FA Cup Betting

For bettors, the FA Cup offers a wide selection of markets. You can bet on individual matches, the outright winner, goals, both teams to score, correct scores, handicaps, goalscorers and much more.

We look at the best bookmakers for FA Cup betting, the most popular markets and some of the factors to consider before placing a bet.

Best FA Cup Betting Sites in Detail

Several major UK bookmakers offer extensive FA Cup coverage, with markets available on individual fixtures as well as the outright competition. Our featured bookmakers are:

1. Bet365

Bet365 is our top choice for FA Cup betting thanks to its extensive football coverage and dedicated FA Cup betting section. Its current FA Cup offering includes an outright winner market featuring clubs from across the English football pyramid, alongside match betting and other football markets.

Why consider bet365 for FA Cup betting?

• Dedicated FA Cup betting

• Extensive football market coverage

• FA Cup outright winner betting

• Bet Builder options

• In-play betting

• Live match information

• Mobile betting

• Regular football promotions

The depth of its football offering makes bet365 a particularly useful option when looking beyond the straightforward match-result market.

2. Betfred

Betfred is another strong option for FA Cup bettors, with the competition providing opportunities to bet on both individual fixtures and the eventual winner.

The bookmaker also provides football betting content and promotions, making it worth comparing with other sportsbooks before placing a bet.

Why consider Betfred for FA Cup betting?

• FA Cup match betting

• Outright winner markets

• Football betting tips and previews

• In-play betting

• Bet Builder options

• Regular football promotions

• Mobile betting

With the FA Cup's unpredictable nature, comparing prices between bookmakers can be particularly important when looking at potential underdogs and outright selections.

3. Midnite

Midnite provides another option for bettors looking to wager on the FA Cup. Its football-focused platform offers match and outright betting opportunities, alongside an experience designed around mobile football betting.

Why consider Midnite for FA Cup betting?

• FA Cup football betting

• Match markets

• Outright betting

• In-play football

• Bet Builder-style options

• Mobile-focused betting experience

• Football betting content

Midnite is worth comparing alongside the larger traditional bookmakers when looking for FA Cup odds.

Get FA Cup Odds

Comparing odds is one of the most important steps when betting on the FA Cup.

Different bookmakers can offer different prices on exactly the same selection. For example, if you believe a Premier League team has a strong chance of beating lower-league opposition, it is worth checking its match-winner price with bet365, Betfred and Midnite before placing your bet.

The difference may only appear small on an individual bet, but consistently taking the better available price can make a significant difference over a larger number of wagers.

This is particularly relevant in the FA Cup because bookmakers can have different views of matches involving teams from different divisions. Don't just compare the headline match-result odds. Look at the full range of markets, Bet Builder selections, live betting options and any relevant promotions.

FA Cup Betting Offers

Bookmakers regularly run promotions and bonus offers around major football competitions, including the FA Cup.

Offers can include free bets, enhanced odds, Bet Builder promotions, accumulator offers and other incentives. However, promotions can change regularly, so check the bookmaker's current terms before signing up or depositing.

Popular FA Cup Betting Markets

The FA Cup offers many of the same betting markets available on league football, but its knockout format creates some additional angles.

Popular FA Cup markets include:

• Match result

• To qualify

• Both teams to score

• Over/under goals

• Correct score

• First and anytime goalscorer

• Corners

• Cards

• Asian handicap

• Draw no bet

• Bet Builders

• Outright winner

FA Cup Match Result

The 1X2 market is the simplest way to bet on an FA Cup fixture.

You choose between:

• 1 – Home win

• X – Draw

• 2 – Away win

For example, if Manchester United are playing a Championship club, you can back Manchester United to win, the match to finish level or the Championship side to win.

The main difference from league betting is that an FA Cup draw can have different implications depending on the round and competition rules.

Always check the specific bookmaker's market wording before betting, particularly if you are considering a selection involving extra time or penalties.

To Qualify

The To Qualify market is particularly relevant to FA Cup betting because this is a knockout competition.

Rather than simply predicting who will win the match within 90 minutes, you predict which team will progress to the next round. This means a team can be the successful selection even if the match is drawn after 90 minutes, provided that team ultimately advances.

