Tennis Betting – A Complete Guide

The most familiar option is the match winner bet – simply choose the player you think will win. Great for beginners, but also valuable for analysts who consider form, surface, and playing style.

You can also bet on the exact set score – for instance, 2–0 or 2–1. It’s a riskier market but comes with higher odds. Useful when expecting a tight battle or a surprise win by the underdog.

One of the most flexible markets is over/under total games. For example, betting on over 21.5 games means the match must feature at least 22 games. Ideal for matches between evenly matched players where longer play is expected.

Handicap betting gives one player a head start or deficit. For example, a favourite at -3.5 games must win by at least 4 games. A smart option in matches expected to be one-sided.

Live tennis betting is incredibly fast-paced. You can bet on the next game, point, or set in real time. Perfect for viewers who can react quickly to changes in form and player mindset.

Special markets include more niche options like will there be a tiebreak, total aces, or double faults. These require deeper knowledge of the players but offer unique angles and strong odds.

The most popular market is the match winner. Close behind is betting on the exact set score – such as 2–0 or 2–1. This is ideal if you not only have a view on who will win but also how the match might unfold. For example, in a Grand Slam like Wimbledon, predicting a straight-sets victory for a dominant player can offer strong odds.

Another fan-favourite is the total number of games in a match – such as over/under 21.5 games. This market works well when expecting either a close contest or a swift victory. By analysing recent form and playing styles, you can often find value lines even in high-profile matches like those at the US Open.

You can also bet on the first set winner, who wins a specific game, or the number of breaks of serve. For example: Player A to win the first set at odds of 2.10. These markets are great for dynamic, short-term bets and are especially engaging during big matches where momentum can swing quickly.

Some bookmakers also offer more niche markets – like total aces, double faults, number of tiebreaks, or even whether there will be a tiebreak in the first set. These require a deeper understanding of player statistics, but they can offer excellent value for well-researched bets.

New to tennis betting? Many UK bookmakers offer welcome bonuses tailored for sports, often matching 100% of your first deposit – sometimes up to £100 or more. To unlock and withdraw the bonus, you’ll usually need to meet wagering requirements at minimum odds, typically around 1.50 to 1.80.

Some platforms offer free bets specifically for tennis events – including ATP, WTA, and Grand Slams. If your bet wins, you receive the net profit, not the stake. These are perfect for testing bold predictions or betting on underdogs in high-profile matches like Roland-Garros or Wimbledon.

Cashback bonuses return a portion of your losses – often 10% of your net tennis losses over a set period (e.g., a week). These offers can help soften the blow of unpredictable results, especially in volatile tournaments or close matches.

Look out for enhanced odds promotions on featured tennis matches. Bookmakers often highlight a “Match of the Day” with boosted prices. If the match involves players or surfaces you're familiar with, these offers can lead to higher potential returns.

Accumulator bonuses are also available for tennis multiples. The more selections you add, the bigger the bonus. For example: a 5% bonus on a 3-leg acca, 10% for 4 legs, and up to 50% for 6+ matches. Great for tournament sessions like the US Open or Australian Open.

In tennis, the value betting strategy focuses on mispriced odds – for instance, when a player in strong form with a favourable head-to-head record is underrated by bookmakers. Identifying this kind of value in the numbers can lead to long-term profit.

With flat betting, you stake the same fixed amount on every tennis match – whether it’s ATP, WTA, or Challenger level. This method promotes discipline and consistency, helping you avoid emotional decisions after a big win or loss streak.

Systems like the Martingale strategy may seem tempting, especially when backing heavy favourites. However, the risk is substantial. Unexpected comebacks – particularly on clay courts or in five-set Grand Slam matches – can quickly deplete your bankroll.

Tennis is rich in mental and tactical dynamics. Pay attention to serve strength, frequency of breaks of serve, and player performance in tie-breaks or under pressure. During live betting, shifts in momentum or body language can signal valuable opportunities.

