Smarkets general betting rules (1-11) will apply unless superseded by the Terms and Conditions or sports specific betting rules.

12.   Football rules

12.1   Football markets apply to the standard length of 90 minutes including stoppage/injury time unless stated otherwise. Markets for standard 90-minute games do not take extra-time or penalty shootouts into account.

12.2   For Friendly matches, all bets apply to the full duration of regular time play according to the match officials. Markets for these matches do not take extra time or penalty shootouts into account. In the case of ambiguity over the official result, the outcome will be determined using information from independent sources.

12.3   Where a team is playing at their home stadium, this team will be listed first on the Smarkets website. In the case the home team is incorrectly listed second, all bets matched prior to this being corrected will be voided. In games played at neutral venues, or in International competitions, the teams may be listed in either order. Change of venue rules apply.

12.4   If a football match is not properly completed, cancelled or otherwise abandoned, and is not completed within the 36-hour period as defined in general rules 6.1 and 6.3, markets will be voided, except for bets on any markets that have been unconditionally determined. (i.e. half-time markets if the match is abandoned in the second half).

In order to reduce the time bets are kept active when the status of a match is unclear, if no information is received from Smarkets data sources regarding when a match will be resumed or replayed within 3 hours of the postponement or abandonment, all bets on undetermined markets will be voided at this point. If information later emerges that the match will be completed within 36 hours, these bets will not be reinstated.

12.5   Types of Football Markets Offered

12.5.1   Full-time result: This market will be settled on which team has won after regular time has expired or if there is a draw.

12.5.2   Correct score: This market will be settled on the correct score after regular time has expired.

12.5.3   Total goals: This market will be settled on the sum of the goals for each team during regular time.

12.5.4   Half-time/full-time winners: This market will be settled on the result at half-time, including stoppage time from the first half, and the result at end of regular time, including stoppage time.

12.5.5   Team to score in both halves: This market will be settled on whether the team scores in regular time (including stoppage time) in both halves of the event.

12.5.6   Team to win  both halves: This market will be settled on whether the team scores more goals than their opposition in both the first and the second half (including stoppage time).

12.5.7   Both teams score: This market will be settled on whether both teams will score over the course of the 90 minutes (including stoppage time).

12.5.8   Team Clean Sheet: This market will be settled on whether the stated team keeps a clean sheet (doesn't concede a goal) over the course of the 90 minutes (including stoppage time).

12.5.9   Winner and Both Team to Score: This market will be settled on the winner of the match combined with a prediction on whether both teams will score over the course of the 90 minutes (including stoppage time).

12.5.10   Both Teams to Score and over 2.5: This market will be settled on whether both teams will score over the course of the 90 minutes (including stoppage time) combined with a prediction on whether the total number of goals will be above or below 2.5.

12.5.11   Winner and over 2.5: This market will be settled on the winner of the match combined with a prediction on whether the total number of goals over the course of the 90 minutes (including stoppage time) will be above or below 2.5.

12.5.12   Half-time result and score markets: These markets will be settled based on the result of the game when the half-time whistle is blown (regular time plus any stoppage time).

12.5.13   Over/Under Goals: These markets will settle based on the number of goals scored at the end of regular time and any stoppage time. Penalties or extra-time will not be included.

12.5.14 Asian Handicaps: These markets will settle based on the final score at the end of regular time and any stoppage time. For full goal asian handicaps (ending .0) should the result be a draw after taking the handicap into account all bets would be void.

12.5.15  First Goalscorer: This market will be settled based on which player scores first during regular time and any stoppage time. Bets will be voided on players who take no part in the match or who come on as substitute after the first goal is scored. Own goals do not count for this market, if the first goal of the game is an own goal the next goal will be used for settlement purposes. Subsequent appeals or rulings will not be considered.

12.5.16  Last Goalscorer: This market will be settled based on which player scores last during regular time and any stoppage time. Bets will be voided on players who take no part in the match. Own goals do not count for this market, if the last goal of the game is an own goal the previous goal will be used for settlement purposes. Subsequent appeals or rulings will not be considered.

12.5.17  Anytime Goalscorer: This market will be settled based on all players who scored at any time during the regular time and any stoppage time. Bets will be voided on players who take no part in the match. Own goals do not count for this market. Subsequent appeals or rulings will not be considered.