Depending on the round and bookmaker, progression can be decided through extra time and penalties. For bettors who want to back the stronger team without worrying about a draw after 90 minutes, the To Qualify market can be an attractive alternative to standard match-result betting.

Both Teams to Score

Both Teams to Score, or BTTS, requires both sides to score at least once.

A 1-1, 2-1 or 3-2 result would all be successful BTTS selections. This market can become interesting in FA Cup ties where a Premier League side faces an opponent from a lower division.

The strength of each team's defence, expected line-ups and home advantage can all be relevant when assessing the market.

Over/Under Goals

Over/Under Goals betting involves predicting whether the total number of goals will be above or below a particular line.

Common selections include:

• Over/Under 1.5 goals

• Over/Under 2.5 goals

• Over/Under 3.5 goals

• Over/Under 4.5 goals

An Over 2.5 Goals selection requires three or more goals during the match.

FA Cup fixtures can sometimes be difficult to assess because of squad rotation. A Premier League side may make several changes when facing lower-league opposition, potentially affecting both its attacking and defensive performance.

Correct Score

Correct-score betting involves predicting the exact final score.

Selections might include 1-0, 1-1, 2-0, 2-1, 3-0 etc. The exact score is difficult to predict, so correct-score markets generally offer higher odds than simpler match-result bets. When assessing this market, consider the difference in quality between the teams, expected line-ups, home advantage and the importance of the fixture.

First Goalscorer and Anytime Goalscorer

Goalscorer markets allow you to bet on individual players.

First Goalscorer requires your selection to score the first goal of the match, while Anytime Goalscorer only requires the player to score at some point during the game.

FA Cup ties can make these markets particularly interesting because managers may rotate their squads. Always check the starting line-ups when possible, particularly before placing a first-goalscorer bet.

Draw No Bet

Draw No Bet provides an alternative to the traditional match-result market. You select a team to win, but your stake is returned if the match finishes as a draw.

The bet therefore effectively gives you protection against the draw, although the odds will generally be lower than backing the same team in the standard 1X2 market.

Handicap Betting

Handicap markets can be useful when there is a significant difference in quality between two teams.

A stronger team may be given a virtual disadvantage, such as -1, before the match begins. For example, backing a favourite at -1 means that team generally needs to win by at least two goals for the handicap selection to win outright, depending on the precise market rules.

Handicap betting can therefore offer an alternative to simply backing a heavily priced favourite.

Corners

Corner markets allow you to predict the number of corners in a match or how many corners a particular team will receive.

Popular options include:

• Total corners

• Team corners

• Over/under corners

• Corner handicap

• Most corners

A team expected to dominate possession and spend more time attacking can potentially generate more corners, although past statistics do not guarantee what will happen in a particular FA Cup tie.

Cards

Card markets focus on yellow and red cards during an FA Cup fixture.

You may be able to bet on:

• Total cards

• Team cards

• Player to be booked

• Player card totals

• Card handicaps

When researching card markets, consider the referee, the players involved, the importance of the fixture and the likely style of the match.

Bet Builders

Bet Builders allow multiple selections from the same FA Cup match to be combined into a single bet.

Depending on the bookmaker and fixture, a Bet Builder could combine selections such as:

• Match result

• Both teams to score

• Total goals

• Player to score

• Player shots

• Corners

• Cards

Bet365 offers football Bet Builder functionality that allows multiple selections from a single match to be combined. The more selections you add, the more conditions need to be satisfied for the overall bet to win.

FA Cup Outright Betting

You don't have to wait for the FA Cup rounds to begin before placing a bet. Bookmakers also offer outright markets on the eventual winner of the competition.

To Win the FA Cup

The most straightforward outright market is betting on the team that will lift the FA Cup.

Premier League clubs generally dominate the top of the outright market, but the open nature of the competition means lower-ranked teams can offer significantly larger odds. Current FA Cup outright markets illustrate the breadth of teams that can be backed, from leading Premier League clubs to sides from the Championship and lower divisions.

FA Cup Final Betting

The final is one of the biggest individual betting events of the English football season.

In addition to the outright winner market, bookmakers can offer a variety of final-specific markets, including match result, goals, correct score, goalscorers, cards and corners. The FA Cup final is traditionally played at Wembley, adding another layer of occasion to the competition's climax.

