If you’ve seen the “to score or assist” betting option on a football match and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. This type of bet has become a regular feature on many UK betting sites, especially for football fans who like to follow individual players.
This blog explains what a “to score or assist” bet involves, how it works, and what you need to know before deciding if it’s something you want to explore.
If you’re new to betting or football in general, don’t worry—this guide breaks everything down into clear, simple terms without using confusing jargon. It’s written for those who want to understand their choices, learn how this particular market functions, and know what to look out for when placing this type of bet with a UK-licensed bookmaker.
Breaking Down What “To Score Or Assist” Really Means
A “to score or assist” bet is a way to bet on a specific football player. You’re backing that this player will either score a goal, or assist a goal during a match. It doesn’t need to be both—either one is enough for the bet to be successful.
In football, a goal is when the ball legally crosses the goal line between the posts. An assist is when a player makes the final pass or touch that directly leads to a teammate scoring. It’s the involvement that sets up the goal, not just general play.
Only what happens during the regular 90 minutes of the match, plus any injury time added by the referee, counts. Anything that happens in extra time or during a penalty shootout won’t be included unless stated otherwise.
Different bookmakers may have their own definitions of what qualifies as an assist. Some follow official data providers like Opta, while others make decisions based on their own review of the match. For example, one bookmaker might award an assist for a deflected pass, while another might not. This is why it can be worth checking how your chosen bookmaker defines an assist before placing a bet.
How Does The Score Or Assist Bet Work?
To place a “to score or assist” bet, you start by choosing a player in an upcoming football match. If that player scores a goal or assists a goal during the match, the bet is settled as a win. If they do neither, the bet is lost.
This type of market focuses entirely on one player’s contribution to a goal, so it doesn’t matter what the final score is or who wins the match. It also doesn’t matter how the goal was scored or assisted, as long as the actions meet the bookmaker’s terms.
It’s important to remember that football is unpredictable. Even players with strong stats can have matches where they don’t contribute to a goal. Bookmakers reflect this in the odds they offer, which are based on factors such as the player’s position, form, and the strength of the opposition.
This bet is usually placed as a single wager, meaning it’s not tied to other outcomes. Some sites may allow you to include it in a multiple or bet builder, but that depends on the operator and should be confirmed in the bet rules.
Spotting Good Opportunities For Your Bet
When looking for players to back in this market, most people focus on those who are regularly involved in goals. This typically includes strikers, attacking midfielders, or wide players who take on defenders and create chances.
Statistics can help here. You might look at a player’s recent goal involvement, how often they create chances, and whether they regularly take set pieces like corners or free kicks. For example, a midfielder with five assists in their last eight games may offer value if priced fairly.
However, football is full of variables. A player’s usual role might change depending on the tactics used in a particular match. Injuries, substitutions, or even poor weather can affect performance. Because of this, a “strong” bet on paper may not lead to the outcome you might expect.
Some bettors compare different UK bookmakers before making a decision. Odds, player markets, and terms may vary slightly between operators. This allows you to find what best suits your preferences, whether that’s based on price, definitions, or available promotions.
What Counts As An Assist In Football Betting?
There isn’t a single universal definition of an assist across all bookmakers. In most cases, it means the last intentional action by a player that directly leads to a goal. This could be a pass, cross, header, flick, or even a backheel.
However, things can get more complicated. If a defender makes a mistake or there’s a big deflection, some bookmakers might not count the initial pass as an assist. Similarly, if your selected player wins a penalty and a teammate scores it, it usually isn’t classed as an assist—unless the bookmaker’s rules specifically say so.
Some betting sites rely on third-party data companies like Opta, who apply a consistent definition across all matches. Others may settle bets using their own criteria. Because of this, it’s possible that what looks like an assist during the match may not be settled that way in your bet.
You can normally find these details under “settlement rules” or “betting rules” on the bookmaker’s website. Reading these in advance can help avoid confusion later on.
Score Or Assist: Understanding The Odds
Odds show you how much you could receive if your bet is successful. They’re usually displayed in fractional format in the UK (e.g., 4/1) or decimal format (e.g., 5.00). Lower odds mean the bookmaker thinks the outcome is more likely, while higher odds suggest it’s less likely.
For example, a striker who scores regularly might be listed at 1/2 (1.50), meaning you’d receive £1.50 for every £1 bet if they score or assist. A defensive midfielder, who’s less involved in attacking play, might be priced at 6/1 (7.00) or higher.
These odds aren’t fixed. They can change before kick-off depending on team line-ups, recent form, or how many people are betting on that player. Bookmakers try to reflect what they think is most likely to happen, based on available information.
Even when a player looks like a strong option on paper, outcomes are never certain. Football matches are influenced by many factors, and results are not predictable.
Key Tips For Player Betting
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Take a look at recent form. If a player has been involved in goals over several games, it might indicate they’re in a strong phase of performance.
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Think about where they play. Players in attacking positions generally have more chances to contribute to potential goals than defenders.
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Check team line-ups when they’re announced. A player might be rested, substituted early, or play in a different position on the day.
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Compare different bookmakers for odds and definitions. Some might offer slightly better prices or clearer rules on what counts as an assist.
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Decide how much you’re comfortable spending and stick to it. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and treat it as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money.
If you ever feel unsure about your betting behaviour or want to take a break, there are tools available to help. All UK-licensed betting sites must offer features such as deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs, and self-exclusion options. Services like BeGambleAware.org and GAMSTOP provide support if you need to pause or stop gambling altogether.
Betting can be enjoyable when done safely, but it’s important to remember that it involves chance. There are no guaranteed outcomes, and it’s entirely possible to lose money even when a bet seems well thought out.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.