What is Both Teams to Score (BTTS) in Betting?

Both Teams to Score, commonly abbreviated as BTTS, is one of the most popular football betting markets worldwide. At its core, BTTS is a straightforward two-outcome wager: you bet on whether both teams in a match will score at least one goal each during the 90 minutes of regular play (plus injury time). Unlike match result betting, BTTS doesn't care who wins—only that both teams find the back of the net.

The Basic Definition

BTTS is a binary market with only two possible outcomes:

• BTTS Yes — Both teams score at least one goal each. The final scoreline is irrelevant; a 1-1 draw, a 2-1 victory, a 5-4 thriller—all settle as BTTS Yes winners.
• BTTS No — One or both teams fail to score. This includes 0-0 draws, 1-0 victories, 2-0 defeats, and any scoreline where at least one team doesn't register a goal.

Why BTTS is Popular Among Bettors

BTTS has become a staple of football betting for several compelling reasons:

No Need to Pick a Winner — Traditional match result betting (1X2) requires you to predict the correct outcome: home win, draw, or away win. BTTS removes this pressure. You don't need to know which team will win; you only need to assess whether both will score. This makes BTTS accessible to casual bettors and professionals alike.

Engagement Across All Match Types — BTTS works for any fixture—league matches, cup competitions, international friendlies, even lower divisions. It doesn't matter if one team is heavily favored; as long as both teams score, you win.

Perfect for Accumulators — Because BTTS bets are independent of match outcomes, they're ideal for combining into accumulators. A four-leg BTTS accumulator might offer odds of 10/1 or higher, making it an attractive proposition for bettors seeking bigger returns.

Lower Barrier to Entry — Many bettors find BTTS easier to analyze than match results. Instead of weighing multiple variables (form, head-to-head records, tactical setups), you can focus on one question: "Will both teams score?"

How Do Both Teams to Score Bets Work?

Understanding BTTS settlement is critical to successful betting. The rules are strict and specific, and edge cases exist that can surprise unwary bettors.

Settlement Rules and Timing

The 90-Minute Rule — BTTS bets settle based on goals scored during the 90 minutes of regular play plus injury time only. This is the most important rule to remember.

• Extra time does not count, even in cup matches where it determines progression. If a match ends 0-0 after 90 minutes but goes to extra time and finishes 1-1, the BTTS bet settles as BTTS No (based on the 90-minute scoreline of 0-0).
• Penalty shootouts do not count. Even if a penalty shootout occurs, BTTS settlement is based solely on the 90-minute scoreline.
• Penalties scored during regular time do count. If a goal is scored from a penalty kick during the 90 minutes, it counts toward BTTS settlement.

Official Settlement — Bookmakers confirm BTTS results once the official competition organiser publishes the final scoreline. For VAR decisions, if the decision is made during the 90-minute period, it counts. Retrospective action taken after the match (e.g., a goal disallowed hours later) does not affect BTTS settlement.

Edge Cases and Special Circumstances

Own Goals — Own goals are credited to the opposing team. If Team A concedes an own goal and Team B scores legitimately, both teams are deemed to have scored, and BTTS Yes wins.

Disallowed Goals — Goals that are disallowed for any reason (offside, foul, handball, etc.) do not count toward BTTS settlement, regardless of whether the decision was controversial.

Abandoned Matches — If a match is abandoned before the 90 minutes are completed, bookmakers typically void BTTS bets and refund stakes. Check your bookmaker's specific rules.

Match Postponement — If a match is postponed, BTTS bets are typically held until the rescheduled date. No settlement occurs until the match is played.

BTTS Yes vs. BTTS No: What's the Difference?

The distinction is simple but crucial:

• BTTS Yes is the bet that both teams will score. You win if the final scoreline shows at least one goal for each team.
• BTTS No is the bet that at least one team will fail to score. You win if the scoreline is anything other than both teams scoring (including 0-0).

Most bookmakers offer roughly equal odds for BTTS Yes and BTTS No, though this varies by match. A fixture between two high-scoring teams might see BTTS Yes odds at 1.80, while a defensive clash might see BTTS Yes at 2.50 or higher.

What Are the Different Types of BTTS Markets?

While the basic BTTS Yes/No market is the most common, bookmakers have expanded the BTTS category into several variations, each with different odds and complexity levels.

Standard BTTS Yes/No

This is the foundational market. You simply predict whether both teams will score. Typical odds:

• BTTS Yes: 1.80–2.20 (4/5 to 6/5 in fractional odds)
• BTTS No: 1.80–2.20

Odds vary based on the perceived likelihood of both teams scoring. Matches between two high-scoring teams will see lower BTTS Yes odds (e.g., 1.70), while defensive matchups will see higher BTTS Yes odds (e.g., 2.50+).

