Betting on the first half are a popular type of bet in NFL football where you bet on the outcome of the first half of a football game. This can include various markets such as:
- Money line: Betting on which team will be leading at half time. Often a two-way market will be a draw in the event of a tie, but sometimes there are three-way markets where you get an underdog price for a draw at half time.
- Disability: Betting on a team to win or finish behind the other team by a certain margin in the first half, even if they lose the game overall. This is the same as a full-game against-the-spread bet, but is settled based on the halftime score.
- Over/Under: Betting on whether the total points in the first half will be over or under a certain number.
- Correct result: Predict the exact score at half time. This is a high risk bet, but there are many of them for both the full match and the first half.
Also note that almost all sportsbooks also offer second half odds for most to all of these markets, not only at half time but often as a live betting option during the game or even before kick-off.
How do first half bets work?
The process of placing a bet on the first half is similar to placing a bet on the final result of a match. You simply select the market you want to bet on and the amount you want to stake. If your bet wins, you will receive your winnings based on the odds set by the bookmaker.
Why place bets on the first half?
There are several reasons why people bet on the first half of a football match:
- Increased volatility: In the first half of a game, game strategy is often more unpredictable as each team’s game plan unfolds, with teams more likely to attack and take risks. This can lead to higher odds and potentially higher profits.
- Reduced risk: Betting on the first half can be seen as a way to reduce risk as you are only betting on a shorter period of time. If your team plays poorly in the second half, you can still win your bet if they were leading at half time.
- Different strategies: Betting on the first half can offer different strategies than betting on the full time result. For example, you can bet on a team to score the first goal in the first half, even if you don’t think they will win the game overall.
Tips for successful betting on the first half:
- Research: As with any type of betting, it is important to do your research and understand the teams involved. Look at their current form, their head-to-head matches and any injuries or suspensions to key players.
- Look at the betting odds: Pay attention to betting odds, as these can often provide valuable information about the perceived likelihood of various outcomes.
- Set a budget: It’s important to set a budget for your bets and stick to it. Don’t chase losses and be prepared to accept that you won’t always win.
By understanding the basics of first half betting and following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and enjoy the thrill of this popular form of betting.
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