Betfair Markets Explained: Match Odds, Over/Under & More

Betfair offers dozens of markets for every event, but beginners should master the core markets first. Each market has different characteristics, liquidity levels, and trading opportunities.

Market Essentials

Match Odds = highest liquidity, best for beginners
Over/Under = simple binary outcomes, great for football
Correct Score = higher odds, lower liquidity
Asian Handicap = level playing field, advanced trading
Start with Match Odds only, expand later

Match Odds: The Foundation

What it is: Bet on which team/player wins (or draw in football).

Why start here:

Highest liquidity (easiest to trade)
Most stable odds
Simplest to understand
Best for learning back/lay mechanics

£500K+

Liquidity

1-2 ticks

Spread

Medium

Volatility

Example: Premier League match

Team A: 2.00
Draw: 3.50
Team B: 4.00

Over/Under Goals

What it is: Bet on total goals scored (over or under a line, typically 2.5).

Trading opportunities:

Back Over 2.5 before match, lay after early goal
Lay Over 2.5 in defensive matchups
Trade in-play as goals change probability

Over/Under Strategy

0-0 at 60 minutes: Over 2.5 odds drift from 1.80 to 3.00+

Action: Lay Over 2.5 early, back later for profit as odds drift

Best for: Football trading, clear binary outcomes

Correct Score

What it is: Predict exact final score.

Characteristics:

Higher odds (10.0-50.0 common)
Lower liquidity
More volatile
Harder to trade out

Beginner Warning

Correct Score markets have:

Wide spreads (harder to profit)
Low liquidity (difficult exits)
High volatility (risky)

Recommendation: Avoid until you've mastered Match Odds and Over/Under

Asian Handicap

What it is: Level the playing field by giving one team a goal advantage/disadvantage.

Example:

Team A (-1.5) at 2.00
Team B (+1.5) at 2.00

Team A must win by 2+ goals for (-1.5) to win.

Why use it: Better odds on favorites, removes draw possibility

Best for: Advanced traders who understand handicap mechanics

Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

What it is: Binary market - will both teams score?

Trading opportunities:

Back Yes before match if both teams attacking
Lay Yes if one team defensive
Trade in-play after first goal

Liquidity: Good in major leagues, lower in minor leagues

Half-Time/Full-Time

What it is: Predict result at half-time AND full-time.

Example outcomes:

Home/Home (leading at HT, win at FT)
Draw/Home (drawing at HT, win at FT)
Away/Draw (winning at HT, draw at FT)

Characteristics:

Higher odds (5.0-20.0 typical)
Lower liquidity
Complex to trade

Best for: Experienced traders only

Market Selection Guide

Beginner Progression

Week 1-4: Match Odds only (master the basics)

Month 2: Add Over/Under Goals (simple binary)

Month 3: Try BTTS (another binary market)

Month 4+: Explore Asian Handicap and others

Avoid: Correct Score, HT/FT until very experienced

Liquidity by Market

Highest liquidity (easiest trading):

Match Odds
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Both Teams to Score

Medium liquidity: 4. Asian Handicap 5. Half-Time/Full-Time

Lower liquidity (harder trading): 6. Correct Score 7. First Goalscorer 8. Niche markets

Common Mistakes

Avoid These Errors

1. Trading low-liquidity markets: Can't exit when needed

2. Jumping to complex markets too soon: Master basics first

3. Ignoring spreads: Wide spreads eat profits when you exit

4. Overtrading multiple markets: Focus beats diversification

5. Not checking traded volume: Low volume = avoid

Once you're profitable in Match Odds consistently, expand to other markets one at a time. Mastery beats diversification.