How HT/FT Bets Are Settled: A Complete Guide for Bettors

Half‑Time/Full‑Time (HT/FT) betting is one of the most intriguing markets in sports wagering, especially in football. It offers higher odds, more strategic depth, and a unique way to predict how a match will unfold across two distinct phases. But with that complexity comes confusion—particularly around how these bets are actually settled.

If you’ve ever wondered why your HT/FT bet won or lost, or how bookmakers determine the final outcome, this guide breaks everything down clearly and accurately.

What Is an HT/FT Bet?

An HT/FT bet requires you to predict two outcomes in the same match:

1. The result at half‑time
2. The result at full‑time

Both predictions must be correct for the bet to win.

The possible combinations are:

Because you’re predicting two outcomes instead of one, HT/FT bets typically offer higher odds than standard 1X2 markets.

How HT/FT Bets Are Settled

Bookmakers settle HT/FT bets based on the official match results at the end of the first half and the end of regulation time. Here’s what that means in practice:

1. Only the First 45 Minutes Count for Half‑Time

The half‑time result is determined after 45 minutes plus any added stoppage time. Whatever the score is at that moment becomes the HT result.

Example:
If the score is 1–0 at 45+2 minutes, the HT result is Home.

2. Full‑Time Means 90 Minutes + Stoppage Time

The full‑time result is based on the score after 90 minutes plus added time, not including:

• Extra time
• Penalty shootouts
• Golden goal (in older formats)

This is crucial because many bettors mistakenly assume extra time counts—it does not.

Example:
If a match ends 1–1 after 90 minutes but the home team wins 2–1 in extra time, the FT result is still Draw.

3. Both Predictions Must Be Correct

Your bet wins only if both the HT and FT outcomes match your selection.

Example:
You bet HD (Home at half‑time, Draw at full‑time).

• HT score: 1–0 → Home
• FT score: 1–1 → Draw
  Your bet wins.

If either part is wrong, the entire bet loses.

Examples of HT/FT Settlement

Example 1: Bet Wins

Bet: DA (Draw at HT, Away at FT)

• HT score: 0–0 → Draw
• FT score: 0–1 → Away

Result: Win

Example 2: Bet Loses

Bet: HH (Home at HT, Home at FT)

• HT score: 1–0 → Home
• FT score: 1–2 → Away

Result: Lose (FT prediction incorrect)

Example 3: Extra Time Doesn’t Count

Bet: DD

• HT score: 0–0 → Draw
• FT score: 1–1 → Draw
• Extra time: 2–1

Result: Win (extra time irrelevant)

What Happens If a Match Is Abandoned?

Settlement rules vary slightly by bookmaker, but the general standards are:

If the match is abandoned before half‑time:

• HT/FT bets are usually void and stakes are refunded.

If the match is abandoned after half‑time but before full‑time:

• HT result may stand (because it already occurred)
• FT result is void, so the entire HT/FT bet is void

If the match is postponed before kickoff:

• Most bookmakers void the bet unless the match is rescheduled within 24–48 hours.

Always check your sportsbook’s specific rules, as policies can differ.

Common Misunderstandings About HT/FT Settlement

1. Extra Time Counts

It doesn’t. HT/FT is strictly a 90‑minute market.

2. The Team Must Win Both Halves

No. You’re predicting the result, not the number of goals scored per half.

Example:
HT: 1–0
FT: 1–1
This is HD, even though the away team “won” the second half 1–0.

3. HT/FT Is the Same as Double Result

They are similar but not identical.

• Double Result often refers to HT/FT
• But some bookmakers use “Double Chance” or “Double Result” differently
  Always read the market description.

Why Bettors Love HT/FT Markets

HT/FT betting appeals to strategic bettors because:

• It offers higher odds than standard 1X2 bets
• It rewards understanding of team patterns (slow starters, strong finishers)
• It allows creative predictions like comeback scenarios
• It’s ideal for matches with heavy favorites where 1X2 odds are too low

For example, a strong team priced at 1.20 in the 1X2 market might be 1.70 or higher in the HH HT/FT market.

Final Thoughts

HT/FT bets are settled based on two simple checkpoints: the score at half‑time and the score at full‑time (90 minutes + stoppage time). Understanding how these results are determined—and what does not count—helps you avoid confusion and make smarter betting decisions.

Whether you’re analyzing comeback potential, predicting early dominance, or simply chasing higher odds, HT/FT betting offers a dynamic and rewarding way to engage with the game.

Read also: Why HT/FT Bets Multiply Possible Outcomes