Over four years in the making, it made headlines for all the wrong reasons, but the FIFA World Cup 2024 has landed. Former members of FIFA have been accused of accepting bribes to award Qatar the competition. Other critics are baffled by the decision to hold the tournament in a desert climate, in winter, and in a country with a shocking human rights record.
For those reasons, millions of avid soccer fans refused to watch the 22nd running of the sport’s best-loved games. A dark cloud hangs over the whole sorry affair, but now the games have started, people are beginning to talk more about soccer and less about politics. It hasn’t always been pretty off the field of play, but on it, the World Cup has already surpassed all expectations.
There have been more than a few upsets and shock results in the games, and that’s been great news for bettors. Qatar will be the most bet-on World Cup in history following changes to gambling laws in the US. This tournament is a great event to gamble on, with matches and outright markets available. We’ll explain how to bet on websites, such as MyTopSportsbooks, tips on making strong predictions, the standout teams, soccer markets, and more. There’s even a section of this article dedicated to helping you land a great free bet on the next live match.
1. Early eye-catchers and favorites
Fans have traveled to Qatar for their thousands, while millions more will follow the coverage on television and live streaming apps. They’ve seen the best players and most famous teams strut their stuff, and there have been no obvious signs of fatigue due to the conditions.
A round of matches into the schedule and followers were treated to a stunning upset when Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1. There was a weird match: England thrashed Iran 6-2, and the beaten team’s goalkeeper lasted only a few minutes. Then we saw the sublime as France, and Spain turned on the style.
Qatar 2024 brought the curtain up in style, and we are all set for a thriller between now and the final on Sunday, 18th December. Which team are you backing to lift the trophy? Brazil is the favorite with sportsbooks despite them not winning this competition in twenty years. Behind the Samba Boys is France and then England.
Spain is another side near the head of the World Cup betting, and they’re sure to attract attention on the back of their big win on Wednesday. If you are looking for value, Spain could be your team. But if you are going to back them, it pays to do it sooner rather than later. Another eye-catching performance would see their odds cut further.
2. Choosing a bet
How do you ensure you are making a winning bet each time you play? Despite what scammers would have you believe, there is no quick fix or guaranteed way to beat the bookies. But you can do a few things to increase your chances of success.
Research is key to everything good that comes your way in sports betting. It would be best if you researched in full before parting with your hard-earned cash and placing a bet. If you are betting on the next live match, you want to know the form of both teams, head-to-head stats, injury news, the officials, and anything else you think may come in handy.
The more research you do, the greater your chance of landing a winner and bagging a profit. One thing’s for sure, traders working at your bookie will be fully briefed on what to expect. They spend all week researching a match, so you must match those efforts.
3. Available markets
The best online bookmakers spoil members regarding markets and betting opportunities at the World Cup. The best betting apps offer 100 pre-match and in-play markets. You can wager on a game before kick-off or at any time during the game through in-play betting.
Predicting the match winner is the most popular way to bet on the World Cup, but many other options exist. Have your say on the number of goals in a game, first goalscorer, handicap, and more. There’s always a bet to suit the game and your gambling style.
Browse the options, and we’re confident you’ll uncover odds that suit your mood. Bet on everything from a short-priced favorite to an outsider at big odds. Bet on a single match you plan to watch or create a Parlay or other multiple if you fancy aiming high.
4. How to bet
You registered an online betting account and landed the welcome bonus free bet. You know which team you will back and the market that will increase your chances of making a profit. Everything’s ready to bash the bookies. But how do you place a bet on Qatar 2024?
It’s a simple process. Log in with your username and password, then make a deposit. Click Football>World Cup>the game you want to bet on>the selection you want to back. Click the odds to add a pick to your bet slip and check everything is as it should be before entering a stake and clicking confirm.
Your bet will now be live and can’t be changed. You’ll see a cash-out amount added, which will equal your stake but will rise and fall depending on how well your wager is performing.
5. Claim your free bet
Now we have arrived at the good bit. Major online sportsbook betting apps offer all new customers a welcome bonus free bet. It’s a promotion used to encourage you to join them over the competition in such a competitive market.
The most popular of these is the welcome bonus free bet. But there are also price boosts, cashback, enhanced odds, and more. Remember to read the terms and conditions of the bonus before joining. Doing so will improve your understanding of how the offer works and how you can make it work for you at the World Cup.