First goal scorer betting guide for 2026: Strategies and tips to pick soccer’s initial scorer
There are many different props bets you can make at online sportsbooks, and one of the more interesting ones we’ve tried is the first goal scorer bet which allows you to delve deep into player performance and statistics.
If you’ve been looking for different types of bets to make and are getting bored of simply making outright selections or accas, we’ve created a simple introductory guide to this bet type below. We’ll explain how it works, give you an actual example, and also show how you can place these bets at online sportsbooks.
Understanding the first goal scorer bet
Similar to the top goal scorer bet, this is a player proposition bet that relates to a single game, and a single outcome within that game. We think that it is an especially exciting type of bet, but it also comes with high volatility for its payouts.
First goal scorer betting premise
As the name suggests, you are betting on the first player to score within a specific match. Now, unlike over/under betting which can apply to many sports, the first goal scorer bet is almost exclusively for football/soccer matches. It can apply to other sports, but it’s usually called something else, such as the first touchdown (NFL), or first basket (NBA).
| Sport | Market name |
|---|---|
| Football/Soccer | First goal scorer |
| Ice Hockey | First goal scorer |
| American Football | First touchdown scorer |
| Basketball | First basket |
Example of a first goal scorer bet in action
Let’s look at an actual example so it makes more sense. You’ve seen an upcoming Bundesliga match between Bayern Munich and PSV, and you think this could be a good opportunity to make some props bets, with one of the options being the first goal scorer bet. You decide that logically, Harry Kane is most likely to score first, so you pick him as the player.
The match unfolds, and after 10 minutes of play, Jamal Musiala actually scores a cracking shot from within the box. Unfortunately, this means that your bet loses. It would also lose if a PSV player scored first. The only way you can win this bet is if Harry Kane scores the first goal in the match.
Pros and cons of the first goal scorer bet
Similar to the point spread bet or Yankee bet, there are pros and cons to the first goal scorer bet. It’s definitely an exciting wager to place, and with research you can make educated picks. However, this is also one of the bets that can have the most variance, as literally any of the players on the pitch could score.
- Much higher odds and potential payout
- Incredibly fun to place
- Easy to understand
- High outcome variance
How to place a first goal scorer bet
Whichever global sportsbook you use, and wherever you are betting from, there’s usually a similar process to place a first goal scorer bet, including these steps:
- Log in to your sportsbook account.
- Find the relevant sport section.
- Click on the game you want to bet on.
- Expand the player props bets.
- Find the first goal scorer bet.
- Select the player who you think will score first.
- Enter the wager amount in your bet slip.
- Finalize the bet.
That’s it. Just make sure you check the odds of the bet, apply any bet boosts or insurances you might have, and double-check the wager amount you have entered.
Conclusion – this type of bet can add a layer of excitement to your betting
The first goal scorer bet certainly has its merits, but you have to be willing to put in a little extra effort in terms of research, so that you make the most educated bet possible. This includes looking at recent form, head-to-head matchups, and the performance of the teams’ top goal scorers. It will usually have much higher odds compared to most of the other props bets though, due to its higher variance. If you want to give it a try for yourself, feel free to check out the regional links and banners we have on this page for recommended sportsbooks.
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First goal scorer bet FAQs
⚽ Which sports are the first goal scorer bet available for?
It’s most commonly used for football/soccer. Variants of this bet can also be available for American Football, Ice Hockey, and Basketball too.
🏆 How do you win a first goal scorer bet?
The only way you can win this bet is if you correctly pick the first goal scorer. If any other player scores first in the game, you do not win.
📊 What is the best first goal scorer betting strategy?
You have to do your research. Check out team and player stats to see who the most likely goal scorers are. Also consider offsetting this riskier bet with some lower-risk bets or accas.
