In football sports betting, 1st Card / Last Card is a popular market that allows punters to bet on which team will receive the first or last yellow/red card in a match. This option adds excitement to games that are often tight or defensive, where goals may be scarce but tempers can flare.
What is 1st Card / Last Card in Football Betting?
- 1st Card: You’re betting on which team will receive the first booking (yellow or red card) in a match.
- Last Card: You’re betting on which team will receive the final booking before the referee blows the full-time whistle.
These bets are settled based on the referee’s official match report. If two players are booked at the same time, the team whose player’s name appears first in the referee’s record is considered to have received the 1st Card.
Example:
Match: Chelsea vs Manchester United
1st Card Bet
If you bet on Manchester United – 1st Card, your bet wins if a Manchester United player receives the first yellow or red card of the match.
- Example scenario:
In the 12th minute, Casemiro (Man Utd) gets a yellow card for a rough tackle.
Your 1st Card (Manchester United) bet wins.
Last Card Bet
If you bet on Chelsea – Last Card, your bet wins if the last booking of the game goes to a Chelsea player.
- Example scenario:
In the 88th minute, Reece James (Chelsea) gets booked for time wasting.
Your Last Card (Chelsea) bet wins.
Betting Insight:
This market focuses on discipline and team behavior, not goals or possession. Teams that play aggressively, press high, or foul frequently often get more cards.
Factors to Consider Before Betting on 1st / Last Card
- Team Playing Style
- Aggressive or defensive teams like Atletico Madrid or Leeds United often pick up early bookings.
- Referee Profile
- Some referees are known for strict discipline. For example, Michael Oliver in the Premier League averages a high number of cards per game.
- Rivalries and Derbies
- Matches like Barcelona vs Real Madrid or Arsenal vs Tottenham are intense and emotional—more likely to produce early or late cards.
- Game Situation
- Losing teams may commit more fouls late in the game while trying to recover possession.
- Player Discipline Records
- Watch out for players known for fouling, such as defensive midfielders or full-backs.
Example Betting Tip
Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal (North London Derby)
- Tip:Tottenham – 1st Card
- Tottenham are known for fast, aggressive starts at home.
- Arsenal often maintain calm possession early on.
- The emotional intensity of this derby often sees Spurs players booked first.
Alternative Tip: Last Card – Arsenal
- If Arsenal are leading late in the game, tactical fouls to stop counters can lead to the final booking.
1st Card / Last Card Betting Tips & Strategy
Research referee statistics before placing bets.
Avoid friendlies—they often have fewer cards.
Consider the game’s importance—cup finals and relegation battles often feature more bookings.
Combine this market with others like Over/Under Cards for better value.
Track player stats—some players are regular offenders.
Example from Real Match Data
Match: Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla
- 1st Card: Sevilla (Booked in 9’)
- Last Card: Atletico Madrid (Booked in 87’)
- Total Cards: 7
Bettors who placed Sevilla – 1st Card and Atletico Madrid – Last Card both won.
Summary
| Market | Meaning | Example Win Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Card | Team to receive the first card | Man United player booked first |
| Last Card | Team to receive the last card | Chelsea player booked last |
Final Betting Tip
When betting on 1st or Last Card, focus on:
- Referee tendencies
- Team and player discipline
- Game context (derbies, finals, relegation battles)
These simple insights can give you an edge over casual punters.