What “1st Booking” Means
In football betting, “1st Booking” refers to betting on which player will receive the first yellow or red card in a match.
- “Booking” = a yellow or red card issued by the referee.
- This market usually includes only players who start the match (unless otherwise stated).
- Some bookmakers may also offer “First Team Booking” or “First Player Booking” separately.
How It Works with Players
You’re predicting which player will be the first to be cautioned in the match.
- If your chosen player receives the first yellow/red card of the match → you win.
- If another player is booked first → you lose.
- Cards given to coaches or substitutes usually don’t count, but always check your bookmaker’s rules.
Example with a Player
Let’s say it’s a Manchester United vs. Liverpool match.
Market: “First Player to be Booked”
- Lisandro Martínez (Man Utd) – 8.0
- Casemiro (Man Utd) – 9.0
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) – 12.0
- No booking – 26.0
You bet $10 on Casemiro to be the first player booked at odds 9.0.
- If Casemiro is the first to get a yellow card → You win $90 (8 x $10 profit + your stake).
- If Lisandro Martínez or anyone else is booked first → You lose your $10 stake.
Things That Affect First Booking for a Player
- Position & Role
- Defensive midfielders and centre-backs are most likely to be booked first (lots of tackles/interceptions).
- Forwards and goalkeepers are least likely.
- Aggressiveness / Style of Play
- Some players have a history of many yellow cards (e.g., Casemiro, Granit Xhaka).
- They’re more likely to get booked early.
- Match Intensity & Rivalry
- Derby or rivalry games often see more early cards.
- A hot-tempered start increases chances of an early booking.
- Referee Tendencies
- Some referees issue cards quickly.
- Check stats of the appointed referee (average cards per game).
- Tactical Situations
- If a player is tasked with stopping a key opponent (man-marking), they’re more prone to early fouls.
Betting Tips
Focus on Defensive Midfielders & Full-backs
They’re involved in tackles and fouls early.
Check Player Card Stats
Use websites (like WhoScored) to see yellow cards per season.
Look at Match Context
Derbies and high-stakes matches = more chance of an early card.
Check Referee Stats
If the ref averages 5+ cards per game, early bookings are more likely.
Consider Substitutions
If a player starts on the bench, your bet may be void.
Shop Around
Different bookmakers offer different odds for the same player.
Example Betting Scenario
Arsenal vs. Tottenham (North London Derby)
You check stats:
- Yves Bissouma (Tottenham) – averages 2.4 fouls per game.
- Declan Rice (Arsenal) – averages 1.5 fouls per game.
Referee averages 5.2 cards per game.
You predict Bissouma will be under pressure to stop Saka early on.
You place:
- Bissouma First Player to Be Booked @ 7.50
If Bissouma gets booked first in the 15th minute → You win.
Key Takeaway
“First Booking” is about anticipating early fouls. Focus on:
- Player role & foul tendency
- Match rivalry & intensity
- Referee card stats
It’s a high-risk, high-reward bet (odds are usually 6.0–15.0 for one player).
Would you like me to also explain “First Team Booking” (which team gets booked first) — that’s another related market?