Half Time/Full Time (HT/FT) involves predicting the outcome of a match at both half-time and full-time. In simpler terms, you are betting on which team will be leading or if the game will end in a draw at the end of the first half and, subsequently, the entire match. This article breaks down HT/FT betting, explaining how it works and why many bettors favor it.
How Half Time / Full Time in Betting Works?
For a successful winning HT/FT bet you need to predict two outcomes. So, you can view this as two separate bets that are dependent on each other.
- Half time prediction: Decide on the expected outcome at half time, choosing from Home team, Away team, or a Draw.
- Full Time Result Prediction: Predict the final result at the end of the game, selecting Home team, Away team, or a Draw. Very much like a regular 1X2 bet
There are a total of nine possible bets you can make:
- home/home
- home/draw
- draw/home
- home/away
- draw/draw
- away/away
- away/draw
- away/home
- away/draw
Bear in mind that you need to be correct at half time. Even if you predict the final outcome your bet will be a loser if your selected option is not correct at half time.
But why should you choose this betting market, and what makes it special? In my opinion, the odds make this market interesting. If you feel confident that a team will be winning at both half time and full time then you will get better odds on the ht/ft market than the 1X2. We will take an example to show you.
Football is a hugely popular market for ht/ft bets so we will take a Premier League match between Spurs and Everton.
The 1X2 odds are:
- Spurs 8/11 (1.75)
- Draw 3/1 (4.0)
- Everton 3/1 (4.0)
Here you can see that Spurs are hot favourites with a 57% suggested chance of winning while Everton are given just a 25% chance. If you place a £20 bet on Spurs and they win you will earn £15 profit.
If you think that the form shows Spurs should win, but that they have been scoring most of their goals in the second half then you might want to consider a bet on half time, draw and full time, Spurs. This gives odds of 4.5 which would give you a profit of £70 - considerably more than the standard market. Of course, there is more risk with this too, and in this example the probability of that outcome is 22% which is less than half the chance given the Spurs to win. Therefore you have to balance risk with reward.
Half Time/Full Time Betting in Different Sports
Half time/full time betting extends its appeal beyond the confines of a single sport, making its mark in American football, and basketball to name a few. Each sport offers a unique arena for ht/ft predictions.
Football Match
(HT/FT) in Football
In football, ht/ft betting is a staple, allowing punters to forecast not only the ultimate winner of the match but also the leader at half time. The strategy and dynamics of football matches create diverse opportunities for ht/ft predictions, making it a favored choice.
(HT/FT) in American Football
American football fans also embrace ht/ft betting. Assessing short-term and long-term team performances becomes crucial in navigating this dynamic betting landscape. American football is notorious for big comebacks in the second half so this market is great for those with knowledge of team forms.
(HT/FT) in Basketball
In fast-paced basketball, ht/ft betting introduces a unique twist. Bettors can predict not only the team leading at half time but also the ultimate winner. With potential momentum shifts and high-scoring matches, ht/ft betting in basketball offers an engaging option.
Types of HT/FT Bets
Among the range of half time/full time bets, predicting the winner or draw for both halves stands as the most popular choice. However, this betting market offers additional types that provide unique opportunities for players to explore.
Sportsbook
Correct Score HT/FT
Correct Score ht/ft bets add a strategic layer to sports betting, requiring a deep understanding of the game. This type involves predicting the exact score at both half time and full time in a given match. Successfully navigating correct score ht/ft bets demands thorough research on the teams involved, considering factors like recent form, head-to-head records, and anticipated strategies for each half of the match. Odds for these markets can be very rewarding, but they can be difficult to land.
Goals HT/FT
Goals ht/ft betting focuses on predicting the number of goals scored in the first half and the entire game. Bettors forecast whether the total goals will be over or under a specified number. For instance, if the set total goals for the first half is 1.5, bettors decide whether there will be more or fewer than 1.5 goals in that period. The same principle applies to the full-time prediction. Odds will be lower than the correct score market, but this is still worth considering.
Both Teams to Score HT/FT
Here you have a simple yes or no for both teams to score in each half. Both teams to score, shown as BTTS is a popular market in its own right but the ht/ft adds some extra value on the odds but with more risk too.
Similar Betting Markets to HT/FT
There is a very similar market to ht/ft and that is ‘to win either half’
This market allows bettors to back a team to win either the first or second half.
- Predict the winner of the first half
- Predict the winner of the entire match
Unlike the ht/ft markets you only need to correctly predict one of these to have a winner. Of course, the odds are far less than the ht/ft markets but it is easier to pick a successful bet.
Live Sports Betting
Half Time/Full Time Betting Strategy and Tips
Mastering half time/full time betting requires a solid strategy. Here are key tips to enhance your approach:
- Thorough Team Research: Analyse recent performance, strengths, and weaknesses to understand team tendencies.
- Consider Outside Factors: Factor in the game's context; teams may play differently based on match significance. Time of day, what stadium they are playing etc.
- Evaluate Odds: Look beyond favourites; seek value bets with favourable odds for higher potential payouts.
- Effective Bankroll Management: Set a budget and stick to it; manage your bankroll wisely to enjoy betting responsibly.
Half Time/Full Time Pros
Half time/full time betting offers several advantages for those seeking a dynamic wagering experience:
- Increased Odds Potential: This market provides an opportunity to boost the odds on a team expected to win comfortably or make a quick start.
- Higher Odds for Confident Predictions: If you're confident about a team's strong start, ht/ft betting can offer higher odds compared to outright match victory (1X2).
- Diverse Betting Strategies: Allows for diverse betting strategies, catering to those who want to capitalise on specific game segments or outcomes.
Half Time/Full Time Cons
Despite its appeal, half time/full time betting comes with certain drawbacks:
- Higher Risk: Betting on the hf/ft market involves assuming higher risk with each wager, as teams may not prioritise the half-time result, increasing unpredictability.
- Elevated Bookmaker Margins: Bookmaker margins tend to be higher in this market compared to mainstream options like Asian handicap or 1X2 (Match Betting). This can impact potential returns for bettors.
