When browsing football betting markets, certain abbreviations might appear unclear at first. One that shows up regularly is BTTS, which you’ll often see across various fixtures and leagues.
This blog post introduces what BTTS stands for, how the basic market functions, the different types you might come across, and common points of confusion that sometimes lead to misinterpretation. It also highlights why many in the UK find this market appealing.
Read on to learn more.
What Does BTTS Mean in Football Betting?
BTTS stands for Both Teams to Score. At its core, it’s a straightforward question—will each side get on the scoresheet?
When viewing this market, you’ll see two choices: Yes or No. If you go with Yes, you’re backing the idea that both teams will score at least once. If you go with No, you believe at least one team won’t find the net during regular time.
Because of its direct nature, many find BTTS a clear and accessible entry point into football markets.
How Does a BTTS Bet Work?
A standard BTTS bet focuses on what happens during normal time—that means the 90 minutes plus injury time. The actual winner of the match doesn’t affect the outcome for this market.
If you’re considering this option, any scoreline where each team scores at least once would satisfy a Yes selection—whether it’s 1-1, 3-2, or something more dramatic like 5-4. In contrast, results such as 1-0 or 0-0 wouldn’t meet the requirement, because one side failed to score.
You can include BTTS as a single or as part of wider combinations like accumulators or custom bet builders. Some versions offer a more focused take on this concept, such as isolating specific halves or combining it with other outcomes. These will be explained further shortly.
Before placing any selection, it’s worth taking a moment to check your bet slip to see which time period is being used—this becomes especially important with the alternative BTTS types.
Different Types of BTTS Markets
BTTS doesn’t always apply to the whole match. In fact, some versions apply the same question—will both sides score?—but narrow it to certain sections of the game or attach it to another outcome entirely.
At first glance, these might look similar, but the way they’re settled depends on the specific details of each version. Here's a closer look at the main ones.
BTTS and Win
This version involves more than just goals. Rather than focusing only on both teams scoring, it asks whether both will score and which team will win.
So, if you were to choose BTTS and Win on Team A:
- A 2-1 win for Team A would work.
- A 1-0 win wouldn’t, because only one side scored.
- A 2-2 draw wouldn’t count either, even though both teams scored, because the win element wasn’t met.
Because you’re linking two outcomes, goals at both ends and a win, the return tends to be higher than if you backed either part on its own. This market suits those who have a particular outcome in mind, but also anticipate a game with chances for both teams.
If your focus is more on the timing of the goals than the overall result, the next markets may be of interest.
BTTS in First Half
Here, it’s not about the full match—just the opening 45 minutes (plus first-half injury time).
For a selection to settle as a Yes, both teams must score before the break. So, if the score is 1-1 at half-time, the bet wins—regardless of what happens afterwards.
Due to the shorter window, first-half BTTS prices are typically higher than the standard full-time market. It’s worth noting that any goals scored after the interval won’t count here.
BTTS in Second Half
This version shifts attention to the final 45 minutes. Goals scored in the first half are not relevant.
So, a goalless first half followed by a 2-1 second half would land a Yes selection. But if both teams scored before the break and the second half finished 0-0, this version would not land.
The pattern of a team’s matches often plays a role in these variations—some sides start quickly, while others come to life later on. Once you know which part of the game is in focus, the principles for settlement stay consistent.
When Does a BTTS Bet Win or Lose?
The outcome hinges on each team scoring at least once in the time frame your selection covers. You’re not looking for a specific number of goals—just a minimum of one from each side.
For the standard market:
- Results like 1-1, 2-2, or 4-3 all mean Yes wins.
- Scores like 0-0 or 1-0 mean No wins, as at least one side didn’t score.
For first-half and second-half versions, the same logic applies—but only for the relevant 45-minute segment. As long as both teams score within that specific period, a Yes bet is successful.
Understanding the timing aspect helps clarify which scores count and which don’t.
Why Do Bettors Choose BTTS Markets?
Part of the appeal of BTTS is that it removes the need to predict who will win. Instead, you’re focused on whether both teams will get a goal. That opens up a different way of thinking—one that looks at the style of play, goal trends, or how teams typically approach matches.
Those who explore this market may do so when:
- Both sides are known for creating and converting chances.
- Defensive records suggest the possibility of conceding.
- Tactical set-ups hint at space being left at the back, especially when both teams play on the front foot.
An additional factor is that BTTS can remain unsettled until late in the game. If one side scores early, the other still has time to respond—which keeps things open until the final whistle.
It’s best seen as one option among many, not something that guarantees outcomes. A measured approach helps keep expectations realistic.
Common Misconceptions About BTTS
Several assumptions about BTTS can trip people up, particularly when it comes to what’s included and what isn’t:
- Extra time and penalties are excluded in the standard market. Only the 90 minutes plus injury time count—unless stated otherwise.
- An early goal doesn’t guarantee both teams will score. A change in game state can affect how the rest of the match unfolds.
- High-profile fixtures aren’t guaranteed to see action at both ends—strong attacking line-ups may still cancel each other out.
- Own goals count toward BTTS, as long as they’re officially recorded. Disallowed goals do not.
The clearest way to know what applies is by reading the market description—your bet slip will confirm what version you’re selecting and which time frame is relevant.
Is BTTS a Popular Market in the UK?
BTTS has become a familiar choice across UK football—from Premier League clashes and Championship match-ups to European ties and internationals.
You’ll often see it featured in accumulators, bet builders, and as a standalone selection. Many who follow trends and focus on team scoring patterns turn to this market, as it allows for a different angle—one that’s not tied to picking a winner.
If you choose to place a BTTS bet, using available tools to help you stay within your own personal boundaries is always worthwhile. The better you understand the market, the easier it becomes to make informed decisions—allowing you to follow matches more clearly while keeping responsible gambling practices in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.