BTTS & Win (Combination Bets)

BTTS & Win combines the BTTS market with the match result, creating six possible outcomes:

1. BTTS Yes + Home Win
2. BTTS Yes + Away Win
3. BTTS Yes + Draw
4. BTTS No + Home Win
5. BTTS No + Away Win
6. BTTS No + Draw

Each outcome has independent odds. For example:

• BTTS Yes + Home Win might be priced at 5.00 (4/1). This wins if both teams score AND the home team wins.
• BTTS No + Home Win might be priced at 2.50 (3/2). This wins if the home team wins but one team fails to score (e.g., 2-0 home victory).

Typical odds for BTTS & Win combinations range from 2.50 to 8.00, depending on the specific outcome and the match context.

BTTS in Both Halves

This market requires both teams to score in both the first half AND the second half. The halves are treated as separate periods:

• First half: 0–45 minutes
• Second half: 45–90 minutes + injury time

For BTTS in Both Halves to win, each team must score at least once in the first half AND at least once in the second half. A 1-0 first half followed by a 1-0 second half (2-1 final) wins. But a 2-0 first half with no second-half goals (2-0 final) loses.

Odds: Typically 8.00–20.00+ (7/1 to 19/1+), reflecting the increased difficulty.

BTTS 1st Half / BTTS 2nd Half

These markets isolate BTTS to a specific half:

• BTTS 1st Half: Both teams score within the first 45 minutes only. Odds typically 4.50–7.00 (7/2 to 6/1).
• BTTS 2nd Half: Both teams score between the 45th and 90th minute. Odds typically 3.50–5.00 (5/2 to 4/1).

BTTS & Over/Under Goals

This market combines BTTS with a total goal threshold:

• BTTS & Over 2.5 Goals: Both teams score AND the match has 3+ goals total. Odds typically 2.50–4.00 (6/4 to 3/1).
• BTTS & Under 3.5 Goals: Both teams score AND the match has 3 or fewer goals total (e.g., 1-1, 2-1). Odds typically 2.00–3.50 (1/1 to 5/2).

Where Did Both Teams to Score Come From? History & Evolution

BTTS didn't emerge from thin air; it evolved from the bookmaking industry's need to diversify betting markets and appeal to a broader audience.

Origins of the BTTS Market

The BTTS market emerged in the 1990s as bookmakers began moving beyond the traditional match result (1X2) and handicap markets. During this period, the betting industry was rapidly expanding, driven by technological advances (online betting platforms), regulatory liberalisation in Europe and Asia, and growing football fandom worldwide.

UK bookmakers were among the first to popularise BTTS. The market appealed to a specific demographic: casual bettors who found match result betting intimidating or overly complex. BTTS offered a simpler entry point—just predict whether both teams will score, nothing more.

Early adoption was strongest in the UK and Europe, where football culture was deeply embedded and betting was becoming mainstream. By the early 2000s, BTTS had become a staple offering on every major sportsbook.

Why BTTS Became a Staple Market

Several factors contributed to BTTS's rapid adoption:

Lower Barrier to Entry — BTTS requires less analytical depth than match result betting. You don't need to understand tactical nuances or team form across multiple dimensions; you focus on one metric: scoring patterns.

Appeal to Accumulators — BTTS's binary nature made it ideal for multi-leg accumulators. Bettors could combine 4–5 BTTS selections from different matches and potentially win significant odds. This drove engagement and volume.

Bookmaker Profitability — BTTS markets are highly profitable for bookmakers. The odds are tight, and casual bettors tend to bet emotionally rather than analytically, leading to consistent bookmaker edges.

Regulatory Advantage — In some jurisdictions, BTTS was easier to regulate than match result betting, as it doesn't involve match-fixing risks to the same degree (you can't fix both teams to score without affecting the result, which would be obvious).

Today, BTTS is available on virtually every major sportsbook globally, across all leagues and competitions.

How Do BTTS Odds Work?

BTTS odds reflect the probability that both teams will score, adjusted for the bookmaker's margin.

Understanding BTTS Odds

Probability and Odds — If BTTS Yes is priced at 1.80 (4/5), this implies a probability of approximately 55.6% (calculated as 1/1.80 = 0.556). Conversely, BTTS No at 1.80 also implies ~55.6% probability.

In reality, the probabilities don't sum to 100% because bookmakers build in their margin. If both outcomes are priced at 1.80, the true combined probability is about 111%, meaning the bookmaker has a ~5% margin.

