Soccer Betting Types: Moneyline, Draw No Bet, Asian Handicap, Totals & Props

February 23, 2026
How Soccer Betting Works: Moneyline, Totals & Props

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament coming up in a few months, if you’re still having a hard time understanding soccer odds, it’s about time you start getting behind on how to bet on the most popular sport in the world.

On the surface, betting on soccer works as simple as any other sport. A game might seem straightforward: one team wins, one team loses, or it ends in a draw.

Simple.

But behind that simplicity lies a wide range of online betting markets, each designed to give players different ways to engage with the game.

From basic bets on who will win to more nuanced options like handicaps and totals, knowing your choices is key to turning observation into opportunity.

So, get your cleats, at BetAnything our soccer betting 101 school is officially in session.

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The best way to approach different types of soccer bets is to match the market to your strategy, risk appetite, and understanding of the game. For example, Moneyline bets suit those seeking simplicity while DNB helps reduce uncertainty.

Asian Handicap caters to strategic thinkers who want to exploit team strengths, and totals are ideal for those who follow match flow and scoring trends.

Understanding these main markets, moneyline, draw no bet, Asian Handicap, totals and props gives players a solid foundation.

From there, applying smart soccer betting tips and keeping up to date with player, team and league trends and stat patterns can lead to turning a casual interest in the sport into a thrilling betting experience.

Here’s a closer look at a few of the most popular online soccer betting types and how they work in practice.

Moneyline

Betting on a game’s moneyline odds is the most familiar form of soccer betting. Here, just as in any other team sports, the player bets on which team they like best to win the game straight up.

Odds for each outcome reflect the perceived strength of the teams, meaning a heavy favorite offers smaller returns while an underdog could deliver a significant payout if victorious.

For example, in a match where Manchester City faces a mid-table side, the favorite might have odds of -250, the underdog +650, and the draw at +320.

Picking a favorite can be safer, but returns are smaller.

Betting on an underdog is riskier but carries the potential for a large win.

As far as ML betting strategy goes, the best tip to follow is to evaluate both the likelihood of the outcome and whether the odds justify the risk. Sometimes if the odds are too steep in favor of the favorite, chasing the moneyline for little profit is not worth the work.

Draw No Bet

Draw No Bet (DNB) is a slightly more conservative option that removes the draw from the equation.

When you bet on a team using DNB, your stake is refunded if the match ends in a tie.

The odds are lower than standard moneyline bets, reflecting this reduced risk, but the protection against a tie can make a big difference, especially in closely contested matches or local derbies where draws are common.

DNB is particularly useful if you are backing a favorite but want some cushion against a stalemate. especially in matches where teams are evenly matched on paper, or where one team has a strong home record but the away side is resilient.

Asian Handicap

Asian Handicap betting is a favorite among serious soccer bettors because it removes the draw in most scenarios and creates a “level playing field” through goal handicaps.

In this system, one team is given a virtual head start or deficit, expressed in goals or half-goals. A bet wins, loses, or sometimes pushes, depending on the final adjusted score.

Let’s say a team like Real Madrid is given a -1.5 handicap against a weaker opponent (against RM, almost every other team is deemed as weak) (+1.5), Madrid must win by at least two goals for a successful bet.

This market is useful when the difference between teams is clear, but bettors still want a meaningful payout.

Totals (Over/Under)

Totals, often called Over/Under bets, allow you to bet on how many goals will be scored in a match, regardless of who wins.

You might bet over 2.5 goals, meaning three or more goals must be scored, or under 3.5 goals, meaning three or fewer. This market appeals to players who are more interested in match flow and scoring trends than final outcomes.

If Bayern Munich for example, a juggernaut offense team faces a defensively solid team but has a history of high-scoring games betting the over will most likely pay the best dividends.

Conversely, in leagues where tight tactical games are common, Under bets often make sense

Game and Player Props

Beyond straight bet markets like moneyline or totals, many bettors enjoy game and player props, which focus on specific events within the match rather than the final outcome.

These can include bets on which player will score first, the number of shots on goal, corner counts, or even whether a particular player will receive a card.

Props bring a layer of excitement because they allow bettors to engage with the game in a detailed, tactical way.

For example, in a match between Liverpool and Chelsea, you might bet on Mohamed Salah to score anytime or on the total number of corners exceeding a certain line. These bets are often shorter odds but can add extra thrills, especially when watching the match and doing a little live sport betting.

Props are also an excellent way to leverage your knowledge of player form and team tendencies, turning observation into actionable soccer betting tips.

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