An exciting fact about sports betting is that it offers several options, catering to the preferences and approaches of different punters. Some bet types are popular and widely used among bettors, while others, like scorecast betting, are less common. The scorecast is a two-in-one wager that offers high odds and significant potential payouts, which is why many punters prefer it.
This article thoroughly explores this betting market, covering the following essential areas:
- What is a scorecast?
- Which sports are best for scorecast bets?
- Tips for making a scorecast bet
- Pros and cons of scorecast wagering
What is a Scorecast Bet?
A scorecast bet is a two-in-one wager where you forecast the first goalscorer and the final score of a game. Although it’s a two-in-one bet, it is considered a single rather than a double. Due to the highly specific and challenging nature of scorecast wagers, they tend to offer higher odds. This potential for substantial payouts on a small stake attracts punters to the bet type.
Scorecast Bets Examples
Let’s consider a practical example. Imagine a football match between Manchester City and Arsenal. The odds for Haaland being the first goalscorer was listed at 1.90, and City winning 3-2 was listed at 13.70. Combining both outcomes in a regular multiple wager would mean multiplying the individual odds (1.90 x 13.70 = 26.03).
However, in scorecast bets, the odds are not multiplied because the events are not independent.
Bookmakers determine scorecast odds based on their assessment of the likelihood of the events. They have specific scorecast markets where the option isn’t treated as a combination of a first goalscorer and correct score double bet. For example, if the bookmaker lists the odds for the scorecast as 17.3, a $10 wager would yield a $173 return (17.3 x $10). It is essential to note that both events must be successful for the bet to win.
Which Sports are Best for Scorecast Bets?
The scorecast is generally ideal for sports with a scoring system and identifiable vital players. These include football or soccer, ice hockey, rugby, American football, etc. However, football or soccer betting markets have been the most prominent choice for scorecast enthusiasts. The sport’s dynamic nature and possibility for different goal scorers make it perfect for this wager.
Top Scorecast Sportsbooks
Several sportsbooks provide the scorecast option for bettors to explore. However, it is essential to consider certain key factors before choosing where to wager. These include license, reputation, odds, bonuses and promotions, and customer support.
Below are some of our top picks for the best scorecast sportsbooks:
- SkyBet: SkyBet is known for its favorable scorecast odds and attractive incentives punters can take advantage of. Besides the traditional scorecast option, you can also find variants like the wincast, timecast, last goalscorer scorecast, and anytime scorecast on the SkyBet bookmaker.
- bet365: bet365 provides an extensive range of betting options for football and other sports. Also, the platform features competitive odds and several special promotions for a wide range of betting markets. Like SkyBet, they also cover other scorecast alternatives.
- Betfred: Betfred provides favorable odds on your scorecast bets. The bookmaker also offers other similar scorecast alternatives, including the first-half scorecast, last-goal scorecast, etc.
- William Hill: William Hill is a well-established name in the betting industry. The sportsbook offers diverse scorecast options and a wide range of other betting markets across various sports. They are known for occasional promotions and incentives, making them a good choice for punters.
Tips for Making a Scorecast Bet
Compared to many other bet types, the scorecast is high-risk, and winning is not guaranteed. However, by approaching it with certain essential tips and strategies, you can make more informed decisions and increase your chances of a successful wager. Let’s examine some of these below.
When to Bet Scorecasts
Determining the best time to make a scorecast bet depends on your in-depth research and understanding of the sport and team dynamics. By considering factors like team and player form, winning streaks, and scoring consistency, you can pinpoint occasions where teams are likely to win and players are likely to score first.
In essence, scorecast bets are most effective when there’s a high probability of a team winning and a specific player scoring first. Conducting a thorough analysis of the match, teams, and players you’re betting on is vital to making informed wagers.
Scorecast promotions are incentives sportsbooks provide to attract bettors who prefer the market. These offers add extra value to your wagers by enhancing your bankroll for increased returns or reduced losses.
To use these promotions, visit the bonuses or offers section on your chosen sportsbook’s website and explore the various incentives available. You can also check out and compare offers by other sportsbooks. Some bookmakers provide promotions tailored specifically to scorecast bets, while others offer general ones that punters can use when betting on the market.
Bonuses and promotions you can enjoy when betting scorecast include welcome bonuses, cashback offers, reload bonuses, enhanced odds, reload bonuses, etc. Whatever the incentive, please use it to improve your overall sports betting experience and increase your chances of winning.
However, it’s crucial to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions associated with any bonus or promotion. These often include specific requirements for eligibility, wagering conditions, and time limits.
When betting on the first goalscorer part of your scorecast, selecting players who have been scoring regularly makes sense. Goalscorers in good form are more likely to score in upcoming matches. Therefore, it is essential to check player stats, recent performances, and goal-scoring patterns to identify those in top form to make an informed decision.
Look at Previous Games for Both Teams
As stated earlier, conducting thorough research before you place Scorecast bets is essential. As part of your research, you must consider both teams’ performances. Analyze their past and recent games to identify patterns, strengths, and weaknesses that can influence your predictions. Specifically, pay attention to goal-scoring patterns and defensive vulnerabilities. It will give you insights into the teams’ playing styles and help you make more informed selections.
