Both Teams to Score, often shortened to BTTS, is a term many people see when looking at football betting markets. Even if someone is new to betting, this phrase often appears in match previews or on a bet slip, yet it is not always clear at first glance.
BTTS sounds straightforward, but a few details matter. Understanding how the bet is settled, which goals count, the variants on offer, and how odds are set helps anyone reading the market with more confidence.
If you choose to bet, set clear limits and keep it an occasional activity.
What Does BTTS Mean?
BTTS stands for “Both Teams to Score.” It is a football bet on whether each team in a match will score at least one goal during the regular 90 minutes plus injury time.
If both teams score at least once, a BTTS “Yes” bet wins. If one or both teams fail to score, BTTS “No” is the winning outcome. The final score and the match winner do not matter. Only the fact that each side has found the net at least once is relevant.
With the definition in place, the next step is to see how the bet works during a match.
How Does A BTTS Bet Work?
A BTTS bet is a simple Yes or No choice. Select “Yes” if you think both sides will score at least one goal each. Choose “No” if you believe one or both teams will finish without a goal.
Only goals scored during normal time count, which means the 90 minutes plus any injury time added by the referee. Extra time and penalties are not included for BTTS markets.
It does not matter who wins or how many goals are scored in total. What matters is whether both teams have scored at least once before the final whistle. On a bet slip, the selection is usually shown clearly as BTTS: Yes or BTTS: No.
Knowing what counts on the pitch, it helps to understand how the bet is settled.
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How Are BTTS Bets Settled?
BTTS markets are settled shortly after the final whistle, once the official result is confirmed. As noted earlier, only goals scored in normal time are considered.
If both teams have scored at least once, BTTS: Yes is settled as a winner. If either team finishes without a goal, BTTS: No is the winning selection. Settlement times vary slightly between bookmakers, but updates typically appear soon after the result is verified.
Once the basics are clear, it is easier to explore the variants built around the same idea.
BTTS Bet Types And Variants
There are several BTTS markets available, each adding a condition or combining BTTS with another outcome. Knowing how they differ makes it easier to choose the one that matches your view of the match.
BTTS Yes Or No
This is the standard market. Choose “Yes” if you expect both sides to score at least once in normal time. Pick “No” if you think one or both teams will not score.
BTTS And Match Result (BTTS & Win)
This is a combination market. It requires both teams to score and the selected team to win in normal time. Both parts must be correct for the bet to be settled as a winner.
For example, if you choose Team A in BTTS & Win, a 2-1 result to Team A would win because both teams scored and Team A won. A 1-1 draw or a 1-0 win to Team A would not win, because either the match result or the BTTS part has not been met.
Other variants you might see include BTTS paired with total goals, or versions limited to the first half or second half. Each follows the same principle but applies it to a specific period or adds an extra condition.
Understanding the options makes the odds that sit beside them much easier to read.
How Do Bookmakers Calculate BTTS Odds?
Bookmakers set BTTS odds using a blend of data and judgement. Team goal-scoring and defensive records, home and away splits, player availability, tactical styles, and head-to-head trends all feed into the pricing. Expected goals data, fixture congestion, and even weather conditions can also influence the chance of both teams finding the net.
Customer activity affects prices, too. If one side of the market attracts more stakes, the odds may adjust to balance the book and reflect any fresh team news.
In short, the price shown is the bookmaker’s estimate of the likelihood of both teams scoring. Odds reflect probability rather than offering any guarantee.
Examples Of BTTS Bets With Scores
Understanding BTTS is easier with quick match examples. Here is how typical scorelines would be settled:
1. Example: 2-1
Both teams have scored at least one goal. BTTS “Yes” wins. BTTS “No” loses.
2. Example: 0-0
Neither team has scored. BTTS “No” wins. BTTS “Yes” does not.
3. Example: 3-2
Both sides have scored. BTTS “Yes” wins. BTTS “No” does not.
4. Example: 1-0
Only one team has scored. BTTS “No” wins.
With the basics in mind, BTTS can also be combined with other selections.
Can You Use BTTS In Accumulators?
Yes. BTTS selections can be included in accumulators alongside other matches or markets. The combined odds are shown on the bet slip, and the whole accumulator depends on every leg winning.
For instance, if an accumulator has three matches all set to BTTS: Yes, all three games must end with both teams scoring for the bet to return any winnings. Adding more legs increases the potential return but also raises the risk that one selection prevents a payout. Check the terms shown by your bookmaker before you confirm the bet.
Common Mistakes When Betting BTTS
A frequent mistake is assuming that high-profile matches or teams known for attacking football will automatically produce BTTS. Organised defences, cautious tactics, or an early red card can change the shape of a game.
Relying only on league position or recent form without looking at injuries, suspensions, or playing styles can also mislead. A side that dominates the ball may still concede very little space in behind, limiting chances for the opposition.
Another oversight is forgetting that extra time and penalties do not count for BTTS. Only normal time matters.
Accumulators can be tempting, but stacking too many BTTS selections reduces the chance of every leg winning. A focused approach, with a clear view of each fixture, tends to be more realistic than hoping a long chain of results all land.
If betting starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential help.
Set limits that suit your circumstances and keep betting as an occasional activity, not a routine habit. With the rules and pitfalls understood, BTTS becomes a straightforward market to read and use responsibly.
