In a sport where every serve, volley, and overhead smash can alter the course of the game, understanding and mastering tennis betting odds becomes paramount for turning predictions into profitable ventures. So, let’s dive deep into exploring various odds types and guiding you towards making informed bets.
The heart and soul of tennis betting lay in accurately understanding and interpreting the odds offered by bookmakers. This is one of the first things to master when learning how to bet on tennis matches. Tennis odds are numerical representations that indicate the likelihood of specific match outcomes and also the potential profit associated with each bet. So how do you decipher these numbers to understand where to place your bet?
Understanding Different Types of Tennis Odds
For the most part there are three types of odds formats, Decimal odds which are used in EU and also other parts of the world, Fractional odds which are used in UK and Ireland and finally American odds which then of course you’ll find on US and North American bookmakers.
Decimal Odds
Predominantly used in Europe, Australia, and Canada, decimal betting odds are arguably the easiest to comprehend. They represent the total payout from a successful bet, including the initial stake.
Formula: Payout=Stake×DecimalOdds
Example: If a player has odds of 2.00, a $100 bet could yield a payout of $200 ($100 stake + $100 profit).
American Odds
Popular in the United States, American odds, or “moneyline odds,” are often displayed as positive and negative numbers.
- Positive: The profit you could make on a $100 bet. Example: If a player has +200 odds, a $100 bet could net $200 profit.
- Negative: The amount you need to bet to make $100 profit. Example: If a player has -200 odds, you’d need to bet $200 to make $100 profit.
Fractional Odds
Always used in the UK and Ireland, fractional odds showcase profit relative to the stake.
Formula: Profit=Stake×(DenominatorNumerator)
Example: If a player has odds of 5/1, a $100 bet could bring $500 profit, plus your returned stake.
Odds Calculator
We created an odds calculator where you can see your profits of your potential winnings, for all three odds types.
Profit: 0 EUR
Total Payout: 0 EUR
Various Tennis Betting Odds Types
Understanding the numbers is just the starting point in learning about the tennis odds. Next, we delve into the various betting opportunities within tennis, each with its own set of odds and strategic nuances.
- Match Betting
The simplest betting form where you predict the overall match winner. Odds reflect player rankings, past performances, and match conditions.
- Set Betting
Here, you’re betting on the exact score of sets won by each player, requiring a precise prediction but offering rewarding odds.
- Over/Under Betting
Odds are set for a predicted statistic (like total points scored), and you bet on whether the actual number will be over or under this.
- Handicap Betting
Bookmakers give a virtual advantage or disadvantage to a player, offering varied odds and an alternative betting angle.
- Prop Betting
Engage in bets related to specific events within the match, such as the number of aces, double faults, or break points.
Example of Different Betting Odds Types
Below we show three different betting odds markets for a tennis match between Burruchaga and Casanova at BetOnline sportsbook. First you see the moneyline odds, straight up who will win the match. Second one is match totals, over/under bet, this time of 20. The last odds are for Match Spread where Burruchaga is favorite and starts with -5.
Unusual Betting Types
Every match can be a unique spectacle, and the same goes for the types of bets you can place. Beyond the traditional betting options, some sportsbooks serve up a few unconventional and intriguing betting types, offering punters an alternate and sometimes whimsical avenue for placing their wagers.
Let’s have a look at some of these unusual tennis betting types that you might stumble upon at various tennis betting sites.
1. Player Outfit Betting
Yes, you read that right! Some sportsbooks offer odds on the color or style of outfit a player might don during a tournament. If you’ve got a keen eye for players’ stylistic choices or apparel sponsors, this light-hearted bet might be for you.
2. First Player to Rage-Quit
Tennis can be as mentally challenging as it is physically, and players displaying emotions on court is not a rare sight. Some sportsbooks offer odds on which player will be the first to express their frustration, either through smashing a racquet or verbal outbursts.
We still remember the below outburst from Alexander Bublik after his early exit in Montpellier in 2023.
3. Celebrity Sightings Betting
Major tournaments like Wimbledon or the US Open often attract celebrities in the audience. A few sportsbooks turn this into a fun betting opportunity, offering odds on which celebrities might be spotted in the stands.
4. Exact Match Duration Betting
This is for the true tennis statisticians out there. A handful of sportsbooks might offer you the chance to bet on the exact duration of a match. Given the unpredictability and the range of factors that could influence this, the odds can be quite tantalizing.
5. Hawk-Eye Challenge Betting
In modern tennis, players can challenge umpire calls using Hawk-Eye technology. Some betting platforms offer markets on the number of successful or unsuccessful challenges a player might make during a match, adding an extra layer of excitement to each close call.
6. Score-Related Exotics
While score betting is common, some sportsbooks offer particularly exotic options, like wagering on the exact score of a particularly unpredictable player’s service game or predicting a tie-break score.
7. Player Interaction Bets
Sportsbooks with a flair for drama might offer bets related to player interactions – think along the lines of the number of times players might interact with the umpire, take a bathroom break or even high-five ball kids.
A Quirky Spin to Tennis Betting
These unusual tennis betting types offer an engaging way to enjoy the game, particularly for recreational punters looking to amplify the fun and excitement. While these bets may not require the strategic depth of more conventional options, they surely add a lighthearted layer to the viewing (and betting) experience.
Game, Set, Match: Developing a Strategic Betting Approach
Understanding and analyzing tennis odds demand a meticulous strategy. Always consider factors like player form, head-to-head statistics, court type and even weather conditions when analysing odds. Furthermore, balancing your bets, managing your bankroll and betting responsibly are pivotal to ensuring a sustainable and enjoyable betting journey.
Final Set: Concluding Points
When it comes to tennis betting, knowledge and strategy become your power play. Whether you’re engaging with decimal, american or fractional odds and whether you’re opting for match betting or exploring the depths of prop bets, having a nuanced understanding of tennis odds types and their implications sets you up better.
Just like tennis champions, practice consistency and never shy away from learning and adapting your strategy. Your path to becoming an adept bettor will inevitably throw challenges and unforced errors your way, but with every loss comes a lesson that inches you closer to your next big win.