What is Total Fouls Committed? Total Fouls Committed Explained in 2 minutes
Fact checked by:
Mike Goodpaster
Last Verified
28/08/2026
Welcome to our guide to total fouls committed betting. Perfect for anyone looking for a different way to bet on sport.
Total fouls committed is the amount of fouls perpetrated by an individual or team in an event. The bet can also refer to an entire tournament if the market is offered and the official statistician determines the result for that match, league or competition. Our guide is here to show you the best bookmakers for this kind of bet.
How is Total Fouls Committed used in Sports Betting?
Bettors will generally be able to select the total fouls committed market as an under/over type of pick. This means that they can predict either under or over the stated number for the total fouls committed in a match. Most of
the bookmakers found on our site
offer some form of total fouls committed betting.
Any sport that has fouls and penalties as part of its rules can theoretically have this market open to bettors. That would mean basketball, for example, would not be included as players in that sport are ruled to be ‘fouled out’ once they reach a certain number. Any foul bet related to a basketball game could be too easy to call.
The total fouls committed bet is favored by bookmakers as it is a luck bet that cannot be easily researched. Although it must be said that some players – in many sports - do have reputations for committing more fouls and the market odds would be affected. Knowing these players are – or are not – involved would be advantageous.
How are fouls defined?
Fouls can happen from the very first minute of a game to the very last in over time, meaning it is a rich source of betting options. When it comes to the definition of a foul, lots of bookmakers go by the guidelines laid out by
Opta Sports, a british sports analytics company that provide data on over 30 sports in over 70 countries worldwide, and most importantly to betting websites.
Here are the outlines of fouls as defined by Opta for soccer:
| Foul Type |
Definition |
| Conceded Fouls
|
- Results in a free-kick or penalty event.
- Offsides are not given as a foul conceded.
- Incidents where a match official has played advantage and subsequently cautioned a player, do not contribute towards the total foul count for the player or team. In these scenarios a free-kick or penalty event must occur for a foul to be awarded.
|
| Foul Won |
A foul won is defined as where a player wins a free kick or penalty for their team after being fouled by an opposing player. There is no foul won for a handball, dive, back pass, illegal restart, dissent, GK 6-second violation or obstruction where a free kick is conceded.
- Handball – a deliberate hand ball by an opposition player
- Dive – a deliberate attempt for an opposition player to deceive the referee and win a free kick
- Back pass – a pass picked up by a goalkeeper when played from a team mate
- Illegal restart – an opposition player has consecutive touches directly after a dead ball situation
- Dissent – a player shows dissent towards a match official
- GK 6-second violation – when a goalkeeper picks up the ball and holds onto it longer than 6 seconds
- Obstruction – a player traps the ball between his legs in an attempt to stop an opposition player from playing the ball.
|
Analyzing
teams for the best foul bets
There will be some teams who have more of a reputation for fouls than others, all this data can be used to your advantage when it comes to picking your foul bets. With a bit of research and cross referencing between players with known rivalries ect. A picture can rapidly be built of scenarios where a strong total foul bet would become a viable option, local teams with a history of rivalries would be a good start.
Real-life example
Say a Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea is listed with a total fouls committed line of 22.5. You think both teams are likely to press high and foul frequently in midfield, so you back the over at -110. That odds format means you stake $110 to win $100 profit - the sportsbook takes a small cut, called the juice or vig, on each side of the market.
You place a $55 wager on over 22.5 fouls at -110 odds. Here is how the math works:
Stake: $55. Odds: -110. To calculate the payout on American odds of -110, divide your stake by 1.10: $55 / 1.10 = $50 profit. Total returned to you: $55 stake + $50 profit = $105.
The referee records 14 fouls by Arsenal and 11 by Chelsea - a combined 25 fouls. That clears the 22.5 line, so your over bet wins and you receive $105 back. If the total had finished at 22 or fewer, you would lose your $55 stake. The sportsbook's edge comes from that -110 pricing: you risk $110 to win $100, which means the house profits over the long run even if results are random.
