Betting on sport is incredibly popular worldwide, but there are few more enjoyable sports to wager on than rugby.
Bettors are attracted to making wagers on the latest rugby action throughout the season, with the most popular events centering around massive international competitions such as the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.
Rugby is more popular than American football in the USA, even though there are some local sports leagues, as you can find here. Nonetheless, betting on this sport can be incredibly enjoyable for those who follow the action, with many markets available to ensure you can find value for your selections.
Below, you can find everything you need to know about betting on rugby, including the most prominent markets and the tips to follow to stand the best chance of gaining returns.
Outright Betting
Just as is the case when it comes to betting on famous team sports such as football and basketball, one of the most popular types of betting market to wager on rugby is the outright selections.
Bettors can place stakes on a team to win a major competition before the tournament. Leading sportsbooks will enable bets on games such as Super Rugby, Premiership Rugby, and Top 14 before the season starts.
Meanwhile, bettors can also wager on international events such as the World Cup and Six Nations. To get returns, you must stake your wager on the team that ultimately wins the competition.
Handicap Betting
Unlike other sports, the most prominent bet to make on each fixture throughout the season is on the handicap market instead of the match result. Handicap betting is most prevalent when there is a clear difference in the quality of the two sides involved in the contest.
The favored side will be handed a disadvantage that they must overcome in this market for the selection to be a winner. For example, New Zealand may be (+20.5) in a match against Italy. To win returns when wagering on the All Blacks on this market, they must claim victory by at least a 21-point margin.
Over/Under Betting
Instead of betting on the eventual winning team in a rugby match, bettors could wager on the number of points that will be scored. The sportsbook will set the benchmark, and the bettor will predict whether a higher or lower number of points will be achieved in the match.
For example, the sportsbook may set a total of 41.5. Here, the bettor will place their stake on over if they believe at least 42 points will be scored between the sides. If this selection is made, the stake would be lost if the under-section is correct.
Player Betting
One of the most popular ways to bet on the latest rugby action is by wagering the player markets available for each match. Here, bettors can get extra value for their selection, as the odds in these markets will be far more competitive than in other sections.
Bettors will be able to wager on several different options in this section, including having the ability to bet on the player to score the first try, a player to score a shot at any time, and the top-scoring player in the match. Meanwhile, bets can also be placed on the player who will be awarded the official Man of the Match award at the game’s conclusion.
Try bets will be settled after the points have been awarded, while the Man of the Match market is settled shortly after the final whistle.
Tips To Win Rugby Betting
Find Latest Team News
Before betting on any rugby match, bettors should familiarize themselves with the latest team news for the sides involved. Bettors should be aware of the latest injury and suspension news, which could mean a team may be without one of their most important players.
Team Form
One of the most important stats to consider before betting on rugby is the team form that both sides boast. Sides on a winning run of matches will stand a better chance of landing victory, while teams sporting long winless sequences will likely need more confidence, and a win for them may be a more unlikely chance.
Head To Head Record
The head-to-head record is also always essential to consider before selecting the rugby, as it could pinpoint a potential value angle for bettors. Teams with long winning streaks against a specific opponent could point to a more likely result. Meanwhile, working out the average points scored between the teams involved could mean value in the over/under points market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes rugby betting different from other sports betting?
Rugby betting involves unique markets and strategies influenced by the sport’s distinct rules and gameplay dynamics.
How important is understanding team form in rugby betting?
Team form is crucial as it indicates a team’s current performance level, impacting their likelihood of winning.
Can I bet on individual players in rugby matches?
Player betting allows you to wager on specific player performances, like scoring the first try.
Is betting on international rugby competitions different from domestic leagues?
Yes, international competitions often involve additional factors like player fatigue and national rivalries.
What are the most famous rugby betting markets?
The most popular markets include outright betting, handicap betting, over/under betting, and player betting.
What is handicap betting in rugby?
Handicap betting involves giving teams a virtual advantage or disadvantage based on their form, leveling the playing field for betting purposes.
Are there any specific tips for betting on the Rugby World Cup?
For the Rugby World Cup, consider factors like team form, historical performance in the tournament, and player injuries.
How does the scoring system in rugby affect betting?
Understanding rugby’s scoring system is crucial as it influences over/under betting and can affect handicap betting outcomes.
Can weather conditions
Weather conditions can significantly
Is it possible to bet live during a rugby match?
Many sportsbooks offer live betting, allowing you to place bets during the game based on the current action and odds.
How do I research rugby betting?
Research involves staying updated with team news, player statistics, recent forms, and historical head-to-head records.
What is outright betting in rugby?
Outright betting involves wagering on the overall winner of a tournament or league before it starts or progresses.
How vital are player injuries in rugby betting?
Player injuries can significantly
What should I consider when betting on domestic rugby leagues?
For domestic leagues, consider factors like team form, home advantage, and player rotations due to international duties.
How can I start betting on rugby?
You can start by choosing a reputable sportsbook, understanding basic rugby rules, and familiarizing yourself with different betting markets.
Are there any common mistakes to avoid in rugby betting?
Common mistakes include betting without research, chasing losses, and ignoring team news and player injuries.
How does the point spread work in rugby betting?
The point spread is a handicap system that assigns a points advantage or disadvantage to teams based on their perceived strength.
Can I bet on both professional and amateur rugby matches?
Most sportsbooks offer betting on professional matches, with some covering major amateur or semi-professional games.
What role does team strategy play in rugby betting?
Understanding a team’s strategy can provide insights into likely game outcomes, influencing betting decisions.
How do I manage my bankroll in rugby betting?
Effective bankroll management involves setting betting limits, avoiding impulsive bets, and only wagering what you can afford to lose.
