Types of Bet – My Complete Guides to Stop Betting Blindly

Feeling lost when you look at betting markets? You’re not alone. Most people who start betting in Africa don’t come from a background of stats and spreadsheets. They come from WhatsApp groups, late-night football debates, and a gut feeling about “this team will win.” But then they see odds for over/under, handicaps, 1X2, or system bets... and it feels like trying to solve a math puzzle with real money on the line.

This guide is here to change that.

We’re not just going to throw definitions at you. We’re going to walk you through the most important types of bets - the ones real African punters actually use. You’ll see when to use them, when to avoid them, and how to read a game so you’re not betting blindly. Whether you bet from Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, or Cape Town, this is your playbook for betting smarter.

Because once you understand the rhythm of bet types, you’ll stop guessing and start seeing patterns. And that’s when betting becomes something more: a game of skill, not just chance.

When it comes to winning bets consistently, it’s not about luck, it’s about timing. Every match has a rhythm. Some games scream goals from the first whistle. Others feel tight, like a cagey local derby where one mistake decides everything. That’s where your choice of bet type becomes the real difference maker.

If you're betting on a one-sided clash - say, Mamelodi Sundowns hosting a bottom-table team, it might be the perfect setup for a handicap. But if it’s a tense NPFL derby between Enyimba and Rangers, double chance could be your lifeline.

The smartest punters aren’t the ones who know every type of bet by heart. They’re the ones who know when to switch gears.

I’ve had weekends where I stuck with 1X2 all through, and others where I flipped between over/under, double chance, and exact score, all based on what the match was telling me. That flexibility is what separates casual guesses from well-placed bets.

And if you’re betting in Africa, where matches can swing with a red card, a last-minute substitution, or even the weather? Adapting isn’t just useful - it’s necessary.

The odds don’t just tell you who’s the favourite - they tell you what the market is thinking. And if you pay close attention, they can help you choose the right type of bet before the game even kicks off.

When odds shift sharply - whether early in the week or minutes before kickoff, it usually means something has changed: team news, weather, or insider confidence. If you know how to read these moves, you’ll place smarter bets, and more importantly, the right kind of bet for the moment.

What Sharp Money Can Reveal Before Kickoff

Let’s say a midweek CAF Champions League game opens with odds favouring Al Ahly, but 24 hours later the line moves heavily toward their opponents. That’s not casual fans driving the change, that’s sharp punters with early info. Maybe a star player is out. Maybe the home side is fielding a weak squad. Either way, this is not the time to bet 1X2 blindly.

Instead? Consider a double chance in favour of the underdog, or even a handicap with insurance if you're feeling bold but calculated. Follow the odds trail, but play it on your terms.

Live Odds Shifts: When to Switch from 1X2 to In-Play Over/Under

You placed no bet before kickoff, but 25 minutes into a match, it’s still 0–0. You’re watching from your phone. You feel like the game is heating up - two near misses, a lot of corner kicks, high tempo.

If you see the Over 1.5 odds drop slightly, or the BTTS (Both Teams to Score) market get narrower, that’s your cue. This is when in-play betting becomes powerful. Forget the full-time result - read the game and bet the goals.

Avoiding Traps: When Odds Movements Don’t Mean Value

Not every change in odds is meaningful. Sometimes it’s just public hype like when Nigeria plays a small West African nation and everyone bets heavy on a blowout. The odds shift, yes, but not because the info changed -  just the volume did.

If you follow those blindly, you’ll end up betting the hype, not the value. That’s when it’s smarter to skip the match, or bet under goals if you suspect a tighter contest than the market expects.

Odds movement won’t win you bets on its own, but it will make you more aware, more calculated, and more likely to choose a bet type that fits the moment.

Every smart punter has a personal toolkit, not of 20 confusing bet types, but of a tight set of reliable go-to bets that actually work when used right. I call these my “star bets”. Not because they’re flashy, but because they cover most match situations you’ll face, from easy home wins to tense local derbies, and even those matches where you just want a bit of fun.

If you're betting from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, or anywhere across Africa, these are the 7 bets worth mastering. You don’t need more - just these, used at the right time.

Let me show you what they are and how I personally play each one.

The 1X2 Bet – The Classic, the Essential, the Bettor Starter Pack

This is where it all begins:

• 1 means home win
• X means draw
• 2 means away win

It’s the simplest way to bet and still one of the most effective, especially when the match feels predictable.