Typical Odds Ranges — For most matches:

• BTTS Yes: 1.70–2.50
• BTTS No: 1.70–2.50

Matches between two high-scoring, attacking teams (e.g., Liverpool vs. Arsenal) might see BTTS Yes at 1.60–1.80, implying a 56–62% chance both teams score.

Defensive, cautious matchups (e.g., a cup tie between a top team and a lower division side) might see BTTS Yes at 2.20–2.80, implying a 36–45% chance both teams score.

Factors That Affect BTTS Odds

Team Attacking Strength — Teams with potent offences (high goals per game) increase the likelihood of BTTS Yes. If both teams average 2+ goals per match, BTTS Yes odds will be lower (higher implied probability).

Defensive Weakness — Teams with poor defensive records (high goals conceded per game) increase BTTS Yes odds. A match between two leaky defences is more likely to see both teams score.

Home/Away Form — Home teams typically score more and concede less. A strong home team facing a weak away team might see lower BTTS Yes odds, as the home team is likely to score but the away team may struggle.

Recent Form — Teams on winning streaks with high goal tallies increase BTTS Yes odds. Conversely, teams in poor form with low goal tallies decrease BTTS Yes odds.

Injuries to Key Players — Loss of a star striker or defender can significantly shift BTTS odds. A team without its main striker is less likely to score, reducing BTTS Yes odds.

Tactical Setup — Some teams are naturally defensive; others are attacking. A defensive team facing an attacking team might see lower BTTS Yes odds, as the attacking team is likely to score but the defensive team may not.

Match Context — Cup finals and knockout matches often see lower BTTS Yes odds, as teams tend to be more cautious. League matches, especially between mid-table teams, tend to see higher BTTS Yes odds.

BTTS Odds Across Different Bookmakers

Odds Vary by Bookmaker — Different sportsbooks price BTTS differently. One bookmaker might price BTTS Yes at 1.80, while another offers 1.90 for the same match. Over time, these small differences compound.

Shopping for Value — Experienced bettors compare odds across multiple bookmakers to find the best value. If you believe BTTS Yes has a 55% chance of winning, then 1.90 odds (55.6% implied probability) is fair value, while 1.80 odds (55.6%) is undervalued.

Specialised BTTS Bookmakers — Some sportsbooks specialise in BTTS markets and offer competitive odds. Pinnacle, for example, is known for sharp BTTS pricing.

How Can You Identify the Best BTTS Betting Opportunities?

Successful BTTS betting requires analysis, discipline, and a clear strategy.

Analyzing Team Form and Statistics

Goal-Scoring Records — Examine each team's goals per game over the last 10–15 matches. Teams averaging 1.5+ goals per game are strong BTTS Yes candidates.

Defensive Records — Look at goals conceded per game. Teams conceding 1.5+ goals per game are vulnerable to BTTS Yes outcomes.

Head-to-Head Records — Check the recent history between the two teams. If their last five meetings all saw both teams score, this is a strong signal for BTTS Yes.

Home/Away Split — Separate home and away statistics. A team might average 2 goals at home but only 0.8 away. This distinction matters when assessing BTTS probability.

Player Availability — Check team news for injuries to key strikers or defenders. A team without its main scorer is a red flag for BTTS No.

Avoiding Common BTTS Pitfalls

Cup Finals and Knockout Matches — These tend to be tight, defensive affairs. Teams prioritise not conceding over scoring, reducing BTTS Yes likelihood. Avoid BTTS Yes in cup finals unless the odds are significantly in your favour.

Mismatched Teams — A top-tier team facing a lower division side is unlikely to see BTTS Yes. The stronger team will dominate, and the weaker team will struggle to score.

In-Form Goalkeepers — A goalkeeper on a hot streak with multiple clean sheets is a red flag for BTTS No. Similarly, a team with a new, untested goalkeeper might be vulnerable.

Weather Conditions — Extreme weather (heavy rain, high winds) can suppress goal-scoring. Avoid BTTS Yes in poor weather unless odds are compelling.

Fixture Congestion — Teams playing multiple matches per week may field weakened lineups, affecting their attacking and defensive capabilities.

BTTS in Accumulators

Building BTTS Accumulators — Combining multiple BTTS bets into a single accumulator can generate attractive odds. A four-leg BTTS accumulator at 1.80 per leg yields 10.50 odds overall.

Risk vs. Reward — Accumulators are higher risk. All legs must win for the bet to land. A single losing leg voids the entire accumulator. This is why accumulators should represent a small portion of your betting bankroll.

