Being the most popular sport on the planet, it’s no surprise that football also offers many possible variations for sports betting. Here on the StarsPay site, we have already explained how various market alternatives available on betting platforms work, such as correct score, method of goal, scorecast, draw no bet, corner bets, time slices bets, among others.
Now it’s time to talk about the “Half Time/Full Time” market, which can be found on most popular betting sites. By offering a simple variation on predicting the match result, this option can yield higher odds but also requires more research and increases the risk for users. It can be an option, for example, for teams that have a history of starting the game with a strong pace or, conversely, for those that usually recover in the second half.
How Does It Work?
In the world of sports betting, this market is also known by the acronym “HT/FT”. The goal is to correctly predict the outcome of the match at both half-time and full-time within the same bet, whether it be an advantage for one of the teams or a draw. Thus, there is a possibility that after the first 45 minutes of the game, the user may have already lost the bet. To seek victory, it is necessary to follow until the end of the game, with the second half potentially being even more exciting if the half-time prediction has been successful.
To better understand how this line relates to regular match odds, let’s look at an example involving a game between Fluminense and Palmeiras in the Brazilian main league this Wednesday (24). Despite playing away, Palmeiras is the favorite. On a popular betting site, their odds for a win are 2.20. In the half-time/full-time market, the option “Palmeiras – Palmeiras” offers odds of 3.60. In this case, the São Paulo team would need to be winning at half-time and finish the match also winning. In the same market, the option “Draw – Palmeiras” offers odds of 5.50 if the game is tied at half-time and ends with a victory for the green and white team.
With the extra condition required to win the bet, the odds are already higher, but they become an even greater return in the case of a comeback. For example, if Palmeiras finishes the first half winning but loses the match, that is, the option “Palmeiras – Fluminense,” the bettor would receive a return of 34 to 1 on their bet. Conversely, “Fluminense – Palmeiras” has odds of 26 on a popular platform.
Possible Combinations
While the HT/FT market is available on most major betting sites, an alternative to this type of bet is somewhat less popular but can result in even higher odds. It is the combination of half-time/full-time with the correct score of the match. Still using the example of the match between Fluminense and Palmeiras, see how this type of bet works and the odds that can be found.
For instance, at one operator, betting that Fluminense will be winning 1-0 at half-time and finish the match 1-0 offers odds of 15. The same scenario for Palmeiras would pay 13 to 1. In the case of a comeback, as previously mentioned, there are options with even greater returns. For example, a 1-0 advantage for Palmeiras at half-time and a final score of 2-1 for Fluminense has odds of 51. Or in a more extreme case, a comeback with a comfortable victory, 1-0 for Fluminense at half-time and a final score of 3-1 for Palmeiras would pay 96 for every 1 bet.
Understanding and mastering the HT/FT market can add an exciting dimension to your sports betting strategy. However, it’s important to remember that the increased odds come with increased risks. Always bet responsibly and within your financial limits.