How I play it:

In a Zambia Super League match, I saw Red Arrows hosting Chambishi, who hadn’t scored in 4 away games. I placed a straight “1” for the home win. No drama, just logic. Final score? 2–0.

The Double Chance Bet – My Wild Card for Close Matches

When a match is too tight or the stakes are high, I go for safety. With double chance, you pick two of the three possible outcomes:

• 1X (home win or draw)
• X2 (away win or draw)
• 12 (either team wins, no draw)

It’s a defensive play and it works.

How I play it:

During the Soweto derby (Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates), anything can happen. I took 1X on Chiefs just to stay covered. The match ended 1–1. My bet survived the chaos. Checkout our double chance betting guide for more information on how to apply this strategy.

The Handicap – When the Opposing Team is Too Strong, I Bring Out the Artillery

Sometimes you know the favourite is going to dominate. But a straight win brings poor odds. Handicap betting helps you fix that by giving the underdog a virtual head start or the favourite a goal deficit to overcome.

How I play it:

Sundowns vs Cape Town Spurs? I took Sundowns -1.5. They were flying high in the league, and Spurs hadn’t won away in months. Full-time: 3–0. The handicap gave me odds worth chasing.

The Asian Handicap – My Favorite When I Want to Reduce Risk

Think of this as the smarter version of the classic handicap. The Asian handicap removes the draw from the equation and lets you win half, lose half, or get your stake refunded depending on the margin.

How I play it:

When Gor Mahia hosted Sofapaka (Kenya), I went for Gor -0.25 because they had a strong home record, but I still had doubts. They won 1–0 - full win. If it had been a draw, I’d have lost only half. It’s my go-to when I want to bet bold, but smart.

The Over/Under Bet – My Weather Bet: Will It Rain Goals or Not?

This isn’t about who wins, it’s about how many goals the match sees.

• Over 2.5 means 3+ goals
• Under 2.5 means 2 or fewer

Perfect for when team stats tell you what the scoreline might look like.

How I play it:

When Uganda’s Vipers SC played Express FC, both had low goal tallies in recent games. I went for Under 2.5 and the game ended 1–1. Safe and sound.

The Combined Bet – My Long-Distance Shot (Big Win or Nothing)

Here’s where the real thrill kicks in. A combo (or accumulator) lets you combine multiple bets into one ticket. The odds stack up, but one wrong pick and it’s all gone.

How I play it:

I built a 3-leg combo with:

• Simba SC to win (Tanzania)
• Betway Ghana’s top game: Medeama to win
• Over 2.5 in a Nigeria Premier League tie

The payout was over 6x. And yes, it landed. But I've also lost combos on the last leg more times than I’d like to admit. Use with flair, not emotion.

Exact Score – For Divine Bettors or Madmen. I Try Sometimes, but Hey…

This is the bet you place when you want to feel like a football prophet. You predict the exact final score, not just the winner, not the total goals, but the exact scoreline.

How I play it:

During a Ghana vs Mozambique international, I had a strange feeling about a 1–0 Ghana win. Stats, absentees, and past fixtures all pointed that way. I went for it, and it landed. Odds were above 7.0. Not something I do often, but when it hits? It’s magic.

That’s my 7-star system. Use them well, learn when to pull each one out and you’ll bet with more confidence than most people at your local viewing centre.

Not all bets are made equal and not all of them should be used every weekend. Some bets are like secret weapons: you don’t carry them in your everyday betting kit, but when the right moment comes, they can be powerful.

These are the ones I call my “bonus bets.” I don’t use them often, but when I do, it’s always with a purpose. Here’s how they work, and how they’ve worked (or failed) for me.

Boosted Odds – When the Bookmaker Becomes Generous (and I’m Still a Little Wary)

Every now and then, a betting site will throw you a shiny offer: boosted odds on a combo or a player to score. It looks like easy money. But these are usually bets that need multiple things to happen, and sometimes they’re harder than they look.

How I play it:

Once, I saw a boosted offer from a local Kenyan bookie: “Gor Mahia to win + both teams to score” bumped from 3.10 to 4.20. Tempting. But Gor had kept three clean sheets in a row. I skipped it. They won 1–0. The boost looked good but didn’t match the stats. Lesson? Only take a boost when it aligns with what you already planned to bet on.

System Betting – For Sunday or Saturday Night Strategists

If you like combos but hate the stress of losing it all from one wrong pick, system betting is your middle ground. You create a grid, like 2/3 or 3/4 and as long as some of your selections land, you still win something.

