Goalscorer Betting Explained

Goalscorer wagers offer a distinct opportunity to predict the outcome of individual player performances and capitalize on it. This form of betting, while popular in soccer, has extended its reach to other sports, reflecting its versatility and appeal. By focusing on the specific achievement of scoring, punters can engage with the game in a more targeted way, making knowledgeable decisions based on player form and match conditions.

How Goalscorer Betting Works

In goalscorer betting, you place a wager on any player expected to participate in a match, whether they start or come off the bench. The odds for each player are determined by their recent form and goal-scoring ability, with higher odds typically given to those less likely to find the net.

When placing a wager, you choose a player you believe will score during the match. If that player does score, your bet pays out. Some wagers are more specific, requiring the goal to be the first or last of the game.

Examples:

• Consider a La Liga match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. A bookmaker offers 3/1 odds on Mbappe finding the net at any point during the match. After evaluating Mbappe’s recent form, you decide to back him. Mbappe scores, and the match ends 2-1 in favour of Real Madrid. Your wager pays out at 3/1.
• In a Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City, the bookmaker offers 5/1 odds on Virgil van Dijk being the first to find the net. You anticipate Van Dijk might score from a set-piece and place your wager. However, the first goal is scored by Mohamed Salah, and Van Dijk doesn’t score during the match. In this case, your wager does not win.

These examples highlight how goalscorer bets depend on both the player’s individual performance and the specific conditions of the wager.

Different Types of Goalscorer Bets

There are a few main categories of goalscorer bets:

Type	Description	Odds
First Goalscorer	Predict the player who will score the very first goal of the match. Challenging, with higher potential payouts.	High
Last Goalscorer	Wager on the player who will score the final goal to end the match. Also carries higher stakes due to unpredictability.	High
Anytime Goalscorer	Bet on a player to score at any point during the match, not just the first or last goal. Safer but with lower returns.	Lower
Multiple Goalscorer	Bet on a player to score multiple goals, such as a brace (two goals) or a hat trick (three goals). Higher risk but with greater rewards.	Varies depending on the number of goals

What If Your Chosen First Goalscorer Doesn't Start?

When you place a bet on the first goalscorer, you're counting on a specific player to score the first goal of the match. But what happens if that player isn’t in the starting eleven?

Generally, if the player you’ve picked doesn’t start the game, most bookmakers will void your wager, meaning you’ll get your stake back. This refund is usually given as a free bet, though some bookmakers might return it as cash.

For instance, imagine you’ve placed a wager on Kylian Mbappé to be the first goalscorer in a Real Madrid match, but he begins the game on the bench. In this scenario, your stake would be refunded. However, if Mbappé comes on before the first goal is scored, your bet remains active. So, if he scores after being substituted in, your bet wins.

Research and Strategy

To maximize your chances of winning goalscorer wagers, in-depth research is crucial:

• Examine a player’s recent matches to see how frequently they’ve been scoring. Players on a hot streak are often reliable choices for anytime goalscorer bets.
• Consider the player’s position and their role in the team. Strikers and attacking midfielders have more opportunities to score, making them ideal for goalscorer wagers.
• Pay attention to players who take penalties, free kicks, or are known for their effectiveness in set-piece situations, such as corners. These roles increase their chances of scoring.
• Study the overall form and playing style of the team. Teams with an aggressive, attacking approach create more scoring opportunities, enhancing the likelihood of winning your goalscorer bet.
• Analyse the defensive strength of the opposing team. If the opposition has a weak defence or is prone to conceding goals, it increases the chances of your chosen player scoring.
• Stay updated on team news, especially regarding injuries and rotation. If a key goalscorer is rested or injured, it may be better to adjust your bet accordingly.
• Consider external factors like weather and the venue. Poor weather can impact a team’s ability to play their usual style, potentially affecting goal-scoring chances.

Key Rules and Restrictions

Bookmaker rules apply, such as:

• If a selected player does not participate, the wager is often voided or refunded.
• If a match is abandoned early, most bookmakers void wagers unless the bet condition has already been satisfied by a scored goal.
• Own goals generally do not count towards goalscorer bets.

FAQs

How are odds determined for goalscorer wagers?

Odds are calculated based on a player's recent performance, their ability to find the net, and their likelihood of scoring during the match. Players with a lower probability of scoring mostly have higher odds.

Do extra-time goals count toward goalscorer wagers?

Typically, goals scored during extra time are not included in goalscorer wagers, which are usually settled based on the result after regular time. It's important to review the specific rules of the bookmaker.

What happens if the match ends without any goals?

If the match finishes 0-0, all goalscorer wagers will lose since no goals were scored during the game.

What are the risks involved in goalscorer wagering?

The main risk lies in the challenge of accurately predicting which player will score, especially for first or last goalscorer bets. Team tactics, injuries, and match conditions can all influence the outcome.

This page has provided you with an understanding of “Goalscorer” bets, but the world of betting doesn't stop here. Other strategies such as “Over/Under” betting can also prove exciting, especially when predicting the total goals scored in a match. If you enjoy guessing exact scorelines, then our “Correct Score” betting guide may be of interest. To explore how you can cover multiple outcomes with a single wager, visit our “Double Chance” betting page. And for those interested in combining the results of both halves into a single bet, our “HT/FT” betting guide is a must-read.