What is BTTS (Both Teams to Score) betting?

Scott Allen
26 September 2024

Both teams to score, or BTTS as it is abbreviated, is one of the simplest forms of betting on the market.

If you believe that both teams will score during a match you select ‘yes’ on the betting slip, or ‘no’, if you don’t think that will happen.

The result doesn’t matter in BTTS; if you’ve selected ‘yes’ on BTTS you just need both sides to score at least one goal during the game for it to become a winning bet. For example, a tedious 1-1 draw with BTTS is still a winner.

Both teams to score odds will be short if placed as a single, so there will be more value adding BTTS into an acca or bet builder.

BTTS can be won within a matter of minutes or last until the final whistle, which adds an extra slice of entertainment or tension.

BTTS are not restricted to football, and are used across a wide variety of team-based sports.

Variety of both teams to score bets

For those wishing to enhance their odds, BTTS can be more than just the simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ options.

Betting on these varied BTTS markets can enhance options but also adds a bigger element of risk as they are harder to win.

BTTS and win:

Bettors have to predict if both teams will score and also who will win the match

BTTS in both halves:

The bettor needs both teams to score in the first half and the second half for a winning bet.

If it does land you’ve got yourself one hell of a game, with at least four goals if you selected the ‘yes’ option. This is tough to predict but will come with higher odds.

BTTS and over/under:

Once again this means selecting if both teams will score but now predicting whether the total goals scored will be over or under a specific number.

What are the best strategies for BTTS?

Knowledge of the teams and their form coming into the match is key, and you should always crunch the data before making your selections.

Selecting a ‘both teams to score - yes’ bet, is already pushing your expectations to a match with goals.

Others factors you should also consider:

Recent form:

Teams on a hot-streak, run of bad luck or just can’t buy a goal if their life depended on it, is where you want to be looking when it comes to BTTS.

But don’t just consider current performances, historical data must also be taken into account. However good the form, some teams will always trip up against their bogey side.

Team analysis:

Are the strikers in tip-top form? Is the dead-ball specialist injured? Do the defence look like they’ve just met in the car park 10 minutes before the game? All questions you should be asking yourself when it comes to BTTS.

For example, attacking teams that regularly score goals but are leaky at the back should be high on your list for BTTS - yes.

Be wary of matches where you are expecting one side to totally dominate as their opposition might struggle to even have a shot - BTTS - no, might be a better option

Head to heads:

Managers and players might come and go, but some matches between certain teams will always throw up high-energy goal thrillers or lifeless snooze fests. Keep an eye on those trends.

Big matches:

Cup finals, relegation six-pointers and local derbies often have their fair share of both teams to score bets landing. But sometimes these can be cagey affairs, and stalemates or dull 1-0 are not uncommon.

Positives of BTTS

- Simple bet to place

- Several BTTS markets to enhance odds

- Value to be found when adding to bet builder or acca

- Accessibility of form and head-to-records makes BTTS easy to research

- Games with goals are common, 0-0 draws are not

- More value can be found in BTTS - no

- Available in the majority of matches across all levels

- Not limited to football

Negatives of BTTS

- Odds for ‘BTTS - yes’ can be short

- Limited value outside of bet builders and accas

Both Teams to Score FAQs

What is both teams to score (BTTS)?

Both Teams to score (BTTS) is a bet where the punter believes both teams will score at least one goal during a match. The betting line will usually looks like ‘Both Teams to Score - Yes’

What is both teams not to score?

The opposite of a punter betting on both teams to score, this time they believe that at least one team will keep a clean sheet. The betting line will usually looks like ‘Both Teams to Score - No’

Does BTTS work in extra time?

No, it’s only for the 90 minutes and any additional time at the end of that. Extra-time BTTS is not generally an option unless some bookmakers clearly state that as an option.

What are good odds for BTTS?

Depending on the match, anything above 1/2 or 1/1 could be considered good options.