FA Cup Betting on Underdogs

One of the defining characteristics of the FA Cup is the possibility of an upset. The competition brings clubs from different levels of English football together, creating matches where a significant favourite can face an unfamiliar opponent.

Backing an underdog can therefore be tempting when the odds are large. However, the size of the odds should not be the only consideration.

Look at:

• The strength of the favourite's starting XI

• Expected squad rotation

• The underdog's recent form

• Home advantage

• Injuries and suspensions

• The importance the favourite places on the competition

• The difference between the two teams' underlying performance

A large price does not necessarily mean that a bet represents good value.

Live FA Cup Betting

In-play betting allows you to place bets after an FA Cup match has started. Live odds can change quickly following goals, red cards, injuries and changes in the balance of play.

Popular live markets can include:

• Match result

• To qualify

• Next goal

• Total goals

• Both teams to score

• Corners

• Cards

• Player markets

• Half-time/full-time

Live betting can be particularly interesting in FA Cup matches because the balance between two teams can become clearer once the game begins. However, prices can move rapidly. Decide how much you are prepared to stake before the match rather than chasing losses or reacting emotionally to events.

When it comes to in-play odds and markets, we think bet365 is a standout choice. The live betting section of this bookie is impressive and works well when coupled with the live streaming offering.

Best FA Cup Betting App

Finding a great betting app can really enhance your overall betting experience, especially because you can bet quickly and easily from your mobile device. This can be even more important for those keen to be on in-play markets.

When it comes to picking a top betting app, we think Midnite is an excellent option. This bookie is known for a top app that is simple to navigate. You get everything you get from the desktop site with a whole range of sports and markets just a few clicks away.

FA Cup Betting Tips

There is no guaranteed strategy for winning FA Cup bets. The competition's knockout format and potential for rotation mean that researching each fixture is particularly important. Here at LiveGoals we provide regular updates for all the biggest football fixtures in the league and cups across the campaign.

Here are a few factors we consider when putting together our betting tips. These can also be used to help you find your own selections.

Check the Draw

The FA Cup draw can have a major impact on a team's route through the competition. A favourite facing lower-league opposition at home may have a very different outlook from one drawn away to another Premier League club.

Consider both the immediate fixture and the potential route to the final.

Check Team Selection

Team news can be especially important in FA Cup betting. Premier League managers may rotate their squads, particularly when an FA Cup fixture falls between important league or European matches.

Check the expected and confirmed line-ups before betting on player-specific markets.

Consider the Division Gap

A large difference in league position does not automatically mean a straightforward win. However, the difference in squad quality, resources and recent performance can be useful when assessing an FA Cup fixture.

Look at Home Advantage

Lower-league clubs playing at home against higher-ranked opposition can benefit from familiar surroundings and a strong atmosphere. Home advantage should therefore be considered when assessing potential upsets.

Research Recent Form

Recent results can provide useful context, particularly when a team has undergone a managerial change or has significantly altered its starting line-up. Look beyond the final result where possible and consider performances, goals, shots and other relevant statistics.

Compare FA Cup Odds

Once you've identified a potential bet, compare the odds at bet365, Betfred and Midnite. Different bookmakers may have different prices on the same selection, and comparing them can help you find the best available odds.

Responsible FA Cup Betting

Football betting should be treated as entertainment rather than a way to make money. Only bet with money you can afford to lose and consider setting limits on the amount of money and time you spend gambling.

If gambling becomes difficult to control, support and advice are available from organisations such as GamCare.

18+. Terms and conditions apply. Gamble responsibly.

Conclusion

The FA Cup offers a huge range of betting opportunities, from individual matches involving clubs across the English football pyramid to outright bets on the eventual winner.

Bet365 is our leading choice for FA Cup bettors looking for extensive football market coverage and in-play features. Betfred is another strong option for match and outright betting, while Midnite provides a football-focused alternative with a modern betting experience.

The knockout nature of the FA Cup makes it particularly important to consider team selection, rotation, the division gap, home advantage and the draw when researching a bet.

Whatever market you choose, compare the available odds and check the terms of any promotions before placing a wager. There is no guaranteed way to win an FA Cup bet. Research your selections carefully, set sensible limits and only bet what you can afford to lose.