What Does “Race to 10 Goals (Incl. Overtime)” Mean?
This betting market asks a simple question:
Which team will be the first to reach 10 goals in the match (including overtime)?
You are not betting on who wins the match overall — just who scores the 10th goal first.
The “(incl. overtime)” part means that if the match goes into extra time, those goals will count toward the race to 10.
How It Works (Step-by-Step Example)
Let’s use a real-style example between two teams:
Example Match:
Denmark vs Croatia
Available Market:
- Denmark to reach 10 goals first – 1.70 odds
- Croatia to reach 10 goals first – 2.10 odds
- Neither team to reach 10 goals – (rarely offered)
Scenario 1:
- After 15 minutes, the score is Denmark 10 – 7 Croatia.
Denmark wins the “Race to 10 Goals” bet.
If you backed Denmark, your bet wins, even if Croatia later wins the match.
Scenario 2 (with overtime):
- Full-time score: 28–28, goes to overtime.
- During overtime, Croatia scores their 10th goal before Denmark.
Croatia wins the “Race to 10 Goals (Incl. Overtime)” bet.
This inclusion of overtime makes this bet different from the “Race to 10 Goals (in regular time)” market.
Key Betting Insights
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Team’s Attack Strength | Teams with strong offensive players or fast-paced tactics often reach 10 goals quickly. |
| Defense Quality | A defensive team may slow down their race to 10, even if they win overall. |
| Game Type (League or Tournament) | In knockout games, overtime often happens, so “incl. overtime” markets are safer. |
| Recent Form | Teams starting matches strongly tend to win “race to” markets more often. |
Example Betting Strategy
Match: Spain vs Norway
You analyze stats and see:
- Spain averages 5 goals in the first 8 minutes of recent matches.
- Norway tends to start slow but finishes strong.
Betting Tip:
Back Spain to reach 10 goals first at 1.65 odds.
Even if Norway wins later, you still profit if Spain gets there first.
Handy Betting Tips
- Focus on Fast Starters
- Check how teams perform in the first 10–15 minutes. Handball is high-paced, and fast starters often win this bet.
- Include Overtime for Safety
- If teams are evenly matched, “incl. overtime” reduces the risk of your bet voiding if no team reaches 10 in regular time.
- Avoid Defensive Matchups
- When both teams play defensively, the race to 10 goals might take longer and increase uncertainty.
- Watch Live Games
- In-play betting is powerful here. If one team starts aggressively, you can jump in before they hit 10.
- Use Team Statistics
- Websites like EHF (European Handball Federation) or FlashScore show first-half goal rates, helping you spot early scorers.
Example Summary
| Match | Market | Winner of Race to 10 Goals | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark vs Croatia | Race to 10 Goals (incl. OT) | Denmark | Denmark scored 10 first |
| Spain vs Norway | Race to 10 Goals (incl. OT) | Spain | Spain scored 10 first |
| France vs Sweden | Race to 10 Goals (incl. OT) | Sweden | France got there first |
Final Thoughts
The Race to 10 Goals (Including Overtime) market in handball is perfect for bettors who love quick results and analyzing early game momentum.
It’s less about who wins the game overall and more about who starts strong and attacks effectively.
Quick Recap
- Focus: First team to reach 10 goals (including overtime)
- Good for: Fast-paced teams, in-play bettors, first-half strategists
- Tip: Always check early scoring trends and goal conversion stats before betting.