How I play it:

During a Premier League Sunday, I liked four matches but wasn’t fully sure about one. I placed a 3/4 system bet: three wins guaranteed some cash. One game flopped, but the other three came through and I still got paid. It’s a great tool when you’re confident, but not perfect.

Long-Term Bet – If You Have the Patience of a Buddhist Monk

This one isn’t for quick wins. It’s for those who want to play the long game: betting weeks or even months in advance on a tournament winner or top scorer. The rewards can be massive if you’re right.

How I play it:

Before AFCON 2023, I placed a futures bet on Senegal to reach the final. I had reasons: squad depth, form, easy group. They made it to the semis - close, but no cash. I’ve also won once before: Man City to win the league by April, and they wrapped it up with weeks to spare. The key is timing, place early, and don’t check it every weekend or you’ll go mad.

These bonus bets aren’t for daily use. They’re like spices in a stew - too much and it’s ruined, but just enough and it brings everything to life.

If you’ve just opened a betting app and feel like you’re staring at a spaceship dashboard, you’re not alone.

Most beginners jump in too fast, placing combos with five matches, picking exotic markets, or chasing huge odds without understanding how any of it works. That’s not how you build success. You start small, learn the patterns, and find your rhythm.

These three bet types are where I always recommend new punters begin. They’re simple, low-risk, and still exciting enough to keep things fun.

🎯 Beginner’s Betting Matrix

My Advice?

• Start with single bets only. No combos. No systems.
• Stick with local leagues you know like the NPFL, PSL, or UPL - not obscure European ones at midnight.
• Don’t touch Asian Handicaps or Exact Score yet. They’re powerful, but only if you know how to use them.

And above all, don’t bet what you don’t understand. There’s no rush. Betting is a long game. Master the basics first… and your wallet will thank you later.

Everyone remembers their first painful ticket. And if you’re honest, your worst losses probably weren’t because of bad luck, but because you chose the wrong bet at the wrong time.

I’ve been there. So has every serious punter I know.

What matters is whether you learn from those early mistakes or keep repeating them. Here are four classic blunders I made (so you don’t have to).

The Kamikaze Combination (1xBet Made It Too Easy)

One of my first bets on 1xBet looked like a lottery ticket.
6 legs. Mostly teams I’d never watched. Odds over 20.00. I thought I’d hacked the system.

First match? Lost in the 60th minute. The rest didn’t matter.

I learned something important that day: combos aren’t a shortcut to wealth. They’re for when you’re confident in every single pick, not just chasing the biggest payout on the page.

The Misplaced Handicap

Senegal vs Zimbabwe. AFCON qualifiers.

I went with Senegal -2 handicap thinking they’d dominate. What actually happened?
A 1–0 win and only thanks to a last-minute penalty.

The truth? Zimbabwe defended deep. Senegal was missing two key attackers. And I didn’t adjust.
Lesson: don’t use handicap just to force better odds. Use it when the margin is genuinely realistic.

The Exact Score of Total Delirium

Nigeria vs Ghana. I had a “feeling” it would end 3–2. Don’t ask why — I saw it in a dream 🙂.

I placed the bet. Bragged about it in the group chat. The match? 0–0. Flat, defensive, and full of missed chances.

That was the day I learned: intuition is good, but if it’s not backed by data or recent form, it’s just guesswork. An exact score is not the place to guess.

Do Not Read the Conditions

I once placed a boosted odds bet that looked too good to be true: 4.80 odds for three Premier League wins. I picked just one team (thinking the boost applied anyway) and hit submit.

Got the win. But when the payout came in, it was at normal odds.

Turns out: the boost was only valid for a 3-leg combo.
I didn’t read the fine print. Always check the terms, especially with promos, free bets, and cashback offers.

Mistakes will happen. But if you’re learning from them, you’re already ahead of most punters out there.

Not all betting platforms in Africa are created equal. You might know how to use handicap, over/under, or combo bets, but depending on the bookmaker you use, not all options are available, especially in live mode or on mobile.

This matters more than you think. Because even the smartest punters get tripped up by missing markets, limited coverage, or country-specific restrictions they didn’t see coming.

Let’s break down how different African bookmakers compare and what to watch out for.

Betway vs Betika vs Premier Bet: Who Offers What?

If you’re betting in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, or Malawi, chances are you’ve used one or more of these platforms. But here’s how they differ in real betting scenarios:

• Betway is consistent across most markets. You’ll usually find 1X2, double chance, handicaps, and a good spread of over/under. Their live betting section is fast, but they rarely go deep on Asian handicap or custom combos. Great for straight-up bets and major leagues.
   
