Is VAR Drama Making Football Bets More ‘VAR-iable’?

Is VAR making betting harder? Football and drama go hand in hand, it’s a big part of why we love the game. But ever since the introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee), the beautiful game has become even more unpredictable. For punters, this unpredictability can be both a blessing and a curse. VAR has changed the way we bet on football, creating new markets and adding a whole new layer of suspense, albeit accompanied by some frustration, to every match. But is VAR making betting harder? Let’s dive into the controversy and see how VAR decisions are shaking up the world of football betting.

How Has VAR Changed Football Betting?

When VAR first rolled onto the pitch, it promised to make football fairer. In theory, fewer mistakes from referees should mean fairer results, and, by extension, fairer betting outcomes. But as any football fan will tell you, reality hasn’t quite played out that way.

One of the biggest changes VAR has brought to betting is the emergence of entirely new markets. You can now bet on whether VAR will be used in a game, whether it will overturn a decision, or if it will award a penalty or a red card. These VAR-specific bets add a fresh angle for punters, but they also add more variables, and more potential heartbreak.

Take the infamous example of Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal against Tottenham in the 23/24 season. The goal was ruled out due to a VAR error, a clear and obvious mistake. But imagine being the bettor who backed Diaz to score…It’s moments like these that highlight just how much VAR can swing the fate of your wager.

When Has VAR Ruined a Bet?

Every punter has a VAR horror story. Remember when Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty after the final whistle had blown against Brighton in 2020? Thanks to VAR intervention, a match that seemed done and dusted was suddenly back on, and bettors who thought they’d secured their win were left scrambling.

These last-minute decisions are becoming more common, and they’re a nightmare for in-play betting. You could place a bet based on the flow of the game, only for VAR to step in and change everything. A seemingly safe bet on a 0-0 draw? Not so safe when a VAR-awarded penalty crops up in injury time.

Is VAR Making Betting Harder?

In short, and in the art of being controversial, yes and no. On one hand, the unpredictability of VAR makes betting more challenging. Goals can be ruled out for an offside toe, and red cards can appear out of nowhere after a second look. But for savvy bettors, VAR also creates opportunities.

By keeping an eye on teams with high VAR involvement or players prone to controversial moments, you can make more informed bets. Markets like “VAR to award a penalty” or “VAR to overturn a decision” often come with good odds, and if you know your stuff, they can be quite lucrative.

Can You Bet on VAR?

Absolutely, and it’s one of the fastest-growing areas in football betting. From betting on whether VAR will be used in a match to guessing the specific decisions it will influence, there’s no shortage of options.

If you’re looking to explore these markets, sites like Tangobet offer a range of VAR-related bets alongside more traditional football markets. It’s a whole new world of betting — and love it or hate it, VAR is here to stay.

Final Whistle: Love It or Hate It, VAR Has Changed the Game

There’s no denying that VAR has made football more controversial and football betting more unpredictable. Whether it’s awarding a penalty after the final whistle or disallowing a perfectly good goal, VAR decisions have an enormous impact on betting outcomes.

For punters, the key is staying informed and keeping a cool head. By understanding how and when VAR is most likely to intervene, you can turn this unpredictability into an advantage.

Want more betting insights? Check out the latest football news and football tips on Tangobet’s News site. And if you’re ready to take a punt, visit the main Tangobet site for the latest odds and markets.

VAR-iability might just be the future of football betting, are you ready to take on the challenge?