Best Football Betting Sites

Football or soccer, whichever name you call it, is undoubtedly the ultimate global sport. From the streets of Sao Paulo to the shores of Auckland, football’s reach is incredible. Since the sport is so popular in the country, many New Zealand sports lovers want to bet and watch football. 

Finding the best football betting sites, however, is no walk in the park! With so many fraudulent bookies lurking around, how can you find the legit options that offer excellent returns? 

That’s where I come in. I've put countless hours into researching and reviewing the best betting sites NZ. So grab your favourite brew, sit back, and let's figure out how to make the best of your soccer betting pursuits in New Zealand. I should give you a warning though; this is going to be a long one!

Why is it important that you should look for the best legal betting sites that target the Kiwi soccer betting audience? Here are the key reasons: 

Tailored for New Zealanders 

New Zealand-focused betting sites offer a more personalised experience. These sites cater to the preferences and interests of the football fans and gamblers in the country. On top of that, these sites often have a deeper understanding of the New Zealand soccer scene. 

This will therefore provide you with insightful analysis and advice that will enable you to gamble on the All Whites or the New Zealand National League events. For New Zealanders, they also provide welcome bonuses, free bets, and loyalty rewards—exclusively promo codes. 

Local Payment Methods 

New Zealand-focused betting sites often support popular local payment methods like POLi and paysafecard. As a result, deposit and fund withdrawal becomes a breeze. Some of these bookies will also pay via cheque, if you prefer the more old fashioned way. 

Besides treating you with the best football bets, these sites make your betting experience even more enjoyable by offering quicker access to your winnings.

When betting on football, or any sport, for that matter, your experience and chances of winning will be much enhanced by the platform you choose. There are so many choices available; before deciding on the finest one for you, you must consider a few important criteria. New betting sites or old ones, there are several things you really should not ignore. 

Here’s a brief checklist: 

• Odds: The best soccer bets start with the best odds. Regarding odds, never settle for second best. Look around and choose a location with the juiciest pricing. Maximising your gains depends on counting every little amount.
• Markets: Like a buffet, a soccer betting site should have a large selection of choices to fit every inclination. There are more opportunities to discover a bet suitable for you the more marketplaces accessible. Sometimes common betting markets like match outcomes and total goals scored could not be profitable.
• Live betting: It’s hard to describe the exhilaration of live betting. You have the opportunity to make quick wagers and maybe profit from unforeseen developments with live streaming and real-time odds.User experience: Clunky football betting sites can be a real pain. Pick one that's pleasing to the sight and simple to use. Your goal should be to effortlessly locate the desired item. 
• Security & licensing: You should prioritise security when choosing soccer betting sites. Make sure the platform is licensed by a reputable regulatory body. To ensure the security of your personal and financial information, search for websites that use modern encryption technologies.
• Bonus & promotions: There may not be a free lunch, but betting sites sure do enjoy their promos and incentives. Always read the fine print to avoid being suckered in by an enticing but ultimately fraudulent offer. Your perfect football bookmaker should provide incentives and promotions free from any hidden ties.
• Free betting opportunities: Some sites make the deal sweeter by offering free football bets. Of course, they are often offered after you have already placed a bet. But hey, it’s still free money, right? Try to find credible football bookies that have such offerings. 

The worldwide football betting companies are a multi-billion dollar sector. It is becoming more and more popular all around, and the scene of football betting in New Zealand is also seeing significant expansion. 

The soccer betting sites I have shortlisted below offer the best package of service, trust, and profitability. If you love to bet and watch soccer, I would encourage you to check them out. 

Understanding different bet types and how football odds tick is the key to unlocking your soccer betting potential. 

From simple match outcomes to serendipitous predictive scores, there's a betting format to suit every taste and risk appetite. Below, I will clarify some football betting choices and guide you throughout the highs and lows of the soccer betting scene.

Across many bookmakers, these are some of the most frequently used football betting markets: 

Full Time Result 

If you want a simple, no-frills wager, the full-time result—also known as 1×2—is your first choice. This classic bet depends on the result of the game at the last whistle, including any ref-added injury time. It's a simple choice: home win, draw, or away win. Just remember, this doesn't account for any extra time or penalties that might crop up in cup matches or knockouts.

Accumulators 

The full time result might seem a bit too easy and less rewarding. That’s why many punters, myself included, go for the accumulators hoping to hit the jackpot. In this case, you bet on multiple soccer match outcomes together. You only get the money if all of your predictions are right on the money! It’s quite a slippery slope, so gamble responsibly. 

