Soccer, also known as football, is the most popular sport in the world. With millions of fans and followers, it is no surprise that soccer betting has become a huge industry. People from all over the world bet on their favorite teams, players, and matches in hopes of winning big. However, there are certain factors that can affect the outcome of a soccer match, such as extra time and penalty shootouts. This raises an important question – does soccer betting count extra time and penalty shootouts? In this article, we will delve deeper into this topic to understand the impact of extra time and penalty shootouts on soccer betting.
What is Extra Time and Penalty Shootout?
Before we discuss the impact of extra time and penalty shootouts on soccer betting, it is important to understand what these terms mean.
Definition of Extra Time
Extra time, also known as stoppage time or added time, is additional playing time given at the end of a soccer match. It is usually added to the end of each half to make up for any time lost due to injuries, substitutions, or other stoppages during the game. The amount of added time is determined by the referee and is displayed on the scoreboard. Extra time is used to ensure that a fair result is achieved in the event of a close match with multiple delays.
Definition of Penalty Shootout
A penalty shootout is a method used to determine the winner of a soccer match if the score remains tied after extra time. It involves five penalty kicks for each team, and if there is still no winner, it goes to sudden death. During a penalty shootout, players from both teams take turns shooting from the penalty spot, and the team with the most goals wins the match. This method was first introduced in the 1970 World Cup, and has since been used in various knockout tournaments.
How Does Extra Time Affect Soccer Betting?
Now that we have a better understanding of what extra time and penalty shootouts are, let us explore how they can impact soccer betting.
Added Time in Regular Matches
In soccer betting, many bets are placed on the outcome of regular matches within the allotted 90 minutes of play. However, with the addition of extra time at the end of each half, the outcome of these bets can be affected. For example, if a bettor places a wager on a team winning in regular time, but the match goes to extra time, their bet may end up being a loss. This can also happen with bets on over/under goals or handicaps, as the added time can change the final score of the match.
Determining the Outcome of Bets
The added time during a match can also impact the outcome of certain bets. For instance, if a bet is placed on the number of goals scored in regular time, the added time can affect the final count. This can lead to confusion and disagreements among bettors and sportsbooks. Moreover, with different referees adding varying amounts of added time, it can be difficult to predict the outcome of bets accurately.
Impact on Live Betting
Live betting, also known as in-play betting, is a popular form of soccer betting that allows bettors to place wagers during a match. With live betting, the odds are constantly changing based on the events happening on the field. However, with the addition of extra time, the odds can fluctuate, making it challenging for bettors to make informed decisions. For instance, if a team scores a goal during extra time, the odds may change drastically, making it harder for bettors to capitalize on their predictions.
The Role of Penalty Shootouts in Soccer Betting
Penalty shootouts can have a significant impact on soccer betting, especially in knockout tournaments like the World Cup or Champions League.
Effect on Pre-match Bets
Many bettors place wagers on the outcome of a match before it begins. These pre-match bets can be affected by a penalty shootout, as the result of the match can be decided by this method. This can lead to unexpected outcomes, especially for those who placed bets on a specific team winning in regular time.
Influence on Live Betting
Penalty shootouts can also affect live betting, as the odds may change significantly depending on the outcome of the shootouts. This can make it challenging for bettors to make accurate predictions and can even lead to potential losses. It is crucial for bettors to keep track of the changes in odds during penalty shootouts to make informed decisions.
The Controversy Surrounding Extra Time and Penalty Shootouts
While extra time and penalty shootouts are an essential part of soccer matches, they have also been a topic of controversy in the world of soccer and betting.
Fairness of Deciding Matches with Penalties
One of the main issues with penalty shootouts is the fairness of using this method to determine the winner of a match. Many argue that it is not a true representation of a team’s ability, as it relies heavily on luck and individual performance. This can be unfair, especially in high-stakes matches where a lot is at stake for both teams.
Impact on Bettors’ Strategies
The addition of extra time and penalty shootouts can also affect bettors’ strategies and predictions. With these factors in play, it can be challenging to accurately predict the outcome of a match. This can result in unexpected losses for bettors, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.
Potential for Manipulation
Some critics believe that the use of extra time and penalty shootouts can create opportunities for manipulation in soccer matches. As these methods can significantly influence the outcome of a match, some may argue that they can be used to manipulate the results for betting purposes. This can have severe consequences and undermine the integrity of the sport.
The Future of Extra Time and Penalty Shootouts in Soccer Betting
In recent years, there have been discussions about potential changes in the way soccer matches are decided, specifically regarding extra time and penalty shootouts. Let us take a look at how these changes can impact the world of soccer betting.
Proposed Changes
One proposed change is the introduction of the “Golden Goal” rule, where the first team to score during extra time wins the match. This would eliminate the need for a full 30 minutes of extra time and reduce the impact on pre-match and live bets. Additionally, FIFA has also considered replacing the penalty shootout with a “shootout-style” system, where players would shoot from the penalty spot one-on-one against the goalkeeper, similar to a penalty shootout but without the pressure of it being sudden death.
Impact on the Industry
If these changes are implemented, it could have a significant impact on the soccer betting industry. With fewer matches being decided by penalties or extra time, bettors may have a better understanding of the outcome of their bets and can make more informed decisions. However, it could also lead to a decrease in excitement and unpredictability in soccer matches, which is one of the main reasons people enjoy betting on them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, extra time and penalty shootouts can have a significant impact on soccer betting. They can affect the outcome of bets, influence bettors’ strategies, and even create controversies. While they are an essential part of the sport, there have been discussions about potential changes in the way matches are decided. These changes could potentially have a significant impact on the world of soccer betting and should be closely monitored by both sportsbooks and bettors alike.
