Kick Off Bet – The Most Popular Side Bet in Football Betting Today
Guide to Playing the Kick Off Bet
The Kick Off soccer football prediction bet is one of the most popular side bets in football betting. It’s widely loved by players due to its simplicity, quick result time, and the exciting betting experience it offers. Are you curious about the rules? Want to know how to place a Kick Off bet correctly? All of your questions will be answered below—keep reading to learn everything you need to know!
Overview of the Kick Off Bet
The Kick Off bet, also known as the First Kick bet or Opening Ball bet, is a type of side bet commonly found in football betting markets. This bet takes place only once, right before the match starts, and ends just minutes later—allowing bettors to save time and get quick results.
This bet requires players to predict which team will take the first kick-off in the match. In professional football, the referee typically tosses a coin before the match begins to decide which team will kick off and which team will defend a particular goal. The team whose side the coin lands on will then have the right to choose whether they want to take the kick-off or defend first.
Once the coin toss is complete and the referee makes the announcement, the outcome of the Kick Off bet is determined and the bet is settled immediately.
It’s important to note which is the most accurate football prediction app that this is a side bet, meaning it’s usually placed in addition to main bets such as 1X2, Asian Handicap, or Over/Under. If you guess correctly, you win a payout based on the odds provided by the bookmaker. If you guess wrong, you lose your wager. With simple rules, anyone can participate—even beginners.
SEE ALSO: [Even/Odd Bets & 5 Smart Tips for Winning on Football Even/Odd Bets]
Features of the Kick Off Bet
The standout feature of the Kick Off bet is its speed and simplicity. Once the coin is tossed and the referee decides which team will kick off, the bet is instantly resolved—usually within 2 to 5 minutes.
Players immediately know if their prediction was correct. If so, the winnings will be automatically credited to their account based on the payout ratio. If not, the initial bet is lost.
Another unique feature is that this bet is heavily based on luck—around 60–70%. However, seasoned bettors sometimes use additional factors to increase accuracy, such as:
Team strengths
Ability to control the ball
Tactical lineup (offensive or defensive mindset)
Coach preferences
These insights can slightly improve the chances of predicting the correct team to kick off.
How to Place a Kick Off Bet
Here’s a step-by-step guide for placing a Kick Off bet effectively:
Step 1: Place the Bet Before the Match Begins
Kick Off bets are available soccer prediction sites today only before the start of the match. They close within minutes after kickoff, so timing is crucial. Visit the “Early Bets” or “Special Bets” section on your bookmaker’s website or app to find this option.
Step 2: Understand the Betting Board
You will see a betting line showing both teams in the format Team A vs. Team B—where Team A is the home team and Team B is the away team.
Your task is to predict which team will take the first kick-off. There are only two options:
Bet on the home team to kick off
Bet on the away team to kick off
Step 3: Take Note of These Important Rules
Each match has only one Kick Off bet opportunity, offered at the beginning of the game.
If the match is canceled, the bet is voided and your wager will be refunded.
If the match is postponed or rescheduled, the bet may remain valid depending on the bookmaker’s rules.
SEE ALSO: [Newbie's Guide to Reading Bookmaker Odds Correctly]
Factors That Influence the Kick Off Bet Outcome
Although luck plays a big role, you can use the following strategies to make smarter guesses:
1. Study Team History
Check past matches to see which team often chooses to kick off. Teams that prefer attacking might choose to start with the ball.
2. Prioritize the Home Team
Home teams are often more confident and aggressive. They may choose to kick off to take early control of the game.
3. Analyze the Last 5 Matches
Look at each team’s last 5 games. Note if they often win the coin toss and what their typical choice is.
4. Research Goalkeeper Profiles
Teams with stronger goalkeepers may prefer to defend first, leaving the kick-off to the other team.
Final Thoughts
Although the Kick Off bet is just a side bet, it remains an exciting and popular option in the world of football betting. Its fast pace and simplicity appeal to a wide range of players, from beginners to experienced punters.
We hope this guide has helped you better understand the Kick Off betting format, including its rules, betting methods, and winning tips. Most importantly, always choose a reputable bookmaker to ensure fair play, secure betting, and a high-quality football betting experience.