What is First Goal Scorer Bet?

Right then, let's dive deeper into this thrilling betting market that can turn your football knowledge into proper profit, shall we?

Understanding First Goal Scorer Betting

First Goal Scorer betting is exactly what it says on the tin – you're backing a specific player to score the first goal in a football match. It's like being that mate who always calls “dibs” on the first pint, except here you're calling dibs on who'll find the net first.

Unlike backing a team to win, where you've got three possible outcomes, First Goal Scorer betting presents you with typically 22 potential outcomes (11 players per team). Each player receives individual odds based on their scoring likelihood, position, recent form, and penalty-taking duties.

How First Goal Scorer Odds Work

The odds reflect each player's probability of scoring first. Star strikers like Harry Kane might be priced at 4/1 (£10 returns £50), while a centre-back could be 33/1 (£10 returns £340). The bookies aren't being generous – they're reflecting the mathematical reality that defenders rarely score first.

Types of First Goal Scorer Bets

Standard First Goal Scorer

The straightforward version – pick your player, and if they score the opener, you win. Simple as a Sunday morning hangover cure, but often just as elusive.

Each-Way First Goal Scorer

This splits your stake in half. Part goes on your player scoring first, part on them scoring second, third, or sometimes even later goals. It's like hedging your bets – you might not win the jackpot, but you'll get something back if your player scores at some point.

Insurebet First Goal Scorer

Some bookies offer this variation where you get your stake back if your player doesn't score first but scores later in the match. It's like insurance for your punt – slightly reduced odds but a safety net if your striker takes their sweet time.

What Counts and What Doesn't

Own Goals

Own goals are the betting equivalent of a nil-nil draw at Wembley – nobody really wants them. If the first goal is an own goal, it doesn't count for First Goal Scorer purposes. The bet continues until someone scores a legitimate goal for their own team.

Time Limits

First Goal Scorer bets typically cover 90 minutes plus injury time only. Extra time and penalty shootouts are separate events – like comparing a regular pint to a lock-in special.

Non-Starting Players

If your chosen player doesn't start the match, most reputable bookies will void your bet and return your stake. However, always check the specific terms – some bookies will let the bet run if the player comes on as a substitute before any goals are scored.

Popular Variations and Related Markets

Bet Type	Description	Risk Level
Anytime Goalscorer	Player to score at any point during the match	Lower
Last Goalscorer	Player to score the final goal of the match	High
Scorecast	Combines first goalscorer with correct score	Very High
Wincast	Player to score and their team to win	High

Factors to Consider

Player Form and Position

Recent form trumps reputation every time. A striker who's scored in his last five matches is more likely to find the net than a big name having a dry spell. Also consider who takes penalties – penalty takers often have shorter odds for good reason.

Team Tactics

Some teams are more likely to score early due to their aggressive pressing style. Others prefer to sit back and hit on the counter. Understanding team tactics can give you an edge that's sharper than a Sunday league referee's whistle.

Opposition Weaknesses

If you know the opposing team has a goalkeeper who's shakier than a Jenga tower in an earthquake, or defenders who switch off in the opening minutes, factor this into your selection.

Placing Your First Goal Scorer Bet

Finding the Market

Most bookmakers place First Goal Scorer markets prominently on their football betting pages. Look for tabs labeled “Players,” “Goalscorers,” or “Specials.” The market usually displays players from both teams with their respective odds.

Timing Your Bet

The sweet spot for placing First Goal Scorer bets is typically 1-2 hours before kick-off, once team sheets are confirmed but before any late injury news affects the odds. It's like timing your arrival at the pub – too early and you're waiting around, too late and you've missed the good stuff.

Bet Builders and Combinations

Many modern bookmakers allow you to combine First Goal Scorer bets with other markets in bet builders. You might back Kane to score first AND England to win, creating a more complex but potentially more rewarding wager.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• High Potential Returns: Even modest stakes can yield significant returns due to the difficulty of prediction
• Engagement: Keeps you invested in the match from the first whistle until the first goal
• Knowledge Advantage: Rewards detailed understanding of players and teams
• Wide Availability: Available on virtually every football match across all major bookmakers

Disadvantages

• High Variance: Even the best strikers only score first in roughly 35% of matches
• Unpredictable Nature: Football's inherent randomness makes consistent success challenging
• Limited Betting Window: Need to wait for team news but can't wait too long
• Goal Drought Risk: 0-0 draws result in losing all First Goal Scorer bets

Quiz – Test your Knowledge about First Goal Scorer Betting

1. What happens if the first goal of a match is an own goal?
Answer: The bet continues until a legitimate goal is scored for the team the player represents.

2. Do goals scored in extra time count for First Goal Scorer bets?
Answer: No, only goals scored in 90 minutes plus stoppage time count.

3. What typically happens if your chosen player doesn't start the match?
Answer: Most bookmakers will void the bet and return your stake.

4. In an Each-Way First Goal Scorer bet, what happens to your stake?
Answer: It's split in half – part on first goal, part on later goals.

5. Which type of player might offer better value despite lower scoring probability?
Answer: Set-piece specialists like centre-backs who take free kicks, due to their longer odds.

6. What's the main advantage of First Goal Scorer betting over match result betting?
Answer: Significantly higher potential returns due to the increased difficulty of prediction.

7. When is the optimal time to place a First Goal Scorer bet?
Answer: 1-2 hours before kick-off, after team sheets are confirmed but before late changes.