Over/Under 2.5 Goals Explained
Over/Under 2.5 Goals Explained
In short, over/under 2.5 goals is a bet on the total number of goals scored by both teams in a game. The bet covers 90 minutes plus stoppage time but now extra time, which is worth noting. Over 2.5 goals is a bet on there to be 3 or more goals in the game, while under 2.5 goals is a bet on 2 or fewer goals in the game.
In the over/under markets, there is no possibility for a draw or refund, which is why the .5 decimal is there. If the number was whole, say 2, the top UK betting sites would need to add a third option for if there were exactly 2 goals in the game. You can bet on that market, but it is separate from the typical over/under market.
In the Asian totals markets, you can get half wins, half losses, and refunds on some over-under bets that offer whole numbers. You can bet on over 2 Asian total goals and get a refund if there are only 2 goals scored, and win if there are 3+ goals scored. We also recommend checking out our guide on betting margins to find the bookmakers with the highest odds.
Over 2.5 Goals in Practice
Over 2.5 goals is a bet on 3 goals or more to be scored in a game (both teams), covering 90 minutes plus additional time. This means that if 2 goals or fewer are scored, then the bet will lose. For some games, punters could find very good value with this market but it will all depend on the situation, so make sure to do your research.
As an example, let's say that you want to bet on a football game between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. You know that the huge clash can be quite fierce, with both teams aiming to outscore the other, and you thus decide to place an over 2.5 goals bet. The game gets off to a promising start from your perspective, with one goal from either team after just 30 minutes.
Just one more goal is needed, and it arrives as Dortmund score a late winner in additional time. The bet is thus a success, since there were 3 goals in the game, but it would have lost without that late winner.
Under 2.5 Goals in Practice
Under 2.5 goals is a bet on the game to have 2 or fewer goals across 90 minutes plus additional time. If there are 2 or fewer goals, the bet will win but anything more than 3 goals will result in a loss. Most punters stay away from the under markets, in truth, but there can sometimes be lower betting margins and potential value in the under bets.
As an example, let's say that you decide to place a bet on a Championship clash between Millwall and Stoke City. You think that it will be a game with few goals, and thus opt for an under 2.5 goals bet. There is not tons of value in the bet, but it makes for a fun one. Fortunately, your hunch is proven right as the game finishes 1-1 after a tight affair (i.e. two goals).
A winner from either side would have resulted in a loss for the bet, as there would have been 3 goals then.
Bookies with the Highest Over/Under 2.5 Goals Odds
Below are the three best-betting sites for the highest over/under 2.5 goals betting odds. All three of these are present on our page for the best football betting sites in the UK.
bet365
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
| Min. Deposit | £5 |
|---|---|
| Max. Amount | £30 |
| Turnover | No wagering |
| Expiration | 30 days |
Coral
Unibet
Money Back as a Bonus up to £40 +£10 Casino Bonus
| Min. Deposit | £10 |
|---|---|
| Max. Amount | £50 |
| Turnover | Casino 50x, sportsbook 3x |
| Expiration | 7 days |
Steven is an experienced iGaming content writer who has been working in the industry since 2018. He is passionate about sports betting and enjoys writing about all aspects of the industry, including bookmaker reviews, betting tips and strategies, and news and analysis. If you have any questions about online gambling in the UK, please don't hesitate to contact him.