Half Time Result 

Much like its full-time counterpart, this bet relies on the result at the half-time whistle. Basically, it depends on whether the away side will have the advantage, the teams will be locked in a tie, or the home team will be ahead. 

One may even gamble simultaneously on the half-time and full-time outcomes of one single match. This is a kind of accumulator bet, hence you have to accurately anticipate both outcomes to be paid.

Under/Over 

This bet is a simple choice: will there be more or fewer goals than the predicted number? It's a classic bet that's as straightforward as it gets. This is not a football exclusive market, however. NRL betting sites also offer a similar market for rugby league matches. In that case, however, punters must predict the range of points, rather than goals. 

You don't have to get the exact score right, which is the beauty of this bet. You should instead keep an eye on the overall score pattern, which may be more predictable given the strengths and weaknesses of the teams. This makes it a fantastic choice for games where the style of play is more predictable however the result is unknown.

Double Chance 

Covering two of the three potential outcomes of a match, a double chance bet helps you to hedge your bets. Though it comes at less chances, it's like purchasing insurance against a lost gamble. Even if you're only correct half the time, you still stand to win the bet.

Correct Score 

You must predict the scoreline of a match to win this type of bet. As you can imagine, the odds are incredibly high for correct score odds. But, there is little room for statistical analysis and other techniques to minimise the risk. So, I’m not a big fan of this. Maybe give this a try if you feel lucky. 

Both Teams To Score (BTTS)

In the 2023/24 Premier League season, both teams scored in 234 matches out of the 380 total. That means, both teams scored in 62% of the matches that season. This is a pretty simple market to call. All you need to do is to look at the attacking and defensive stats of both teams and make a decision. If you feel both can score, bet for BTTS Yes. If you feel one or both could keep a clean sheet, go for BTTS No. 

Draw No Bet

For the more careful gambler, Draw No Bet offers a safer gamble. You are basically supporting either the home or away side to win, but your bet is reimbursed should the game draw a stand-still. Although this popular bet type has less odds than a normal 1x2 bet, it provides an excellent safety net for games when a draw is a definite possibility.

Goalscorer 

Goal scoring soccer betting markets abound. One may gamble on a player to score last, first, or whenever. You may also wager on the number of times a player will score in a game. 

What Is Football Line Betting?

Aiming to level the playing field between teams of varying powers, football line betting—also known as asian handicap betting—is a novel kind of soccer wager. It has become somewhat well-known all over and especially in Asian markets. 

One or both sides get a "goal handicap" to increase the competitiveness of the game. One speaks about objectives in terms of this handicap. For Team A, a -1.0 goal handicap indicates, for example, that they must win by more than half a goal to cover the handicap. 

Conversely, a +1.0 goal handicap for Team B points to their underdog status in this game.

How can you ensure you are maximising your football betting experiences? You have to be supporting the top chances on the market if you are really claiming your maximum potential. Here's how I find the best football predictions available.

1. Shop around

Never lay all your eggs in one basket. To guarantee you’re receiving the greatest possible offer, shop around and evaluate odds from several betting sites. Use those useful odds comparison tools while you are at it. They are the treasure map guiding you over the large sea of bookies toward priceless hidden treasures. 

2. Consider bonuses and promotions

Many bookies lay out the red carpet for new users including large incentives. You may possibly be fortunate enough to stumble onto some free soccer bets. Look out for frequent specials including improved odds or free bets.

3. Understand different bet types

Don't restrict yourself to the expectations for a regular match outcome. Investigate over/under, Asian handicap, and more. Look for bets where the odds you think are reasonable exceed those presented by the bookmaker.

4. Stay informed

Maintaining the most recent team news, injury reports, and form helps you stay on top of things. Finding value bets may be much aided by a little insider information. And don't hesitate to consult sports commentators' and tipsters' knowledge. Your toolkit for soccer betting could find great use in their observations and forecasts. 

Football bookmakers often offer a variety of bonuses to attract and retain customers. Here are some common types:

Welcome Bonuses

• Deposit match bonuses: These offers, up to a certain value, match some of your starting deposit. For instance, a 100% match bonus up to $100 indicates that, should you deposit $100, you will get an extra $100 bonus.
• Free bet bonuses: Soccer betting free bet is the most sought-after welcome bonuses in the soccer betting community. These bonuses provide you with free bets that you can use to place wagers.