12.5.18  Team First Goalscorer: This market will be settled based on which player scores the first goal for their respective team during regular time and any stoppage time. Bets will be voided on players who take no part in the match. Own goals do not count for this market. Subsequent appeals or rulings will not be considered.

12.5.19  Draw No Bet: This market will be settled on the full-time result. In the event of a draw all bets will be voided.

12.5.20  To advance markets: For tournaments featuring single-elimination and similar formats, this market will be settled on a match's final result, including extra time or penalties.

12.5.21. Over/under Cards: These markets will settle based on the number of cards shown over the course of the 90 minutes (including stoppage time). Yellow card counts as 1, straight red card counts as 2, one yellow card and one straight red card counts as 3, two yellow cards leading to a red card as 3.  Maximum card count per player is 3. Please note that cards shown to any player not taking part in the game (f.e. substitutes or substituted players including) or team managers do not count towards the total.

12.5.22. Over/Under Corners: These markets will settle based on the number of corners taken over the course of the 90 minutes (including stoppage time).

12.5.23. Method of Qualification: This market will be settled on the winner of the match combined with a prediction on whether a match will be decided in regular time, extra time or via a penalty shootout.

12.5.24. Extra time Over/Under goals: These markets will settle based on the number of goals scored during extra time. Goals scored in a penalty shootout will not be included.

12.5.25 Double Chance: This market will be settled after regular time, based on which team has won or if there is a draw. 

12.5.26 Total Goals Odd/Even: This market will settle based on the sum of the goals scored in regular time (including stoppage time). In the event of zero goals being scored in this match, the result will be settled as Even.

12.5.27 Teams to Score: Will the named team score in regular time (including stoppage time).

12.5.28 First/ Second Half Over/Under Goals: These markets will settle based on the number of goals scored at the end of the named half including any stoppage time. 

12.5.29 Both teams score in First/ Second Half: This market will be settled on whether both teams will score over the course of the named half including any stoppage time.

12.5.30 Team to score in First/ Second Half: This market will be settled on whether the team scores in the named half (including stoppage time).

12.5.31 First/ Second Half Goals Odd/Even: This market will settle based on the sum of the goals scored in the named half (including stoppage time). In the event of zero goals being scored in a half, the result will be settled as Even.

12.5.32 First Half Result and Both Team to Score: This market will be settled on the winner of the first half combined with a prediction on whether both teams will score in the first half (including stoppage time).

12.5.33 First half result/ Total Goals: This market will be settled on the winner of the first half combined with a prediction on whether the total number of goals in the first half (including stoppage time) will be above or below named total. 

12.5.34 Both teams score in Both Halves: This market will be settled on whether both teams will score in both the first half of the match, including stoppage time and the second half of the match, including stoppage time. 

12.5.35 Team to Win to Nil: This market will be settled on whether the named team wins the match while keeping a clean sheet. 

12.5.36 Team Over/ Under: These markets will settle based on the number of goals scored at the end of regular time (including stoppage time) by the named team. 

12.5.37 Team to Win Either Half: This market will be settled on whether the named team scores more goals than their opposition in either the first or the second half (including stoppage time).

12.5.38 Team Highest Scoring Half: Which half will the named team score more goals in regular time (including stoppage time). 

12.5.39 Team Goals Odd/Even: This market will settle based on the number of the goals scored in regular time (including stoppage time) by the named team. In the event of the named team scoring zero goals, the result will be settled as Even.

12.5.40 Second Half Result: This market will be settled on the result of the second half of the match only.

12.5.41 Half Time Double Chance: This market will be settled after the first half has been completed, based on which team has won or whether there is a draw.

12.5.42 A Red Card in the Match: This market will be settled for Yes should a Red Card be awarded, either by being receiving two yellow cards or one red card, in regular time (including stoppage time). Please note that cards awarded to any player not taking part in the game (f.e. substitutes or substituted players including) or team managers do not count towards the total. 

12.5.43 A Penalty in the Match: This markets will be settled based on whether a Penalty is taken in regular time (including stoppage time). Penalties awarded, but not taken will not count in this market.

12.5.44 To Score/ Miss A Penalty: These markets will be settled based on whether a Penalty is scored or missed during regular time (including stoppage time). If a penalty is retaken that would be used to determine its outcome.