Look for a Dark Horse for a Better Return
Dark horses are players less likely to be chosen by others but still capable of scoring. Betting on scorecasts with these selections will usually yield high odds to enhance your return. However, it would help if you prioritized in-depth research to ensure your dark horse selections have the potential to perform better than anticipated. Avoid making just random selections for a better return.
Teams usually have different dynamics and scoring tendencies based on location. So, you must always consider a team’s performance when playing at home versus away. Some teams always do well at home while being very poor away. Recognizing home and away forms will help you tailor score cast predictions accordingly.
Shop Around for the Best Odds
As mentioned, odds offered for the same events can vary between bookmakers. While these discrepancies may be minor, they can substantially impact your profitability. So, exploring multiple sportsbooks to find the most favorable odds for your scorecast selections is essential. The highest odds ensure you get the best value for each scorecast wager.
Utilize the Latest Statistics
A team’s recent stats give you insights into the team’s current performances and player capabilities. Access reliable sources for the latest statistics on goals, assists, team form, and individual player performances. You can then make predictions that have a high likelihood of being accurate based on these stats.
Study Up-to-Date Team News
Another essential tip in this scorecast betting guide is staying informed on the latest team news before the match you’re betting on. These updates include injuries, suspensions, lineup changes, and other factors significantly impacting a team’s performance. Staying updated enhances the accuracy of your predictions and helps you steer clear of potential pitfalls.
If the First Goal is the own
The initial goal in your selected match might be your own goal. In such cases, the next player who scores after the own goal is considered the first goalscorer.
However, sportsbook rules on own goals in scorecast bets might differ. For example, Williams Hill Scorecast betting rules may differ from SkyBet’s. Therefore, familiarize yourself with your sportsbook’s rules regarding your goals and their impact on scorecast outcomes.
If Your Chosen Player Doesn’t Play
Sometimes, your chosen first goalscorer might not play in the match. If this occurs, the goalscorer prediction often becomes void, and your bet is settled as a final score prediction.
Again, it is essential to note that sportsbook rules for this situation might vary. Therefore, always ensure you understand the rules of your specific sportsbook. For instance, based on Skybet scorecast rules and most other popular bookmakers, such bets are generally treated as mentioned above. However, other betting sites may void your whole wager and return your stake if your chosen player doesn’t play.
If Your Player Comes on after the Initial Goal
Another possible scenario is if the first goal was scored before your predicted first goalscorer was substituted into the match. If that happens, most bookmakers void the first goalscorer prediction. The bet will then be settled as a single correct score prediction.
Once again, this scenario might be treated differently in other sportsbooks, depending on their scorecast betting rules.
Pros and Cons of Scorecast Betting
Like any wager, the scorecast bet has both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore its pros and cons below.
| PROS |
CONS |
- Scorecast bets often offer higher odds compared to traditional bets.
- It has the potential for significant payouts.
- Some promotions may offer insurance or refunds in certain scenarios, providing bettors a safety net.
- Scorecast bets provide a unique and challenging experience because they require bettors to analyze individual and team performance.
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- Successfully predicting the goal scorer and the final correct score betting is challenging.
- There is a limited margin for error; even if the goal scorer is correct, a slight deviation in the final score can result in a loss.
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Similar Bets to Scorecast
Besides scorecast bets, several other bet types offer a mix of goal-scoring and match outcome predictions. Let’s explore some of these below.
Last Goal Scorecast
The last goal scorecast is the exact opposite of the scorecast bet meaning. As the name implies, you predict the player scoring the last goal in a match alongside the final correct score. For example, you might bet on Haaland scoring the last goal in a Manchester City vs Everton match and on 4-2 as the final scoreline.
Anytime Scorecast
Like the scorecast, you predict a match’s goalscorer and final score. However, the difference is that your goalscorer does not have to score the first goal. Anytime scorecast bets allow the chosen scorer to score at any point during regular matches. For instance, you could bet on Lewandowski to score anytime in a Barcelona match and predict a final score of 4-1.
Timecast
The Timecast bet is a pretty specific kind of bet. You have to predict the specific goal scorer in a match and the time of that goal. For example, you can bet on Haaland to score in the 35th minute of a Manchester City match.
Wincast
The wincast has a lot in common with the traditional scorecast bet rules. In a wincast, you are predicting both the goalscorer and the outcome of the match, either a win, a loss, or a draw. In other words, you need to select a player to score in regular time and predict the outcome of the match. For example, you can bet on Arsenal winning a Premier League game and Bukayo Saka scoring.
Besides the four scorecast variants discussed above, other less common variants of the bet type exist. A notable one is the half-time/full-time scorecast, where you can bet on the first or the second half scorecast. It involves predicting the first goalscorer in a match and the correct score at the end of the first or second half.
Final Words
As discussed in our scorecast betting explained guide, the scorecast is a challenging market compared to several other options. While it offers high odds and potential for high returns, this bet type has a limited margin for errors, so winning isn’t easy. Therefore, it is essential to apply practical tips that can increase your chances of winning. These include conducting in-depth research and analysis before each wager, shopping for the best odds, and taking advantage of promotional offers.
Also, you can explore similar variants of the traditional scorecast to find the most suitable one. Options to try out include the HT/FT scorecast, last goal scorecast, wincast, anytime scorecast, etc.
