Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry (print and digital media). A freelance writer/stay-at-home dad since 2008, Hawkins started his career with newspaper stints in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois, where he earned the 2004 APSE first-place award for column writing (under 40,000 circulation). As a beat writer, he covered NASCAR Winston Cup events at NHIS (1999-2003), the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks (2003-06) and the NFL's Carolina Panthers (2011-12). Hawkins penned four youth sports books, including a Michael Jordan biography. Hawkins' main hobbies include mountain bike riding, 5k trail runs at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C., and live music.
All posts by Jeff HawkinsDavid spent 25 years as both a writer and editor within the betting/casino industries - including at The Guardian, Racing Post, 888Casino and Sky Sports Racing - prior to joining BBI. He has a diploma in sub-editing and law, is the author of four books, and remains a successful sports tipster.
All posts by David MyersIf you’ve stumbled upon the phrase BTTS in betting and asked yourself what it is, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will cover what exactly BTTS means in betting (both teams to score if you can’t wait!), how BTTS betting works, and why it’s become so popular across online betting sites – all the ones listed here are, of course, licensed and safe to play.
To that end, continue below to learn what BTTS means in betting and how to bet this market for yourself.
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What Does BTTS Mean?
BTTS (both teams to score) refers to a scenario in sports betting when you are wagering on both teams scoring at least one time in any given match or game. BTTS predictions do not take into account any other elements of sports betting such as the over/under, point spread, and/or moneyline betting. The simplest way to grasp the concept of BTTS betting is to think of it within the context of a soccer match.
For example, when you opt to bet both teams to score during an English Premier League soccer match you will need both teams to score at least one goal. So, if Manchester United is playing Chelsea both teams will need to score at least one goal in order for you to win your both teams to score bet. There are other variations of BTTS in betting, which we will cover at length throughout this guide.
The table below illustrates the traditional way both teams to score predictions are displayed on sportsbooks.
Team A Team B BTTS (Yes) Odds BTTS (No) Odds Manchester United Liverpool -100 +200 Barcelona Real Madrid -250 +100 Lyon PSG -165 +150 LA Galaxy Inter Miami +100 -125 Manchester City Arsenal +200 -150 What is BTTS in Betting?
The BTTS betting market stands out among the many different options offered across online sportsbooks due to the simplistic nature of the bet. In essence, you are betting on both teams scoring during a match, which isn’t too difficult to understand. You are not obligated to account for any other outcome or bet type. Moreover, it’s popular across several major sports such as soccer (fútbol), rugby, football, and ice hockey. Thus, this betting market is offered on virtually a daily basis across many sports and international leagues.
The BTTS odds typically come in two variations. They are BTTS “yes” or BTTS “no”. Both teams to score predictions that opt for the “yes” odds means that both teams need to register at least 1 point or goal in order for you to win your bet. Both teams to score predictions that opt for the “no” odds suggest that at least one team will not score. Thus, betting the “no” odds means you will need one team to fail to score in order to win your bet. The “yes” or “no” odds are provided by sportsbooks and they will vary depending on the individual matchups.
In addition to the traditional method of betting BTTS, you can also combine BTTS betting odds with other outcomes such as the match result. For example, you may find an option for “yes” for BTTS and Team A will win (or an option for Team B to win). The odds will still be displayed in “yes” vs. “no” format but both outcomes need to happen for you to win your bet.
Overall, BTTS is a very popular market. This is especially the case among soccer bettors. For instance, YouTubers and avid bettors will look for value in BTTS odds.
Different Type of BTTS Bets
When it comes to describing what BTTS means in betting the most obvious way to explain it is to use an example of the bet within the context of an entire game or match. However, as you will see across betting sites, BTTS predictions vary. To that end, below are a few of the main types of BTTS predictions or bets you will encounter at sportsbooks.
BTTS in Both Halves
Betting both teams to score in both halves means that you will need each team to score at least once in the first half and score at least once in the second half. This betting market is very popular among soccer bettors.
BTTS and Win
Here, you predict not only that both teams will score but also the winning team. For example, in football, you could bet that Team A will win and both teams will score, making your potential profits even more significant.
