Short Answer
Complete Explanation
An “anytime goalscorer” is a type of sports betting market, most commonly associated with association football (soccer), in which a bettor places a wager that a specific player will score a goal at any point during the regular playing time of a match. This market is distinct from “first goalscorer” bets (which require the player to score the first goal of the match) and “last goalscorer” bets (which require the player to score the final goal). Anytime goalscorer bets generally cover goals scored during normal time (90 minutes plus stoppage time), but do not usually include extra time or penalty shootouts unless explicitly stated by the bookmaker. The bet is settled based on the official match result; if the selected player scores at any point, the bet wins. Bookmakers offer odds for each player based on factors such as their position, recent form, and the strength of the opposing team. Defenders and goalkeepers typically have higher odds than forwards due to their lower likelihood of scoring.
- Market Type:
Anytime goalscorer is a type of “player prop” bet, focusing on individual performance rather than the overall match result. - Settlement Conditions:
The bet is won if the selected player scores a goal during regular time (including stoppage time). Own goals usually do not count, as the goal is attributed to the opposing player. Goals in extra time or penalty shootouts are generally excluded unless the market specifies otherwise. - Odds Calculation:
Odds are determined by the player’s historical scoring rate, position, and matchup. Strikers have shorter odds (lower payout), while defenders and midfielders have longer odds. - Common Usage:
This bet is popular in soccer betting and is also available in other sports such as ice hockey (where it is often called “anytime goalscorer” for hockey goals) and rugby (try scorer). - Comparison with First Goalscorer:
Anytime goalscorer bets have a higher probability of winning than first goalscorer bets because the bettor is not restricted to a specific timing of the goal.
History / Background
The anytime goalscorer market emerged as part of the expansion of sports betting markets in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly in the United Kingdom where football betting has a long tradition. Initially, bookmakers offered only match result and first/last goalscorer bets. As demand for more granular betting options increased, bookmakers began offering “to score at any time” markets, which provided a more accessible alternative for casual bettors. The rise of online sportsbooks and in-play betting further popularized the anytime goalscorer market, allowing bettors to place such wagers during a match. Today, it is a standard market offered by almost all major sportsbooks for soccer matches, often alongside other player-specific bets such as “to score a header” or “to score from outside the box.”
Importance and Impact
The anytime goalscorer market has significantly influenced the sports betting industry by increasing engagement among bettors who prefer player-focused wagers. It has also affected how bookmakers price players and how bettors analyze player statistics. The market’s popularity has led to the development of specialized statistical models that predict the probability of a player scoring in a given match, impacting both odds setting and betting strategies. Additionally, the anytime goalscorer bet is a common component of accumulators and bet builders, allowing bettors to combine multiple player selections into a single wager. This has contributed to the overall growth of the sports betting market, particularly in football-centric regions.
Why It Matters
For bettors, understanding the anytime goalscorer market is essential for making informed decisions when placing player prop bets. It differs from other goal-related bets in terms of probability, odds, and settlement rules. Knowing whether a bet includes own goals or extra time can prevent misunderstandings and potential disputes with bookmakers. The market also offers value opportunities, especially when betting on players who are not the primary scorers but have a reasonable chance of scoring, such as set-piece specialists or defenders in attacking positions. For casual fans, the anytime goalscorer bet adds a layer of excitement while watching a match, as they can focus on a specific player’s performance.
Common Misconceptions
Anytime goalscorer bets include own goals scored by the selected player.
Generally, own goals are not counted for anytime goalscorer bets because the goal is credited to the opposing team, not the player. Bettors should check individual bookmaker rules as some may exclude own goals explicitly.
Anytime goalscorer bets cover goals scored in extra time or penalty shootouts.
Standard anytime goalscorer bets apply only to regular time (90 minutes plus stoppage time). Some bookmakers offer separate markets for “anytime goalscorer – including extra time,” but this is not the default. Bettors must verify the specific market terms.
Betting on a player as anytime goalscorer guarantees a win if the player scores at any point, even after being substituted off.
If the player scores before being substituted, the bet wins. However, if the player is substituted off and later his team scores, his bet is not affected because the scoring happened while he was on the field. The bet is settled based on whether the player scored during his time on the pitch, not the entire match.
FAQ
Does an anytime goalscorer bet include own goals?
Generally no. Own goals are credited to the opposing team, so they do not count for the selected player. Bettors should confirm with their bookmaker's specific rules.
Can I bet on a defender as an anytime goalscorer?
Yes, defenders are eligible. However, odds will be longer (higher payout) because defenders score less frequently than forwards.
If my player scores and then gets a red card, does the bet still win?
Yes, the bet is settled based on the goal being scored during regular time regardless of any subsequent events like red cards or substitutions.
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