How to Bet on First Goal / Last Goal – Complete Guide to Maximizing Your Chances
Among the many football betting markets, First Goal and Last Goal bets stand out for their suspense and simplicity. Offered by most top-tier bookmakers, this market lets you wager on which team will score the first or final goal in a match—or whether no goals will be scored at all. It’s a thrilling choice for those who enjoy fast results and strategic thinking. Curious about how it all works? Dive into the full breakdown with WinTips below and learn how to play this market effectively.
What Are First Goal / Last Goal Bets?
First Goal / Last Goal is a type of football bet where you wager on which team will score the first goal or the last goal in a match. From the moment the referee blows the starting whistle, bookmakers offer odds on which team will net the first of up to seven goals or the final goal of the match.
If you correctly predict the team that scores first, you win the First Goal bet.
If you bet on the Last Goal, the result is confirmed when the final whistle is blown.
If your prediction is wrong, you lose your full stake.
In case of an own goal, the goal is awarded to the opposing team for betting purposes.
Common Symbols in First/Last Goal Bets
betting site reviews often use the following abbreviations:
HF – Home team scores the first goal
HL – Home team scores the last goal
AF – Away team scores the first goal
AL – Away team scores the last goal
No Goal – The match ends with a 0–0 scoreline (no goals scored)
How to Read First / Last Goal Odds
To calculate your potential winnings, use this formula:
Winnings=Bet Amount × Odds (First/Last Goal)
Example:
In a match between Leganes and Real Madrid, suppose you place a $100 bet on either the First or Last Goal:
If you bet $100 on Real Madrid to score first and they do, and the odds are 1.3, you win:
100 × 1.3=$130
If you instead placed that same bet on Leganes to score first but Real Madrid scores instead, you lose the $100.
Suppose the final score is 3–1 in favor of Real Madrid, but Leganes scores the final goal—then:
If you bet on Real Madrid to score first, you win
If you bet on Real Madrid to score last, you lose
If the match is still 0–0, and a Leganes player scores an own goal, the first goal is credited to Real Madrid.
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See more: top 5 fastest player to score 100 goals in their career
Tips for Winning First / Last Goal Bets
Since these bets offer high returns and strong odds, they attract many football bettors. With a bit of practice and match analysis, your chances of winning increase significantly. Here are some proven strategies:
1. Choose Matches With a Clear Gap in Strength
This is a well-known tip among experienced bettors. Choose matches where there’s a clear favorite and underdog. The stronger team is more likely to score the first goal.
While upsets do happen, it’s statistically safer to back the stronger team to score first. Just make sure you’ve done your research, as blindly betting on favorites without context can still lead to losses.
2. Pay Attention to Key Goal Scorers
Check if the team you’re betting on has standout strikers or prolific scorers. These are the players most likely to find the net first or last. Most top teams have 1–3 main attackers who contribute the bulk of goals.
For example, Barcelona’s star forward Messi has historically scored and assisted countless goals, making bets involving him or his team more predictable.
3. Analyze the Team's Playing Style
Every team has its own tactical approach. Teams known for aggressive, attacking football are far more likely to score early—and often. Their probability of netting the first goal could be as high as 90%.
In contrast, teams that play defensively and rely on counterattacks are less likely to strike first. Understanding a team’s style helps you determine whether they’re a better pick for First or Last Goal bets—or best avoided altogether.
Final Thoughts
You now have a clear understanding of how First Goal and Last Goal bets work, how to read the odds, and strategies to improve your betting accuracy. If you're looking for more reliable match analysis or expert goal betting predictions, be sure to visit trusted tipster platforms like Wintips.
Good luck and bet smart on your First/Last Goal wagers!