What Is Regulation Time?
Regulation time is the standard, fixed duration of play in a sports match before any extra time, overtime, or penalty shootout procedures are applied. It is the primary period on which the vast majority of betting markets are settled. In football (soccer), regulation time is 90 minutes split into two 45-minute halves. In ice hockey, it's 60 minutes across three 20-minute periods. In basketball, it's 48 minutes in the NBA. Understanding regulation time is essential for sports bettors because most betting markets—including moneyline bets, over/under bets, and prop bets—settle based exclusively on regulation time results, not on what happens in overtime or extra time.
Regulation time is sometimes referred to as full time or regular time, and it includes stoppage time (also called injury time) that the referee adds at the end of each half to compensate for stoppages in play. However, it explicitly excludes extra time (in football knockout competitions), overtime (in hockey and basketball), and penalty shootouts.
How Long Is Regulation Time in Different Sports?
Regulation time duration varies significantly across sports, and understanding these differences is crucial for bettors placing wagers across different leagues and competitions.
Football/Soccer: 90 Minutes Plus Stoppage Time
In football, regulation time consists of two equal halves of 45 minutes each, totaling 90 minutes of scheduled play. This standard was established in the 1800s and has remained consistent across all major football competitions worldwide, from the Premier League to the Champions League to international matches.
However, the match doesn't end exactly at the 90-minute mark. The referee is authorized under the Laws of the Game to add stoppage time (also called injury time or added time) at the end of each half. This additional time compensates for delays caused by injuries, substitutions, medical treatment, goal celebrations, VAR reviews, and other stoppages in play. Stoppage time is typically 1–5 minutes per half, but can extend longer in matches with significant disruptions. For example, a match with multiple injuries or lengthy VAR reviews might have 6–8 minutes of stoppage time in the second half.
Critically, stoppage time counts as part of regulation time for betting purposes. If a goal is scored in the 94th minute (during stoppage time), it counts toward regulation time bets. This is a common source of confusion for new bettors.
Ice Hockey: 60 Minutes Across Three Periods
Ice hockey regulation time is 60 minutes of play, divided into three 20-minute periods. This applies to the NHL, international hockey competitions, and most professional leagues worldwide. The clock stops frequently during hockey (unlike football), so the actual elapsed time for a 60-minute hockey game is roughly 2.5 hours when including intermissions and stoppages.
Regulation time betting is particularly popular in hockey. Bettors can choose to bet on regulation time only (the first 60 minutes) or on the full game including overtime and shootouts. The odds differ significantly because approximately 23.9% of NHL regular-season games are decided in overtime or a shootout, meaning roughly 1 in 4 games won't have a winner at the end of regulation time. This makes regulation-only bets on favorites considerably more attractive in terms of odds, since the favorite is less likely to win in the coin-flip nature of overtime.
Basketball: 48 Minutes in the NBA
In the NBA, regulation time is 48 minutes, divided into four 12-minute quarters. College basketball uses 40 minutes (two 20-minute halves), and other leagues may vary. Basketball regulation time is straightforward: the clock runs continuously (except during timeouts and between quarters), and when it reaches zero at the end of the fourth quarter, regulation is over.
Unlike football and hockey, basketball games rarely end in ties in regulation time due to the continuous clock and the ability to score at any moment, making regulation time betting less of a consideration for most basketball wagers.
American Football: 60 Minutes Across Four Quarters
American football regulation time is 60 minutes, divided into four 15-minute quarters. The clock stops frequently (for incomplete passes, out-of-bounds plays, timeouts, and other stoppages), so a typical NFL game lasts 3+ hours of real time.
Regulation time is less emphasized in American football betting compared to hockey or soccer, since the NFL's overtime rules have evolved to ensure a more decisive outcome, reducing the likelihood of ties.
Regulation Time Duration by Sport
| Sport | Regulation Time | Format | Stoppage Time Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football/Soccer | 90 minutes | Two 45-min halves | Yes (injury time) |
| Ice Hockey | 60 minutes | Three 20-min periods | No (clock stops) |
| Basketball (NBA) | 48 minutes | Four 12-min quarters | No (clock stops) |
| American Football | 60 minutes | Four 15-min quarters | No (clock stops) |
| Rugby | 80 minutes | Two 40-min halves | Yes (injury time) |
What's Included in Regulation Time?
One of the biggest sources of confusion in sports betting is understanding exactly what counts and doesn't count as part of regulation time. Here's a clear breakdown.
