Thinking about betting on a football player to score or provide an assist? You’re not alone, as these markets are growing in popularity with fans looking to engage with live matches on a different level.
Let’s explore how these bets actually work, what kinds of details to look out for, and ways that you can engage responsibly if you’re considering participating in this betting market.
Score Or Assist Bet: What Does It Mean?
A “score or assist” bet allows you to wager on a football player to either score a goal or be credited with an assist during a match. The bet wins as long as the named player achieves one of these outcomes during regular time.
Since this market rolls two potential events into one wager, there is a bit more flexibility than simply betting on a player to score. The odds reflect the possibility of either outcome, and these will often be lower than for ‘anytime goalscorer’ or ‘to assist’ as single bets.
When browsing the betting site, these markets usually appear alongside other player specials and list each available player with specific odds. Factors such as recent form, player position, and the strength of the teams weigh into how those odds are set.
It could be helpful to check what counts as a valid assist or goal, as bookmakers can have different interpretations.
What Counts As An Assist In Your Bet?
Assist definitions are not always the same across all bookmakers. In most cases, an assist is given to the player who makes the last pass or touch before a goal, directly setting up a teammate to score.
Official data providers like Opta are often used by UK operators to confirm if an assist should be paid out, but as mentioned above, betting terms and conditions matter a great deal here. For example, if the ball deflects, if another player touches it before a goal, or if it bounces off the goalkeeper or defender, the bookmaker decides whether or not that's an assist based on their house rules.
It might be a good idea to double-check the relevant site’s rules, as these fine details can make all the difference to whether any potential bets pay out.
Comparing Goal And Assist Outcomes
Not all player actions are created equal in football, and this is reflected in how statistics and odds are set. Top Premier League scorers might finish a season with 20 to 25 goals, but leading assisters generally achieve around 10 to 15 assists.
Creative midfielders and wingers tend to feature more in assist markets, while strikers land more goals. Players who are known for contributing to both tend to be favoured in these combined markets, as they offer a bigger chance of a successful outcome.
You'll usually find that the odds for scoring and assisting change depending on the likelihood of each, based on the data bookmakers track throughout the season.
Tips for Backing a Player to Score or Assist
If you’re considering this type of market, looking at recent player data could be helpful. Reviewing how often a player is involved in goals, either by scoring or assisting, might provide useful insight.
You may also wish to check where the player usually plays on the pitch and whether they tend to complete most matches. Line-up information can indicate whether the player is expected to start.
Setting a budget that suits you is an important part of gambling responsibly. Licensed UK operators offer tools to support safer gambling, including deposit limits, time checks, and account activity reviews.
You can also compare this market across different bookmakers. Terms may vary, so reviewing how each market is defined could help you understand the differences.
Are Score or Assist Bets Worth It?
Some bettors explore this market to give themselves more than one possible outcome from a single bet. Since the market pays out if the player scores or assists, it could appeal to those looking to cover multiple contributions.
Odds are generally lower than single-event markets. This reflects the increased chance of either outcome occurring. Football matches remain unpredictable, and outcomes are based on many factors that can change throughout the game.
If you choose to explore this market, it’s important to gamble responsibly and stay within a budget that works for you. Players should never wage more than they can afford to lose.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.