‘BTTS’ stands for ‘Both Teams to Score’, and is therefore a bet on both teams scoring at least one goal in a football fixture. Loved by casual punters and more experienced stats-based bettors alike for its simplicity and excitement, the both teams to score market is one of the most popular betting markets in football.
What Does BTTS Mean in Betting?
The premise of both teams to score betting in football is about as simple as it comes.
Punters who back both teams to score in a match are hoping that both of the teams involved score at least one goal during the regulation 90 minutes.
Note that extra-time goals are not included in standard BTTS bets. For example, if a cup match finishes 0-0 in regular time and 2-1 after extra-time, the both teams to score bet loses.
Bettors can also opt for the other side of the both teams to score market, backing ‘BTTS: No’ if they expect one or both teams to fail to score in 90 minutes. Once again, extra-time goals are not taken into account, so in the above example, the bet would still be successful despite the game ending 2-1 after extra time.
Popular Variations of the BTTS Market
Due to the popularity and simplicity of the both teams to score market, bookmakers often offer several variations and combinations of the market, allowing for longer odds at the expense of increased risk.
Some of these variations include:
- BTTS & Win – The BTTS & Win market is a combination of the Win-Draw-Win market and the BTTS market, where bettors can back one of the teams involved to both win the match and concede one or more goals.
- BTTS + Over/Under 2.5 Goals – Bookmakers also offer a combination of the BTTS market and the Over/Under match goals market. A bet on BTTS & Under 2.5 Goals is effectively betting on the game ending in a 1-1 draw, while a BTTS & Over 2.5 Goals bet is successful when both teams score and there are at least three goals scored in the match.
- BTTS in Both Halves – BTTS in Both Halves bets usually offer much better odds, but with good reason. Not only do both teams need to score at least two goals for this bet to land, but they also have to score at least one of these goals in each half of the game.
When to Use a BTTS Bet
Stats-based bettors look at a number of factors when deciding when both teams to score is a good-value bet, with a particular focus on both teams’ attacking and defensive records.
For example, teams with more adventurous, fast-paced playing styles often score a lot of goals, but their high-tempo style of play can leave them exposed at the back and vulnerable to conceding. If both teams involved in the game are similarly attack-minded, it can often lead to end-to-end games full of goals.
Cup ties and derbies are also of interest, especially when the underdog is playing at home. Backed by the home support and with the added motivation of the high-stakes game, they can often find the net against the favourites.
More granular detail also comes into play, such as when injury rules out a key player in an otherwise good defensive side and the market doesn’t react in time.
Recent head-to-head form, provided there have been no major changes in management or tactical style between fixtures, can indicate whether the match-up of playing styles lends itself to open, free-flowing games.
Final Tips for BTTS Betting
Here are some final summarising tips for Both Teams to Score betting:
- Look at recent team form and scoring records
- Use BTTS in accumulators for bigger potential returns
- Bet responsibly – BTTS is not always a wise choice, and are rarely easy to call