Cards, Corners and Booking Markets

Cards, corners, and booking markets are popular alternatives to standard match-winner markets, requiring an added layer of skill and expertise.

What are Cards and Corners Betting Markets?

The card and corner betting markets are popular prop betting markets available at betting sites. Card markets allow you to stake on the number of cards a player, team or match will receive, while corner betting markets allow you to stake on the number of corners a team, half or match will receive. 

Common Cards Betting Markets?

Card betting markets focus on disciplinary events, such as yellow and red cards awarded to players and teams, rather than the final match result.

Team Cards

The total number of cards a specific team will receive. Betting sites will offer this market as either the total number of cards, Over/Under or as a spread.

Player to be Carded

Staking on a specific player to be shown a yellow or red card. Odds differ vastly based on the type of player wagered on.

First Team to Receive a Card

Predicting which team will be shown the first card of the game. 

Most Cards

Wagering on which team will have the most cards at the end of a half or full-time. These bets are either three-way markets or handicaps.

Booking Points

A system that awards points based on the card received.

Common Corner Betting Markets

Corner betting markets focus on the number of corner kicks awarded during a match. Betting on corners allows you to wager on the flow of the game rather than on the final scoreline.

Total Corners

The total number of corners awarded in a half or an entire match. These bets can be either Over/Under, the exact number, or as a spread.

Team Corners

The total number of corners a specific team is awarded in a half or a match.

First Corner

Staking on which team will be awarded the first corner kick of the game.

Most Corners

The team with the most corners in a half or a match. 

Corner Handicap

A corner matchbet where a team is given a handicap in the form of a virtual corner advantage or disadvantage. 

Corners Over/Under

Betting on the total number of corners a team or match will receive. Similar to betting on the total number of goals in a match.

What are Booking Points

As already discussed, booking points is a system that awards points based on the card given to a specific player on a team. The points work as follows:

• Yellow = 10 points
• Straight Red = 15 points
• Second Yellow Leading to a Red = 35 points 

Because of how the points are awarded, the maximum number of points a player can receive in a match is capped at 35.

How to Place a Card or Corner Bet

Placing a card or corner bet works the same way as placing traditional sports bets at betting sites. After logging in, select the league or competition that you want to wager on. Head over to the player props, cards or corners tab to select your bet and line. Once you are happy with your selections, open your betslip and enter your stake. Review your potential returns before clicking submit to place your bet.

How Cards and Corners Odds Work

Cards and corners odds work exactly the same as traditional match-winner odds and indicate the likelihood of the event occurring. To get your expected return, simply multiply your stake by the odds of your bet.

Cards Betting Factors to Consider

Wagering on card markets is tricky, as you are betting on human behaviour. Common factors to consider when making a card bet include:

• The Referee: Arguably the most important factor in a card bet. Does the referee award cards, or is he more lenient on players? Look up the referee’s historical data on the match to understand how likely they are to award cards.
• Match Context: The nature of the game dictates its underlying emotional tension and physicality. Local derbies and rivalries will tend to be more physical, while cup ties and six-pointers will be more cagey.
• Players: Are there any tensions or match-ups between players that will make them more physical? Check their previous matches to see whether they have a reputation for receiving cards against a specific team or during a specific period in a season.
• Tactics: How a team sets up structurally will influence how and where they may commit fouls. Teams that sit deep or press high will tend to commit more fouls than a team that dominates possession.

Corners Betting Factors to Consider

When betting on corners, you must analyse a team’s playstyle – a team that relies on winger-heavy systems or fullback overlaps will receive more corners than a team that prefers to play centrally. Teams that tend to shoot more in and around the box will receive more corner kicks than teams that prefer to pass in the box and shoot when clear opportunities arise.

Heavy favourites will have more of the ball than teams that are underdogs or play with a low block, and will tend to shoot more. Set-piece specialists or teams with taller players and target men will play towards receiving corners.

Cards and Corners in Live Betting

Cards and corners are a popular market in live in-play betting. In-play betting on cards and corners is great when the momentum shifts and a team becomes more defensive, leading to more fouls and more attacking opportunities for the opposition. 

In-play betting also allows punters to read the referee’s body language and determine how likely they are to book players. Betting sites also offer live statistics in matches, which will aid in making informed decisions on card and corner wagers.

Cards and Corners in Bet Builders

Combining cards and corner bets into a bet builder is one of the most popular strategies, as they offer alternate lines compared to single bet corner and card markets. Cards and corners will add variety to bet builders and will tend to increase the overall odds of the betslip.

Settlement Rules for Card Bets

To avoid losing a card bet on a technicality, remember these universal betting site rules in South Africa:

• Booking points and cards only count if the player is active on the pitch. Cards shown to coaching staff, substituted players, or substitutes do not count.
• Cards are only acknowledged during regulation time. Anything shown during extra time or penalties do not count.
• Any card shown after the final whistle does not count towards card bets.
• Yellow cards count as one card, while red cards count as two.
• If your player does not start, your bet will be voided.

FAQs

Q: What are booking points in football betting?

A: Booking points is a system used in football that allocates points based on the cards received by a player or team.

Q: Does a red card count as more than one booking?

A: Yes, red cards count as two bookings at most major betting sites in South Africa.

Q: Do extra-time corners count in corner bets?

A: No, only corners received in regulation time count towards corner bets.

Q: Do cards shown to substitutes count in card betting?

A: No, only cards shown to active players in a match will count in card betting.

Vinolin Naidoo

Writer/Betting Tipster

I have been in the iGaming industry for a decade and am an avid sports bettor and fan. I have expanded my betting knowledge to create articles on the iGaming industry focusing on online casino content and sports betting analysis for several regions, including South Africa. I cover various sports, including Soccer, Cricket and Horse Racing. All my predictions, tips and insights are thoroughly researched and I aim to help fellow punters in beating the bookies!