Once you start to appreciate the vast universe of online MMA betting, it is easy to see why novice bettors often limit themselves to the most straightforward market. What is that? The go-to fight-winner market. However, the world of online betting offers many more markets beyond this. Today, we offer some insight through these less-travelled paths to expand your betting horizons.
For those looking for deeper, expert-driven advice, the guide to top sites’ betting markets has everything you need. But for now, we will introduce you to a range of alternative betting markets for the most popular sports, including over/under goals, handicaps, and player-specific bets, which can provide a more diverse and exciting experience.
Over/Under Betting
Over/Under goals betting, for instance, is a popular alternative to match-winner betting. Instead of betting on which fighter or team will win, you’re betting on whether the total number of points scored during the match will be over or under a certain threshold set by the bookmaker. This can provide a fun gambling experience, as you’re not just rooting for a team but for the flow and momentum of the match itself.
Handicap Betting
Handicap betting offers another layer of complexity and excitement. This market levels the playing field by giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to certain teams, making it an attractive option when there is a clear favourite. For instance, in a football match, a stronger team may be given a -1 goal handicap, meaning they need to win by more than one goal for bets on them to pay off.
Player/Team Betting
Player-specific bets, or player props, are another increasingly popular market that adds an extra layer of intrigue. Bettors can wager on various individual player performances, such as the number of goals a footballer will score or the number of points a basketball player will amass. This can be a great way to use your knowledge of individual players and teams to find value in the market.
Both Teams To Score Betting
The ‘Both Teams to Score’ (BTTS) market is one option where you wager on whether both teams will score at least one goal in a match. For example, in a Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester United, if each team scores, a BTTS bet wins. This market is beneficial as it allows bettors to profit from games where the outcome is unpredictable, but goals are expected from each side.
Opening Up Your Betting World
Navigating these less-known markets can seem daunting initially, but with research and experience, they can offer a diverse and rewarding experience. They often allow for more informed and nuanced betting decisions, as they can be less affected by popular sentiment than match-winner bets. Therefore, they may contain more ‘value’ opportunities. Value is the key idea that all smart bettors base their strategies on, and opening your options is essential in uncovering these value odds.
Stepping beyond traditional match-winner betting can open up a whole new world of exciting and potentially profitable opportunities. As the online betting landscape continues to evolve, the range of markets available is set to expand further, providing bettors with even more ways to engage with their favourite sports. So, why not embrace the full set of betting markets out there and enjoy a smarter and, hopefully, more profitable experience? It’s what the smart bettors do.