Ongoing Promotions

• Enhanced odds: Bookmakers are always searching for strategies to draw in fresh companies as well as maintain returning ones from before. Their favoured tactic is to increase the chances on certain games or marketplaces. If you're fortunate enough to uncover a boosted bet, you can then find yourself with a possible fortune.
  
• Accumulator bonuses: It's like a cherry on top of your football betting sundae. Should you be bold and make a successful accumulator bet, you will not only win but also a bonus on top of it. Although adding additional choices to your accumulator increases the risk, it's a terrific method to increase your possible profits.
• Cashback offers: Not too blessed right now? Cashback on lost bets allows certain bookies to provide a safety net. Although it's like a consolation prize, don't get too giddy. Usually there is a limit on how much cashback you can get, hence it is doubtful that you will be able to recover a significant amount of your losses. 
  
• Loyalty programs:  Programs for loyalty are an indirect way to show gratitude from bookmakers to their devoted users. Regular users will be granted points or other benefits. You can use these points for free soccer bets, goods, or even special events.

Before claiming any incentive, make sure you thoroughly review the terms and conditions of each. Usually including wagering conditions, bonuses imply you must bet a certain amount before you may withdraw your earnings.

Often known as in-play betting, live betting has changed the landscape of football betting upside-down. This is a dynamic, interactive approach to gamble on football games that adds a whole fresh degree of excitement and involvement. 

The following makes live soccer betting so unique:

• Real-time action: Though considerably quicker than a game of chess, live betting is like playing that game. Real-time reaction to the turns of a match helps you to make clever and interesting bets. With a well-timed wager, you might profit from late penalties, red cards, or unexpected bursts of aggressive play.
  
• Enhanced odds: Bookies real-time change their odds to mirror the ebb and flow of a game. This might provide smart punters chances to find value bets. You may be able to find gold if you can spot a discrepancy between your view of the matter and the present chances. 

The first brands that spring to me with great live betting possibilities in soccer are Betway and Bet365. In some territories, they also provide live streaming of certain competitions. All the other bookies I have highlighted in this article also offer live football betting options. 

Live betting offers a plethora of in-play markets to cater to different preferences. Here are some popular options:

• Next Team to Score: Bet on which team will score the next goal in the match. Since you will be watching the match live, you can observe the momentum and predict which team will find the back of the net soon. 
  

• Total Corners: Before the game, total corners are practically impossible to forecast; nevertheless, following the match patterns helps you to make a safer estimate as the game is played. 
  

• Rest of the Match:  You may guess on the course of the remaining match. For instance, at the seventy-first minute Manchester United is leading Everton 2-0. One can predict the winner of the remaining match. That means, the score in the last 20 minutes plus extra time only matters. 
  If you bet on Everton winning under this market, you can claim the reward even if Everton lose the match 2-1. The Toffees lost the game, although in the last minutes they outscored their opponent.  

• Half-Time/Full-Time: Predict the result of the first half as well as the whole game as it is under progress. 
  

• Player Props: Bet on specific player performances, including assist count or goal count.
  

• Team Props: Invest in team-based results including total shots on target or yellow card count.

For football fans, live betting offers an unmatched degree of thrill and interaction. Your betting experience may be improved and maybe your wins will increase by selecting the correct bookmaker and investigating the many in-play markets. 

There are hundreds of football competitions to choose from, but if you want to focus on the most popular ones, these tournaments should be at the top of your list:

Club Competitions 

• English Premier League: Renowned for its fiercely competitive environment and exciting kind of game, English Premier League is the most often watched football league worldwide. Among the betting possibilities are match outcomes, goal scorers, overall goals, and more.
  
• UEFA Champions League: Featuring the best teams from all throughout Europe, UEFA Champions League is the main European club tournament. There are several betting possibilities ranging from top scorers to tournament outright winners to match winners. 
  
• La Liga: La Liga is one of the most thrilling leagues in the world and has two of the top teams worldwide even after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo left. Like the Premier League, betting choices highlight teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona, with an eye toward. 
  
• Serie A: The Italian top-flight is long past its glory days. Still, it’s admired worldwide for its defensive finesse and physicality. Match outcomes, total goals, and personal player performance are among the betting choices.
  
• New Zealand National League: The most renowned domestic football competition in New Zealand is the National League. The betting markets of the 10-team league are similar to those in European equivalents.

International Competitions 

• FIFA World Cup: The height of football events is the FIFA World Cup. Considered the "Biggest Show on Earth," the FIFA World Cup is the most watched athletic event worldwide. Every four years the tournament comes back to wreak havoc on the planet’s productivity. Betting choices include tournament outright winners, top scorers, and match winners.
  
