When you think of sports betting, the likes of football and horse racing may come to mind, but tennis is actually one of the most popular sports betting markets. The fast-paced nature of the sport is not only great for spectators, it also makes for an interesting array of betting opportunities for bettors. But where’s the best place to make these bets? We’ve got the answer.
There are a few different factors you should consider when you’re choosing where to bet on tennis- from odds and banking options to bonuses and betting markets. Our list of the top tennis betting sites makes things a whole lot easier, and our expert reviews help you compare tennis betting sites to find the best online bookie for you. Want to learn a little more about betting on tennis before you put your money on the line? Let’s dive right in.
What you need to know about tennis betting
Bet on these tennis competitions
The most prestigious and best-known tennis tournaments are the Grand Slams, where the best in the business go head to head. These are the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Played from January to September, each event lasts around two weeks. This may sound like a relatively short time, but plenty happens in these two weeks- men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles, junior competitions and more, which means there are plenty of markets for you to bet on.
But the tennis tournaments don’t stop there. There are also plenty of other tournaments throughout the year, from the ATP and WTA world tour to the Challenger Tour, and the ITF circuits. You can also bet on international tournaments, like the Davis Cup, held annually and known as the “World Cup of tennis”. The same markets are generally offered across all tournaments, though it’s up to each online betting site to decide which markets punters can bet on.
Tennis betting markets
There’s a wide range of markets available at tennis betting sites. The most simple bets are those made on the victors of individual matches and outright bets on tournament winners. Professional tennis matches can’t end in a draw and instead go to a tie breaker to decide the victor. So, unlike with soccer betting, you only have two possible choices when wagering on the winner of a tennis match: player A or player B, or team A and team B if you’re betting on doubles matches.
But this isn’t where tennis betting markets end; you’ll have a wide range of betting options at the best online sportsbooks. From handicaps to over and unders, correct score and to win or lose a set, there are plenty of ways to make a wager. If that’s not enough, some sites give you the chance to betting on factors like a tie break, number of games or sets won and winning margins.
The best tennis betting sites have options for in-play betting on tennis events, which means you can get involved even when the action is already underway. With such a fast-paced sport, in-play betting can get very exciting!
How to pick a winner
As with all sports, picking a winner when you bet on tennis isn’t straight forward. While you’ll never find the secret to making a winning bet every time, there are a few factors that could help you make a more informed bet. Let’s take a look:
Get to know tennis basics
You don’t need to be an expert to bet on tennis, but it helps to have a basic understanding of the game. This allows you to make bets based on current performance and gameplay- especially useful if you want to try your chances at live betting.
Check out world rankings
World rankings are a pretty good place to start when it comes to understanding how strong players are. However, it’s important to remember that these rankings are based on performance over an extended period of time, and won’t reflect a players’ strength against a particular opponent.
Read recent match reports
Reports give you an indication as to how a player is performing currently, and any weaknesses or injuries they may be experiences, as well as current playing styles. From these reports you’ll understand how players perform against one another and how playing styles change according to opponents.
Tips from tennis betting pundits can be a good place to start, but you should always take these with a pinch of salt. We’d recommend doing your own research and using tips and statistics to build on your own knowledge, rather than simply relying on tipsters.
How to start betting on tennis
- Compare tennis betting sites
First things first, you’ll need to find the right tennis betting site for you. Whether you’re looking for tennis betting bonuses, a wide choice of betting markets or the chance to bet on other sports like football and rugby, our list of online sportsbook recommendations has you covered. All you need to do is compare our featured betting sites and read our expert reviews to pick out a favourite. - Sign up
Found a tennis sportsbook that ticks all the boxes? Follow our link to go to the registration page and create your account. It only takes a few minutes and you’ll just need to enter some basic personal information to get started. Like the look of the welcome bonus? Opt in so that you don’t miss out- you can count on us to highlight the key terms and conditions. - Deposit
You’ll need to make a deposit before you can make real money bets on tennis. The good news is that the top tennis betting sites offer a choice of different payment methods, so it’s easy for everyone to make a deposit. Most sites offer credit and debit card deposits, as well as options like Interac, iDebit and Instadebit. Check that you preferred payment method is eligible for the bookies’ welcome bonus, if you’ve opted in. - Bet
As soon as your deposit has been credited to your betting account, you’re ready to bet on tennis. Simply pick your market, make your wager and wait for the results to come in. Good luck!
Compare and bet
Whether you’re a casual fan who just wants to make outright bets on the grand slams, or a more committed tennis bettor looking to wager on more niche markets, our list of the top tennis betting sites has something for everyone. All you need to do is compare odds and check out the bonuses, market depth and payment methods to pick out the right sportsbook for you.