Both Teams to Score Yes or No
The both teams to score yes or no bet is the most simple way to bet BTTS. You will find this market for MLB games, Major League Soccer games, international soccer games, hockey, and others such as rugby matches. Doing research for competitions like the aforementioned MLS also reveals which teams were involved in most matches in which both teams scored.
Both Teams to Score + Win
This bet type is another way to describe BTTS and Win. Some sportsbooks will display odds using this format. Here, you need both teams to score at least 1x and correctly predict the winning team.
BTTS and Over/Under
This variety of BTTS requires you to correctly pick the over or under total points or goals in the game and bet both teams to score at least 1x. For instance, in tennis, you could wager that both doubles teams will score a certain number of games, and the total games played will be over or under a set limit.
BTTS 2+
This bet focuses on the total number of teams that score. For instance, in baseball, you could bet that both teams in a match will score two or more runs each.
BTTS in Different Sports
With the global sports betting market expected to reach $297,638m by 2030, now is a great time to get involved with BTTS is the world of sport – and there are a number of options.
BTTS in betting is synonymous with soccer betting but this betting market is available across several different sports. Here is a short list of the top sports with BTTS betting odds available.
- Hockey – BTTS betting in hockey is a great option as games can be low or high scoring. It just depends on the two teams.
- Baseball – Baseball is a volatile game between two teams. Scoring can range, making betting BTTS odds a fun experience.
- Soccer – Like baseball, soccer scoring can vary match-by-match, which makes it the perfect sport for betting BTTS odds.
- Football – Like tennis, betting BTTS markets with team outcomes in football is another exciting bet type to choose from.
- Basketball – Although the chances of both teams scoring remains very high, there are markets to look out for including BTTS 100+ points.
The Rules of Both Teams to Score
In sports such as football, soccer, and hockey, both teams can score points but also they can be awarded points as a result of a negative play carried out by the opposing team. For example, in football, teams can sack the quarterback in the endzone and be awarded 2 points but they didn’t actually score points offensively.
Own goals, safeties, and other scenarios may have an impact on what BTTS means in betting at a particular sportsbook. Here are a few exceptional scenarios that may impact what BTTS means at a sportsbook, or in other words, how your bet is graded.
- Own Goals – Own goals are generally counted towards the BTTS market. If both teams score an own goal along with regular goals, the BTTS bet remains valid.
- Penalties – Penalties that are scored are counted towards BTTS, as they contribute to the overall scoring. However, penalties that are missed or saved are not considered for the BTTS outcome.
- Regulation Time – Traditionally, sportsbooks will only grade winning bets within regulation time. In soccer, this means 90 minutes. However, football may vary as overtime play may be included.
- Penalty Points – Points as a result of an opposing team’s penalty will typically count as a team scoring despite the opposing team contributing to the points.
Betting Tips & Strategy for Both Teams to Score
Just knowing what BTTS means in betting isn’t the end all be all. There is quite a bit of nuance to this betting market. To that end, in this section, we will cover a few of the best BTTS betting tips to help you further understand what is BTTS in betting?…and help set you up for success should you choose to bet this particular market.
Scoring Trends – Research team statistics to identify high-scoring teams and those prone to conceding points. During your research, be sure to look at scoring related stats at the team and player levels – below, you can see that the Milwaukee Bucks averaged the most points during the 2022-23 NBA season, and could therefore be considered in the BTTS 100+ points market.
Head-to-Head Records – Look back at previous head-to-head matchups to uncover patterns and understand how each team matches up against each other.
Consider Betting “No” – Don’t always assume both teams will score. This is especially true in soccer as shutouts and draws are not uncommon.
Team News – One of the most overlooked BTTS betting tips is staying up-to-date on each team’s injury list and news within their organization. Be sure to review this information prior to placing any kind of sports bet, not just a both team to score wager.
Shop for Odds – Explore various sportsbooks to secure the best betting odds. By doing so, you can add to your potential winnings.
Making BTTS Bets In-Play
What BTTS means in betting is not necessarily different from the meaning of BTTS betting in-play. However, there are a few considerations to take into account before you start to live bet in this market. Live sports betting allows you to wager during a game as it is unfolding. As such, the play during the match dictates the odds, the bets available, and they are both constantly updated minute-by-minute.
Timing your BTTS wager based on the flow of the match can offer unique advantages as you’re able to leverage the evolving dynamics, tactics, and gameplay to your benefit.