Stoppage Time / Injury Time: YES, It Counts
Stoppage time (also called injury time, added time, or extra time in some regions—though "extra time" is a misnomer) is always included in regulation time. This is the additional time the referee adds at the end of each half in football to account for delays. These delays include:
- Player injuries and medical treatment
- Substitutions
- Goal celebrations
- VAR (Video Assistant Referee) reviews
- Excessive time-wasting by players
- Throw-ins and other administrative delays
The referee decides how much stoppage time to add based on their judgment of the match's circumstances. If a goal is scored during stoppage time—say, in the 94th minute of a football match—that goal counts toward regulation time betting markets. This is why you'll often see dramatic late goals that technically occur after the "90-minute" mark but still count for bets.
Extra Time / Overtime: NO, It Doesn't Count
Extra time (in football) and overtime (in hockey and basketball) are not part of regulation time. Extra time is a separate period used only in knockout competitions (cup matches, tournament semifinals, finals, etc.) to determine a winner if the match is tied after regulation time.
In football, extra time consists of two 15-minute halves (30 minutes total). In hockey and basketball, overtime periods vary by league and competition rules. Extra time is only played if the match is tied after regulation time, and it's only used in specific competitions, not in regular league matches.
For betting purposes, most markets settle on regulation time only. If you bet on a team to win a cup final and the match is 1–1 after 90 minutes, your bet loses—even if that team wins 2–1 in extra time. However, some sportsbooks offer separate "extra time" markets or "to lift the trophy" markets that include overtime and penalties.
Penalty Shootouts: NO, They Don't Count
Penalty shootouts occur after extra time in football if the score is still tied. They are not part of regulation time or extra time and are not included in any standard betting market. If you bet on a team to win and the match goes to penalties, your bet is settled based on the regulation time and extra time score, not the penalty shootout result.
What Counts vs. What Doesn't in Regulation Time Betting
| Event | Counts in Regulation Time? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goal/Point in First Half | Yes | Any goal in the first 45 minutes counts |
| Goal/Point in Second Half | Yes | Any goal in the second 45 minutes counts |
| Goal During Stoppage Time | Yes | Injury time is part of regulation time |
| Goal in Extra Time | No | Extra time is separate; most bets don't include it |
| Goal After Overtime | No | Overtime is not part of regulation time |
| Goal from Penalty Shootout | No | Shootouts are not included in any standard market |
| Red Card in Regulation | Yes | Affects the match during regulation time |
| Corner Kick in Regulation | Yes | If betting on corners during regulation |
| Corner Kick in Extra Time | No | Unless the bet specifically includes extra time |
How Does Regulation Time Affect Betting Markets?
Regulation time is the settlement point for the vast majority of betting markets. Understanding how different bet types are affected is critical for making informed wagers.
Moneyline Bets: The Primary Regulation Time Market
Moneyline bets are the most common betting market, and they are almost always settled on regulation time only. There are two main variations:
Three-Way Moneyline: In this market, you can bet on Team A to win, Team B to win, or a Draw. This is the standard format for football betting. If the match ends in a tie after regulation time, the Draw option wins, and bets on either team lose. For example, if you bet England at -170 to beat France, and the match ends 1–1 after 90 minutes plus stoppage time, your bet loses. The draw bettor wins. Three-way moneylines are also available for hockey and basketball, where they're less common but offer useful options.
Two-Way Moneyline: In this market, you can only bet on Team A or Team B to win. If the match ends in a tie after regulation time, your bet pushes (is refunded). Two-way moneylines typically offer much better odds than three-way lines because you get the safety of a tie being refunded. For example, England might be -550 on a two-way line (vs. -170 on a three-way line) because you're protected against a draw.
Over/Under (Totals) Bets: Regulation Time Only
Over/under bets on goals, points, or other totals are settled on regulation time only. If you bet Under 2.5 goals in a football match and the final score is 1–1 after regulation time, you win your bet—even if the match goes to extra time and ends 2–1. The extra time goal doesn't count.
This is a critical distinction for bettors in knockout competitions. Many bettors are unaware that their over/under bets are settled at 90 minutes plus stoppage time, not including extra time.
Prop Bets: Regulation Time Default
Prop bets (proposition bets) include markets like exact score, anytime goalscorer, both teams to score, and corner counts. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all prop bets are settled on regulation time only.
