Regular Time in Sports Betting Explained: What Does It Mean?

What Is Regular Time in Sports Betting?

Regular time (or normal-time) refers to the duration of the game, plus any injury time/stoppage time added by the referee. Bets placed on any events during the match apply strictly to regular time.

Extra-time, such as the added two 15-minute halves in football or the 5-20 minutes in hockey, is not included in bets on regular time.

Note: Regular time in sports betting does not include penalty shootouts or overtime.

Extra-Time in Sports Betting

Let’s focus on extra-time, as bettors often confuse it with additional time.

Extra-time (overtime) does not count as regular time! Overtime is given to determine the winner of the game (e.g., two 15-minute halves in soccer, 5-20 minutes in hockey).

Also, remember that penalty shootouts are not considered part of overtime.

What Happens When You Bet on Regular Time? An Example

Let’s break it down with an easy example. Say you place a bet on Spain to win against France, and here’s what unfolds:

1. The regular time concludes (90 mins + 2 mins injury time) with a score of 1-1.
2. In extra time (2 halves of 15 mins), Spain nets another goal.
3. Although Spain secures the match, the bet is lost since it was tied to the regular time outcome — a 1-1 draw.

To clarify how regular time is defined across different sports, here’s a table that breaks it down:

Keep in mind, in some cases like friendly matches, the regular time might be adjusted (e.g., football halves might be 40 mins each, making regular time 80 mins). Always check the specific rules for the event you’re betting on.

Regular Time in Hockey Betting

When you’re betting on hockey, it’s crucial to know that your bet usually covers the regular time only. This is the period before any overtime or penalty shots. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Regular Time: This is typically three 20-minute periods each. If the score is tied at the end of these 60 minutes, the game proceeds to overtime.

Overtime and Penalty Shots: Not all bookmakers make it clear that “Team Wins” bets include these extra sessions. It’s essential to check the rules.

Many bookmakers’ default “Team Wins” bets include both overtime and penalty shots, but not all of them specify this on the betting slip. You can only find this out from the bookmaker’s rules.

For instance, if you’re betting on a match between the White Bruins and the Black Angels at 1xBet and you choose the “Team Wins” option without a clear indication, it will still encompass the results after regular time.

To spot bets that are for regular time only, look for the 1X2 betting options. The ‘X’ stands for a draw, which means the bet is settled at the end of regular time, without considering overtime or shootouts.

Pro Tip: Always double-check the bookmaker’s guidelines. If there’s no explicit mention on whether your bet covers just the regular time or if it extends to overtime and penalty shots, you might need to consult the rules to confirm. 

Normal-Time in Basketball Betting

In basketball, most bookies include overtime unless otherwise specified. However, there’s a catch: if the betting line includes an option for a tie (X), then only regular time counts.

Regular Time in Football Betting

When you place a bet on a football match, it typically applies to regular time only. But there’s an exception: bets like “To Qualify” (for the next round or stage of a tournament). Click the icon next to the market name to see what time frame it includes.

Betting on football usually focuses on the regular time, which is the 90 minutes of play plus any injury time. This is what your bet is based on unless stated otherwise. 

However, there’s a twist when it comes to bets that involve progressing to the next stage, known as “To Qualify” bets. These are different because they take into account the entire match, including any extra time and penalty shootouts that decide the final outcome.

Take the EURO qualifiers, for instance. If you’re betting on the outcome of Spain vs. France and you choose “Spain to Qualify,” you’re in it for the long haul. Your bet will ride through the regular time, any extra time, and even penalty shootout if it comes to that.

Tip: Look for the icon next to the market name for details on what time frames are included.

FAQ