Betting on football: an explanation
Football is by far the most popular sport in the Netherlands. Everyone knows clubs like Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord, while the entire country turns orange during the European Championship or World Cup. On top of that, there are millions of children who play the sport. It is therefore no surprise that betting on football has become a hobby for many people. But what exactly can you bet on? Which betting markets are available? And, more importantly, how do you bet safely on football? Oranje Palace tells you all about it!
What is betting on football?
Betting on football means predicting what will happen in a match. You then place money on your prediction, after which you find out whether it was correct. If you are right, you win. If you are wrong, you lose your stake.
Football betting can involve predicting which team will win, how many goals will be scored, or which player will score. The odds (quotations) indicate how likely an outcome is according to the bookmaker and determine how much you can win. For example, if Ajax plays PSV and an Ajax win offers odds of 2.00, this means your stake is doubled (x2.00) if your prediction on Ajax is correct.
What betting markets are available?
Betting on football goes far beyond simply predicting the match winner. There are many different betting markets to choose from. The most popular is the 1X2 market, where you bet on a home win, draw, or away win. Another common option is the over/under market, where you predict whether more or fewer than a set number of goals will be scored.
There are also more specific options, such as Both Teams to Score (BTTS) or Correct Score. For example, you can bet on a 2–1 win for Ajax against Feyenoord. These markets often offer higher odds but are also harder to predict.
Player markets have also become increasingly popular in recent years. You can bet on the player you think will score a goal. You can also predict whether a specific player will have one or more shots on target, or whether they will provide an assist.
Finally, there are live betting markets, where you place bets during the match. In live betting, odds change constantly based on what is happening on the pitch. This allows you to react in real time, making live betting dynamic and highly exciting.
Which competitions and tournaments can you bet on?
The range of football betting options is enormous. You can, of course, bet on the Dutch Eredivisie or the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. Matches involving Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord are the most popular. However, leagues such as the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, and Serie A are just as popular. This is no surprise, as teams like Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan are world-famous.
In addition to the biggest European leagues, you can also bet on major club tournaments such as the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. This is especially popular when Dutch teams are involved.
Finally, there are the European Championship and World Cup tournaments. Every two years, a major international tournament takes place, in which the Netherlands almost always participates. Watching such a tournament is already exciting, but betting on the Dutch national team makes it even more thrilling.
Betting on Ajax
Ajax is the biggest club in the Netherlands in terms of supporters and trophies. The club is known for players such as Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, and Frenkie de Jong. They compete for the title almost every year and regularly play in the Champions League. Betting on Ajax makes following their matches even more exciting!
Betting on PSV
Since the turn of the century, PSV has been the most successful club in the Netherlands. They are, as of the 2025–2026 season, three-time consecutive national champions and a regular participant in the Champions League. With legendary players such as Ronaldo, Romário, Ruud van Nistelrooij, and Mark van Bommel, the club from Eindhoven has a rich and successful history filled with trophies. If you are a fan, betting on PSV might be a natural choice!
Betting on Feyenoord
The traditional top three is completed by Feyenoord, the biggest club from Rotterdam. The team from the port city is known for its passionate fanbase and what is arguably the most beautiful stadium in the Netherlands.
The “Stadium Club” has won the European Cup I, the UEFA Cup, and numerous national titles in its history. It is no surprise, considering you have probably heard of players such as Willem van Hanegem, Coen Moulijn, Robin van Persie, and Dirk Kuijt. If you bet on Feyenoord, you will likely be on the edge of your seat for 90 minutes!
5 strategic tips for betting on football
Betting on football will always involve risk. As a bettor, you have no influence on the outcome. However, there are ways to get the most out of your bets. Here are five strategies:
1. Play with a bankroll
Set a budget in advance and only stake a small percentage per bet (e.g. 1–3%). This prevents you from losing your money too quickly.
2. Look for value bets
Don’t just focus on who will win, but whether the odds are higher than the real probability. This is where long-term profit lies.
3. Do proper research
Always check form, injuries, suspensions, and match schedules. This information gives you an edge over the bookmaker.
4. Avoid emotional betting
Do not bet on your favourite team without an objective reason. Simply put: emotions often cost money.
5. Use multiple betting markets
Don’t stick only to 1X2. Goals, corners, and player markets can also offer value. Always check the latest team and player information.
Responsible football betting
Playing in the Oranje Palace sportsbook is fun, but only when done responsibly. It is important to see betting as entertainment, not as a way to make money. Set a fixed budget you can afford to lose and never chase losses by increasing your stakes.
It is also recommended to take regular breaks and make objective decisions. Do not let emotions or club loyalty influence your choices. If betting stops being enjoyable, stop in time and seek help if necessary.
