What Is a Scorecast? Full Guide with Examples

A scorecast is a fun bet that can deliver big odds. It combines two bets on the same game. Essentially, it is a bet builder with two selections. The first pick is on the correct score (CS) and the second is on the first goalscorer (FGS). It is very popular among football fans. However, it is also available when betting on other sports.

In this article, we will explain what a scorecast is and how it works. We will also explain what different related bets bookmakers offer. We’ll also cover how to place a scorecast, the pros and cons of scorecast betting, and when to use this type of bet.

What Is a Scorecast?

We would argue that a scorecast was a bet builder before such markets were even introduced. It combines two markets on the same game into a single bet. The two markets in question are correct score and first goalscorer. So an example of a scorecast would be Man City to win 2-0 and Rodri to score first.

Both selections within the scorecast must win in order for your bet to be successful. If either loses, the bet fails and returns nothing. All UK bookmakers offer a scorecast bet. Generally, punters place football scorecasts, but you can put them on other sports.

How Does a Scorecast Work?

A scorecast is a simple bet. Scorecast football betting is a great way to add extra excitement to a game. As explained, it is two selections on the same game, in one bet. As with most football bets, a scorecast bet is applied to 90 minutes and injury time only. The markets involved are:

• First goalscorer – a bet on which player will score the first goal of the game. Own goals do not count for a scorecast, meaning that the first “normal” goal after an own goal would be the vital one.
• Correct score – a bet on the score at the final whistle after 90 minutes and stoppage time.

So, with scorecast betting, you might pick Beto to score first and Everton to win 2-0. The odds for this bet might be 45/1. If Jarrod Bowen scored an own goal and then Beto scored for Everton, that scorecast would win if the game ended 2-0. However, if Everton scored a third goal, you’d lose your whole stake. Equally, if the match was 2-0 but Seamus Coleman scored first, you would also lose your bet.

Types of Scorecast Bets

The scorecast described above is the original version of the bet. Indeed, it remains the most popular option even now. However, there are similar alternatives to a standard scorecast. Your options include:

• Standard scorecast – as detailed above, this is a bet on FGS and CS.
• Anytime scorecast – this wager is slightly easier to land as your player does not need to score first. Instead, you just pick a player to score at any time, as well as the correct score.
• Last scorecast – this bet is very similar to a standard scorecast. However, the player you select must score the last goal of the game. Again, own goals do not count for the scorer element of the bet. Consequently, if the last goal is an own goal, the previous scorer (of a non-own goal) counts for this scorecast bet.
• Wincast – a wincast is a slightly different variant. Here you are picking the match result rather than the correct score (as well as the FGS). You can also back this as a standard wincast (FGS), anytime wincast, or last goalscorer wincast.

A wincast is a lot easier to win than a scorecast. You are simply predicting home win, away win, or draw, as opposed to the exact score. However, the odds are correspondingly shorter. Generally, with all these bets, whether you opt for the player to be first goalscorer or last goalscorer, the odds are the same. However, if you choose anytime scorer, the prices are significantly shorter.

Once again, with all these bets, bookies ignore own goals in terms of the player side of the wager. Equally, bookies settle both portions of the bet based on 90 minutes plus injury time, but not extra time or penalties.

Which of these related scorecast bets you opt for depends on several factors. Chiefly, they fall under three categories. First, are you very confident your player will score first, or last, or do you just think they will notch at some point. Second, are you confident in the exact score, or just the result? Last, and related to both, are you happy to accept high risk in return for big odds, or do you want a safer bet?

Pros and Cons of a Scorecast

When Should You Use a Scorecast?

Scorecasts are very tricky to land, so they are good for those who want to bet with small stakes. They can be a fun bet to make on a big, televised game, especially if you do not support either side.

Generally, they are most suitable where naming the first goalscorer is quite predictable. For example, backing Mo Salah, Erling Haaland, or Harry Kane (for England) is likely to be a good option.

Equally, you may want to go for a game with a predictable score. That said, some punters prefer to go for glory and back a big score like 4-3, with a defender to score first. Such bets may offer punters huge odds. Sometimes you can find value with a scorecast if a team has switched their regular penalty taker.

How to Place a Scorecast Bet

Placing a scorecast is easy. Just select the match you want to bet on. You will usually find the market under the “Main markets” or “Popular bets” section. Some sites use drop-down menus for the different players, scores or options (first, last or anytime goalscorer).

Select the score or result you want. Next, add the player you think will score. Last, select whether you want to go for a standard scorecast (FGS) or an alternative bet. Then add your selection to the slip, select your stake, confirm your bet … and cross your fingers!

Final Thoughts

Although bookies have created many new types of bets, scorecast betting remains very popular. A scorecast is a great bet if you want long odds, high risk and the chance for a handsome reward. They are difficult to win, but very lucrative and exciting when they do!