Football Betting Guide for Bulgaria
Football is the undisputed king of sports betting in Bulgaria. Over 70% of all bets placed in the country are football-related β from the Bulgarian First League to the Champions League, from the English Premier League to the Spanish Primera Division.
In this guide, we'll explain everything β from the basics to advanced strategies, with concrete examples from popular leagues.
Understanding Football Odds
Before betting, it's important to understand how odds work.
European (Decimal) Format
This is the format used by all Bulgarian bookmakers.
Example: Levski Sofia β CSKA Sofia
- Home (Levski): 2.10
- Draw: 3.20
- Away (CSKA): 3.50
How to calculate potential winnings:
Stake Γ Odds = Total payout (including stake)
50 EUR Γ 2.10 = 25 EUR (profit: 15 EUR)
Implied Probability
Odds show what probability the bookmaker assigns:
- Odds 2.0 = 50% probability
- Odds 3.0 = 33.3% probability
- Odds 1.5 = 66.7% probability
Formula: 1 / Odds Γ 100 = Probability %
Main Football Betting Markets
1X2 (Match Result)
The simplest market β you bet on home win (1), draw (X), or away win (2).
Double Chance
- 1X β home OR draw
- X2 β draw OR away
- 12 β home OR away
Lower odds, but greater security.
Over/Under Goals
You bet whether more or fewer than a set number of goals will be scored.
- O/U 2.5 β Over 2.5 = at least 3 goals
- O/U 1.5 β Over 1.5 = at least 2 goals
BTTS (Both Teams to Score)
"Yes" β both teams score at least 1 goal
"No" β at least one team fails to score
Asian Handicap
Levels the playing field between unequal teams. The favourite receives a disadvantage (e.g., -1.5 goals).
Correct Score
High risk, high odds. You predict the exact final score.
Goalscorer Markets
You bet on which player will score β in the first half, anytime, or last goal.
Top Leagues for Betting
English Premier League
The most popular league for betting in Bulgaria. Rich coverage with 50+ markets per match at leading bookmakers. Plenty of statistical data for analysis.
Tips:
- Home advantage is weaker than in other top leagues
- The top tier is highly competitive β upsets are frequent
- Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool are regularly underpriced at home
Champions League
High media coverage and statistics. Good league for:
- 1X2 markets in matches between a clear favourite and obvious underdog
- Asian Handicap bets
- BTTS markets (group stage)
Spanish La Liga
One of the leagues with the most predictable results β home advantage is strongly pronounced.
Bulgarian First League
If you follow local football, you have an information advantage over the bookmaker. Pay attention to:
- Team form
- Absent players
- Historical head-to-head records
Practical Strategies
Strategy 1: Only bet on leagues you know well
Never bet on a league or match you don't know enough about. Better to skip a match than to guess.
Strategy 2: Value Betting
A "value" bet is when you believe the real probability is higher than what the odds imply.
Example: The bookmaker gives 3.50 for team X to win (β28.6% probability). You think the chances are 35%. If you're right, then the bet has value.
Strategy 3: Bankroll Management
Never bet more than 2-5% of your bankroll on a single bet.
| Bankroll | Maximum bet (5%) |
|---|---|
| 100 EUR | 5 EUR |
| 250 EUR | 13 EUR |
| 500 EUR | 25 EUR |
Strategy 4: Live Betting
Live betting offers unique advantages:
- You see the game before betting
- Odds move fast β sometimes in your favour
- Good strategy: bet on an early goal at 0-0 after 20 minutes when one team clearly dominates
Mistakes Beginners Make
β Betting on their favourite team
Attachment clouds judgment. Bet objectively.
β Chasing losses
"The next bet will get my money back" is a trap. Set a daily limit and stick to it.
β Too many accumulators
Accumulators are tempting, but chances drop exponentially. One wrong result destroys everything.
β Not comparing odds
Different bookmakers offer different odds. Have accounts at at least two β compare before every bet.
Recommended Platform for Football Betting
For football betting in Bulgaria, we recommend Sesame β offering over 40 markets on top matches, live streaming, and some of the best odds in the country.
Bet responsibly. 18+. Gambling can be addictive.