Each type of betting has interesting highlights, and card betting also has a highly appreciated factor. Card betting is currently considered the easiest to play, suitable for everyone. Don’t miss the content shared by ABC8 below, from explaining the concept to top tips for beginners.
What is a card bet? How many types are there on the market?
Card betting, also known as Total Bookings, appears as a side bet in sports betting. This form occurs when the referee shows a yellow or red card for match situations such as fouls, time-wasting from players… Currently, there are three popular types of bets that many bookmakers offer:
1X2 card bets
Similar to the traditional 1X2 bet, players will predict which team will receive more cards (home team, away team) or that the two teams will have the same number of cards. This is an interesting option for those who want to predict the intensity in the playing style of the teams.
Handicap card bets
The bookmaker will give the handicap rate between the two teams. Players will bet on the handicap team or the handicap team and will win if the team they choose receives fewer cards than the handicap rate. This bet is often used when there is a clear difference in form or playing style between the two teams.
Over/under card bets
The bookmaker will determine a card threshold (for example: 3.5 cards). Players will predict whether the total number of cards in the match will exceed (over) or fall below (under) this mark. This is a popular choice for those who want to predict the overall nature of the match.
Example of how to calculate money in card bets
Suppose you bet on the card bet on the match between Manchester United and Arsenal in round 37 of EPL 2023/2024. The bookmaker offers the following card bet odds: Over/Under yellow cards: 3.5 goals.
Over (Over 3.5 cards): 0.95.
Under (Under 3.5 cards): 0.98.
You decide to bet 100 USD on Under (Under 3.5 cards).
After 90 minutes of official play, Manchester United wins the card bet with a score of 2-1. During the 90 minutes of play, Manchester United received 2 yellow cards and 1 red card (a total of 3 points), while Arsenal received 2 yellow cards (2 points).
Result:
Total number of cards: 5 cards (3 points + 2 points) => You win because the total number of cards is under 3.5 cards.
Amount you receive:
100 usd * 0.98 = 980 usd.
Tips to conquer card betting types
To win bets quickly, players need to master the following tips.
The most important factor affecting the number of cards on the field is the team’s playing style. Teams that play aggressively, often commit fouls or hinder opponents, will be more likely to receive cards.
The next factor is how points are calculated in the tournament. If the tournament has a fair play index, teams will try to limit the number of cards. For example, in the World Cup, when two teams have the same number of points in the group stage, the team that advances will be determined based on goal difference and the number of cards.
The formation can be offensive or defensive, counter-attacking or pressing, all of which create many interesting situations and often lead to mistakes.
This is important because if you have a tough referee, the number of cards in a match can be higher than usual, as in the case of Anthony Taylor, who regularly shows many yellow cards in the Premier League.
