When it comes to football, Zimbabwean bettors have a lot to choose from. There are many international and domestic events.
When big football events come around, whether it’s the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, or the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League, many Zimbabwean bettors gravitate toward certain betting markets more than others.
This is hardly surprising as football is the most popular sport for wagering in Zimbabwe’s online betting market and the variety of markets available reflects both global trends and local preferences.
Top Betting Markets to Choose From
One of the most widely used betting markets is the match result (also known as the 1X2 market), where bettors simply pick whether the home team or away team will prevail. A draw can also be predicted and bet upon. This is often the entry point for many punters because it’s easy to understand and directly tied to the final outcome of a match.
Live or in-play betting, where odds update in real time as the game progresses, has grown in popularity among Zimbabwean bettors. This is because it offers exciting opportunities to react to events on the pitch as they happen, such as goals, substitutions or red cards. It’s worth noting though, that in play betting is typically more volatile, with odds changing rapidly as a game progresses. As such, in-play betting markets offer opportunities that reflect the evolving state of the game.
These types of bets are also not limited to one type and can include betting on the next goalscorer, the next corner or other specific outcomes such as whether a goal happens in a particular period. In-play options are appealing because they let bettors react to early match developments and refine their selections based on how teams are performing in real time. Such markets require attention to momentum shifts and sometimes quick decision-making as odds can change rapidly.
Another commonly favored market is over/under goals. This is where bettors predict whether the total goals scored in a game will be above or below a specified number. Both professional and local league fixtures see a lot of action in this space, as many Zimbabwean bettors enjoy analyzing team scoring patterns and defensive records before placing bets. Beyond simple totals, Both Teams To Score (BTTS) is also popular with those expecting attacking football from both sides, regardless of the final result.
Getting analytical
Correct Score markets, while more challenging, attract bettors looking for higher payouts by predicting the exact final score line. Similarly, goal scorer bets allow wagers on specific players to score during a match, whether in normal time or at any point, which appeals to fans who follow player form closely.
Handicap markets, such as the Asian handicap, are also part of many betting strategies. These markets aim to balance mismatches between stronger and weaker teams by giving virtual advantages or disadvantages, creating more nuanced odds that can be appealing when one team is heavily favoured.
Combining Bets into One
Accumulator bets or multiples are another feature common among Zimbabwean bettors when high-profile soccer events are on. These combine individual selections, such as match results or goal totals, into a single bet slip.
Although riskier, accumulators can deliver larger returns if all selections win, which makes them attractive for bettors during major tournament weeks or intense fixture periods. However, their risk is bigger, because all parts within the bet have to come to pass before the bet can be paid out. If just one element within the accumulator bet fails, then the entire bet is lost regardless of the outcomes for the rest of the bets.
Final Thoughts
Across Zimbabwe’s sports betting landscape, mobile platforms are increasingly significant. Analysts estimate that mobile devices will account for a large majority of sports wagering, which has meant there’s a notable change towards mobile-first betting. This has encouraged more live and in-play participation, as bettors can place new wagers or adjust positions while watching matches on their phones.
Because of this increased accessibility, and the wide range of football leagues and tournaments available, Zimbabwean football bettors tend to engage with a range of markets from simple match outcomes to in-play options like next goal scorer and over/under totals. The appeal of these markets lies both in their diversity and in their adaptability to different betting styles, whether someone prefers straightforward predictions or more analytical wagers during live action.