• Betika, especially in Kenya, leans local. They offer strong coverage of the FKF Premier League and solid jackpot features, but limit bet types during live matches. Also, boosted odds are sometimes tied to pre-match only.
   
• Premier Bet, popular in Malawi and Tanzania, offers surprising depth in bet types including virtuals, goalscorer markets, and combo + handicap hybrids. However, their mobile interface isn’t always smooth, and odds updates can lag during fast-paced matches.

Before you get used to a strategy, make sure the platform you're using actually supports the bets you want to place.

Why Some Bet Types Disappear in Live Mode

You open your app, see a full buffet of bets before kickoff… and suddenly, at the 15th minute, all that’s left is 1X2 and Over 0.5 Goals.

What happened?

Many African bookmakers reduce market options once a match is live. It’s a risk control tactic. In-play betting is harder to manage, and some platforms don’t have the tech to offer real-time bet type calculations for things like Asian handicaps or player props.

So if you plan to bet live, prepare your picks in advance or be ready to adjust quickly when the market shrinks mid-match.

Local Laws and How They Affect Available Bet Types

In some countries, what you’re allowed to bet on is shaped by regulation, not the bookmaker’s choice.

For example:

• Nigeria’s NLRC doesn’t restrict common bet types, but bookmakers must display terms clearly. That’s why sites like Bet9ja and Nairabet often limit “free spins” or “random odds boosts” unless conditions are met.
   
• Kenya’s BCLB has pushed for stricter rules on jackpot-style bets and caps on maximum payouts. Some bet types were temporarily suspended in past years.
   
• Tanzania and Malawi focus heavily on retail oversight, so if you’re betting through Premier Bet Zone or using a shop terminal, you might not get the full bet menu available online.

Moral of the story? Always check your country’s betting rules and read the fine print on what your bookmaker allows.

Understanding your bookmaker’s limits is just as important as understanding the game itself. Because the best strategy in the world won’t work if the platform can’t support it.

You can learn all the betting types in the world, but it’s when you match them to the right leagues that everything starts to click.

Each competition has its own rhythm. Some are fast and high-scoring, others are tense and defensive. Once you recognize that, you’ll stop placing random bets and start tailoring your approach league by league.

Here’s how I adapt my bets based on the African fixtures I follow most.

Best Bets for CAF Champions League Fixtures

CAF Champions League matches are loaded with variables: travel stress, thin squads, unpredictable officiating, and stadium atmospheres that shake even seasoned pros. Because of this, I rarely go for straight 1X2 bets unless I know the team well.

Go-to bet types:

• Double Chance: Especially when the away team has strong continental form.
• Under 2.5 Goals: Many CAF knockout ties start cagey, especially in the first leg.
• Asian Handicap (0 or +0.25): Great when you expect a close contest but want some safety.

Example:

When Simba SC visited Al Ahly, I backed Simba +1 Asian handicap knowing they were solid defensively and just needed to avoid collapse. Final score: 1–0. Bet refunded. Smart, not flashy.

How I Bet on South Africa’s PSL vs Nigeria’s NPFL

South Africa’s PSL and Nigeria’s NPFL may both be domestic leagues, but they behave very differently on the pitch and so should your betting approach.

PSL (South Africa):

• Best for: Over/Under bets, Double Chance, and Home Wins.
• Most matches are tactically balanced, but goals can be scarce.
• Top sides like Sundowns dominate at home, great for handicap or HT/FT bets.

NPFL (Nigeria):

• Best for: 1X2 (home team), Draw No Bet, and Under 2.5.
• Home advantage is real. Away wins are rare.
• Some games are chaotic, but many end 1–0 or 1–1.

How I bet:

I’ll take 1X or DNB for NPFL derbies like Enyimba vs Kano Pillars. But in a PSL tie like Stellenbosch vs SuperSport United? I look for Under 2.5 or both teams to score (BTTS - No).

Why Derby Matches (Raja vs Wydad, Enyimba vs Rangers) Need Special Bet Types

Derbies are unpredictable. Form goes out the window. The emotion, the pressure, the tension, all of it makes outcomes harder to call. That’s why you should never treat a derby like just another fixture.

My favourite derby bets:

• Double Chance: Stay covered when things get wild.
• BTTS (Yes): If both sides come in motivated to prove a point.
• Over 1.5 Cards or Corners (if available): Physical matches often lead to more stoppages.

