Horse Racing, greyhounds and snooker specialist with thirty years experience of writing about sport across multiple platforms. A QPR and Snooker fan
I'm quite a fan of so called mug bets when you are getting decent odds.
Correct score bets are one of the most popular bets in football but many would call them mug bets and although that can be true in some instances, decent money can be made from certain types of correct score bets.
If you wish to check out every type of bet (mug or sensible) please visit the betting school article below.
Types of Football Bet
Odds v Chance
As with all good bets, the odds of the bet winning should be better than the chances of the bet winning in order to make it a value bet.
You van view the probability of correct score prices via the table below.
| Fractional | Decimal | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| 11/2 | 6.5 | 15.38% |
| 6/1 | 7 | 14.29% |
| 13/2 | 7.5 | 13.33% |
| 7/1 | 8 | 12.50% |
| 15/2 | 8.5 | 11.76% |
| 8/1 | 9 | 11.11% |
| 17/2 | 9.5 | 10.53% |
| 9/1 | 10 | 10.00% |
| 19/2 | 10.5 | 9.52% |
| 10/1 | 11 | 9.09% |
| 11/1 | 12 | 8.33% |
| 12/1 | 13 | 7.69% |
| 13/1 | 14 | 7.14% |
| 14/1 | 15 | 6.67% |
| 15/1 | 16 | 6.24% |
| 16/1 | 17 | 5.88% |
| 20/1 | 21 | 4.76% |
| 22/1 | 23 | 4.35% |
| 25/1 | 26 | 3.85% |
| 28/1 | 29 | 3.45% |
| 33/1 | 34 | 2.94% |
| 40/1 | 41 | 2.44% |
| 50/1 | 51 | 1.96% |
| 66/1 | 67 | 1.49% |
| 100/1 | 101 | 0.91% |
In general terms the smaller the score the shorter the odds, the bigger the score the bigger the odds in correct score betting.
So 1-1 would always be shorter odds than 4-3.
Brighton and Hove Albion
Most bookies price up the correct score bets based on the odds of each team winning rather than how many goals they tend to score which is where you can gain an edge over the bookies.
Teams that have an equal chance of winning are likely to have the same odds on each score yet they may have very different scoring habits meaning the correct score odds are ‘incorrect'.
These were the most common scorelines in the five major leagues in Europe in 2023/24, every other scoreline was below 5%.
| EPL | Games | % | France Ligue 1 | Games | % | Germany Bundesliga | Games | % | Italy Seria A | Games | % | La Liga | Games | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | 38 | 10% | 1 - 1 | 32 | 10% | 1 - 1 | 41 | 13% | 1 - 1 | 51 | 13% | 1 - 1 | 51 | 13% |
| 2 - 1 | 31 | 8% | 1 - 2 | 29 | 9% | 2 - 1 | 23 | 8% | 1 - 0 | 43 | 11% | 1 - 0 | 48 | 13% |
| 2 - 2 | 27 | 7% | 0 - 0 | 27 | 9% | 2 - 0 | 21 | 7% | 2 - 1 | 33 | 9% | 0 - 0 | 31 | 8% |
| 3 - 1 | 26 | 7% | 1 - 0 | 25 | 8% | 3 - 1 | 20 | 7% | 0 - 0 | 30 | 8% | 0 - 1 | 29 | 8% |
| 1 - 2 | 24 | 6% | 0 - 1 | 23 | 8% | 2 - 2 | 19 | 6% | 1 - 2 | 27 | 7% | 2 - 0 | 25 | 7% |
| 2 - 0 | 24 | 6% | 2 - 0 | 23 | 8% | 1 - 2 | 18 | 6% | 2 - 0 | 27 | 7% | 2 - 1 | 24 | 6% |
| 1 - 0 | 22 | 6% | 2 - 1 | 22 | 7% | 0 - 1 | 18 | 6% | 2 - 2 | 26 | 7% | 1 - 2 | 22 | 6% |
| 0 - 1 | 20 | 5% | 2 - 2 | 18 | 6% | 3 - 0 | 14 | 5% | 0 - 1 | 24 | 6% | 0 - 2 | 21 | 6% |
| 0 - 2 | 19 | 5% | 3 - 1 | 15 | 5% | 1 - 0 | 14 | 5% | 0 - 2 | 18 | 5% | 2 - 2 | 20 | 5% |
| 3 - 0 | 18 | 5% | 3 - 0 | 15 | 5% | 3 - 0 | 14 | 5% | ||||||
| 1 - 3 | 17 | 4% | 0 - 2 | 14 | 5% | 1 - 0 | 14 | 5% | ||||||
| 3 - 2 | 13 | 3% |
Concentrate On One Type Of Scoreline
Even though the odds on smaller scorelines can be much smaller, in my opinion, they offer better value.
