If you’ve ever wondered what does halftime/fulltime mean in betting, then it consists of one bet and two correct results, namely predicting the individual outcomes of both the first half and second half.
Our comprehensive guide to halftime/fulltime betting includes a simplified meaning, HT/FT betting variations, and betting strategies to help get you started.
What is Half-Time/Full-Time in Sports Betting?
So, what does half-time/full-time mean in betting? In a nutshell, it refers to a bet placed on a game’s half-time (first half) and full-time (second half) results. It is a type of double bet, considering that you must correctly predict both halves’ independent results for the half-time/full-time bet to win.
There are multiple possible bet outcomes in the HT/FT system. For example, you can bet on either team leading in both the half-time and full-time results. Alternatively, you can bet on one team to lead the half-time results and the other team to lead the full-time results. You can also bet on draws.
Here is an overview of all nine possible outcomes in the HT/FT system which you will find at the best online sportsbooks according to Reddit.
| Bet Outcome | Requirement for Winning |
| 1/1: Home HT/Home FT | The home team must lead in the half-time and full-time results. |
| X/1: Draw HT/Home FT | The half-time result must be a tie and the home team must win at full-time. |
| X/X: Draw HT/Draw FT | The half-time and full-time results must end in a tie. |
| 1/2: Home HT/Away FT | The home team to lead at half-time, but the away team must lead in the full-time result. |
| X/2: Draw HT/Away FT | The half-time result must be a tie, and the away team must lead in the full-time result. |
| 2/2: Away HT/Away FT | The away team must lead in the half-time and full-time results. |
| 2/1: Away HT/Home FT | The away team to lead at half-time, but the home team must lead in the full-time result. |
| 1/X: Home HT/Draw FT | The home team must lead in the half-time result, but the full-time result must be a tie. |
| 2/X: Away HT/Draw FT | The away team must lead in the half-time result, but the full-time result must be a tie. |
Examples of Half-Time/Full-Time Betting
Here is an example of a half-time/full-time betting market based on an NFL match between Buffalo Bills and New York Jets:
Source: Bovada Based on the example above, the Jets have odds of +200 to lead in both the half-time and full-time results. The odds for the Jets leading at half-time result and both teams drawing at full-time are +4000. Overall, you have nine half-time/full-time bet selections to choose from, each with varying odds and probabilities of coming true.
HT/FT Betting vs. Win Both Halves
Many new bettors often confuse ‘Win Both Halves’ vs ‘HT/FT’ in betting. Win both halves is a closely similar betting market to the HT/FT betting market. However, win both halves vs HT/FT betting markets are fundamentally different despite sharing a few similarities.
The half-time/full-time system is based on which teams lead in the half-time and full-time results. The bet comprises nine possible outcomes, and you can bet on one team to lead in the half-time results and another team to lead in the full-time results.
In contrast, win-both-halves is based on which team leads in the half-time and full-time results. To this end, you can only bet on one team leading in both the half-time and full-time results. There are other minor differences to consider, but this is the main difference between winning both halves vs HT/FT betting.
Best Sports for Half-Time/Full-Time Betting
Half-time/full-time betting applies to many sports categories. Overall, it applies to virtually every sport where games can be divided into two equal halves, albeit some bookies also offer half-time/full-time betting markets on hockey. Here is an overview of the best sports for HT/FT betting that you will find at the best live sports betting sites.
- Soccer – Soccer is the most popular sport for half-time/full-time betting, and is wagered on via thousands of soccer betting apps worldwide. A soccer game comprises two halves, each running for 45 minutes.
- American Football – Football games comprise four quarters, where the first two and last two quarters are considered the first and second halves, respectively. Interestingly, ties are rare in NFL games, so half-time/full-time bet selections that involve ties are not popular.
- Basketball – Basketball games also comprise four quarters making up two halves, making half-time/full-time betting possible. Like American football, ties are rare in leagues like the NBA, so bets that involve draws are not popular.