12.5.45 Corner Asian Handicaps: These markets will settle based on the team with the most corners after applying the handicap at the end of regular time (including stoppage time). For full point asian handicaps (ending .0) should the result be a draw after taking the handicap into account all bets would be void. Corners awarded but not taken do not count.

12.5.46 Corners Handicaps: These markets will settle based on the team with the most corners after applying the handicap at the end of regular time (including stoppage time). Corners awarded but not taken do not count. 

12.5.47 First Match Corner: This market will settle based on the team to take the first corner in the match. Corners awarded, but not taken do not count.

12.5.48 Last Match Corner: This market will settle based on the team to take the last corner in the match. Corners awarded, but not taken do not count. 

12.5.49 Team Corners Over/ Under: These markets will settle based on the number of corners taken by the named team over the course of the 90 minutes (including stoppage time). Corners awarded but not taken will not count.

12.5.50 First Half Corners Over/ Under: These markets will settle based on the number of corners taken over the course of the 90 minutes (including stoppage time).

12.5.51 Most Cards in the Match: This market will settle based on which team is awarded the most cards in the match. Yellow card counts as 1, straight red card counts as 2, one yellow card and one straight red card counts as 3, two yellow cards leading to a red card as 3. Please note that cards awarded to any player not taking part in the game (f.e. substitutes or substituted players including) or team managers do not count towards the total.

12.5.52 Cards Asian Handicap: This market will settle based on which team to be awarded the most cards in the match after applying the handicap. Yellow card counts as 1, straight red card counts as 2, one yellow card and one straight red card counts as 3, two yellow cards leading to a red card as 3. Please note that cards awarded to any player not taking part in the game (f.e. substitutes or substituted players including) or team managers do not count towards the total. For full point asian handicaps (ending .0) should the result be a draw after taking the handicap into account all bets would be void.

12.5.53 Team Cards Over/under: These markets will settle based on the number of cards awarded over the course of the 90 minutes (including stoppage time) to the named team. Yellow card counts as 1, straight red card counts as 2, one yellow card and one straight red card counts as 3, two yellow cards leading to a red card as 3. Maximum card count per player is 3. Please note that cards awarded to any player not taking part in the game (f.e. substitutes or substituted players including) or team managers do not count towards the total.

12.5.54 Both Teams to Receive a Card: This market will settle based on whether each team is awarded at least one card during the match. Please note that cards awarded to any player not taking part in the game (f.e. substitutes or substituted players including) or team managers do not count towards the total.

12.5.55 Both Teams to Receive 2+ Card: This market will settle based on whether each team is awarded at least two cards during the match. Yellow card counts as 1, straight red card counts as 2, one yellow card and one straight red card counts as 3, two yellow cards leading to a red card as 3. Maximum card count per player is 3. Please note that cards awarded to any player not taking part in the game (f.e. substitutes or substituted players including) or team managers do not count towards the total.

12.5.56 To Score 2/3+: These market will be settled based on all players who score at least the number of goals noted in the market during the regular time and any stoppage time. Bets will be voided on players who take no part in the match. Own goals do not count for this market. Subsequent appeals or rulings will not be considered.

12.5.57 Team Last Goalscorer: This market will be settled based on which player scores the last goal for their respective team during regular time and any stoppage time. Bets will be voided on players who take no part in the match. Own goals do not count for this market. Subsequent appeals or rulings will not be considered.

12.5.58 Multi Scorers: These market will be settled based on all players who score at least the number of goals noted in the market during the regular time and any stoppage time. Bets will be voided on players who take no part in the match. Own goals do not count for this market. Subsequent appeals or rulings will not be considered.

12.5.59 Player to be Booked: This market will be settled based on all players who are booked at any time during the result time and any stoppage time. Bets will be voided on players who take no part in the match. Please note that cards awarded to any player not taking part in the game (f.e. substitutes or substituted players including) or team managers do not count towards the total.

12.5.60 Player to be Sent Off: This market will be settled based on all players who are sent off, either by being receiving two yellow cards or one red card, at any time during regular time (including stoppage time). Bets will be voided on players who take no part in the match. Please note that cards awarded to any player not taking part in the game (f.e. substitutes or substituted players including) or team managers do not count towards the total.

12.5.61 First player Booked: This market will be settled based on which player is booked first during regular time and any stoppage time. Bets will be voided on players who take no part in the match or who come on as substitute after the first yellow card is shown. In the event of two or more players being booked for the same incident the player who is first awarded a card by the referee will be deemed as the winner. Subsequent appeals or rulings will not be considered. Please note that cards awarded to any player not taking part in the game (f.e. substitutes or substituted players including) or team managers do not count this market.