If you are sure a game is going to be low scoring there are only 4 possible scores, 0-0, 1-0, 0-1, and 1-1.
If you think a game is going to be high scoring the permutations are almost unlimited, even if you think a certain team will win and both teams will score you are still looking at 2-1, 3-1, 4-1, 3-2, 4-2 and so on.
A bet on a favourite 1-0 will usually get you odds of about 6/1 whilst the odds on a 3-2 will be around 25/1.
I'd bet that most punters have more than 4x better success rate picking 1-0s than 3-2s which would make the 1-0s better value.
Below are the correct score odds of the opening game of the 2024/25 EPL season,
As you can see the best betting site bookies expect a win for the home team Manchester United with 2-1 the favourite score, closely followed by 1-1.
| Man Utd | Odds | Draw | Odds | Fulham | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-1 | 9.5 | 1-1 | 10 | 2-1 | 21 |
| 2-0 | 11 | 2-2 | 15 | 1-0 | 26 |
| 1-0 | 12 | 0-0 | 23 | 2-0 | 41 |
| 3-1 | 13 | 3-3 | 46 | 3-1 | 41 |
| 3-0 | 15 | 4-4 | 251 | 3-2 | 41 |
| 3-2 | 21 | 3-0 | 81 | ||
| 4-1 | 23 | 4-2 | 126 | ||
| 4-0 | 26 | 4-1 | 126 | ||
| 4-2 | 36 | 4-3 | 151 |
Bore Draw Refund
Another reason to concentrate on smaller scorelines is the bore draw refund many bookies offer.
This results in your stake being refunded if the game ends 0-0,
When you are betting on a 1-0, or 1-1, the main threat to your bet being a winning one is likely to be the 0-0 scoreline so to get your stake back can be a huge help to your profitability.
Bet365 often offer this concession on matches, whilst many other bookies will offer it on selected games
They make counteract the offer by offering slightly worse odds yet it is still worth taking those slightly reduced odds in most cases if the 0-0 looks a possible outcome.
Look Far And Wide
If you look at the EPL fixture list and try and pick several correct scores you are going to find things extremely difficult.
For one the games in the EPL tend to be open games with goals at both ends so low scoring outcomes can be quite rare and hard to pick.
Certain leagues and nations tend to have much tighter matches and these can be the ones to concentrate on.
Half Time Correct Score
Although some of these have opened up in recent years some of the lowest scoring leagues can be found in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, and some other smaller leagues in Scandinavian countries.
The lower leagues in these countries can be particularly low scoring so it's worth checking which leagues are covered by your preferred bookmakers and then studying all of those leagues for bets.
Be Selective
Because you will be looking for low scoring games in probably 30-40 leagues in total you can be very selective and only pick the strongest bets.
It's no good finding a team that has won it's last 6 games 1-0 if they are playing a team that has let in 3 or 4 goals in it's games each week.
Ideally the form figures should look something like this if you are picking the most likely team to win 1-0.
Team A
P6 W4 D2 L0 GF4 GA0
Team B
P6 W0 D2 L4 GF0 GA4
Form figures for a fixture that perfect rarely occur but they do happen and anything that looks remotely like that in terms of goals for and against is likely to be a great bet for the better team winning 1-0.
If you are in doubt about the outcome then it's probably not worth a bet unless you are sure about having narrowed a game down to two scorelines,
In that case you may want to consider covering both outcomes or placing some cross doubles (see below).
Cross Doubles
Two correct score singles on the same match can be a sound strategy in some cases but since the combined odds you are going to be getting is about 2/1 you need a great strike rate for those sorts of bets.
