A kick-off market is a betting market that settles based on the result at the start or at the end of regular time from kick-off.

It usually refers to standard pre-match markets that are locked before the event begins.

How it works

• Bets are placed before kick-off

• Settlement is based on 90 minutes of play, unless stated otherwise

• Extra time and penalties are typically excluded

Example

• Bet: Team A to win (kick-off market)

• Score after 90 minutes: 1–1

• Team A wins on penalties
  → Bet loses

Key characteristics

• Clear and rule-based settlement

• Most common type of betting market

• Used as the reference for odds movement and CLV

Important note
Always check whether a market includes extra time—kick-off markets usually do not.