First goal scorer betting guide for 2026: Learn how to bet on first goal scorers today
The first goal scorer bet lets you back your instincts on who you think will score the very first goal in a match. It is one of the most popular bets, especially in football, rugby, and ice hockey.
We’ll go into details about this bet type, including how to place a first goal scorer bet and the tips that can help make better choices. By the end, you’ll know when this bet type is best used, when it is not, and how you can get started using any of the bookmakers featured in the banners on this page.
Pros and cons of first goal scorer betting
Before we get to the specifics, here’s an overview of the pros and cons of first goal scorer betting.
- Easy to understand betting market
- Fun to back your favourite striker
- Higher odds than many sports markets
- Can be used in multiple sports
- One moment decides the entire bet
What is the first goal scorer bet?
A first goal scorer bet is a football betting market where you choose one player to score the opening goal in a specific match. If that player scores first, your bet wins. If another player scores before them, your bet loses and any stake you’ve made also is lost.
Most punters like this bet type because it doesn’t rely on the full game result but a particular moment and also an individual player, not the entire team’s performance. This is quite different from a point spread bet which involves the whole team. You’re simply betting on who breaks the deadlock in a matchup. Because of that, first goal scorer bets are usually settled early and do not depend on what happens later in the game. Unless no one scores at all.
How to place a first goal scorer bet
You’ll need to first pick a match and sports you’re knowledgeable in. Once that’s done, choose where to place your bets. There are several bookmakers with free bets offers that can give you bonus bets for your wagers, like the ones we have featured on the banners on this page.
Next, head to the first goal scorer market and pick a player from the list provided. These markets are usually available before kickoff and are based on the expected starting lineups. Your bet will settle after the first goal is scored. Only goals during normal match time count, unless the sportsbook states otherwise. It’s not the norm to have overtime included, similar to over/under betting.
If your selected player does not start the match, your bet is usually void and returned to you. If the game finishes without a goal, the first goal scorer bet is settled as a loss regardless, and own goals don’t count for any player.
Tips to making first goal scorer bets
Now that you know what first goal scorer bets are and how to place them, here are a few tips that can help you make more informed choices. Remember, that it’s a bit different from a top goal scorer bet, which looks at who scores the most goals over a season rather than in one match.
The first goal scorer bets are hugely dependent on who starts the match. So it’s best you wait for confirmed lineups before going on to back at players who might be benched as that voids your bet.
Penalty takers like Erling Haaland usually have a better shot at scoring before other team members. Sometimes they may not even be the main striker.
Long odds tempt almost everyone, but fringe players or defenders rarely score first without a reason. You should be more zeroed in on players who are more active in early attacks rather than picking long shots just for the odds. The longer the odds, the riskier it gets.
How first goal scorer bets are settled
Here’s a table that shows how first goal scorer bets are usually settled. Some punters even combine first goal scorer selections into multi-bets like a Yankee bet, though it comes with better odds, it also increases risk.
| Situation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Your player scores first | Your bet wins |
| Another player scores first | Your bet loses |
| Your player does not start | Bet is usually voided |
| Match ends goalless 0-0 | Bet settles as a loss |
| Own goal is scored | Doesn’t count |
| Goal in stoppage time | Usually counts |
| Goal in extra time | Doesn’t count |
Place your first goal scorer bets at top bookmakers
First goal scorer bets are ideal when you’re confident to a high extent in a player’s role and how a match is likely to start. If you have an uncluttered understanding of the lineups or tactics, they’re a good option to back with your wagers. We’ve covered what first goal scorer bets are, how to place them, what happens in different situations, and what to watch out for before deciding on who to bet on.
If you’re up to it, you can place a first goal scorer bet at the top bookmakers featured on the banners on this page.
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First goal scorer FAQs
⚽ What is a first goal scorer bet?
First goal scorer betting is when you wager on which player will score the opening goal in a specific match. The bet is settled as soon as the first goal is scored.
🚫 What happens if no one scores?
If the match ends 0-0, the first goal scorer bet is settled as a loss. There’s no winning outcome when no goals are scored.
⏱️ Does stoppage time count for first goal scorer bets?
Yes, goals scored during stoppage time do count. Extra time or overtime is normally not included unless the bookmaker has made an exception.