Under the common own goal betting rules, an own goal (a goal a player puts into their own net) counts on the scoreboard for the other side but for no goalscorer. Totals, both teams to score and correct score take it like any other goal, while goalscorer markets credit it to no player.
First goalscorer is where the rule types split. Under the NSW Bookmaker Declared Betting Events Betting Rules, which cover bets with bookmakers authorised in NSW, first goalscorer bets settle on the next goal when the first goal is an own goal. The exception is a market that offered a price on an own goal (clause 5.2.7.3).
Own goals in goalscorer markets
Player goalscorer markets count the goals a player scores for their own side. An own goal is credited to nobody on the side it counts for, and it is not a goal for the player who put it in their own net, so under the common rule it wins no anytime goalscorer bet. Anytime goalscorer betting covers substitutes and penalties as well.
First goalscorer markets use one of two rule types:
- Next goal counts. The own goal is ignored, and the first goal a player scores for their own side is treated as the first goal. This is the NSW rules' default.
- Own goal priced. The market lists own goal as a selection. If the first goal is an own goal, that selection wins and every player bet loses.
With illustrative events: a home defender turns the ball into his own net after 12 minutes (0-1), the home striker equalises after 40 (1-1), and it ends 1-1.
| Bet | Next goal counts | Own goal priced |
|---|---|---|
| $20 on the home striker to score first at $7.00 | Wins: $20 x 7.00 = $140 back | Loses $20 |
| Own goal as the first goalscorer | Not offered | Wins |
| The home defender, anytime goalscorer | Loses | Loses |
If the only goal of a match is an own goal, no goal follows it, so check how your terms settle first goalscorer and no goalscorer bets in that case.
Own goals in both teams to score and team totals
The NSW own goal clause is written for first and next goalscorer bets only, so a market settled on the score takes an own goal as a goal for the side it counts for. In the 1-1 above:
- Both teams to score Yes wins, though the away side's only goal came off a home defender.
- Away team over 0.5 goals wins, and the match total of two goals includes the own goal.
- The home side loses its clean sheet.
Online bookmakers write their own soccer rules, so read the own goal clause in yours; soccer betting covers the markets it touches.
When the ball in your own net is not an own goal
- No goal at all. Under Law 13 of the Laws of the Game (2026/27), if a direct or indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal, a corner kick is awarded. The score does not change, so no bet settled on the score moves, though the corner can count in a corners market under your bookmaker's terms.
- A deflection. Whether a shot deflected in off a defender is the shooter's goal or an own goal is a call for the official match record. Your bookmaker's terms say which record settles goalscorer bets, and whether a credit changed after the match counts.
Score markets on the Terminal
Totals settle on the official score, own goals included, and the Terminal compares soccer total, head to head and line prices across bookmakers. A free account opens a limited view of the Terminal with live odds.
Risk: Betting involves risk. One own goal can settle several of your bets against you at once, and there is no guarantee of profit. See responsible gambling for limits and support.