Although much has changed in the world since the sixteenth century court of King Henry VIII, from where the modern game of tennis is supposed to have been originally played, tennis has remained an integral part of British culture, with the Wimbledon Championships attracting millions of global viewers on television every year. When it comes to tennis betting, however, there is a lot more to it than simply picking a winner - will you bet on a set outcome, match outcome, or even specific points? Here is a back-to-basics guide explaining tennis betting (and, if you need more, we have a great article on tennis betting strategies too).
When to Bet
Betting on tennis occurs all year round, but the best times to place bets are during the grandslam tournaments. During these tournaments - Australian Open, US Open, French Open, Wimbledon Championships - the stakes are at their highest, with tennis euphoria gripping the sports world. However you might be surprised to learn that some of the best odds can be found on the lesser-known matches, especially between two fairly low-seeded players. Although it is during the semi-finals and finals that most bets are placed, the most lucrative times can often be earlier in the grandslams.
Types of Bet
As with all sports betting, there are various types of bet which can be placed with tennis. The most common bet is to bet on the winner of a match - that is, the player who will beat their opponent in the best of 3 sets (women's and doubles tennis) or 5 sets (men's tennis). This bet is the simplest, but rarely offers the best odds.
For the best odds, which means there is going to be the greatest risk involved, you need to look to set or point bets. A set bet is also simple, where the outcome of a set is wagered upon. Often betting websites will offer odds on the winner of the first and second sets, but may extend the betting options depending on the duration of the match.
What to remember
Although you might hear that Federer is a sure choice for Wimbledon, and that Nadal is the King of Clay, you need to consider past performance. Think of the climate (especially when it comes to the Australian Open) and injury record; as with any sport, betting in tennis is never as simple as it seems.
Author
Gavin Lenaghan
Gavin writes on a wide range of subjects, including articles and reviews about online casinos, slots, bingo, poker, and sportsbooks. He has considerable expertise in the games, customer service, and other aspects of today’s leading gambling and betting portals.
