What is an Odd Even Bet? Odd Even Bet Explained
Mike Goodpaster Last Verified
01/09/2026
An odd even bet refers to a wager that predicts the total number of points or goals scored in a match or series of matches and breaks it down into two distinct possibilities – a total number that is odd or a total number that is even. These simple bets can be found on most bookmakers offered through our site.
How is an Odd Even Bet used in Sports Betting?
Odd even betting is a relatively new option in sports betting and has become popular, largely due to the simplicity of the bet. It can be applied to any sports that have points or goals that increase throughout the event – and it is particularly favored in soccer betting.
To find a match to odd even bet head to our odds comparison page. There we have every soccer match from leagues across the globe as well as live odds compared from multiple different sportsbooks.
If a match between Sweden and England ends 1-0 then the ‘odd’ bet would be the winner. If the match ended 1-1 then the ‘even’ bet would be the winner. Special points to note with an odd even bet is that if a match has a scoreline of 0-0 it is considered an ‘even’ – and, as with many bets relating to soccer, the bet relates to the score at the end of the regular 90 minutes so extra time and penalties don’t count.
As with other markets, odd even betting is available for half time and full time results and can also be enjoyed as in-play betting where the odds would be changing all the time.
Watch: What is an Odd Even Bet & How it Works?
Odd Even Bet in Sports Betting Explained & How to Bet 📖 ✍️
Real-life example
Say you are looking at an MLS regular-season game between two mid-table sides. The sportsbook offers the following odd/even market on total goals scored:
Odd: +100 | Even: -110
You decide to bet on odd. You place a $50 stake - that is the amount of money you risk on the bet. At odds of +100, a winning bet returns $1 profit for every $1 wagered. So a $50 stake at +100 pays $50 in profit, giving you a total payout of $100 ($50 profit plus your original $50 stake back).
The game ends 2-1. Add the goals together: 2 + 1 = 3. Three is an odd number, so your bet wins. You collect $100. If the game had ended 1-1 (total: 2, which is even) or 2-0 (total: 2, even), you would lose your $50 stake.
Now consider the other side. A bettor who took "even" at -110 would need to stake $110 to win $100 in profit. That gap - paying $110 to win $100 instead of $100 to win $100 - is where the sportsbook's edge lives. Both sides cannot be equally priced and still generate profit for the book.
What is Odds or Goals betting?
The market for odds or even goals is one that predicts whether the total goals scored in a match by both teams will either be even (divided into two) or odd, (not divided into two).Because of the higher odds, players love to bet on Odd or Even Goals.
It is hard to predict the outcome in the market as one goal can change your betslip's outcome from a winning to losing. This is why the majority of goodbetters stay away from such options
Odds and evens will have odds of 1.9, which gives the bookie a slight edge over players. However, it is possible to beat them if you do statistical analysis before placing your bets.
Odd Even goals stats
If you want to have two options, you should place your bets on the odd or betting market. If you are passionate about statistics, it's possible to make a long-term profit by analysing these dat
Statistics are key to winning on the odd/even market because they give you trends about how different teams perform. Many data points are available on past results of odd/even goals, including stats from different sites such as basketball betting sites or football betting sites.
These websites show you the trends of different teams to finish with odd and even. However, there is no guarantee that the match will end in your favor. An analysis of final score statistics can be used to determine whether a match will end with an odd number or an even number of goals. If you don't like to do a lot of analysis, this may not be the right market for you. You will only make 1.9x your money back if you do not spend a lot of time researching to make a profit with odd or goals.
Is odd/even betting available for live betting?
Yes, odd/even betting is widely available in live, in-play markets at most major sportsbooks. Rather than placing your bet before kick-off, live odd/even lets you wager on whether the total number of goals or points will be odd or even while the game is already underway. The odds shift constantly as the action develops, so a fixture sitting at 1-0 will see the odd and even prices move every time a goal goes in or as time runs down.
This creates opportunities that pre-match betting does not offer. For example, if a low-scoring game is heading into its final stages at 1-0, an odd outcome is looking likely, and the live odds will reflect that. You can use what you have seen in the match so far, such as the tempo, chances created, and how both teams are set up, to make a more informed call than you could before the game started. As with all live betting, timing matters, since the value on offer can change in seconds after a goal, so acting quickly when you spot a price you like is key.
What sports allow odd/even betting?
Odd/even betting is offered across a wide range of sports, since any sport with a countable score can support the market. It is most popular in football, where goal totals stay relatively low and are easier to predict, but it is a common option in many other sports too. The exact wording may change from one sport to another, based on goals, points, runs, or games, but the principle is always the same.
- Football (soccer): The most popular sport for odd/even, based on the total number of goals in a match, half, or full time.
- Basketball: Based on the total combined points, often available on quarters and halves as well as the full game.
- American football: Based on total points scored, available across quarters, halves, and the full game.
- Ice hockey: Based on the total number of goals, a natural fit given the lower-scoring nature of the sport.
- Baseball: Based on the total number of runs scored across the game.
- Tennis: Based on the total number of games played in a set or match.
- Cricket: Based on total runs, and sometimes available on specific overs or innings.
Availability varies by sportsbook and by individual event, so it is always worth checking the market for your chosen game. Football remains the go-to option for most odd/even bettors thanks to its low-scoring nature and the sheer volume of matches available to bet on.
How to find value in betting odds
The best way to make money with sports betting is to find value in the odds. It's the only way to consistently make money. Your chances of success long-term are slim if you don't place value bets. It's that simple.
