Since the explosion of online and mobile betting, they way we bet on numerous sports such as football has completely changed. There are now more markets than ever before, giving users a wide range of choices.
Football betting, in particular, has an enormous amount of markets available. From 0.5 goals to betting on yellow and red cards, there is a lot of choice. One of those markets to benefit from these changes is the corner betting market, with several corner markets to choose from. This boom has come as a result of a large number of bets that are placed on corner kicks for every match. In fact, corner betting has become so popular that there are entire websites dedicated to how you should approach corner betting markets, with huge data and stats from teams across the world.
The standard corner market is just betting on the amount of corners that are taken in a single match. This is the total amount and includes both teams. The bookmaker will set a line and then you can bet on the over, under, or the exact amount of corners.
Corner Betting Markets
Below is a selection of the different corner betting markets and what you need to know before placing a corner match bet:
Total corners (or Asian corners): As we mentioned above, this is the most basic corner betting market and is just you betting on the total amount of corners for the match. Betting on the exact amount of corners will come with the highest odds as it is difficult to nail down the correct number, but I find it fun to try nonetheless.
Alternative corners: Alternative corners betting is one market that has really grown over recent years, and I think it is due to the flexibility it offers. You can bet on the over, under, or exact of a wide range of corners. Totals could be from three up to 18 corners and you have a chance to bet on each market in between, hence the flexibility. I also feel alternative corners provide good value compared to some other corner markets.
First & second half corners: This is where you bet on the number of corners in each half instead of the whole game. This is the amount for both teams combined.
Corner handicap: This market applies a handicap to one team. This means some corners will be added or removed to the total after the match, depending on how you bet. For example, a handicap of +3 will add three corners onto the actual number.
Corners 2-way: 2-way corners take the exact number of corners away from the main market. The operator will choose a line and then you bet over or under that line.
Corner match bet: This gives you the option to bet on the team you think will win corners the most. You also have the option of betting on a tie.
First/Last corner: Yes, you can even bet on which team you think will take the first or last corner in a match. These are separate markets, so you won’t have the fist and last corner on the same bet.
Corner race: Betting sites will provide a set number of corners to hit and you bet on which team you think will reach the target first.
It is quite something when you consider the sheer amount of markets in football corner betting and it shows just how popular it is for punters. The fact operators are introducing new markets all the time proves they know there is a big demand for it.
What is Alternative Corners Betting?
We mentioned the alternative corners market above but I think it is worth going into more detail on this specific option. When bookmakers set a line on the total number of corner kicks they think will take place in a match it goes down as the corners line. So, the alternative corners line allows you to bet on a range of different corners lines.
For example, you have looked closely at the two teams about to play, have some stats in front of you and think there will only be a small amount of corners in the game, even though the bookie has set the corners line at 11.
The alternative corners line might then be set at four. You could also go the other way and think that there will be more corners than what the operator predicts and go above the line.
Alternative corners are a great option if you want a large payoff from a relatively small outlay. I also think they add some excitement to the game, especially if you need one more corner with a few minutes to spare!
Corner Betting Strategy
Corner betting is big business in the gambling world now. When two teams play, you have so many options you can choose from outcomes, to bookings, to goalscorers and more. Like all of those, there is a strategy you can apply to corner betting.
Look at Corner Stats
The sheer volume and detail of the stats available now are amazing, and something you should certainly use to your benefit. There are lots of websites out there that give you information such as total corners per team and total corners in the league so far for free. If you want to really dig into the detail, there are also sites that go into the timings of the corners and even individual player data within each team.
We would encourage you to look at the stats of the teams you are about to bet on, but don’t forget to use home and away data as well. For example, if Ipswich are playing away to Liverpool, they may not get up the pitch much, so their chances of having a lot of corners are slim. Those things need to be factored into your decisions.
Quality of teams & playing styles
If you are betting on corner markets it is likely you are a football fan and so should be aware of how teams play and their habits. Teams who are big favourites in games will likely get a lot of corners as they will have a lot of the ball in the opponent’s half and dominate possession. If the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool or Arsenal are playing at home to a team struggling near the bottom, you should expect more corners for the home team.
Another thing to consider is teams who like to play with fast and tricky wide players. Traditional wingers are dying out in the modern game, with managers preferring their wingers to cut inside and shoot rather than go on the outside and get crosses in. However, there are still teams who like their wingers to stay and wide and get to the byline. Chelsea, for example, like to play with fast wingers. This is important as wingers who can go outside are more likely to get corners from blocked crosses or shots.
Look at teams with good set piece takers
The most obvious team that comes to mind with set pieces looking back was Stoke City under Tony Pulis, and most recently it’s Arsenal in the Premier League. The Gunners have become known as set piece specialists, so Arsenal are certainly a team to look out for in corners betting.
On the flip side, teams that pass, pass, pass and try and score the perfect goal may be a team to avoid.
Best Betting Sites for Corner Betting
All sports betting sites offer corner betting markets. If you want to adopt corner betting as part of your wider betting strategy, look for a bookmaker that has multiple options with asian corners, corner handicaps and more.
I also think is important that you shop around for the best value. Although most bookies have very similar odds, just the slightest variance could benefit you and give you a higher payout. If you find the best odds, it can also help with your bankroll management as you look to make long-term profits.
