MoneyRules

Soccer first goalscorer: betting on the opening goal

A first goalscorer bet wins if your player scores the first goal of the match. Own goals do not count for any player. Strikers and penalty takers get the shortest prices.

Reviewed Oct 15, 2026

Answer first

90s

01Only the first goal counts.
02Own goals are skipped.
03Penalty takers get more chances.

Key numbers

First goalscorer at a glance

1Goal that countsThe first

90 minUsual periodPlus stoppage

OGOwn goalSkipped

No goalSeparate pick0-0 games

In short

Key takeaways

Check the starting line-up.
Penalty takers score more often.
Read the substitute rules.
Prices carry a big margin.

Progress

How the bet settles

1
Kick-off
Player on the pitch
2
First goal
Who scored it
3
Own goal?
Skip to the next
4
Settle
Win or lose

Extra time and penalty shoot-outs do not count.

Scorer markets

Market	You bet on	Watch for
First goalscorer	Opening goal	Line-ups
Last goalscorer	Final goal	Late subs
Anytime scorer	Any goal	Lower price
Team first scorer	First for a team	Team goals

Names vary by book.

Own goals and substitutes

If the first goal is an own goal, most books settle on the next goal. Some settle the bet on the next scorer, so read the rules.

If your player starts on the bench and comes on after the first goal, the bet usually loses. If he never plays, it is usually void.

Rough prices for a favorite side

Player	Typical price
Main striker, penalty taker	+350
Winger	+550
Midfielder	+900
Defender	+2000

Rough guide; prices vary.

Why prices are long

Around 22 players start, plus no goal is possible. Even a top striker scores the first goal in only a small share of games.

The margin on these markets is often much higher than on match results. Compare several books before you bet.

Sequence

Picking a first goalscorer

Step 01
Check line-ups
Confirmed starters.
Step 02
Find the penalty taker
Extra chances.
Step 03
Look at shots
Shots per game.
Step 04
Read the rules
Own goals, subs.
Step 05
Compare prices
Several books.

A worked example

You bet $10 on a striker to score first at +400. He opens the scoring in the 23rd minute.

Your bet wins and returns $50. If an own goal had come first and he scored next, most books would still pay.

Penalties and set pieces

Penalty takers have a clear edge, since a penalty is scored most of the time. Check who takes them for each team.

Tall defenders who attack corners also score first more often than their price suggests in some games.

Free kick takers add a small extra chance from direct shots.

Common mistakes

Betting before line-ups: Starters matter.
Forgetting penalties: Takers score more.
Ignoring margins: Prices are thin.
Missing sub rules: Late entry loses.

Team strength and pace

The favorite usually scores first, so its forwards carry the shortest prices. Underdog strikers pay more but win less often.

Fast starters with high pressing raise the chance of an early goal from their front line.

Low-scoring leagues give the no goalscorer pick a better chance.

Floor rules

Scorer terms

Know before you sit

Own goal: A goal put into the net by a defending player.
Starter: A player in the first eleven.
Stoppage time: Minutes added at the end of each half.
No goalscorer: A pick that wins if the match ends 0-0.

Bet builders and combos

Some books combine first goalscorer with the correct score, often called a scorecast. These pay more but are hard to win.

Each extra leg adds margin. Keep these bets small.

Line-ups come about an hour before kick-off, so wait for them if you can.

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After the 90 seconds

Questions before and after you play

A 90-second guide cannot cover every table moment. Tap a group, then a question — answers are short paragraphs, not one-liners.

01Basics

What is a first goalscorer bet?

A bet on which player scores the first goal of the match. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

Do own goals count?

No. Own goals are skipped and the next goal decides the bet at most books. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

What if the match ends 0-0?

All player picks lose. Only a no goalscorer pick wins. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

02Rules

What if my player does not play?

The bet is usually void and your stake is returned. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

What if he comes on after the first goal?

The bet usually loses, since he was not on the pitch for it. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

Do goals in extra time count?

No. These bets settle on normal time plus stoppage time. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

03Strategy

Who scores first most often?

Main strikers who take penalties on strong teams. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

Is anytime better value?

It wins far more often at a lower price, so it suits smaller bankrolls. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.

Where can I get help?

If betting stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, private help any time of day.

Sources

IFAB — Laws of the Game Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Goals and substitutions
FBref — Football statistics Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Goal and scorer statistics
Wizard of Odds — Sports betting Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Sports betting math
National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER