Can You Make a Living From Soccer Betting?

So, you are drawn by the idea of making a living from soccer betting? I mean, who wouldn’t be? You get to watch some soccer games, cheer for your team, have fun, and make money at the same time. Sounds like a dream come true.

However, this is much harder than it seems. If it was easy, everyone would quit their jobs and start betting on soccer games. The trouble with betting is that there is risk. You’d probably say “Okay, but isn’t there risk in everything else? Even starting a business?” – Yes, but it is a calculated risk, and with sporting events, nothing is certain.

After all, we are talking about a rolling ball that can go in any direction, and sometimes, not in your favor.

But, let’s keep it real – can you actually turn soccer betting into a full-time job?

Want a simple answer? Yes, no, and maybe. Okay, this might not be a simple answer, but there isn’t a simpler one.

Let’s dive deeper into soccer betting and find out whether or not can you make a profit.

Can You Make A Solid Profit?

Don’t get excited too early, soccer betting is not as easy as it sounds. Yes, we all want to be true, but the reality is different.

Yes, some people are making money from soccer betting, but the majority of them don’t end up sipping cocktails on a beach or buying beers for their friends at the bar.

But what makes it so difficult? Well, first you have to be knowledgeable about the sport. If you are a hard-core soccer fan and follow many leagues as your passion, you might get a chance to make a profit. But if you are someone who doesn’t know much about the sport, you should quit before even starting.

Next, we have a strategy, which is developed by you and your experience. To win continuously, you need some soccer betting tips. Remember, it is not about winning a single betting ticket, you need to find a way to do it again, and again, and again…

That’s not all. We also have discipline which is also important in the world of sports betting. It is what can make or break your wallet.

Now if you have all of these things, you still need some luck in order to win more bets.

Sounds hard, right?

How the Odds Stack Up

Let’s break it down with some numbers. Sportsbooks have a built-in advantage, often known as the "vig" or "juice," which typically ranges from 5% to 10%. 

This means that, on average, you need to win more than 52.4% of your bets just to break even if you're betting against a standard -110 line. Soccer betting often involves even more complicated odds, especially with the popularity of betting on draws or specific scores, where odds can vary significantly across bookmakers.

For instance, betting exchanges like Betfair might offer better odds than traditional bookies, but they also take a cut from your winnings, typically around 5%​. Even with all the research and strategy, making consistent profits can be an uphill battle.

Strategies for Success

If you're dead set on making this work, you’ll need to adopt some key strategies. Professional soccer bettors often focus on a few methods:

1. Value Betting: This is the bread and butter of many professional bettors. The idea is to find odds that are higher than what you believe the true probability of an event should be. Essentially, you’re looking for situations where the bookmakers have made a mistake. It sounds simple, but it requires a deep understanding of the sport and the markets, plus a willingness to ride out the ups and downs​.

2. Arbitrage Betting: This involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of a match across different bookmakers to guarantee a profit, thanks to discrepancies in odds. While it sounds like free money, the margins are often razor-thin, and the practice can lead to your accounts being restricted by bookmakers once they catch on​.

3. Bankroll Management: This is perhaps the most critical aspect. Without proper bankroll management, even the best strategies can lead to financial ruin. The Kelly Criterion is a popular method among pros, where the size of your bet is proportionate to your perceived edge over the bookmaker. This helps in maximizing returns while minimizing risks​.

The Challenges You’ll Face

Even with the best strategies, betting on soccer for a living is no walk in the park. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with the emotional rollercoaster. Betting streaks, both winning and losing, can be intense. Professional bettors stress the importance of staying disciplined and not chasing losses—easier said than done when you’re watching your bankroll dwindle.

Another challenge is dealing with bookmakers themselves. As you get better at finding value, you may find your accounts restricted or even closed by bookmakers who don’t like losing money. This forces many serious bettors to spread their actions across multiple accounts and even use betting exchanges to avoid detection​.

Can You Actually Do It?

So, can you make a living from soccer betting? The short answer is: yes, but it’s extremely difficult. You need a deep understanding of the game, and the betting markets, and a willingness to put in the hours of research required. Even then, success isn’t guaranteed. For every professional bettor who’s cracked the code, there are countless others who’ve lost their shirts trying.

If you're considering taking the plunge, start small, keep your day job, and treat soccer betting like a side hustle until you can prove to yourself (and your wallet) that you have what it takes to go pro. And remember, even the best of the best know that in the world of betting, there are no sure things—only calculated risks.