What does BTTS mean in betting?
BTTS stands for “Both Teams to Score” and is one of football's most popular betting markets. You're simply predicting whether both teams will find the net at least once during a match, regardless of the final result or how many goals are scored.
Why is BTTS important in betting?
- Your bet stays alive until the final whistle, even in one-sided matches where a late consolation goal can save the day
- It's immune to late equalisers or winners that can ruin traditional match result bets
- Offers excellent value when combined with other markets in accumulators or bet builders
Ready to master one of football's most thrilling betting markets? Let's dive into the world of BTTS and discover why it's become every punter's favourite Saturday afternoon flutter.
Understanding BTTS betting
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. BTTS betting is beautifully simple – you're backing both teams to score at least one goal each during the 90 minutes (plus injury time). It doesn't matter if Manchester City thump Brighton 5-1 or if it's a nervy 1-1 draw – as long as both sides bulge the onion bag, you're quids in.
The market typically presents itself as a straightforward Yes/No proposition:
- BTTS Yes: Both teams score at least once
- BTTS No: One or both teams fail to score
What makes this market absolutely brilliant is that your bet can come good within minutes if both teams score early doors, or it can keep you on the edge of your seat until the 95th minute when that crucial equaliser flies in. It's the betting equivalent of a good curry – it keeps you sweating until the very end.
Key BTTS Statistics
- In the 2024-25 Premier League season, 59% of matches have seen both teams score
- The most common BTTS-friendly scorelines are 1-1, 2-1, and 2-2
- Even relegated teams often provide BTTS value due to leaky defences
Types of BTTS bets
While the basic BTTS market is your bread and butter, bookmakers have cooked up several tasty variations that can spice up your betting slip:
Standard BTTS
The original and best. Simple Yes or No selection on whether both teams will score. Perfect for beginners and seasoned punters alike.
BTTS and Match Result
This combines your BTTS prediction with the match outcome. You'll find six options: Yes and Home Win, Yes and Away Win, Yes and Draw, plus the three “No” equivalents. Harder to predict but the odds are far more appealing – we're talking proper value here.
| Selection | Example Odds |
|---|---|
| BTTS Yes & Home Win | 5/2 |
| BTTS Yes & Draw | 4/1 |
| BTTS No & Away Win | 7/2 |
BTTS in Both Halves
Now we're getting into proper ambitious territory. Both teams must score in each half for this bet to land. It's high-risk, high-reward stuff – like going for a night out in Newcastle in January wearing just a T-shirt.
BTTS and Over/Under Goals
A cracking combination that marries BTTS with total goals markets. Common selections include BTTS Yes and Over 2.5 Goals, perfect for those tasty end-to-end encounters between attack-minded sides.
💡Expert Tip: BTTS and Over 2.5 Goals often provides better value than backing Over 3.5 Goals alone, especially when both teams have decent attacking records but suspect defences.
BTTS betting examples
Let's paint a picture with a proper example. Imagine Liverpool are hosting Arsenal at Anfield – two sides known for their attacking prowess but occasional defensive brain fades.
You fancy both teams to score, so you back BTTS Yes at odds of 4/6. Whether the match ends 2-1 to Liverpool, 1-1, or even 3-2 to Arsenal, your bet's a winner. However, if either side keeps a clean sheet (say Liverpool win 2-0), you're out of luck.
Now, if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you might combine this with the match result. Backing BTTS Yes and Liverpool to Win might give you odds of 2/1 – much more appealing than the standalone match result at 8/11.
Real-World Example
In the 2018-19 Premier League season, Southampton had BTTS in 79% of their home games despite winning only five matches at St. Mary's. This shows how even struggling sides can provide BTTS value when their defences are more porous than a tea bag.
Key factors for BTTS success
Success in BTTS betting isn't just about picking two attacking teams and hoping for the best. You need to do your homework, just like cramming for your A-levels (but hopefully more profitable).
Team form and statistics
- Goals conceded: Teams shipping goals regularly are prime BTTS candidates
- Clean sheet records: Sides struggling to keep clean sheets often feature in BTTS-friendly matches
- Away form: Away teams often provide the “both” in both teams to score, especially against stronger opposition
Fixture considerations
European fixtures can be absolute gold mines for BTTS punters. Teams often rest key defenders or suffer hangovers from midweek Champions League exertions, making clean sheets harder to come by.
Similarly, end-of-season matches where teams have nothing to play for can produce goal-fests, as managers experiment with formations and players express themselves more freely.
💡Expert Tip: Don't overlook matches involving relegated teams. Their defences are often in tatters, but they can still grab consolation goals against complacent opposition.
Common BTTS mistakes to avoid
Even experienced punters can fall into BTTS traps. Here are the classics to swerve:
- Backing dominant teams: Manchester City at home to newly-promoted sides rarely provides BTTS value
- Ignoring defensive injuries: Key defender out injured? That's often your cue to back BTTS
- Chasing losses: Don't pile into every match after a few BTTS near-misses
Quiz – Test your knowledge about BTTS
1. What does BTTS stand for?
Answer: Both Teams to Score
2. If Manchester United beat Chelsea 3-0, does a BTTS Yes bet win?
Answer: No, because Chelsea didn't score
3. What percentage of Premier League matches in 2024-25 have featured both teams scoring?
Answer: 59%
4. In BTTS and Match Result betting, how many different outcomes are available?
Answer: Six (Yes/No combined with Win/Draw/Win)
5. What's the main advantage of BTTS betting over traditional match result betting?
Answer: Your bet stays alive until the final whistle and can't be ruined by late equalisers
6. True or False: BTTS in Both Halves requires both teams to score twice?
Answer: False – they just need to score once in each half
7. Which type of team often provides good BTTS value despite poor league positions?
Answer: Teams with leaky defences who concede regularly
8. What should you consider when betting on BTTS during European competition weeks?
Answer: Teams may rest key defenders or suffer from European hangovers
Ready to master BTTS betting?
Now you understand the ins and outs of Both Teams to Score betting, why not explore our comprehensive football betting strategies guide? You'll discover advanced techniques for combining BTTS with other markets and maximising your returns on the beautiful game.
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