When you'll see total fouls committed
This market sits in the match props or player and team stats section of a sportsbook, usually alongside corners, cards, and shots on target. You will find it most reliably in soccer, where foul counts are tracked consistently by data providers. Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League matches tend to have the most liquid lines. The NBA is another common home for foul-total markets, particularly in playoff games where referees are scrutinised closely.
Total fouls markets are almost always available before kick-off. Live versions do appear - the line shifts as fouls accumulate during the match - but pre-game lines are more widely offered. If you are looking at a team-specific foul line rather than the combined total, read the market name carefully. "Team A fouls over/under X.5" only counts one side's infractions, so a high-foul game from the opposing team does nothing for your bet.
Total fouls committed is one of several match-stat markets you will come across in soccer betting. An
odd/even bet
works on a similar idea - you predict a numerical outcome, but instead of over/under you choose whether the final count is an odd or even number. A
match winner
market, by contrast, ignores statistics entirely and focuses only on which team wins. For other soccer prop bets built around specific in-game events, it is worth understanding what a
goal kick
market covers - it follows the same over/under structure but tracks a different statistic. If you want to explore the full range of
soccer betting sites
that carry these markets, the hub page lists reviewed options.
4.8
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
BetMGM Bonus
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
20+ sports available for wagering
Pre-match and in-play betting
Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
Promo Code:
BETBONUSMGM
Bet Now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
4.8
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Top Features
- 20+ sports available for wagering
- Pre-match and in-play betting
- Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
Cashout
yes
Live Streams
yes
Mobile Statistics
yes
Bet Now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
4.7
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Over 20 sports
Extensive betting markets
Live betting feature
Bet Now
Find out more on bet365's website
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-MY-RESET. 21+ (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
4.7
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Top Features
- Over 20 sports
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting feature
Cashout
yes
Partial Cashout
yes
Live Streams
yes
Bet Now
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-MY-RESET. 21+ (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
4.7
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
FanDuel Bonus
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds
Bet Now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB
4.7
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Top Features
- Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
- Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
- Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds
Cashout
yes
Live Streams
yes
Mobile Statistics
yes
Bet Now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB
4.6
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Bet on 40+ different sports
Dynamic odds on live, in-play fixtures
Deposit and bet $5 to receive up to $300 in bonus bets
Bet Now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
4.6
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Top Features
- Bet on 40+ different sports
- Dynamic odds on live, in-play fixtures
- Deposit and bet $5 to receive up to $300 in bonus bets
Cashout
yes
Live Streams
yes
Mobile Statistics
yes
Bet Now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
4.6
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
15+ sports categories
An extensive range of betting markets
Supports in-play betting and live streaming
Bet Now
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
4.6
/ 5
betting.net™ Rating
Top Features
- 15+ sports categories
- An extensive range of betting markets
- Supports in-play betting and live streaming
Cashout
yes
Live Streams
yes
Mobile Statistics
yes
Bet Now
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
Conclusion - Get started with your total fouls committed bets
Betting on fouls might sound weird, but it's actually a great way to add some interest to any sporting event. So make sure that you sign up to one of our recommended bookmakers and enjoy betting on this unique kind of bet.
Total fouls committed betting FAQ
What sports can I bet on total fouls committed?
Check out our guide to see which sports you can try total fouls committed betting on. The good news is that bet applies to more sports than you think.
Which is the best betting site for total fouls committed betting?
Make sure that you read our guide to see the best online bookmakers for betting on the total fouls committed. After all, not too many betting sites feature this unique market.
How do I bet on total fouls committed?
Take a look at our guide to see how easy it is to bet on the total fouls committed in a sporting event. Plus we'll show you the best bookmakers for this betting market.
See also…
Total fouls won
Total shots
Related Articles on betting.net™
+9
