What does BTTS mean in betting?

The BTTS meaning in betting is simple - you’re backing whether both sides get on the scoresheet in regular time. Hence the name 'both teams to score', or BTTS. 

There are two ways it can go. ‘BTTS: Yes’ comes in if each team nets at least once. ‘BTTS: No’ lands when at least one of them fails to find the back of the net. 

UK football betting sites usually price up BTTS between 2/5 and 6/4, with Yes often the shorter of the two. The margin tends to sit around 6 to 8 percent, usually a bit steeper than what you’d get on the match winner.

BTTS meaning and how it works  

As we mentioned, BTTS in football betting stands for both teams to score, and it’s easily one of the most popular picks you’ll find on any given fixture. Plenty of new punters have a go at it early doors when learning how to bet on football because the concept is extremely straightforward.

In plain terms, you’re placing a bet on both teams to score - or not - during the full 90 minutes, stoppage time included. It doesn't make any difference who wins or loses. The match could end all square, or one side dominates completely.

Beyond the standard BTTS market, some bookies throw in first half, second half, or both halves variations. It’s still the same bet, yet now there’s a time stamp on it.

BTTS betting example – Brentford v Brighton, 19 April 2025

Brentford grabbed their first home Premier League win since December with a 4–2 result against Brighton. Here’s how the BTTS market played out on that day:

• Pre-match odds for ‘BTTS: Yes’ were around 1/2.
• Brentford took the lead through Bryan Mbeumo in the ninth minute.
• The Seagulls pulled level just before the halftime whistle.

So at that point, both sides had found the net, and if you were on ‘BTTS: Yes,’ your bet was already settled. What followed didn’t matter. Brentford went on to win 4–2, but Brighton could’ve drawn level and it wouldn’t have changed a thing.

BTTS acca bets 

If you understand what BTTS is, that same idea carries over when you’re putting together an accumulator -only now you’re linking multiple fixtures. 

Let’s say there are five games on and you go ‘BTTS: Yes’ in all of them. For the acca to land, every single match needs both teams to score. One clean sheet in any of those and the whole thing’s done. 

Naturally, you can mix it up - ’BTTS: No’ in some, Yes in others, or even add other options like match result or booking points and card markets.

Accas are a big draw when it comes to bookie promos. Take Mr Play, for example. They’ll boost your winnings if you stick on a four-fold or bigger, provided each leg comes in at minimum odds of 1/5.

BTTS in-play betting 

As soon as the match gets underway, all markets go live and prices start reacting to what’s unfolding out there. The BTTS meaning stays exactly the same, but you’ll see a sharp swing if one side finds the net early on.

Same as pre-match, betting on BTTS in-play still only covers the 90 and stoppage, even if there are just a few minutes left. Extra time doesn’t count for anything here. Unless, of course, the market’s clearly intended for that period.

The edge with going in-play is you’ve seen the lineups an hour before kick-off, so you’re not going in blind. On top of that, the opening few minutes can tell you plenty about the tempo and intent. Make sure that you stay sharp as one goal can flip the whole market in an instant.

BTTS pros and cons

Pros:

• Very simple market
• It suits chaotic fixtures where the scoreline could go either way.
• Early goals settle it fast, freeing you to bet again in the same match.
• Various stats help frame it, including xG and shots on target.
• Works well in combination with over/under 2.5 goals for double markets.
• Good for accas as it’s a straight yes or no answer. 

Cons:

• Odds are often short, especially in matches expected to see goals.
• 'BTTS: No' always runs the full 90. It cannot settle early like ‘Yes.'

BTTS strategy 

Although the 22 on the pitch handle most of the work, there’s still plenty you can do to tilt the odds in your favour. Have a look at the following BTTS betting tips: 

Analyse the stats

Forget league position when it comes to BTTS betting. It doesn’t tell you half as much as form, goal timings, and how teams are setting up. 

Start by checking each side’s BTTS record over their last ten, split home and away. If you can, dig into recent xG and xGA, but focus on open play. Sides that rely too much on set-pieces can throw the numbers off.

Use BTTS-friendly promos

The best bookmakers in the UK often run promos that cover BTTS markets. 

Ladbrokes, for example, refunds the first two 5+ fold accas you place each day if one selection lets you down, up to £10. You’re much better off putting them on there with that bit of cover than somewhere offering nothing back.

Target teams with asymmetrical BTTS trends

Definitely the easiest thing is to back ‘BTTS: Yes’ when both sides have strong recent records. The problem is, by the time you spot it, so has the market.

A smarter move is finding a mismatch. For example, one side that creates plenty with a backline that’s a bit slow to react. It could be a strong 'BTTS: Yes' shout against a team who rarely keeps a clean sheet but has one or two direct runners who thrive on space and catching teams out on the break.

These kinds of matchups often slip under the radar, and because they’re not hammered by casual punters, the prices tend to hold up better.

Gamble responsibly 

Knowing how to gamble on sports the right way is key to enjoying BTTS betting. Set yourself a budget, something you’re alright spending without feeling like you’ve got to win it back. And no matter what, don’t go chasing losses by throwing a BTTS punt on every game you watch. 

Online bookies have loads of tools in place to help you stay in control, including things like:

• Deposit/loss/bet limits 
• Reality checks 
• Bet history  
• Wager caps 
• Session timers 
• Time-outs 
• Self-exclusion 
• Direct links to support sites like GambleAware, GamCare, and Gamblers Anonymous

Here are a few more places the NHS recommends if you’re having problems with gambling.