Football betting has evolved over the years, and one of the features that has caught the attention of punters is the booking points system. The system provides a unique way to bet on football matches, focusing on the disciplinary aspects of the game rather than the final result or goals scored.
This article will delve into what booking points are and how they work.
What Are Football Booking Points?
In essence, booking points are a measure of the disciplinary actions taken during a football match. They accumulate based on the number of yellow and red cards shown by the referee.
Punters can place wagers on the total number of booking points expected in a game. The idea is to predict the intensity of the match, whether it will be a highly contested one with many fouls or a more friendly encounter with fewer cards shown.
How Do Booking Points Work?
In the booking points system, different values are assigned to yellow and red cards. Typically, a yellow card is worth 10 points, while a red card is worth 25 points. Thus, a player who gets booked once and then sent off in the same game can earn a total of 35 booking points. However, if a player is given a straight red card, they only accumulate 25 booking points.
It's crucial to note that booking points accumulate over the 90-minute regulation time, excluding extra time. Cards shown to managers, coaches, and substitutes do not count towards the overall booking points.
How Many Booking Points Is a Yellow Card?
As mentioned earlier, in the booking points system, a yellow card is worth 10 points. This remains the case irrespective of the severity of the offence leading to the booking.
How Many Booking Points Is a Red Card?
A red card, on the other hand, is worth 25 points. It's important to note that a player who receives two yellow cards and subsequently gets sent off will accumulate 35 booking points, not 45. This is because the second booking automatically results in a red card, and the system does not double-count the second yellow card.
How Are Booking Points Calculated?
The calculation of booking points is relatively straightforward:
- For each yellow card, 10 points are added to the total.
- For each red card, 25 points are added.
- If a player receives two yellow cards (and thus a subsequent red card), 35 points are added in total.
The total booking points in a match are the sum of the points for every card shown to both teams.
Betting Booking Points
When it comes to betting on booking points, the key is to gauge the nature of the match. Derby games, for instance, are notoriously feisty and likely to result in more booking points. On the other hand, a friendly match or a game between two evenly-matched teams might see fewer cards and, hence, lower booking points.
Most betting platforms offer markets for over/under on booking points. For instance, you could bet on a game to have over 40.5 booking points. If the match ends with four yellow cards (40 points), an under-bet wins. Conversely, if the match ends with three yellows and one red (totalling 45 points), an over-bet wins.
Conclusion
Understanding the booking points system can add a new dimension to betting on football matches. The system provides an opportunity to make predictions based on different aspects of the game, potentially adding to the excitement of watching football. Whether you're a seasoned punter or a newbie, betting on booking points can offer another way to engage with the sport.
However, it's important to gamble responsibly. Never bet money you aren't comfortable losing.
