Today’s Football Betting Odds
Looking for today’s football betting odds? You’ll find live prices on every match, from the Premier League to international fixtures, all in one place.
Football odds explained: what you need to know
Why odds matter
Football odds tell you two key things: how likely a result is, and how much you’ll win if your bet lands.
Whether you're backing a Premier League match or an international clash, understanding how odds work helps you bet smarter.
Odds formats: fractional, decimal, and American
Most UK bookmakers show fractional odds (e.g. 5/1), but many sites let you switch to decimal (e.g. 6.00) or American odds. Here’s what each means:
Fractional (5/1) – You win £5 profit for every £1 staked.
Decimal (6.00) – Total payout includes your stake: £1 returns £6.
American (-120 / +200) – Shows how much to stake or win per £100, mainly used in the US.
How bookmakers set odds
Odds aren’t random — they’re shaped by:
Team stats and player form
Public betting patterns
Analyst models
Bookmaker margin (their cut)
Odds can shift fast, especially close to kickoff. Injuries, lineup changes, or betting momentum (aka “dropping odds”) can all trigger updates.
What is a margin?
A margin is the bookmaker’s profit built into the odds. Say a bookie offers:
Home win: 2.65
Draw: 4.00
Away win: 2.45
If you calculate the implied probabilities (1/odds), the total is over 100%. That extra percentage (say, 103.5%) is the margin — their edge.
Tip: Bookmakers with lower margins usually offer better odds, so it pays to compare.
Why compare football odds
Even a small odds boost can mean more money in your pocket, especially with accumulators. For example:
Bookie A: 2.30 for a home win
Bookie B: 2.45 for the same outcome
That difference adds up, especially for serious punters. Pro bettors often use multiple accounts to grab the best prices.
Types of football bets you can make
Popular football markets include:
Match result (1X2)
Both teams to score (BTTS)
Over/under goals
Correct score
First goalscorer
Double chance
Handicap & Asian handicap
Accumulators
In-play markets like next goal, time intervals, or total goal minutes
Major matches often have 1,000+ betting options, especially in tournaments like the Champions League or World Cup.
Odds movement and dropping odds
Odds don’t sit still. They can shift due to:
Heavy betting on one side (dropping odds)
Bookmaker adjustments to balance risk
Late news like injury updates or lineup changes
In smaller leagues, big fluctuations might hint at insider info or potential match-fixing. Avoid betting on games with erratic odds movements unless you're sure of the source.
In-play odds and live betting
Football odds update live during the match.
In-play markets include:
Next team to score
Time of next goal
Live handicap shifts
Total goals in the remaining time
Odds move quickly, so a good platform and fast reactions matter.
Choosing a trustworthy bookmaker
Better odds mean nothing if the bookmaker isn't reliable.
Always check for:
UKGC or regional licenses
Clear T&Cs on payouts and withdrawals
Fair limits (no sneaky caps on winnings)
Reputation for honouring bets
We only recommend trusted, regulated UK betting sites.
Look for extras like:
Enhanced odds
Bet insurance
Welcome bonuses (no-deposit and deposit offers)
Loyalty rewards
When to skip the bet
Smart punters know when to stay out:
Low-value favourites (e.g. odds drop to 1.10) offer poor returns
Suspicious line movements in lower leagues may signal fixed matches
Overloaded markets can feel too obvious, and that’s often a trap
Football betting payout example
Winnings = stake × odds.If you bet £100 on 2.45 odds, total payout = £245 (£145 profit).
Keep in mind: free bet returns may exclude the stake, and some bonuses have wagering requirements.
Betting on football?
Make sure to use the safest football betting sites and football betting apps, which we've reviewed and tested in detail.
Make sure to check out our page for the best betting sign up offers in the UK to find a free bet.
Check out our football predictions, Premier League predictions, and football betting tips pages for expert analysis, match previews, and betting insight.