture or a derby should play a factor in your ruling
While these are some of the most common elements you should focus on to place a winning margin bet, there are other areas that require your attention, like season form, managerial tactics, goal trends, risk management, etc.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Winning Margin Bets?
There are several advantages and disadvantages of winning margin bets, and it is important that you learn how to balance your bets. This can result in rewarding payouts, as you successfully overcome the challenges of prediction specific scorelines. With that said, here’s a look at the pros and cons.
Advantages
- Variety of bets: As stated earlier, you get multiple variations that pave the way for bets on specific score differentials. This adds a new layer of precision and excitement on all your wagers
- Better odds: Despite being a side bet, winning margin bets offer higher odds as compared to predicting the outcome of a match
- Bet hedging: Bets are risky, but not when you can hedge your bets, as it provides a safety net should your initial bet fail to bring any returns. Hedging your bets allows you to place additional wagers, reducing the risk element of a net loss
Disadvantages
- Margin of error is limited: When you are betting on something precise, the margin of error is very small. As compared to predicting the winner of a match or a draw result, a winning margin bet leaves little room for mistake
- Unpredictability: Football is an out and out unpredictable game. Despite you banking on a team to win, its fate can be turned due to different factors such as tactical strategies, red cards, and injuries
High risk: Again, making predictions about a single element of football is tricky and comes with a fair share of risks. In comparison, betting on wins, losses, or draws is considered safer.