When looking at the form each week you might come across a few matches that you think are very likely to be either 1-0 or 1-1. One of the best bets for these can be cross doubles:
Match A 1-0/1-1
Match B 1-0/1-1
Cross doubles will be 4 bets and you will win at combined odds of around 30/1 (a conservative estimate based on the odds you will be getting)
Don't forget if your games are covered by the 0-0 refund offer you effectively have three outcomes covered in each match for just 4 bets.
0-0
Lucky 15s
I have often found that combing correct scores with another so-called mug bet, such as a lucky 15, it can be quite effective.
When you place a lucky15 you get the bonus of double the odds on one winner (can sometimes be triple the odds if you have a generous bookie).
If you back 4 1-0 correct score bets in a £1 lucky 15, all at 6/1, and you get just one winner, you only lose £2 on your bet.
That's not bad considering how big the returns can be if you pick 2 or 3 correct results.
In about 100 or so attempts I've only ever got all correct once, the returns were huge (4 fold alone paid about 3500/1) but I've got 3 correct several times, 2 correct plenty of times and my least common result would definitely be no correct.score.
In Play Football Betting
On betting exchanges you can back/lay and trade correct score markets, this gives you options if your correct score bet is looking at risk.
You can also utilise other exchange markets such as the (HDA) to cut your losses if your correct score bet is looking unlikely.
It is best to be aware of all the options available to you when betting in play, watching the ebb and flow of a match on TV will also assist you when a decision needs to be made.
Betting On Football In Running
Conclusion
Whether you are only finding one good correct score bet each week and placing a single or finding four and sticking them in a lucky 15 backing low scores in the correct score market can be a great strategy, especially on the league they know less about.
Correct Score Odds
Unfortunately, the bookies have wised up in recent years and in some leagues offer pretty shocking correct score odds but you can still find decent correct score bets at reasonable odds if you do enough research.
I've made it pay, hopefully, with this advice you can too.
FAQ
FAQ
Correct Score Betting FAQ
How should I approach correct score betting
- Can you see patterns in the two teams' recent matches.
- Check head-to-head records, although be wary of going too far back as the team/manager/style of play may have changed.
- Check team news and note any injuries or suspensions, especially to key players.
- Evaluate recent performance, and the league position of the teams they have been playing.
- How important is the match (six-pointer - nothing to play for).
Can I place more than one correct score bet on the same match
Yes, you can.
If, for example, you are convinced the teams are well matched, then 0-0, 1-1, 2-2 can be wagered. Likewise, if one team is hugely superior, then 3-0, 4-0, 5-0 could be an option.
What strike rate should I expect when correct score betting
A small one. The odds are bigger because the correct score market is hard to predict. The more unlikely a scoreline, the higher the odds will be.
Can I include correct score predictions in bet builders
Yes, you can; the accumulated odds can be enormous when adding this option.
How are correct score bets settled
The bookmakers settle all correct score bets after 90 minutes + any injury time, but not extra time or penalties.
Responsible Gambling
When betting on correct scores please make sure you always gamble responsibly. We have a host of articles on this subject including the two below.
Responsible Gambling Features, Function and Help
How to be Sensible and Gamble Responsibly (Examples)
Editorial Information
OLBG Betting Experts Darren Brett and Nigel Skinner wrote, collated and updated the correct score betting article.
Darren Brett
Tipster Competition Manager
Darren has over 30 years of experience in horse racing and the gambling industry, and has managed OLBG’s Tipster Competition for more than 17 years. He also manages our sister site, Grand National Guide, where his knowledge of National Hunt racing shines.
A passionate snooker fan and QPR supporter, Darren brings deep insight into greyhound racing, golf, and football. His career includes roles at The Jockey Club, SIS LIVE, and Sheffield Hallam, making him a well-rounded authority in betting and sport.
Nigel Skinner
Blog Content Manager
Nigel Skinner is a senior editor at OLBG with nearly two decades of experience in the sports betting industry. A former William Hill manager and long-time community leader at OLBG, Nigel specialises in political betting and “next football manager” markets.
An Arsenal fan with encyclopaedic knowledge of English football managers, he’s also a keen exchange trader. Nigel’s content blends deep research with real-world betting insight, helping OLBG users stay informed and engaged.