For instance, coaches may make adjustments via tactical changes, substitutions, timeouts, etc. Additionally, events that unfolded during the first 15 minutes of a match may provide you and other spectators with insights on what may unfold during the rest of the game – things such as how an offense is attacking a defense, how in shape players look, etc.
Live betting on both teams to score can be very lucrative if you are measured and pay close attention to the match as it is happening live. However, sportsbooks are also aware of this and oftentimes limit the number of BTTS betting markets or may have less than favorable odds. It takes a bit of luck and timing to find the best value but all-in-all, the betting mechanics remain the same as if you were going to bet before the match started.
Pros and Cons of Both Teams to Score Betting
Now that you have a full understanding of the BTTS meaning within the context of sports betting, it’s time to review the pros and cons. Here’s a quick overview of each, which serves as a good recap of all that we’ve reviewed in this guide.
Pros of BTTS
- Simple Betting Market – It’s not difficult to understand what is BTTS in betting? It’s a simple wager on if both teams will score or not.
- Enhanced Viewing – With this bet, you’re rooting for offense and you don’t have to worry about point spreads, moneylines, or other contingencies.
- Diverse Sports Availability – The BTTS bet is applicable to a wide range of sports, ensuring that you can enjoy this betting option year-round.
- Combinations Offered – The bet can be combined with other betting markets, allowing you to create diverse and potentially more rewarding wagering opportunities.
Cons of BTTS
- Unpredictable Outcomes – The unpredictability of match outcomes can sometimes lead to unexpected results, even after doing research. It’s simply the nature of sports.
- Potential for Low Odds – In certain cases, odds for BTTS “yes” may be relatively low due to most sporting events offering a reasonable chance for both teams to score. Thus, this reduces your chances are large profits.
FAQs
What does BTTS stand for?
What BTTS means in betting is simply – both teams to score. In other words, you are predicting that both teams will score at least once. If so, your bet wins. This betting market is available across many sports such as football, hockey, and soccer.
Can I get BTTS betting tips?
Yes, you can refer to our BTTS in betting guide here to learn basic BTTS betting strategy and learn about BTTS’ meaning.
What to look for when betting on BTTS?
When betting on BTTS you should at least research and consider recent team performances, head-to-head records, and overall strengths and weaknesses prior to placing any BTTS bets.
How do you calculate BTTS?
Betting odds for BTTS betting markets are provided by oddsmakers. The simplest form is provided in “yes” or “no” format. These odds will vary across sports and individual games. To win “yes” bets, both teams must score at least one time and to win “no” bets, one team must fail to score.
Is BTTS a good bet?
Yes, BTTS is a good bet because it is simple to understand and odds are traditionally quite favorable. Furthermore, certain sports such as football offer variations that allow you to profit more when you combine them with correctly picking the winner of the match.
What is the best sport for BTTS?
The best sport for BTTS in betting is soccer but American football is growing in popularity. This is because you can find different BTTS varieties across each NFL game and combining BTTS bets with other outcomes may lead to higher payouts.
Can I bet BTTS in-play?
Live betting BTTS odds will vary depending on the sportsbook. Most top sportsbooks will offer this market live but turn it off toward the end of the match.
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry (print and digital media). A freelance writer/stay-at-home dad since 2008, Hawkins started his career with newspaper stints in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois, where he earned the 2004 APSE first-place award for column writing (under 40,000 circulation). As a beat writer, he covered NASCAR Winston Cup events at NHIS (1999-2003), the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks (2003-06) and the NFL's Carolina Panthers (2011-12). Hawkins penned four youth sports books, including a Michael Jordan biography. Hawkins' main hobbies include mountain bike riding, 5k trail runs at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C., and live music.
All posts by Jeff HawkinsJeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry (print and digital media). A freelance writer/stay-at-home dad since 2008, Hawkins started his career with newspaper stints in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois, where he earned the 2004 APSE first-place award for column writing (under 40,000 circulation). As a beat writer, he covered NASCAR Winston Cup events at NHIS (1999-2003), the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks (2003-06) and the NFL's Carolina Panthers (2011-12). Hawkins penned four youth sports books, including a Michael Jordan biography. Hawkins' main hobbies include mountain bike riding, 5k trail runs at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C., and live music.
All posts by Jeff Hawkins