Example:

In the Casablanca derby - Raja vs Wydad, I never play the exact score or combos. It’s too risky. I stick to Double Chance (1X or X2) or Draw No Bet, depending on who’s hosting.

Same for Enyimba vs Rangers. These matches aren’t for pretty bets, they're for strategic bets.

Bet types aren’t one-size-fits-all. The more you match them to how a league actually plays, the more your slips start turning green.

Football may be the king of betting in Africa, but it’s far from the only option. Rugby, tennis, basketball, even boxing and handball, are gaining traction across top sportsbooks. But here’s the thing: not every bet type works for every sport.

I learned this the hard way when I tried an exact score bet on a rugby game (don’t ask). Since then, I’ve built a simple rule: match the bet type to the sport, not the other way around.

Use this cheat sheet to stay sharp.

🎯 Sport-by-Sport Betting Matrix

Quick Notes from My Experience:

• In tennis, betting 1X2 makes no sense, there’s no draw. Stick to Over/Under games or players to win a set.
• In rugby, the scores are often too spread out. Go for handicaps and totals, not guesses on exact outcomes.
• Basketball is fun, but dangerous, points swing fast. I always avoid combo bets here unless it’s an NBA blowout I’ve tracked.

Bottom line: if you’re betting outside of football, adjust your bet type accordingly or you’ll be using the right tool in the wrong game.

Betting in Africa is a game of its own. The same strategy that works for a Premier League match on a clean pitch in London won’t hold up in a wet-season CAF qualifier in Yaoundé.

Here, odds can shift suddenly, lineups drop late, and weather, travel, and even referees can flip a match on its head. If you want to win more often, you’ve got to read beyond just the form guide. You’ve got to read your context.

Local Realities That Shape Smart Betting

• Weather: Rain-soaked turf in Tanzania or Ghana slows games down, perfect for Under 2.5 bets or Draw No Bet.
   
• Travel Fatigue: Away teams in CAF games often fly in the day before. In Kenya or Malawi, this means home advantage is real and a great time for 1X2 (Home).
   
• Player Absences: National duty, injury, or even club strikes. Always scan team news before placing your bet. It changes everything.
   
• League Culture: NPFL home wins, PSL tight defences, UPL underdog surprises, every league has its betting fingerprint. Use it.

📍 Start With a Betting Site That Actually Works Where You Are

Before anything else, make sure you’re betting on a platform that supports your currency, your payment method, and your local football markets. These guides will help:

• Best Sports Betting Sites in Nigeria
• Best Sports Betting Sites in Ghana
• Best Sports Betting Sites in Kenya
• Best Sports Betting Sites in South Africa
• Best Sports Betting Sites in Tanzania
• Best Sports Betting Sites in Zambia
• Best Sports Betting Sites in Uganda
• Best Sports Betting Sites in Malawi

Whether you bet small or go bold, the smartest play is always to understand your ground, and adjust your bets to fit it.

You’ve now seen what separates wild guessing from structured betting. You’ve walked through the star bets, avoided the rookie traps, matched bet types to leagues, and adapted your game to your country.

Now it’s time to pull it all together.

✔️ Your Quickfire Betting Compass

Here’s the cheat sheet I wish I had when I started:

• Core Bets to Master: 1X2, Double Chance, Over/Under, Handicap, Asian Handicap, Combined, Exact Score
• Use With Caution: Boosted Odds, System Bets, Long-Term Bets
• Common Fails to Avoid: Chasing combos, misusing handicap, blind exact scores, skipping terms & conditions
• Match the Bet to the Match: CAF = tight, PSL = technical, NPFL = home-heavy
• Know Your Territory: Local rules, missing players, travel fatigue,  all change your odds

🗂️ Pro Tip: Bookmark Before You Bet

Whether you're on Betika at a bus stop in Nairobi or checking Betway in Lagos traffic, this guide is your playbook. Bookmark it. Refer back. And check the matrix before placing a ticket. Smart bettors aren’t always right. But they always bet with purpose.

By now, you’ve done more than most bettors ever will. You’ve gone beyond luck, beyond buzzwords, and into real knowledge - the kind that wins over time.

But knowing the bet types is just the first layer.

If you want to move from smart guesses to sustainable profit, the next step is building a strategy. One built around:

• Bankroll management: so you don’t burn out after one bad Saturday.
• Value betting: finding odds that are better than they should be.
• Discipline: knowing when not to bet is just as powerful as knowing when to jump in.

Ready to level up?

👉 Read our expert review of the best betting sites in Africa for 2025 to find the platform that suits you the most.