• UEFA European Championship: Held every four years, the UEFA European Championship is a significant international competition including the top European national teams. 

Apart from the regular match outcome bets, these events include a broad spectrum of betting possibilities including:

• Top goal scorers: You can wager on specific players to rank highest in these contests. 
  
• Total goals: You may guess the number of goals a game will produce overall.
  
• Outright winners: You may wager on the possible competition winner. 
  
• Name the finalists: Should you be wagering on a cup tournament such as the World Cup, Champions League, or FA Cup, you may fairly forecast the finals and win prizes. 
  
• Placement bets: Placement bets allow you to wager on certain teams' possible competition finishing place. You might gamble on Bayern Munich, for instance, reaching the 24/25 Champions League semi finals or Canada failing out of the group stages in the World Cup 2026. 

Sports betting enhances the already thrilling experience of watching football matches. The prospect of financial gains adds to the engagement. It transforms a simple match into a thrilling adventure, where every pass, shot, and tackle has a direct impact on your wager. 

Many online bookers include live streaming of football events among their offerings. This improves the whole betting experience by letting you watch the game while still laying bets.

Bet365 and Betway are the best football streaming betting sites among the bookmakers we discussed. LeoVegas also offers live streaming, but the other three have limited or no live streaming coverage. PlayUp doesn’t provide any live streaming services, while Picklebet and Palmerbet have limited options.

Please note: Be aware that your geographical area, particular match, league, and so on will affect the availability of live streams. To get the most recent information on live streaming coverage, always visit the bookmaker's website or app.

Online soccer betting has seen a revolution from mobile applications. Sitting in front of your desktop or laptop all day is not necessary to make and watch your wagers. All you have to do is download the bookmaker app on your phone so you may bet on soccer wherever you are, anytime you want. 

Unmatched simplicity, accessibility, and a wealth of tools that enhance the betting experience make mobile betting applications rather handy. Let’s have a closer look at the perks they bring: 

• Convenience: You may gamble wherever the mood strikes—on the bus, on the couch, or during the match itself. Your own betting buddy on call, around-the-clock, is a mobile betting app. 
  
• Live streaming: Some apps also come with live streaming features. So, you can catch in on the game as you place your bets live. This makes live soccer betting far more comfortable. 
  
• Notifications: Real-time alerts will help you to remain current. You will be the first to know whether it is a late goal, a change of odds, or a lucrative bonus offer. Mobile betting applications always keep you updated and ready to grab the next great chance.
  
• Clutterless UI: Some football betting mobile apps offer easier navigation compared to the desktop version. They are streamlined, making it simpler to find the necessary bets.

Bookmakers like Bet365, LeoVegas and PlayUp offer the best mobile betting experience. More on that in the next section. 

Bet365

• Bet Builder for customised soccer bets  
• Live stream support
• Easy withdrawal and deposit 

A great app from the world’s most popular betting platform. While there is an online casino as well, you can just jump straight into the soccer odds if you like. The main interface highlights the soccer odds as soon as you enter the app. Want to catch some live soccer action? The live streaming section has you covered. How about some live bets? That’s on the menu as well! 

LeoVegas

• Offers all main site features 
• Dedicated sports app for better soccer betting experience 
• Modern UI

I prefer the LeoVegas mobile app over its desktop version. The UI is smoother and all the soccer betting features are available as well. While the live streaming perks are limited, I do like the app’s live soccer betting offerings. LeoVegas updates the odds for future soccer matches earlier than many of its competitors, and you can expect to find them immediately on the mobile app. 

PlayUp

• Sleek UI
• Simple login process 
• Easy to use 

The PlayUp app doesn’t come with live betting privileges, but it’s only because it’s not allowed under the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001. Other than this, the PlayUp app has everything a soccer punter would expect. There’s a large number of markets. I also found a treasure trove of pre-match insights and analysis. And of course, you can build your soccer multi-bets on the app. 

Most bookies offer generous soccer betting free bet offers to new users. All six of the football betting giants I have highlighted here have football betting free bet promotions. Unfortunately, due to Aussie sports gambling regulations, I can't spill the beans on what Picklebet, Palmerbet, and PlayUp have in store. But trust me, they're likely worth checking out.

LeoVegas is dishing out a cool $50 in free soccer bets. Betway is also in the game, offering a free soccer bet up to $50. And bet365 is going all out with up to $100 in bet credits.