BYB
Football card markets

Football card rules

When backing and laying football card markets, make sure the bookmaker and exchange count cards in the same way. A rule mismatch can mean both sides of a matched bet settle badly.

Check before placing a card-market bet

These notes were correct when compiled, but card rules can change and special markets may use different wording. Always check the current bookmaker and exchange rules yourself before placing the bet.

Bet365

Maximum card count per player: 3

Yellow
1
Straight red
2
Second yellow sending off
3
Yellow plus straight red
3

Betfair, Paddy Power and PokerStars

Maximum card count per player: 2

Yellow
1
Straight red
1
Second yellow sending off
2
Yellow plus straight red
2

Virgin Bet and LiveScore Bet

Maximum card count per player: 3

Yellow
1
Straight red
2
Second yellow sending off
3
Yellow plus straight red
3

Smarkets

Maximum card count per player: 3

Yellow
1
Straight red
2
Second yellow sending off
3
Yellow plus straight red
3

Unibet

Maximum card count per player: 3

Yellow
1
Straight red
2
Second yellow sending off
3
Yellow plus straight red
3

Matchbook

Maximum card count per player: 3

Yellow
1
Straight red
2
Second yellow sending off
3
Yellow plus straight red
3

Betdaq

Maximum card count per player: 2 unless the market states otherwise

Yellow
1
Straight red
1
Second yellow sending off
2
Yellow plus straight red
2

Betdaq specials

Some Betdaq specials may state a three-card maximum in the market name. Under that rule, yellow cards count as 1, red cards count as 2, a second-yellow sending off counts as 3, and yellow plus straight red counts as 3.

FAQs

Why do football card rules matter for matched betting?

If your bookmaker and exchange use different card-counting rules, the same match event can settle differently on each side. That creates a risk that both the back bet and lay bet lose.

Are these football card rules guaranteed to stay the same?

No. These notes were correct when compiled, but bookmakers and exchanges can update market rules. Always check the current rules on both sides before placing a card-market bet.

Which markets should I check?

Check card markets such as team with most cards, player card points and any card-based specials. The important point is that both sides count yellow cards, red cards and sending offs in the same way.