Put simply, over/under 3.5 goals is a bet on the total number of goals in the match (both teams) and covers the 90 minutes plus additional time. Over 3.5 goals is a bet on 4 or more goals in a game, while under 3.5 goals is a bet on 3 or fewer goals in a match.
The .5 decimals are present in all of the over/under goals markets, and it shows there is no possibility for a draw or refund in these markets. As you cannot score half a goal, your bet will either win or lose. If the numbers were whole, say 3, the betting sites in the UK would need to add a third option for if there were exactly 3 goals in the match. You can bet on exact goal markets, but this option is not available in the traditional over/under markets.
If you are looking for which bookies offer the highest over/under 3.5 goals bets, we recommend reading our betting margins guide as we tested which betting sites offer the highest odds.
Over 3.5 goals is a bet on 4 or more goals in total and covers 90 minutes plus additional time, but not extra time. If there are 3 goals or fewer, the over 3.5 goals bet will lose. The over 3.5 goals market will often offer high odds and can be great value if two teams are in fine-scoring form.
As an example, let's say Manchester City and Liverpool are taking on each other in a Premier League game. Both teams have scored a lot of goals during the season, though struggling defensively, and you expect the clash to be a high-scoring affair. Therefore, you decide to play a bet on there to be over 3.5 goals in the game.
The game finishes 2-2, with both teams walking away with a point, and you cash in the winnings as more than 3.5 goals were indeed scored. However, had the game ended 2-1 either way, your bet would have lost.
Under 3.5 goals is a bet on 3 or fewer goals in total and covers 90 minutes plus additional time, but not extra time. If there are 3 goals or fewer, the under 3.5 goals bet will win, but anything more than 4 goals, and the bet loses.
As an example, two Italian teams - let's say AC Milan and Juventus - will square off in the prestigious Champions League. You expect one team to come out on top, but both of them have done well defensively recently. Therefore, you place a bet on there to be under 3.5 goals in the game.
It turns out to be the right move as AC Milan comes away with a 2-1 win, resulting in the bet winning. Had there been one more goal in the game, though, the bet would have lost.
Below are the three best-betting sites for the highest over/under 3.5 goals betting odds, all featured in our top ten list for football bookies.
Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
Min. Deposit | £5 |
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Max. Amount | £50 |
Turnover | No wagering |
Expiration | 30 days |
Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
Min. Deposit | £10 |
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Max. Amount | £40 |
Turnover | No wagering |
Expiration | 7 days |
Bet £10 Get £40 in Bonuses
Min. Deposit | £10 |
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Max. Amount | £40 |
Turnover | 0x sports, 50x casino |
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.