Betting on Bookings in Football: How to do Cards Bet Builders

Last Updated on 16/08/2025 by Andy Clark

Betting on bookings is always a brave punt, but it is a bet that’s becoming more popular than ever. That’s because the profits can be both good and consistent. It’s one of the toughest markets to bet on, not only because they’re a little more complicated, but also because you really do need to study the form. There are many ways you can bet on bookings, from betting on the first booking to the last, the first red to the total number in a half. Then there’s also betting on booking points. Below you can discover all you need to know about the various ways to bet on bookings.  

Best Bookies for Betting on Bookings in Football

 

How to bet on Cards Bet Builders

Bet builders really came into their own in the 2021/22 season and cards and players to be booked were one of the most popular additions to a bet builder bet. Tipsters and punters have started to do extensive research on not only the players, but also the referrees for the upcoming fixtures to see which ones are most likely to give the most cards. Certain players are always short odds to pick up a card – for example, Fabinho is also close to the top of the bookings odds for Liverpool matches. If you shop around you can get some very good value for cards bets because bookies seem to have different opinions of which player is most likely to be booked but bet365 are always a decent option with competative odds. You can grab the bet365 sign-up bonus to bet on cards or bookings for the upcoming fixtures, building your own bet builder on the bet365 app.  

Betting on Total Booking Points in Football

During a game, the number of cautions given will be handed points, which you can then bet on. Most bookmakers will give the different cards the following points:

• Yellow Card: 10 Points
• Red Card: 25 Points

You’ll then be able to bet on how many points you think a game will ecru. Often the odds will be given for Over/Under a certain amount of points, although you will also be able to bet on exact figures and between figures with many bookies. For the most part, odds will be given for points between 30 and 50, but it’s well worth examining both teams’ form when it comes to bookings before placing a bet.  

Betting on First Player Booking

Backing an actual player who you think will receive the first card can be fairly lucrative for punters. You essentially have a one in 22 chance, potentially more including substitutes, of winning with this so therefore it’s a popular one, particularly when combining with other markets such as match result. It’s well worth monitoring the form and tactics of both sides. For example, if Lionel Messi is playing for Barcelona, you might well fancy one of the opposition defence to pick up the first card.  

Betting on First Team Booking

Similar to first player booking, this market simply involves selecting the side you think will pick up the first yellow or red card. In this market you’ll also have the option of selecting no bookings in the game, which will always have good odds. When betting on this market, you’ll usually find the underdogs in the tie will have the shortest odds as they will be a little more up against it throughout the game.  

Betting on Total Number of Cards

Almost every bookmaker will cover this market and it’s the one that most people will bet on. This includes both red and yellow cards and will allow you to bet on over/under a set amount as well as the exact number. You’ll often see the market delivered to you a little like this: Over 3.5 – 3/4 Under 3.5 – 3/4 The 0.5 is in place so to avoid landing on an exact figure, in the example above being three. This ensure no bets will be void. The market really is that simple though.  

When to Bet on Bookings

There are certain occasions when it’s well worth betting on bookings and they usually are to do with a number of factors. Consider these elements when backing your bookings: The Referee: First and foremost, if a referee is generally card happy, you’re going to see a number of bookings in a game. A Local Derby: Local derbies can be fiery affairs, so you’ll likely see more bookings given. Players with a Reputation: Whether it be for diving or putting in strong tackles, players with a reputation for bookings will generally help up your booking points in a game. For those putting in strong tackles, this is only going to increase against stronger teams.

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