Sports Betting Markets Explained
From match result to Asian handicap - every betting market explained for SA bettors.
Sports Betting Markets Explained
A betting market is a specific outcome you can bet on within a sporting event. A single football match might have 100+ markets available. Understanding the main markets is essential for finding value. This guide explains every major market available at South African bookmakers.
Match Result (1X2)
The most basic market. You back the home team to win (1), the draw (X), or the away team to win (2). In PSL football, the draw is undervalued - it occurs in about 26% of matches but is rarely the public's first choice.
Double Chance
Double Chance lets you cover two of three outcomes: 1X (home or draw), X2 (away or draw), or 12 (either team wins). Odds are lower because your chance of winning is around 66%. For example, backing Mamelodi Sundowns Double Chance (1X) this season would have won 95% of the time.
Over/Under Goals
You bet on whether the total goals will be over or under a specified line. The most common is 2.5 goals.
| Line | Over Wins If | Under Wins If | PSL Hit Rate (Over) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1+ goals | 0 goals | ~92% |
| 1.5 | 2+ goals | 0-1 goals | ~68% |
| 2.5 | 3+ goals | 0-2 goals | ~45% |
| 3.5 | 4+ goals | 0-3 goals | ~25% |
| 4.5 | 5+ goals | 0-4 goals | ~12% |
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
A simple yes/no market: will both teams score at least one goal? BTTS Yes hits roughly 50% of the time in the PSL. It is popular because it keeps you invested for the full 90 minutes.
Handicap Betting (Asian and European)
Handicap betting gives one team a virtual advantage. If you bet Orlando Pirates -1.5, they need to win by 2+ goals. If you bet Orbit College +1.5, they need to win, draw, or lose by just one goal. Asian Handicaps use quarter-goal increments to eliminate dead-heat scenarios.
Goalscorer Markets
- •First Goalscorer - Highest odds. Your player must score the first goal.
- •Last Goalscorer - Similar but less popular. Often slightly better value.
- •Anytime Goalscorer - Your player scores at any point. Lower odds, higher hit rate.
- •2+ Goals - Your player scores two or more. Good odds on prolific strikers like Iqraam Rayners or J. Dion.
Correct Score
Predict the exact final score. High-risk, high-reward. Odds range from 5.00 for common scores (1-0, 1-1) to 100+ for unusual results. In the PSL, the most common scorelines are 1-0, 1-1, and 2-1. Some punters place small stakes across 3-4 likely scorelines.
Corners, Cards, and Specials
- •Total Corners Over/Under - Usually set around 9.5-10.5 for PSL matches
- •Total Cards Over/Under - PSL matches tend to be physical; over 3.5 cards is common
- •Half-time/Full-time - Predict the result at both half-time and full-time
- •Winning margin - By how many goals will the winning team win?
Accumulator Markets
An accumulator (acca) combines multiple selections into one bet. All must win to pay out. The odds multiply: three 2.00 selections become 8.00. While returns are exciting, the probability drops fast. A 4-fold acca at 50% per leg has only a 6.25% chance of winning. Stick to doubles and trebles.
Outright and Futures Markets
- •League Winner - Who wins the Betway Premiership?
- •Top Goalscorer - Who finishes as the season top scorer?
- •Relegation - Which team(s) will be relegated?
- •Top 4 Finish - Will a specific team finish in the top 4?
Outright markets offer the best value early in the season before the picture becomes clear.
Live (In-Play) Markets
In-play markets are available once a match kicks off. Odds update in real time. Popular live markets include: next goal, match result, total goals, and next corner. In-play betting requires discipline - the speed can lead to impulsive decisions.
Which Markets Are Best for Beginners?
Start with Match Result, Over/Under 2.5, and BTTS. These are easy to understand and have competitive odds. As you gain experience, explore Asian Handicaps and goalscorer markets. For the best odds, compare Zarbet, Easybet South Africa, and Tictacbets before placing your bets.
Ready to Start Betting?
Put what you have learned into practice at a trusted SA bookmaker.