This is what most sports bettors don’t know. Instead of betting on value, they bet on the outcome they believe will happen. Although this may seem like a sensible approach, it is fundamentally flawed. While you will likely win many wagers by betting on most likely outcomes all the time you won't necessarily make a profit overall.
Many people are unaware that winning at betting is not about picking the most winners. It's about finding the right spots to place your bets so you can make money when you have a positive expectation. Understanding the concept of value is essential to accomplish this.
The section below explains exactly what value is. We will also show you how to spot value in sports betting markets and give some tips on how to find better value. You will instantly increase your odds of making money with sports betting by reading and applying the information.
Can I make a profit by betting on Odd and Even goals?
If you bet on odd goals or even goals, it is possible to make money. If you want to eliminate the luck factor, you will need to analyze past results, the recent form of the teams, and their forward's forms. You will see a long-term profit, which will return your investment.
Best odd/even bet strategies
Odd/even betting is one of the simplest markets in sports betting, where you predict whether the total number of goals or points in a match will add up to an odd or even number. Because the outcome depends heavily on chance, no strategy can guarantee a win, but a few smart approaches can help you make more informed selections and manage your betting more effectively. Below are some of the most useful odd/even strategies to consider.
⚖️ Bet even on likely draws
All drawn scorelines add up to an even number, since 0-0, 1-1, and 2-2 all produce an even total. If your research points to a tight, evenly matched game that could end level, backing an even outcome is a logical play. Look for fixtures between teams of similar quality where neither side has a clear edge, as these are the games most likely to end in a draw or a low even scoreline.
🎯 Bet odd on narrow-margin games
Matches decided by a single goal, such as 1-0 or 2-1, produce an odd total. Derbies, finals, and knockout ties often end in a narrow win for the stronger side, which makes an odd outcome more likely. If you expect a cagey, low-scoring game where one goal settles it, an odd bet can be the smart call.
📊 Focus on low-scoring leagues and teams
The fewer goals in a game, the easier the total is to predict. Some leagues are historically low-scoring, and some teams are defensively minded, so studying scoring patterns and league averages gives you an edge. Sticking to lower-scoring fixtures keeps the total within a smaller, more predictable range rather than gambling on a high-scoring shootout.
🕐 Use half-time odd/even markets
Many bookmakers offer odd/even on the first half or second half separately, not just the full-time total. Half-time markets typically involve fewer goals, which narrows the range of possible outcomes and can make your prediction more manageable. This is a useful option if you have a strong read on how a particular half is likely to play out.
🔗 Combine odd/even with other markets
Odd/even works well as part of a broader bet rather than in isolation. You can pair it with markets like total goals, both teams to score, or even corners and bookings to build a more considered position. Using it alongside other selections lets you back a fuller picture of how you expect the game to unfold.
💰 Manage your stakes carefully
Because odd/even outcomes carry a strong element of chance, disciplined staking matters more than chasing losses. Start with small stakes while you get a feel for the market, and avoid the temptation to double up after a loss to win it all back. Treating it as a fun, low-stakes market rather than a guaranteed earner is the healthiest long-term approach.
Other types of Odd and Even bets
Some bookies also offer variants of the traditional odd/even goal bet.
- Half Odd/Even goals - you can predict whether there will be an odd number of goals or not based on the match's different halves
- Home Team Odd/Even goals and Away team Odd/Even goals - you can use this tool to predict whether the goals scored by one team will be odd or even.
- Combo Bets - This is where you combine multiple markets into one bet, such as both team score (BTTS), odd/even, 1X2 or odd/even.
You can also place bets on total points, odd or even, for other sports such as Basketball. This concept is similar to the one we describe here, but it has a different name because it refers only to points and not to goals.
Final thoughts on odd/even betting
Odd/even betting is one of the simplest and most beginner-friendly markets in sports betting. Because you only need to predict whether the total goals or points add up to an odd or even number, there is no need to pick a winner or call the exact score, which makes it an easy way to get started and a fun addition to more experienced bettors' strategies.
That simplicity comes with an important caveat: outcomes are largely down to chance, and no strategy can guarantee a profit. The approaches we have covered, from backing even on likely draws to focusing on low-scoring leagues and using half-time markets, are about making more informed selections rather than beating the bookmaker every time. Used sensibly and as part of a wider betting approach, odd/even can be a genuinely enjoyable market.
As with any form of betting, the key is to stay disciplined, keep your stakes sensible, and treat it as entertainment rather than a way to make money. Only ever bet what you can afford to lose, and if you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, reach out to a support service like the National Council on Problem Gambling for free, confidential help.
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FAQs
What happens if a game ends 0-0 on an odd/even bet?
Zero is an even number, so a 0-0 final score means "even" wins. This is one reason some bettors prefer "even" in low-scoring soccer matches - a goalless draw still counts as a result. The "odd" side requires at least one goal to be scored, and the total goals to add up to an odd number.
Is an odd/even bet the same as an over/under bet?
No. An over/under bet asks you to predict whether the total score will be above or below a set number, such as 2.5 goals. An odd/even bet only asks whether the total will be an odd or even number. The two markets often sit side by side on a sportsbook, but the question you are answering is completely different.
Do all US sportsbooks offer odd/even betting?
Not all of them do, but many do - particularly for soccer and other major leagues. Coverage varies by sport and sportsbook. It is more commonly available for soccer than for American football. If you do not see it listed under the main game markets, check the "more markets" or "specials" tab for the event you are looking at.