Correlated Legs — Be cautious of correlated BTTS legs. If you select BTTS Yes for two matches involving the same team, you've introduced correlation risk. If that team underperforms, both legs fail.

What Are Common Misconceptions About BTTS Betting?

Misunderstandings about BTTS rules and mechanics lead many bettors to make costly mistakes.

Myth 1: Extra Time Counts Toward BTTS Settlement

The Reality: Extra time does not count. BTTS settlement is based exclusively on the 90-minute scoreline (plus injury time). If a match ends 0-0 after 90 minutes and goes to extra time, finishing 1-1, the BTTS bet settles as BTTS No based on the 0-0 scoreline at 90 minutes.

This rule catches many bettors off guard, especially during cup competitions. Always remember: 90 minutes + injury time only.

Myth 2: Penalty Shootouts Count

The Reality: Penalty shootouts do not count toward BTTS settlement. Only goals scored during the 90 minutes (plus injury time) count. If a match goes to a penalty shootout, BTTS settlement is determined by the 90-minute scoreline, not the shootout result.

Myth 3: BTTS is "Easy Money"

The Reality: BTTS is not a guaranteed profit strategy. While it's simpler than match result betting, it still carries real risk. Bookmakers build a margin into BTTS odds, meaning you need to win more than 55–60% of your bets to profit long-term. This requires discipline, analysis, and bankroll management.

Myth 4: Disallowed Goals Count

The Reality: Disallowed goals, regardless of the reason or controversy, do not count toward BTTS settlement. A goal disallowed for offside, handball, foul, or any other reason is treated as if it never happened.

Myth 5: BTTS is Unaffected by Match Context

The Reality: Match context significantly affects BTTS odds and outcomes. Cup finals, playoff matches, and high-stakes fixtures tend to be more defensive, reducing BTTS Yes likelihood. League matches between mid-table teams tend to be more open, increasing BTTS Yes likelihood.

How Does BTTS Compare to Related Betting Markets?

Understanding how BTTS differs from similar markets helps you choose the right bet for each situation.

BTTS vs. GG (Goal/Goal)

The Short Answer: BTTS and GG are identical markets. "GG" is simply regional terminology, primarily used outside the UK.

• BTTS is the term used in the UK and most English-speaking regions.
• GG is the term used in some European and international markets.

Both markets require both teams to score at least one goal each. The odds, settlement rules, and mechanics are identical. If you see "GG" on a European sportsbook, it's the same bet as "BTTS Yes" on a UK bookmaker.

BTTS vs. Over/Under 2.5 Goals

These markets are often confused, but they're fundamentally different:

Key Difference: BTTS cares about distribution (both teams score). Over/Under cares about volume (total goals). A 3-0 scoreline has 3 goals (Over 2.5 wins) but only one team scores (BTTS No wins).

BTTS vs. Match Result Betting (1X2)

BTTS is often easier to predict than match result because you're not concerned with which team wins, only that both score.

Can You Cash Out BTTS Bets Early?

Modern sportsbooks offer cash-out functionality on BTTS bets, allowing you to settle before the match ends.

Live Betting and Cash-Out Options

Cash-Out Availability — Most major bookmakers (Bet365, William Hill, Betfair, etc.) offer cash-out on BTTS bets. You can cash out at any point during the match, from kickoff to the final whistle.

Real-Time Odds — When you cash-out, you receive a settlement amount based on the current odds, which reflect the live state of the match. If both teams have already scored, your cash-out offer will be close to your stake (as BTTS Yes is nearly certain). If no goals have been scored, your cash-out offer might be 20–30% of your stake.

Partial Cash-Out — Some bookmakers allow partial cash-out, where you settle a portion of your bet and let the remainder ride to full-time.

When to Use Cash-Out on BTTS Bets

Lock in Profit — If you backed BTTS Yes and one team scores early, you're in a strong position. You could cash-out at a profit (e.g., stake £10 at 1.80, cash-out for £12 after one team scores) and eliminate risk.

Minimize Loss — If you backed BTTS Yes and the match is progressing toward 1-0, you could cash-out for a small loss (e.g., stake £10, cash-out for £3) rather than lose the full stake.

Lock in Value — If you backed BTTS No and the match remains 0-0 with 70 minutes played, you could cash-out at a profit, locking in value without waiting for the final whistle.

Hedge Your Bets — If you have multiple BTTS bets in an accumulator and some are looking uncertain, you could cash-out the accumulator before it fails, securing a partial return.

What's the Future of BTTS Betting?

The BTTS market continues to evolve, driven by technology, data analytics, and changing betting preferences.