Use detailed match statistics such as first-serve percentage, break point conversion, or surface-specific performance. Platforms like ATP, WTA, and ITF provide official data, while advanced analytics sites can give you a strategic edge over casual punters.

If you're just getting started with tennis betting, it's essential to carefully choose the matches you bet on. Focus on ATP and WTA tournaments where you're familiar with the players and the format, rather than obscure Challenger events. Pay attention to form, surface type, and head-to-head records. Avoid betting “just because” a name sounds popular or familiar.

In tennis, very low odds (like 1.08 on heavy favourites) might appear safe, but they carry hidden risks – injury, off-days, or poor performance on an unfamiliar surface. On the other hand, odds above 5.00 usually reflect clear underdogs. A balanced range for beginners is around 1.70 to 2.50, as long as you have solid reasoning behind your picks.

A structured bankroll strategy is key. Avoid random bets, and limit each stake to no more than 3% of your total betting budget. Keep a record – which match, why you placed the bet, and the result. This habit will help you develop discipline and learn from your betting journey.

Tennis matches can shift rapidly – so it's vital to stay emotionally neutral. If you lose, don’t rush into another bet to recover. Take a break. If you win, resist the urge to increase your stake impulsively. Consistent success comes from clear thinking, not chasing short-term highs.

One of the most common mistakes in tennis betting is backing only the big-name players like Djokovic, Nadal, or Świątek without analysing their current form, fatigue levels, and surface preference. Even top-ranked players have off days—especially in high-pressure events like Wimbledon or Roland-Garros.

Many newcomers overlook the importance of the court surface—whether it’s hard, clay, or grass. A player might dominate on hard courts (like at the US Open) but struggle on clay (as seen at the French Open). Review their surface-specific stats before placing a bet.

Neglecting head-to-head (H2H) records and performance stats can lead to poor decisions. Some players consistently struggle against certain opponents due to stylistic mismatches. Even if they're ranked lower, the underdog might have a proven edge—something that can be decisive at events like the Australian Open.

Live betting can be exciting—especially during tense moments like a second-set tiebreak—but it’s risky without a strategy. Emotional or impulsive decisions can backfire quickly. Be prepared and stick to a plan, especially when betting during Grand Slam matches that often swing dramatically.

In a clay-court match between Casper Ruud and Hubert Hurkacz, a bettor analyses Ruud’s strong performance history on clay and places a £100 bet at odds of 2.10. Ruud wins in straight sets – return: £210. A clear example of how surface analysis and recent form can lead to a smart bet.

During a match between Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina, Sabalenka loses the first set and her odds jump to 3.80. Spotting a shift in momentum, the bettor stakes £20 live. Sabalenka stages a comeback and wins – return: £76. A strong case of live betting informed by match observation.

A bettor selects three top seeds in the early rounds of a Grand Slam – Djokovic, Medvedev, and Świątek – and places a £30 combo bet at combined odds of 2.65. All win their matches comfortably – return: £79.50. This approach can work well when favourites are expected to dominate early on.

In a tight matchup between Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, a bettor wagers £50 on the “over 22.5 games” market at odds of 1.95, expecting a close contest. The match ends 7–6, 6–4 – a total of 23 games. Return: £97.50. A data-driven bet based on anticipated competitiveness.

In the UK, all forms of tennis betting are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This ensures that bookmakers offering tennis markets operate under strict standards designed to protect players and promote fair gambling practices.

Online tennis betting is fully legal in the UK, as long as it is conducted through licensed and regulated operators. This guarantees player protection, secure transactions, and compliance with UK law.

Always bet with operators licensed not only by the UKGC but also by trusted international regulators such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Holding multiple licences reflects a bookmaker’s commitment to high transparency and player safety standards.

Using unlicensed or offshore sites to bet on tennis comes with significant risks. These platforms may lack reliable payment systems, ignore data protection, and avoid oversight. There’s often little to no recourse if issues arise, including withheld winnings or fraud.