For example:
- Exact Score: If you bet the final score is England 2, France 1, and it ends 1–1 after regulation with England winning 2–1 in extra time, your bet loses.
- Anytime Goalscorer: If you bet on a player to score, and they score in extra time, the bet wins (in most cases), but this depends on the sportsbook's specific rules.
- Corners: If you bet on over/under corners during a match, it typically counts regulation time only.
Always check the specific sportsbook's rules, as some prop markets may include extra time or have different settlement rules.
How Regulation Time Affects Odds
Regulation time has a dramatic effect on betting odds, particularly for moneyline bets. Here's why:
Favorites get worse odds on regulation-only bets because they're less likely to win in the shortened window. A strong team that would win 70% of full games might only win 55% of games in regulation time (before overtime/shootouts). This is because overtime and shootouts in hockey and basketball are essentially 50/50 propositions, so removing them hurts favorites more.
Underdogs get better odds on regulation-only bets for the opposite reason. An underdog that might win 30% of full games could win 40%+ of games in regulation time.
For example, in the NHL, data from 2011–2016 showed that 23.9% of regular-season games were decided in overtime or a shootout. This means roughly 1 in 4 games didn't have a winner at the end of 60 minutes. For a team favored to win, this is problematic—they have less time to secure victory. For an underdog, it's beneficial—they have a chance to tie and live to fight another day.
Regulation Time vs. Extra Time: What's the Difference?
These terms are often confused, but they are fundamentally different concepts.
Timing and Duration
Regulation time is the standard, fixed duration of play in every match:
- Football: 90 minutes (two 45-minute halves)
- Hockey: 60 minutes (three 20-minute periods)
- Basketball: 48 minutes (four 12-minute quarters)
Extra time is an additional period played only if regulation time ends in a tie, and it's used only in knockout competitions:
- Football: 30 minutes (two 15-minute halves)
- Hockey: 20 minutes (sudden-death overtime, one period)
- Basketball: 5 minutes (sudden-death overtime)
Extra time is not played in regular league matches. You'll only see it in cup competitions, playoffs, and tournament matches.
When Each Applies
Regulation time applies to every single match in every competition. Every bet is settled on regulation time unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Extra time applies only when:
- A knockout competition match (cup, playoff, tournament)
- The match is tied after regulation time
- The sportsbook offers an extra time market
Regulation Time vs. Extra Time Comparison
| Aspect | Regulation Time | Extra Time |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Fixed per sport (90 min, 60 min, 48 min) | Additional 30 min (football), 20 min (hockey), 5 min (basketball) |
| When Played | Every match | Only knockout matches; only if tied after regulation |
| Betting Settlement | Default for most markets | Only if sportsbook offers specific extra time market |
| Stoppage Time | Included (football) | Included (football) |
| Frequency | 100% of matches | ~20–25% of matches (only ties go to extra time) |
| Overtime Rules | N/A | May be sudden-death or other rules |
How Different Sportsbooks Handle Regulation Time
While regulation time is the standard settlement point across the betting industry, sportsbooks have some variations in how they present and manage these markets.
Default Settlement Rules
Most major sportsbooks settle all standard markets on regulation time only. This includes:
- Moneyline bets
- Over/under bets
- Prop bets (exact score, anytime goalscorer, etc.)
- Spread bets
The sportsbook will typically label these as "90-minute line" (for football), "60-minute line" (for hockey), or simply "regulation time." If a market includes extra time, it will be explicitly labeled as such, often with language like "includes extra time" or "to lift the trophy."
Specific Market Examples
Football / Soccer:
- 1x2 Market (Match Winner): Settled on 90 minutes plus stoppage time only. Does not include extra time or penalties.
- Over/Under Goals: Settled on 90 minutes plus stoppage time. Extra time goals don't count.
- Extra Time Markets: Some sportsbooks offer separate markets for extra time, settled only if the match reaches that stage.
Ice Hockey:
- Regulation Moneyline: Settled on 60 minutes only. Overtime and shootout results don't count.
- Full Game Moneyline: Settled on the final outcome including overtime and shootouts.
- Puck Line (Spread): Can be offered for either regulation time or full game, with different odds.
Basketball:
- Regulation Time Moneyline: Less common than in hockey, but available at some sportsbooks.
- Over/Under: Typically settled on regulation time only, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Common Misconceptions About Regulation Time
Misconception 1: "Stoppage Time Doesn't Count"
The Myth: Many new bettors believe that stoppage time (injury time) is separate from regulation time and doesn't count toward their bets.
