What “Booking Points – Over/Under” Means
In football (soccer) betting, “Booking Points” is a market where you bet on the total number of disciplinary points(yellow and red cards) awarded in a match.
Each card is assigned a number of points:
| Card Type | Points |
|---|---|
| Yellow Card | 10 points |
| Red Card | 25 points |
| Two Yellows (leading to a red) | 35 points (10 + 25) |
Bookmakers add up the points from all cards in the match. Then they offer Over/Under lines — you predict if the total booking points will be over or under a set threshold.
Booking Points With Players
Although “Booking Points” is usually offered for the entire match or a team, some bookies also let you bet on a specific player’s cards. For example:
- Player Booking Points:
– If a midfielder like Casemiro (Man United) is known for tough tackling, the bookmaker may set his booking lineat 10 points (yellow card).
– If you bet Over 10 points, you’re betting he will get at least one yellow (10 points).
– If you bet Under 10 points, you’re betting he will stay card-free.
Examples
Example 1: Match Total
Arsenal vs Manchester United
- Bookmaker sets line: Over/Under 40 Booking Points
- Cards in match:
- Arsenal: 2 yellows (20 pts)
- Man Utd: 1 yellow + 1 red (10 + 25 = 35 pts)
- Total: 20 + 35 = 55 points
If you bet Over 40, you win (55 > 40).
If you bet Under 40, you lose.
Example 2: Player Booking Points
Manchester United vs Liverpool – Casemiro booking
- Line: Over/Under 10 Booking Points
- Casemiro receives a yellow = 10 points
Over 10 = win (he got a card)
Under 10 = lose (he didn’t stay card-free)
If he had received a straight red = 25 points, still counted as Over.
Tips for Betting on Booking Points
- Check Referee Stats
– Some referees are strict (average 5+ yellows per game), others lenient. This hugely affects booking points. - Consider Team & Player Style
– Physical/defensive teams (Atletico Madrid, Getafe) tend to accumulate more cards.
– Players in defensive midfield or full-backs get more bookings. - Look at Match Context
– High-stakes derbies (Liverpool v Everton) = more cards.
– End-of-season relegation battles also often see high cards. - Watch the Line Carefully
– If the line is high (e.g. 60 points), it signals a fiery match.
– If it’s low (20–30 points), it’s expected to be calmer. - Use Player Markets for Value
– If a player is returning from injury or is on a yellow-card suspension threshold, he might be more cautious.
– Others might commit tactical fouls to stop counter-attacks — perfect for Over.
Quick Formula to Think:
- Yellow card = 10 points
- Red card = 25 points
- Two yellows to red = 35 points
Compare the expected style, referee stats, and stakes to the line given by the bookmaker.
Would you like me to create a visual chart (team & player examples) showing how booking points accumulate during a match? (It can make the concept super clear.)