Rugby is one of the most popular sports globally, particularly in the UK, where both rugby league and rugby union thrive and enjoy widespread exposure. As both versions of the sport have grown in popularity, so has the betting on rugby matches. Today, more bets are placed on rugby than ever before. One of the most popular ways to bet in both codes is through handicap betting, which bookmakers use to make even the most one-sided matches exciting for punters.
Handicap Betting in Rugby: Understanding the Basics and Finding the Best Lines
The key feature of handicap betting is that bookmakers create their own lines for each game. This means it’s essential to shop around and compare different bookmakers if you have multiple betting accounts. For example, one bookmaker might offer a handicap line of 7.5 at 10/11 odds, while another might offer 5.5 at the same odds. Although the odds are the same, the line is different, which could make all the difference between winning and losing your bet.
If you’re betting on the over, you’d prefer the smaller line, such as 5.5, which means your team only needs to win by six points or more for your bet to be successful. In contrast, a line set at 7.5 would require your team to win by eight points or more. A two-point difference in a match can be crucial, making it vital to find the best line for your bet.
Rugby often features long odds-on favorites, which is why the handicap line has become the go-to betting market for most punters. Unlike other sports where the traditional win/draw/win line dominates, rugby betting revolves around the handicap line. Once you’ve adapted, you’ll find yourself betting on the handicap market regularly.
While bookmakers set the handicap lines, they ultimately benefit the punters by creating a competitive betting environment. Thanks to the handicap line, you can bet on any game and still get decent odds, even if the match is expected to be one-sided. It’s not uncommon to see handicap lines in the 40 to 60-point range for particularly lopsided games. These large handicaps turn what would otherwise be a dull match into an exciting contest for those betting on the line.
For instance, a game that might end 60-0 would typically be boring for neutral viewers, and the outright market would offer little in terms of betting value. However, if the handicap line is set at 50 or 60 points, the match suddenly becomes much more engaging for bettors, who can cheer on their chosen side to cover the spread.
Handicap betting also allows punters to back underdog teams with a realistic chance of winning their bet, thanks to the head start given by the handicap. For example, a team with a +60.5 handicap has little chance of winning outright, but they can still cover the line and win the bet due to the points advantage. This type of betting opens up more possibilities for bettors and creates more balanced markets.
Most handicap lines end in .5 to avoid the possibility of a draw, creating a straightforward two-outcome market. Occasionally, a bookmaker might misjudge the line, leading to price adjustments instead of line changes. However, it’s more common for the handicap line to shift slightly while the odds remain the same. A small change of one or two points can make a significant difference, so it’s always worth comparing lines across different bookmakers.
Exploring Alternative Rugby Betting Markets: Beyond Handicap Lines
Like most sports, rugby betting is continually evolving, and bookmakers are constantly developing new markets for punters. We now have more rugby betting options than ever before, and this trend will likely continue as bookmakers look for new ways to engage rugby fans. Expect to see even more innovative markets added to the rugby betting section of your favorite sportsbook in the coming years.
Betting on Try Scorers: A Fun and Exciting Market for Rugby Fans
Just like football’s first goalscorer market, rugby betting offers odds on who will score the first try in a match. This market has expanded significantly, now allowing for each-way bets, anytime scorers, last try scorers, and even multiple try scorer bets. Rugby teams, like football teams, have star players who consistently score tries, making this a great market for beginners to explore.
If you’re familiar with the sport, you’ll know which players are likely to be involved in scoring, allowing you to back them for the first try or anytime try. The anytime try scorer market is particularly popular for those who want an interest in a live game but aren’t sure who will win. For example, backing a player from each team to score gives you a reason to stay engaged throughout the match as you cheer on your picks.
Total Points Betting: Finding Value in Rugby with a Little Research
The total points market is another excellent alternative for rugby bettors. This market lets you bet on whether the total points scored in a match will be over or under the line set by the bookmakers. With a bit of research into the teams’ scoring history, you can often find a good angle to exploit in this market, making it ideal for those who want to avoid picking a winner.
Some bookmakers also offer a points spread, allowing you to predict the exact number of points scored in the match. While more challenging, these bets offer better odds and can be rewarding if your prediction is accurate. For example, you might choose to bet on under 20 points, 20-40 points, or over 40 points, depending on the matchup and conditions.
Both the try scorer and total points markets provide great opportunities to get involved in rugby betting without having to pick a match winner. They’re perfect for beginners looking for a simple way to start betting on the sport. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with these markets, you can move on to more advanced options like the handicap line as your betting knowledge grows.
Betting on Rugby Offers Exciting Opportunities for All
Rugby betting is growing rapidly, and punters have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer betting on handicap lines, try scorers, or total points, rugby offers a wide range of markets to suit every bettor’s preference.
While rugby betting may differ from other sports, it’s easy to adjust once you get the hang of it. Start with simpler markets like try scorers or total points, then expand your knowledge to include handicap betting as you become more comfortable. With the right approach, rugby betting can be a fun and rewarding experience, offering plenty of excitement for both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike.