Types of Half-Time/Full-Time Bets
Half-time/full-time bets come in different variations. Here is an overview of the three most popular HT/FT bet types:
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Winner HT/FT Betting
This is the basic half-time/full-time bet. It involves betting on which team leads in the half-time and full-time results without worrying about score counts. Overall, it is the simplest HT/FT bet type.
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Goals (Over/Under) HT/FT Betting
This half-time/full-time bet type involves predicting the total number of goals scored at the half-time and full-time results. The bookie sets a goal threshold, such as over/under 1.5, and you must predict whether the total goals scored at the end of the round will be more or less than 1.5.
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Correct Score HT/FT Betting
Correct score half-time/full-time betting is more specific as it involves predicting the teams’ precise scores for the half-time and full-time results. This is one of the most rewarding HT/FT bet types, considering the high odds and potential payouts. However, predicting the exact scores can be tricky and requires thorough research and analysis of both teams.
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Bookings HT/FT Betting
Bets on bookings are based on the number of cards issued in the same match. As such, you bet on the teams issued cards by the end of the first and second halves. Interestingly, the odds for half-time/full-time bets for bookings are usually high, considering that cards are tricky to predict. However, this HT/FT bet type is risky, and not all sportsbooks offer them.
Tips & Strategies for Half-Time/Full-Time Betting
Sports betting is becoming increasingly popular, particularly since the growth of online sports betting sites which have made it much easier and more convenient to bet. The global sports betting market is expected to be valued at $155.49 billion by 2024, showcasing exactly how common it now is as a pastime.
Using a reliable betting strategy is essential for making a correct half-time/full-time prediction, eliminating the risk, and earning you a profit. Here is an overview of three half-time/full-time tips to help you get started:
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Check Stats & Recent Form
Reviewing the teams’ recent form and analyzing their statistics can help you make a more accurate HT/FT prediction based on each team’s performance. For example, reviewing their historical head-to-head statistics can help you determine a favorite and underdog based on their scoring records. Line-ups, formations, and news about injuries also offer insights into the team’s overall form. As such, do thorough research and analyze all relevant statistics to understand both teams’ recent form, such as the latest NBA stats.
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Look for Expert HT/FT Tips
You can look for expert half-time/full-time tips from professional tipsters and experienced bettors, albeit some charge a small fee, though some NBA picks are free. Overall, expert half-time/full-time tips are more reliable than HT/FT free tips. Learn more about sharp betting via a our free guide.
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Review the Odds for Value Bets
Some half-time/full-time bet selections can have huge odds, meaning potentially huge payouts. However, high odds aren’t always good and may indicate a low probability of the outcomes coming true. As such, ignore the tempting numbers and focus on value bets, such as a team being held to a draw at half-time before winning at full-time.
Pros & Cons of Half-Time/Full-Time Betting
Half-time/full-time betting has many advantages and a few disadvantages. Here is an overview of the pros and cons of HT/FT betting:
Pros:
- Higher Odds – half-time/full-time betting markets usually feature higher odds than other simpler betting markets, meaning higher payouts and bigger profits.
- Wide Availability – HT/FT betting applies to various popular sports categories, including soccer and American football. Soccer alone provides numerous half-time/full-time betting markets.
- Reliable Betting Strategy – HT/FT betting is based on a fairly reliable basic betting strategy that can help you make accurate predictions.
- Readily Available Tips – Many bettors and professional tipsters often provide tips for half-time/full-time markets, some of which are accurate and reliable.
Cons:
- Greater Risk – HT/FT is a double bet, so predicting two possible outcomes is tricky.
- Higher Margins – Online sportsbooks usually set higher margins for HT/FT betting markets.
FAQs
Does HT/FT mean the same as half-time/full-time?
What does HT/FT 1X2 mean in betting?
Do half-time/full-time bets include overtime?
Is a HT/FT bet a double bet?
Do football tipsters provide half-time/full-time bets?
How many types of HT/FT bets are there?
Can I make money with half-time/full-time bets?
Charlie Rhodes
Charlie Rhodes