12.5.62 Player Shots on Target 0.5/1.5/2.5: These markets will be settled based on all players who have had at least the number of shots on target noted in the market during the regular time and stoppage time. Bets will be voided on players who take no part in the match. Shots on their own goal do not count for this market. Subsequent appeals or rulings will not be considered.

12.5.63 Anytime Assist: This market will be settled based on all players who assisted at any time during the regular time and any stoppage time. Bets will be voided on players who take no part in the match. Passes that lead to own goals do not count for this market. Subsequent appeals or rulings will not be considered.

12.6   Accumulators

12.6.1 If one selection is voided, the odds of the multiple bet will be reduced to account for the voided selection.

12.7   Outright markets

12.7.1   A season or competition is declared as started once the the first game of the scheduled season or competition has begun.

12.7.2   If a team is thrown out, disqualified or otherwise removed from a league, one of two actions will apply:

• If this happens prior to the relevant season/tournament starting, all bets on affected markets will be voided.
• If this happens after the relevant season/tournament has started, affected markets will stand and the team will be deemed to be relegated/eliminated and all bets on that team will be settled accordingly (assuming that before the end of the season/tournament said team is not reinstated).

12.7.3   For 'Top Goalscorer' markets only the goals scored in the league or competition stated in the quoted division/ tournament count. For example, if a player joins a club during the season, goals scored in a different league will not count, however goals scored in the same league for a different club will count. Own goals will not count nor will goals scored in penalty shootouts. All bets stand whether or not the chosen player plays any minutes of football in the stated competition or season. Dead heat rules apply.

12.7.4   'Outright Winner' markets will be settled on the final position/points total of teams at the completion of all scheduled matches. In the event of two or more teams tying the result will be determined by the official result of the governing body. Dead heat rules apply.

12.7.5  If one or more venues due to host a tournament or competition or the entire host nation or nations are changed either prior to or during said competition, all bets on outright markets will stand and will not be voided.

12.8   Instant match

12.8.1 For the purposes of football, we deem a material event to be one of: goal, penalty, red card.

12.8.2 For the purposes of football, we deem a set-piece event to be either a corner or a free-kick deemed dangerous by our data feed.

12.8.3 If no data relating to a material or set-piece event is received in the Pending period following an order execution, the bet is confirmed.

12.8.4 If data is received indicating that there is a material event potentially occurring (possible goal, possible penalty, possible red card), we halt the markets, and extend the period of pending confirmation for all bets in pending state.

12.8.4.1 If subsequent data indicates this event did not actually happen (no goal, no penalty, no red card), we resume the markets and confirm the bets in a pending state. 

12.8.4.2 If subsequent data indicates this event did happen (confirmed goal, confirmed penalty, confirmed red card), we resume the markets and void the bets in a pending state.

12.8.5  If data is received indicating there is a significant set-piece occurring (corner kick, free-kick in a dangerous pitch zone), we extend the period of pending confirmations for all bets in pending state, but do not halt the markets.

12.8.6.1  If subsequent data indicates the set-piece has ended (defending team regain possession, ball goes safe, other non-goal event occurs), we confirm the bets in a pending state.

12.8.6.2  If subsequent data indicates the set-piece has lead directly to a goal, we void the bets in a pending state.

12.8.7.1   If data is received indicating that a decision (possible goal, possible penalty, possible red card) will be reviewed using VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology, we halt the markets, and extend the period of pending confirmation for all bets in pending state.

12.8.7.2   If subsequent data indicates this event did not actually happen (no goal, no penalty, no red card), we resume the markets and confirm the bets in a pending state.

12.8.7.3   If subsequent data indicates this event did happen (confirmed goal, confirmed penalty, confirmed red card), we resume the markets and void the bets in a pending state.

12.8.7.4   If subsequent data indicates that a goal, penalty or red card is reversed after review, we resume the markets and any markets that were determined will be unsettled.

12.8.7.5   If we are notified by our data provider that our data feed is unreliable, we extend the pending period of all bets in a pending state. The pending period will resume upon receipt of confirmation from our data provider that our data feed is again reliable. 

Last modified: October 13th, 2022