The Fact: Stoppage time is an integral part of regulation time and always counts. If a goal is scored in the 94th minute of a football match (during stoppage time), it counts toward your moneyline bet, your over/under bet, and any prop bets. Stoppage time is not "extra"—it's the completion of the 90-minute regulation period.
Misconception 2: "Extra Time Counts on All Bets"
The Myth: Some bettors assume that all betting markets include extra time and overtime.
The Fact: The opposite is true. Most betting markets settle on regulation time only. Extra time is excluded from standard moneyline, over/under, and prop bets unless the sportsbook explicitly offers a separate extra time market or a "to lift the trophy" market. This is why bettors in knockout competitions need to be careful: a team can win in extra time, but if you bet on them to win in regulation time, your bet loses.
Misconception 3: "Regulation Time Betting Is Always Available"
The Myth: Bettors assume every sportsbook offers regulation time betting for all sports.
The Fact: While regulation time is the default settlement point, not all sportsbooks offer explicit regulation time markets for all sports. Regulation time betting is most common for football and hockey. Some sportsbooks may not clearly label regulation time markets, or may not offer them for certain leagues or competitions. Always check the specific sportsbook's rules before placing a bet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Regulation Time
Q: What is regulation time in football?
A: Regulation time in football is 90 minutes of play, divided into two 45-minute halves, plus any stoppage time (injury time) added by the referee. Stoppage time typically ranges from 1–5 minutes per half but can be longer in matches with significant disruptions. Regulation time does not include extra time or penalty shootouts.
Q: Does injury time count as part of regulation time?
A: Yes, absolutely. Injury time (stoppage time or added time) is always included in regulation time. If a goal is scored during injury time—say, in the 94th minute—it counts toward regulation time bets. Injury time is not separate; it's the completion of the 90-minute regulation period.
Q: Why do betting odds change for regulation time bets?
A: Betting odds change for regulation time bets because the probability of outcomes changes when overtime and shootouts are removed. Favorites are less likely to win in regulation time only (they have less time to secure victory), so their odds worsen. Underdogs are more likely to tie in regulation time, improving their odds. In hockey, approximately 23.9% of games go to overtime or a shootout, making regulation-only bets significantly different from full-game bets.
Q: Can I bet on regulation time results?
A: Yes. Most standard betting markets (moneyline, over/under, props) are settled on regulation time by default. You can also find specific regulation time markets at many sportsbooks, particularly for hockey and football. Some sportsbooks may require you to select a "regulation time only" option explicitly, while others make it the default.
Q: What happens if a game is tied after regulation time?
A: If a game is tied after regulation time, the outcome depends on the bet type and the sportsbook's rules:
- Three-Way Moneyline: The Draw option wins; bets on either team lose.
- Two-Way Moneyline: Your bet pushes (is refunded).
- Over/Under: Settled as is (if you bet Under and it's tied, you win; if you bet Over, you lose).
If the match goes to extra time or overtime, those results don't affect regulation time bets.
Q: How is regulation time different from extra time?
A: Regulation time is the standard, fixed duration of play in every match (90 minutes in football, 60 minutes in hockey, 48 minutes in basketball). Extra time is an additional period played only in knockout competitions if the match is tied after regulation. Extra time is not included in standard betting markets; you must place a separate bet if you want to include extra time results.
Q: Do penalties count in regulation time?
A: No. Penalty shootouts are not part of regulation time, extra time, or any standard betting market. They are a separate tiebreaker used only in football cup competitions. If you bet on a team to win and the match goes to penalties, your bet is settled based on the regulation time and extra time score, not the shootout result.
Q: Why is regulation time important for bettors?
A: Regulation time is crucial for bettors because it's the settlement point for the vast majority of betting markets. Understanding what counts as regulation time (including stoppage time but excluding extra time and penalties) is essential for making informed bets, particularly in football knockout competitions and hockey games. Misunderstanding regulation time can lead to unexpected bet losses or wins.
Related Terms
- Extra Time — The additional period played in knockout competitions if regulation time ends in a tie
- Full-Time Result — The final outcome of a match at the end of regulation time
- Method of Victory — How a match is decided (regulation, extra time, penalties)
- Moneyline — The primary betting market settled on regulation time
- Stoppage Time — The additional time added to regulation time for stoppages