Soccer Betting Bonuses

The 90-Minute Rule

This is one of the biggest ones in soccer. Most promos and standard markets settle based on regulation time only (90 minutes + stoppage time), not including extra time or penalties. So if you're betting on a knockout match (like in the World Cup, Champions League, or playoffs) where extra time or shootouts happen, your bet usually counts only what happens in the first 90 minutes. This is different from sports like NBA or NHL, where overtime often counts toward the final result. If your promo requires a qualifying bet, make sure it aligns with this - don't assume extra time is included unless the T&Cs say so!

Minimum Odds Requirements

Soccer has tons of daily matches, and that means you'll see a lot of heavy favorites with super low odds (-300, -500, etc.). Many promos require minimum odds (often between -140 and +100, sometimes higher) for bets to count toward wagering requirements or to qualify for the bonus. Betting on those massive favorites won't help you clear the bonus - always check the exact minimum so you don't waste time on ineligible wagers.

Special Markets & Restrictions

In other sports, special markets like Asian handicaps, over/under, or player props are often fair game. But with soccer promos, some sportsbooks restrict them - certain offers might only allow basic 1X2 (moneyline), totals, or spreads, while excluding things like:

• Asian handicaps
• Over/under specific props (e.g., corners, cards)
• Bet Builder / same-game parlays on a single match

It's extra important for soccer because the sport has so many niche markets. If your promo says "qualifying bets on soccer," read the exclusions carefully - using the wrong market could void your progress.

Goalscorer & Assist Bets - The "Player Must Start" Rule

This is a classic soccer gotcha. For anytime goalscorer, first goalscorer, assists, or similar player props, your selected player must start the match for the bet to count (and for it to qualify toward a promo). If they come off the bench and score, it doesn't count - your bet loses or voids.

If you’re betting on a specific player, always wait for the starting lineups - usually released about an hour before kickoff - to make sure your pick is in the starting XI.

Excluded Leagues & Competitions

Soccer promos often exclude entire leagues or match types, so your bet might not count even if it's on soccer. Common exclusions include:

• Reserve teams / youth leagues (U21, U19)
• Friendlies / preseason games
• Lower-tier or regional leagues
• Cup competitions or specific tournaments

If your promo is for "soccer qualifying bets", check which leagues aren’t allowed - don’t assume everything counts!

Early Payout & Odds Boost Traps

These are sneaky ones. Many sportsbooks offer early payout specials (e.g., if your team goes up by 2 goals, your bet wins automatically - even if they lose later). Sounds great, but these often don't count toward promo wagering requirements or qualifying bets. Same goes for odds boosts on specific matches - boosted odds might be excluded from bonus playthrough.