What Is Scorecast in Football Betting? | Scorecast Bet Explained

Whether you’re chasing big returns on a Super Sunday fixture or simply trying to spice up a midweek match, few wagers capture the thrill of prediction like the scorecast bet. Combining the first goalscorer and the correct score in one daring double, the scorecast is a bold move in the world of football betting. If you’ve ever wondered how this bet works, when to use it, and what makes it such an exciting choice for punters, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know about placing a scorecast bet — from how it’s settled, to the risk and reward behind it. You’ll learn how to read scorecast odds, when your bet is void, and how it compares to similar bets like the wincast. If you’re looking to get serious with your football betting, or simply want to add a bit of flair to your next £5 punt, this is essential reading.

What Exactly Is a Scorecast Bet?

A scorecast bet is a combination wager in football that merges two distinct selections into one. You must correctly predict who will score the first goal in the match and also what the final score will be. Both outcomes must land for the bet to win. If either leg fails — say your first goalscorer doesn’t bag one or the final score is off — the bet loses.

For example, let’s say you place a £5 scorecast on Mohamed Salah to score the first and Liverpool to win 2-1. If Salah scores the first goal and the final score is exactly 2-1 to Liverpool, your scorecast lands, and the payout can be quite handsome.

This bet type is particularly popular in televised fixtures, where punters back a player to score first and try to nail the correct final score. The reward? Often boosted scorecast odds and the chance to turn a small stake into a big win.

How Does Placing a Scorecast Bet Work in Football Betting?

When you place a scorecast, you’re essentially making two bets in one: the first goalscorer and the correct score. The key is that both selections must come in for the bet to pay out.

Let’s say you bet on the first goal going to Erling Haaland and predict a 4-1 win for Manchester City. If he scores the first goal and the final score reads 4-1, you’ve nailed it. But if someone else scores the first, or the game ends 3-1, your entire scorecast bet loses. Some bookmakers also offer the anytime scorecast, which allows the chosen player to score at any point during the match, not just the opener. While the odds are shorter than a classic scorecast, the risk is somewhat lower.

What Happens If the First Goalscorer Doesn’t Start?

This is where it gets interesting — and slightly tricky. If your goalscorer is benched and doesn’t make it onto the pitch before the first goal is scored, your bet is void. In most cases, the scorecast will be settled as a single on the correct score part of the bet, and your stake on the first goal scorer will be returned.

But if the player you think will score gets subbed on after the first, the whole bet is void in many scorecast markets. Always check with your bookie before placing a scorecast bet — rules may vary slightly between brands like Paddy Power, Betfair, or Sky Bet.

Why Do Bettors Choose a Scorecast Bet?

The appeal of a scorecast lies in its high odds and excitement. You’re predicting two events that are already difficult on their own — combine them, and you’re upping the ante in a major way.

For example, a £5 scorecast on Bukayo Saka to score first and Arsenal to beat Chelsea 2-1 could return upwards of £150 depending on the odds. Compare that to a standard single on the correct score or a goalscorer market, and the value becomes apparent — though so does the risk. It’s a bet that suits confident punters who have a good read on teams and players, particularly when it comes to form, injury news, and historical scorelines in specific fixtures.

Are There Variations of the Scorecast Bet?

Yes — and knowing them can give you flexibility when crafting your bet slip. Aside from the traditional scorecast, there’s the anytime scorecast (as mentioned earlier), where the player to score can bag at any moment during the 90 minutes.

Another similar option is the wincast, where you back a player to score the first and their team to win, but you don’t need to guess the final score. That gives punters a bit more breathing room, especially in matches where the score might be unpredictable but the winning team feels certain.

What Happens When the Game Ends 0-0?

If you place a bet and the game is 0-0, your bet is dead in the water. Not only has no goalscorer emerged, but your correct final score guess likely wasn’t 0-0 (unless you’re a supreme pessimist).

In this case, the scorecast loses. That’s why many seasoned punters avoid scorecasts in matches where goals are unlikely — like defensive stalemates or lower-table Premier League battles.

Can You Use a Bet Builder for Scorecast Bets?

Some bookmakers allow you to build your own scorecast via their bet builder feature. For instance, Paddy Power and Sky Bet offer customised betting markets where you can add a first goal scorer and a correct score prediction into the same wager. This opens up more tailored options, letting you combine a score of 2-1 with Harry Kane to score the first goal — all in one slick interface. The chance of winning remains the same, but you’ll have more control over your selection and stake.

Are Scorecast Bets Worth It?

Like many novelty bet types, the scorecast is all about weighing risk vs reward. You’re getting long odds because you need to predict the first goalscorer and the correct final score — neither of which is easy.

If you’re placing small £5 bets for fun on live football matches, it can be a thrilling way to increase your engagement. But for serious bettors chasing consistent profit, it’s worth remembering that scorecasts are hard to land and offer poor value over time.

Still, the payout potential is real. Think: you stake £10 on a scorecast and it returns 25/1 — that’s a £250 win from a single moment of brilliance and a well-judged guess.

When Is a Scorecast Bet Settled?

A scorecast bet is settled once the final whistle blows and the match concludes. If your first goal scorer bags the opener and your final score lands, the bet is settled as a winner.

However, if your player to score the first is involved in an own goal (or the goal of the game is later chalked off by VAR), your scorecast loses unless the official stats credit your goalscorer.

Always wait for confirmation from your bookmaker before celebrating — especially when VAR comes into play.

What Are Similar Bets to a Scorecast?

Besides the wincast, other similar bets include:

Double result: Predict the team to lead at half-time and full-time.
Correct score doubles: Combine scorelines from two different matches.
Anytime goalscorer + correct score: Some bookies offer this combo at shorter odds than a scorecast.

Each comes with its own nuances, but they all revolve around combining score-based predictions with goalscorers or match outcomes.

Final Thoughts on Scorecast Betting

The scorecast is one of the boldest bet types in football. It tests your football IQ, your gut instinct, and your eye for form — all in one go. Whether you’re backing Rashford to score the first in a Manchester Derby or trying to predict a 0-0 draw at Turf Moor, the scorecast bet rewards risk-takers and football romantics alike.

But like all high-risk wagers, it should be used sparingly and sensibly. Do your homework, follow team news before kick-off time, and remember — if you’re placing a scorecast, you’re betting for glory, not consistency.