BTTS Betting: Both Teams to Score Guide

BTTS stands for Both Teams to Score. It is one of the most popular football betting markets, and for good reason: you do not need to predict the winner. All that matters is whether both sides find the net during the 90 minutes. That simplicity makes it a favourite for casual bettors and experienced punters alike.

This guide covers how BTTS bets work, how bookmakers price them, which leagues and strategies to focus on, and how to find the best odds.

How BTTS Bets Work

A BTTS bet has two options:

• BTTS Yes: Both teams score at least one goal each during the match.
• BTTS No: One or both teams fail to score.

Settlement is based on the result after 90 minutes plus stoppage time. Extra time and penalty shootouts do not count, even in cup matches.

A few settlement rules to keep in mind:

• Own goals count. If Team A concedes an own goal, it counts as a goal for Team B for BTTS purposes.
• Penalties during normal time count.
• Disallowed goals do not count.
• VAR decisions during the match are final for settlement.

So a match finishing 1-1, 2-1, 3-2, or any scoreline where both sides have at least one goal settles as BTTS Yes. A 1-0, 2-0, or 0-0 result settles as BTTS No.

BTTS Market Variations

Beyond the basic Yes/No market, bookmakers offer several variations:

• BTTS and Win: Both teams score and you also predict the match result (home, away, or draw). Typical odds range from 4.00 to 8.00.
• BTTS First Half: Both teams must score before half-time. This is harder to hit and usually priced around 4.50 to 7.00.
• BTTS Second Half: Both teams score in the second half only. Slightly easier than first half, priced around 3.50 to 5.00.
• BTTS and Over/Under: Both teams score and the total goals go over or under a specified line. BTTS Yes and Over 2.5 is the most common combination.

These combination markets offer higher odds because you need multiple conditions to be met. They are worth considering when you have a strong read on the match, but they are harder to win consistently.

How Bookmakers Price BTTS

Bookmakers use a combination of historical data, team form, and market demand to set BTTS odds. The key factors they consider include:

• Team scoring records: how often each side scores and concedes at home and away.
• Head-to-head history: some matchups consistently produce goals from both sides.
• Defensive strength: teams with poor defensive records are more likely to concede.
• Motivation and context: end-of-season matches, derbies, or must-win games can affect attacking intent.

Typical BTTS Yes odds in a standard match sit around 1.70 to 2.00, while BTTS No is usually priced between 1.80 and 2.20. When a match features two strong attacking teams, BTTS Yes odds will drop closer to 1.50. When a defensive side is involved, BTTS No may be priced as low as 1.60.

Leagues Where BTTS Hits Often

Some leagues produce higher BTTS rates than others due to the style of play, quality of defending, and pace of matches. Here are some consistently strong BTTS leagues:

• Eredivisie (Netherlands): Historically one of the highest-scoring leagues in Europe. BTTS Yes lands in around 55-60% of matches.
• Bundesliga (Germany): Fast-paced, attacking football with BTTS rates typically around 50-55%.
• Swiss Super League: Often overlooked, but regularly produces high BTTS rates.
• Austrian Bundesliga: Another high-scoring league that flies under the radar for many bettors.
• Serie A (Italy): Improved attacking play in recent years has pushed BTTS rates higher than the league's defensive reputation might suggest.

On the other hand, leagues like Ligue 1 (France) and the Portuguese Primeira Liga tend to have lower BTTS rates due to more defensive styles. Always check current season statistics rather than relying on reputation alone.

BTTS Strategies That Work

Focus on team-level data, not league averages

A league might have a 50% BTTS rate overall, but individual matchups will vary wildly. Look at each team's scoring and conceding record separately for home and away fixtures. A team that scores in 80% of home matches but only 50% of away matches will have very different BTTS potential depending on where they are playing.

Target newly promoted or relegation-threatened teams

Newly promoted teams often have leaky defences but also score freely because they play with less fear. Relegation battles can produce desperate, open football where both teams push forward. These situations often lead to BTTS Yes results.

Consider goalkeeper and defensive injuries

Missing a first-choice goalkeeper or centre-back significantly increases a team's chance of conceding. Keep an eye on team news before placing your BTTS bets.

Avoid heavy favourites in dead matches

If a top team has nothing to play for, they may rest key players and still not concede. These matches can end 1-0 or 2-0 rather than producing goals at both ends.

Finding the Best BTTS Odds

BTTS odds vary between bookmakers, and even a difference of 0.05 in decimal odds adds up over time. OddsNotifier tracks BTTS markets across 250+ bookmakers, so you can quickly find the best available price for both BTTS Yes and BTTS No.

You can also set up alerts for BTTS markets to get notified when odds drop or move. A sudden drop in BTTS Yes odds can indicate that sharp bettors are backing that outcome, which is useful information for your own analysis.

For a broader view of which bookmakers offer the best BTTS prices, check the bookmaker comparison page.

What to Remember

BTTS betting is a straightforward market that rewards research into team-level scoring and defensive data. You do not need to pick a winner, which removes one layer of difficulty. Focus on leagues and matchups with high scoring rates, compare odds across multiple bookmakers, and keep your stakes consistent.

The best BTTS bettors are patient, data-driven, and disciplined about taking the best available price. With the right approach, BTTS can be a reliable part of your overall betting strategy.