In the United Kingdom, the online gambling and sports betting industry is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring that all operators adhere to strict standards of fairness, safety, and responsible gambling. When it comes to the question of whether own goals count in betting, the answer can vary depending on the specific market and the rules set forth by individual operators. Below, we discuss how some of the leading UK-licensed operators handle own goals in their betting markets.
1. bet365: As one of the world's largest online sports betting companies, bet365 is renowned for its comprehensive sportsbook offerings, including football. bet365 specifies in its betting rules that, for markets where own goals are a factor, they are typically counted according to the official ruling by the league or competition's governing body. This means that for most first goalscorer, anytime goalscorer, or similar markets, own goals do not count, and bets are settled on the next goalscorer. bet365 is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring it adheres to high standards of operation.
2. William Hill: Another giant in the industry, William Hill offers a wide range of betting markets across various sports, including football. Similar to bet365, William Hill's approach to own goals in betting markets generally follows the official match statistics and outcomes. For goalscorer markets, own goals are usually excluded, and bets are settled on the subsequent goalscorer. William Hill is known for its strong market position, extensive betting options, and being regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
3. Ladbrokes: Ladbrokes is a prominent betting and gaming company with a significant presence both online and in physical betting shops across the UK. In line with industry standards, Ladbrokes typically does not count own goals in first goalscorer and other related betting markets. This operator is recognized for its comprehensive sportsbook, innovative betting features, and adherence to the regulatory standards set by the UK Gambling Commission.
4. Paddy Power: Known for its humorous and often unconventional marketing, Paddy Power is a major player in the UK betting scene. When it comes to betting on football, Paddy Power's rules regarding own goals align with those of other major operators; own goals do not count towards goalscorer markets. Paddy Power is celebrated for its wide range of markets, competitive odds, and being regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
It's important for bettors to always check the specific rules and terms provided by the operator for the market they are betting on. While the general practice regarding own goals is consistent across many operators, there can be exceptions based on specific market rules or promotional offers. Always ensure that you are betting with operators that are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission to guarantee a safe and fair betting experience.