How Do Booking Points Work?

Booking points refers to the system of assigning points to yellow and red cards shown to players during a football match. You can bet on whether these total points will be over or under a number set by the bookie.

We explain how this market works as a solid alternative to traditional football bets. Furthermore, how you can potentially win money from betting on the discipline of teams and players.

What Are Booking Points in Football?

These are points are used to track the disciplinary records of football teams during matches. Points are assigned for yellow cards and red cards, with both carrying different values. Red cards, being more severe, contribute more than yellows to the total points at the end of a match.

Booking points is a popular market for our football tips and predictions. Once you understand how to predict the total number of points accrued during a single game, you may find it more of an interesting proposition.

How Are Booking Points Calculated?

You calculate points by adding up the values of all cards shown in a football match. Yellow cards and red cards have different values, with higher points reflect the relative rarity of reds.

How Many Booking Points is a Yellow Card?

You get 10 points for a yellow card in a match. For example, if three players each receive one yellow card during a game, their combined total for the market comes to 30 points.

How Many Booking Points is a Red Card?

A red card contributes 25 booking points to the total score at the end of the game. A player can receive a straight red or a red card after already picking up a yellow. In cases where a player receives both a yellow and a red card, the maximum applies, resulting in a total of 35 points with most betting sites.

Why Tipsters Give Bookings Predictions

Smart football tipsters look to exploit all angles when betting on cards and that includes bookings predictions. Fair and foul play can be somewhat predictable in cases. For example, some individual teams have a more aggressive style that is prone to cards, while many derby matches can be passionate affairs.

These bet types are focused on cards being shown in the Premier League and other competitions. Therefore, you’ll find plenty of tipsters focus on football games where booking markets predictions might be a little easier to make. Especially when compared to goals betting and other traditional football betting markets.

Effective Booking Points Betting Strategy

You should always employ a strong strategy when points betting on bookings. The most important thing to remember is that bookings are usually a reflection of discipline. But it’s ultimately the referee and other officials that dictate if and how many cards are shown.

Analyse Team Discipline

First, consider the discipline of players on a team. To do this, examine the likes of Championship disciplinary stats to identify which players and teams have the worst records. Alternatively, assess how many Premier League cards teams are likely to receive and base your analysis on that information.

When two aggressive teams face off in a heated match, expect a higher number of players prone to fouls, which may generate more points. Look at previous matches between teams, such as Arsenal vs Spurs, to identify potential trends for your bets. Also, look to betting tipsters and their views on the best booking points betting angles.

Identify Card Magnets

Some players seem destined to pick up cards as soon as they step on the pitch. While a combative style and high aggression significantly impact a player’s disciplinary record, their position also plays a role. Defenders and defensive midfielders, for instance, handle more of the heavy lifting and are likely to commit more fouls as a result.

Additionally, some players who skirt the rules may develop a reputation that draws increased attention from referees, leading to more yellow and red cards. Although the modern game is less physical and features fewer hard men, tracking most fouls committed in the Premier League and other competitions has become easier.

Examine Match Context & What’s at Stake

Teams involved in fierce rivalries often play with more passion and use a more physical style. Celtic and Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, as well as El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga, frequently deliver intense games filled with poor discipline. Matches with major implications, such as relegation battles, usually result in more red cards.

High-stakes games, like FA Cup ties where lower-division teams face Premier League sides, often lead to more bookings per game. In contrast, friendly matches and less significant ties, such as the Community Shield, typically feature fewer cards.

Consider Referee Profile & Card History

Some referees issue more cards than others, so analysing referee tendencies can help you make better bets on booking points markets. Look up a referee’s card history to predict the number of cards likely to appear in a game as this insight can prove vital.

Card-happy referees officiating high-intensity matches usually signal a higher likelihood of increased points, so adjust your bets accordingly. On the other hand, referees with a more lenient approach often influence games with fewer yellow and red cards, resulting in lower points totals.

Find the Best Booking Points Sites & Markets

Explore the best card betting markets available on the the top betting sites in the UK. Total card points markets are our favourites because they’re straightforward and often reward 35 points instead of 25 for a yellow card followed by a red.

Focus on bookmakers that offer competitive betting odds and flexible markets for points. For instance, we recommend those that allow you to include booking points in Bet Builders, although not every bookie provides this option. Comparing card markets odds across betting sites ensures you find the best value and improves your overall betting strategy.

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