A Bettor's Guide to Half-Time/Full-Time Betting (HT/FT)
- Involves betting on the correct outcome of each.
- Both must be correct for a payout to be returned.
- Odds can be more profitable than other markets.
- Nine different outcomes.
- Three different strategies can be used.
Richard Trenchard
Last updated 26 Nov 2025
Halftime/Fulltime betting is a popular market for punters who wager on football matches. It is commonly depicted as HT/FT and is placed as a single bet. However, it has two parts that must both happen for the bet to pay out. This guide will answer the question: what does halftime/fulltime mean in betting, and highlight how it should be used.
Table of contents
- 1.What is HT/FT Betting?
- 2.The 9 Outcomes of HT/FT Betting Explained
- 3.How HT/FT Betting Works: A Real-Match Example
- 4.Actionable HT/FT Betting Strategies
- 5.Common HT/FT Betting Mistakes to Avoid
What is HT/FT Betting?
HT/FT betting is a market in which bettors will bet on what they believe will be the result at halftime and at fulltime with one stake. Both must be correct for a payout to be received.
An HT/FT bet differs from other bets that focus on results occurring in a dedicated half. A First Half Result or Second Half Result bet is where punters place a wager on what they believe the outcome will be by the end of the chosen half. They are separate and are not combined to form one bet.
Bettors should consider HT/FT markets, as they often offer higher odds, providing potential value in terms of returns. They are more difficult to predict accurately, which is why bookmakers provide enhanced odds.
Recommended Bookmakers for HT/FT Betting
Paddy Power is trusted by millions of sports fans across the United Kingdom, with members enjoying competition-smashing odds on football, horse racing...
| Overall rating | 90% |
|---|
| Overall rating | 87% |
|---|
| Overall rating | 88% |
|---|
| Overall rating | 86% |
|---|
| Overall rating | 89% |
|---|
The 9 Outcomes of HT/FT Betting Explained
HT/FT betting can offer punters nine different outcomes to back. They are represented in the table below:
How HT/FT Betting Works: A Real-Match Example
An example of HT/FT betting could feature Manchester United and Manchester City.
Punters will be required to select a bet based on what they think will happen. Let’s use the ‘2/2’ market (City to win both halves).
- To win the bet, Manchester City must lead at the halftime whistle and maintain that lead until the end of the second half.
- All other outcomes will result in the bet being lost. For example, Man City cannot enter halftime level or behind. They cannot lose the second half after leading the first, either.
Actionable HT/FT Betting Strategies
HT/FT betting presents three different strategies that bettors can look to adopt to try and maximise their success rate.
Strategy 1: Back the Strong Favourite (The 1/1 Strategy)
The 1/1 strategy involves backing the strong favourite in the match to win both halves. This strategy can be ideal when backing a team expected to dominate the game from start to finish. It can help to enhance the odds offered compared to when backing the favourite as an outright winner.
Strategy 2: The Second-Half Specialist (The X/1 Strategy)
The X/1 strategy can be used when a team has shown to be better in the second half of games. The first half may feature a team that is too stubborn to break down, but gaps in their defence become exposed in the second half. It could also be a good strategy for teams that start slowly but grow stronger as the game progresses.
Strategy 3: The Comeback King (The 1/2 or 2/1 Strategy)
Some teams may start fast but slow down in the second half. Others may do the opposite. If a match features two of these, the 1/2 or 2/1 strategy could be a good option for bettors. It can offer the highest odds, as it needs a team to produce a comeback. For instance, they could be losing at halftime but winning at full time.
Common HT/FT Betting Mistakes to Avoid
Common HT/FT betting mistakes bettors must avoid include:
- Ignoring team form and going with their gut.
- Chasing unrealistic results that are very unlikely.
- Not understanding how the bet works properly.
- Confusing it with “Win Both Halves” bets.
FAQ
What does HT/FT X/1 mean?
An HT/FT X/1 bet means backing a draw to be achieved in the first half, with the home team winning the second half.
Does the HT/FT bet include extra time?
No, HT/FT bets do not include extra time and are settled after 90 minutes.
Is a HT/FT bet the same as a "Win to Nil" bet?
No, an HT/FT bet is not the same as a “Win to Nil” bet. The latter only focuses on the final result and if a team concedes a goal or not.
What happens if the match is abandoned?
Bookmakers must void all HT/FT bets for matches that have been abandoned. The bettor’s stake will be returned.
Which sports offer Halftime/Fulltime betting?
Sports with two halves of action will all allow HT/FT betting. Football is the most common, but rugby and American sports can also include the betting option.
Meet the Author
We're delighted to have Richard on board at Flashscore. Offering a wealth of experience, Rich used to be a national newspaper and sports journalist before focussing entirely on the igaming and sports betting spheres. That means he is able to combine super sharp editorial instinct and crisp content with a wealth of information, having worked with some of the biggest names in the business over the past decade. So, when you see Rich's name on an article, you know it's packed information you can trust. Whether it's information on a particular casino, betting terms explained, betting tips, the best betting sites around, or anything else, Rich has got your back.
