Quick summary
This article explains what the Over 0.5 goals market is in football betting, how it works, and why it’s one of the simplest bets you can place. We’ll go through clear examples, show when it makes sense to use, and share strategies to get the most out of it. For more betting guides, check out our blog, The Advantage.
What does Over 0.5 Goals mean?
Over 0.5 goals means that at least one goal must be scored in the match for your bet to win. The bet is very simple and easy to understand:
- If the match ends with any score that includes one or more goals, such as 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, or any other scoreline where goals are scored, your bet is successful, and you win.
- If the match ends with a 0-0 draw, your bet loses, as no goals were scored.
The only requirement for the bet to win is that at least one goal is scored during the match, regardless of which team scores or the outcome. The simplicity of this market makes it a great starting point for beginners or those looking for a quick, low-risk bet.
How does Over 0.5 goals betting work?
- Find the market: Look for the Over 0.5 goals market, usually listed under “total goals” on most betting platforms.
- Place your bet: Select Over 0.5 as your betting option.
- Wait for at least one goal: Once a goal is scored, your bet wins immediately, regardless of what happens later in the match. No need to wait for the final result.
For example,
In a Premier League match between Liverpool vs Everton
- Bet: Over 0.5 goals
- Final score: 2–1 → Bet wins (3 goals scored).
- If it finished 0–0 → Bet loses.
Over 0.5 goals vs other goal markets
Market | What it means | Risk | Odds | Best for |
Over 0.5 | At least 1 goal | Very low | Very low | Beginners, safe bets |
Over 1.5 | At least 2 goals | Low | Low–Medium | Slightly higher payout |
Over 2.5 | At least 3 goals | Moderate | Medium | Popular in accumulators |
Over 3.5 | At least 4 goals | Higher | Higher | Chasing big payouts |
Why professional bettors bet on Over 0.5 goals?
- Very high success rate: Most professional matches see at least one goal, making Over 0.5 goals a reliable bet with a high chance of winning.
- Quick payout: If a goal is scored early in the match, your bet wins instantly, giving you a fast payout.
- Low stress: You don’t need to focus on which team scores or wins; as long as a goal is scored, your bet is a winner.
- Beginner-friendly: The Over 0.5 goals market is simple to understand, making it ideal for new bettors looking for an easy starting point in football betting.
- Perfect for accumulators: Over 0.5 goals can be included in accumulators to safely increase the odds across multiple matches, providing more value without added risk.
When professional bettors explore over 0.5 goals
- High-scoring leagues: Bettors target leagues like the Bundesliga or Eredivisie, where matches often see early goals.
- Accumulators: Over 0.5 is added to accumulators to safely increase overall odds while keeping risk low.
- Strong attacking teams: It’s a common pick when backing teams with strong offensive records, since they’re more likely to score.
- Unpredictable matches: When the outcome is uncertain, Over 0.5 offers a safer alternative because it only needs one goal to win.
- In-play betting: If a game is still 0-0 after 20 minutes, bettors take advantage of rising odds for better value.
Conclusion
The Over 0.5 goals market is the simplest bet in football: just one goal and you win. While odds are low, it’s a useful option for beginners, safe staking, or building accumulators.
For best results, target matches with attacking teams, high goal averages, or use in-play betting for better value. Just remember, there’s always a chance of a 0–0, so never over-stake on what feels like a “guaranteed” market.
Frequently asked questions
Do extra time goals count?
Extra time goals count only in competitions where the market specifically includes extra time. For standard Over 0.5 goals bets, the market applies only to 90 minutes plus stoppage time; goals scored in extra time are not included unless specified otherwise.
What are the typical odds for Over 0.5 goals?
The odds for Over 0.5 goals are typically low, usually ranging between 1.05 – 1.20, depending on the teams, league, and other factors like match conditions. These low odds reflect the high likelihood of a goal being scored in most professional matches.
Can I use Over 0.5 in an accumulator?
Yes, over 0.5 goals is commonly used in accumulators to safely increase the odds across multiple games. It’s a low-risk way to boost your potential payout while keeping the overall risk minimal.
What’s the difference between Over 0.5 and Over 1.5 goals?
Over 0.5 goals requires just one goal in the match to win, while Over 1.5 goals requires at least two goals. Over 0.5 goals is lower risk with smaller payouts, whereas Over 1.5 offers better odds but slightly more risk.
Is Over 0.5 goals good for live or in-play betting?
Yes, Over 0.5 goals can be very effective in live betting. If a game stays 0-0 for the first 15 to 20 minutes, the odds for Over 0.5 increase, which can give you better value compared to placing the bet before kickoff.