Quick answer
A betting market is one question about a match. The most common football markets are 1X2 (match result), double chance, GG/NG (both teams to score), over/under goals, handicaps, draw no bet, correct score and half-time/full-time. Most are settled on the score after 90 minutes plus stoppage time.
On this page
What a market is
When you open a match on a bookmaker's site, you see a list of markets. Each market is one question, such as "Who will win?" or "How many goals?", with a set of possible answers and a price for each.
Unless the market says otherwise, football markets are settled on the result after normal time: 90 minutes plus stoppage time. Extra time and penalties are not included.
The main markets
| Market | The question | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| 1X2 (match result) | Home win, draw or away win? | 1X2 explained |
| Double chance | Which two of the three results? | Double chance |
| Draw no bet | Which team wins? A draw refunds. | Draw no bet |
| GG/NG (BTTS) | Will both teams score? | GG/NG explained |
| Over/under | More or fewer goals than a line? | Over/under |
| Handicap | Who wins after a virtual head start? | Handicaps |
Other markets you will see
Correct score. Predict the exact final score, such as 2–1. Odds are high because it is hard to get right. A $1 bet on 1–1 at 6.50 returns $6.50.
Half-time/full-time (HT/FT). Predict the result at half-time and at full-time, written like "1/1" (home leading at half-time and winning) or "X/2" (level at half-time, away win). There are nine combinations.
Half-time result. 1X2 for the first 45 minutes plus stoppage time only.
Odd/even. Will the total number of goals be odd or even? 0–0 counts as even.
Goalscorer markets. "First goalscorer", "anytime goalscorer" and "last goalscorer". Own goals usually do not count for these. If your player does not take part, rules on refunds differ by bookmaker.
Clean sheet. Will a team finish without conceding?
Win to nil. Will a team win and keep a clean sheet (for example 1–0 or 2–0)?
Corners and cards. Totals and handicaps on corners or bookings. Settlement rules for cards (for example how a red card is counted) vary by bookmaker, so read them.
Bet builder. Combine several markets from the same match into one bet, such as "Dynamos win + over 1.5 goals + GG". Because the selections are related, the bookmaker prices the combination itself. See bet builder.
Choosing a market sensibly
- Start with markets you fully understand.
- Higher odds mean lower chances, not better value.
- Combining markets (in accumulators or bet builders) increases the bookmaker's margin.
- Always check the settlement rules, especially for players, cards and corners.
Common mistakes
- Assuming extra time counts.
- Confusing GG (both score) with over 2.5 (three or more goals).
- Betting on goalscorer markets without checking whether the player starts.
Summary
Most punters in Zimbabwe use 1X2, double chance, GG/NG, over/under and accumulators. Learn those well before trying correct score, HT/FT or bet builders. Use our glossary whenever you meet an unfamiliar term.