Outright markets, also known as ante-post markets, are long-term betting options in football that involve predicting the winner of a competition, the top goal scorer, or other season-long outcomes. These markets can add an extra level of excitement and anticipation to your football betting experience, as you’re not only invested in individual matches but also in the overall performance of teams and players throughout the season. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of outright markets, their advantages and disadvantages, and provide examples to help you understand these betting options better.
Types of Outright Markets
There are several types of outright markets available in football betting:
- Winner: Betting on which team will win a specific competition, such as the Premier League, FA Cup, or Champions League.
- Top Goal Scorer: Betting on which player will score the most goals in a specific competition or league.
- Relegation: Betting on which teams will be relegated from a league at the end of the season.
- Top 4 or Top 6 Finish: Betting on which teams will finish in the top 4 or top 6 positions in a league, often used for predicting Champions League or Europa League qualification.
- Winning Margin: Betting on how many points will separate the league winner from the second-placed team at the end of the season.
Advantages of Outright Markets
Outright markets offer several advantages:
- Higher odds: As outright markets involve predicting long-term outcomes, the odds are generally higher than for individual match betting.
- Longer-term excitement: Betting on outright markets can provide excitement and anticipation throughout the entire season, as you follow the progress of your selected teams or players.
- Early value: Placing bets on outright markets before the start of a season or competition can sometimes offer better value, as the odds may change significantly once the season begins.
Disadvantages of Outright Markets
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Longer waiting times: As outright markets are settled at the end of a season or competition, you may have to wait several months to know the result of your bet.
- Increased risk: Outright markets can be more unpredictable than individual match betting, as many factors can influence the outcome over the course of a season, such as injuries, transfers, or changes in form.
- Tied-up funds: As your money is tied up for a longer period, you may have less flexibility to place other bets or manage your bankroll.
Example of an Outright Bet
Let’s consider an example of an outright bet on the Premier League winner:
- Before the start of the Premier League season, a bookmaker offers the following fractional odds for the outright winner:
- Manchester City: 4/5
- Liverpool: 9/4
- Chelsea: 6/1
- Manchester United: 8/1
- Tottenham Hotspur: 16/1
- Arsenal: 20/1
- You believe that Liverpool has a good chance of winning the Premier League this season, so you place a £100 bet on them at odds of 9/4.
- Throughout the season, you follow Liverpool’s progress closely, cheering them on during their matches and keeping an eye on the league table.
- At the end of the season, Liverpool indeed finishes top of the Premier League, securing the title.
- Your outright bet is successful, and your return would be: (£100 x 9/4) + £100 = £325 (including your original stake).
Conclusion
Outright markets offer an exciting and potentially lucrative way to bet on football, focusing on long-term outcomes such as competition winners, top goal scorers, and relegation. These markets can provide longer-term excitement and the opportunity for higher odds compared to individual match betting. However, it’s essential to be aware of the longer waiting times, increased risk, and tied-up funds associated with these betting options.
As with all forms of gambling, it’s crucial to bet responsibly and within your means. When betting on outright markets, consider doing thorough research on the teams, players, and factors that could influence the outcome over the course of a season. By understanding the different types of outright markets and weighing their advantages and disadvantages, you can make informed decisions when placing your bets and potentially enhance your long-term football betting experience.