Soccer Betting Explained: 1X2, Handicaps and the 90-Minute Rule
Few sports draw as many bets as soccer, known worldwide as football. Canadian fans will usually meet four popular markets: 1X2 (home, draw, away), over/under goals, both teams to score and handicap. Settlement is normally based on regular time, meaning 90 minutes plus stoppage time. Extra time and penalties are left out unless the market includes them.
Your Valmo account shows whether a sports betting section is available and which sports it includes. Not every market on this page may be offered, so treat it as a general guide to how bets are settled and how to keep things clear of disputes.
How regular time and extra time differ
Picture backing a team that is level after 90 minutes and then wins in extra time: that bet still loses. Football bettors trip over this more than anything else. A "to qualify" or "tournament winner" market is the better pick when you want extra time included.
When a match is postponed or abandoned
A bet stands only if the delayed match is played within the hours or days set out in the rules. Miss that window and the bet is void, with your stake coming back to you. If play is abandoned, markets with a result already decided, such as the first-half outcome, can still stand.
Popular markets
1X2 covers three possible results on regular time. Over/under compares total goals with a line such as 2.5. Both teams to score is a simple yes or no. Double chance covers two of three results, with lower odds in return.
When the odds are an obvious mistake
A clear pricing error, such as a typo, may let the bookmaker void the bet or resettle it at the correct odds under its rules. Should this happen to you, ask in writing for the clause used and the odds that should have applied.
Illustrative example
Say a bettor puts C$10 on a home win at 2.20. It finishes 1–1 after 90 minutes, then the home team takes it on penalties. The 1X2 market goes by regular time, so that bet loses, while a "to qualify" pick would have won. Always check the market name to see which period counts.
What to do when a settlement seems off
Keep a copy of your bet slip with the bet ID, market, odds and time, then look up the settlement clause for that sport. When you write to support, quote the clause and include the official result from a reliable source. Still not happy with the answer? The next step is a formal complaint.
Keep exploring: Basketball · Tennis · Cricket · Bet types.