Emerging Trends

AI-Driven Odds — Sportsbooks are increasingly using machine learning models to price BTTS markets more accurately. These models analyse hundreds of variables (player form, weather, historical matchups, etc.) to set sharper odds.

Micro-Markets and Customisation — Bookmakers are expanding BTTS variations. Expect to see more niche markets like "BTTS in the first 20 minutes," "BTTS excluding penalties," or "BTTS with specific scoreline predictions."

Integration with Live Betting — Live BTTS markets are becoming more dynamic. Odds update second-by-second based on match events, creating opportunities for sophisticated bettors.

Blockchain and Decentralised Betting — Emerging decentralised betting platforms may offer peer-to-peer BTTS markets, bypassing traditional bookmakers and offering better odds.

Data Transparency — Bettors are demanding more data. Sportsbooks are responding by providing detailed analytics dashboards, historical BTTS data, and predictive models to help bettors make informed decisions.

BTTS in Different Leagues and Tournaments

Domestic Leagues — BTTS is available across all major domestic leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1, etc.) and lower divisions.

International Fixtures — BTTS markets are available for international friendlies, qualifiers, and tournaments (World Cup, Euro, Copa America, etc.).

Women's Football — BTTS is increasingly available for women's football matches, reflecting growing interest in the sport.

Lower Divisions and Smaller Leagues — Even lower division matches and smaller leagues now offer BTTS markets, though odds and liquidity may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does BTTS mean in betting?

BTTS stands for Both Teams to Score. It's a football betting market where you wager on whether both teams will score at least one goal each during the 90 minutes of regular play (plus injury time). BTTS is a two-outcome market: BTTS Yes (both teams score) or BTTS No (one or both teams don't score).

How do BTTS bets work?

You select a match and choose either BTTS Yes or BTTS No. If you choose BTTS Yes and both teams score at least one goal each, your bet wins. If you choose BTTS No and one or both teams fail to score, your bet wins. Settlement is based on the 90-minute scoreline plus injury time only; extra time and penalty shootouts don't count.

What are the different BTTS market types?

Common BTTS market variations include:

• Standard BTTS Yes/No — Basic two-outcome market
• BTTS & Win — Combines BTTS with match result (6 possible outcomes)
• BTTS in Both Halves — Both teams score in the 1st AND 2nd half
• BTTS 1st Half / 2nd Half — Both teams score in a specific half
• BTTS & Over/Under Goals — Combines BTTS with total goal thresholds

What are BTTS odds and how do they work?

BTTS odds reflect the probability that both teams will score, adjusted for the bookmaker's margin. Typical BTTS Yes odds range from 1.70–2.50, depending on the match. Odds are calculated as 1 / implied probability. For example, 1.80 odds imply a 55.6% probability (1 / 1.80 = 0.556).

What's the difference between BTTS and GG?

BTTS and GG are identical markets. "BTTS" is the term used in the UK and English-speaking regions, while "GG" (Goal/Goal) is used in some European and international markets. Both require both teams to score at least one goal each.

Can bookmakers void BTTS bets if a match is abandoned?

Yes. If a match is abandoned before the 90 minutes are completed, bookmakers typically void BTTS bets and refund stakes. However, if the match is abandoned after 90 minutes are completed (e.g., due to crowd trouble in extra time), BTTS settlement is based on the 90-minute scoreline.

Does BTTS settle if only one team scores twice?

Yes. BTTS settlement requires only that both teams score at least one goal each. If Team A scores twice and Team B scores once (3-1 final), BTTS Yes wins. The specific number of goals per team doesn't matter, only that each team scores at least once.

Can BTTS odds change significantly during a match?

Yes. Live BTTS odds change in real-time based on match events. If one team scores early, BTTS Yes odds drop significantly (as it becomes more likely both teams will score). If the match remains 0-0 with 80 minutes played, BTTS Yes odds increase (as it becomes less likely both teams will score).

How do you find the best BTTS betting opportunities?

Analyse team form, goal-scoring records, defensive vulnerabilities, home/away splits, and player availability. Look for matches between two high-scoring teams or teams with weak defences. Avoid cup finals, mismatched fixtures, and matches with in-form goalkeepers. Compare odds across multiple bookmakers to find value.

Is BTTS betting profitable long-term?

BTTS can be profitable if you have a disciplined strategy, sound analytical skills, and proper bankroll management. However, bookmakers build a margin into BTTS odds, so you need to win more than 55–60% of your bets to profit long-term. Many casual bettors lose money because they bet emotionally rather than analytically.

Related Terms

• Over/Under
• Correct Score
• 1X2 / Match Result
• Accumulator
• Live Betting
• Odds