Supposedly, tennis was invented way, way back in 1873, when Major Walter Wingfield created a version of the game that could be played outdoors on a lawn. Thus was the concept of lawn tennis born, and we’ve never looked back as a society since. Tennis has evolved into a major sport that’s enjoyed by millions of people around the world, and the major tournaments draw impressive viewing figures when they’re televised.
You’re probably looking at this sport and wondering whether it’s possible to make any money from betting on it. Well, the answer is a resounding, emphatic yes. It is, of course, entirely possible to make money from betting on tennis; some might even say you could make a living from it (although that’s much, much harder). Whether you’re embarking on a career or simply looking to place a few wagers, here’s how to be a winner when you bet on tennis this year.
Choose the right site
Betting odds on tennis matches can vary from site to site, so it’s definitely a good idea to do your research into which website you want to go with. If you’re not sure where to start and you need some help, it’s a good idea to go with a comparison site like SportsBettingExpert.net. This site will compare the various platforms out there and show you which ones have the most favorable odds, which ones give the best beginner bonuses, and which ones are best for long-term bettors.
Learn the game inside out
Before you embark on a tennis betting venture, it’s a good idea to know the game of tennis inside and out. We’re not just talking about the basic rules here (although you should definitely know those, too). Knowing the flow and general movement of the game as a whole, as well as each individual match, is crucial to understanding where to place your bets. If you’re live betting, you’ll struggle massively if you can’t accurately predict where a game is headed.
Start simple
The last thing you want to do is build complex accumulator bets and all kinds of other advanced betting techniques if you’re just starting out. The best way to begin as a sports bettor - especially on tennis - is to pick the favourite in a game and bet on them first. Just bet on their victory and don’t worry too much about scores. Let’s say Djokovic is playing Kevin Anderson. It’s likely Djokovic will win that game, so it’s safe to just place a bet on him to win.
Check the odds
Even with the matchup above, surprises can happen. You could check the news only to find that Djokovic has injured himself or that Anderson is on a winning streak. Because of that, it’s never safe to just place a bet blindly. Make sure you check the odds carefully before you start, because there’s no worse feeling than losing money thanks to a bad tip. Even the most successful and skilled players can struggle to keep up winning streaks sometimes.
Watch the surfaces
Not all tennis courts are created equal. Some players are far more comfortable on certain surfaces than others, and watching which ones play better on which is essential to knowing how to bet on tennis. Nadal, for example, is known colloquially as the King of Clay for his consistently excellent performance on this surface. If someone is playing Nadal on a clay court, it’s a very safe bet he’ll win that match, so you know what your betting strategy should be.
Develop a consistent strategy
Obviously, you should be varying your match-to-match strategy in order to maximize your potential and make sure you’re making as much money as you possibly can. Overall, though, you should have a clear game plan as to which matches you’re betting on, which players you are following, and how you’re betting. It won’t pay to just fly by the seat of your pants when you’re betting on tennis, because this is a more predictable game in many ways than others, so understanding its flow and its trends is crucial.
Don’t be too rigid
Even though you should develop a strategy, it’s definitely not a good idea to consistently back long shots or favorites. Andy Murray’s return to the doubles court in Wimbledon this year shows that you can’t always depend on the news, but announcements like his potentially career-ending surgery are always worth bearing in mind, especially when they apply to skilled players like Murray. Always be willing to be flexible in your betting strategy.
Don’t give up
You’re unlikely to see immediate success when you’re betting on tennis. You’re new at this, after all, and there’s no reason you’d immediately be excellent at it like the pros are. You need to take it slowly, realize that you’re not infallible, and most importantly you need to not give up after a setback. You’ll develop a strategy that works for you in time, but while you’re doing so, it’s okay to fail now and then and lose a little money.
Keep a consistent bankroll
Bankroll management is an extremely important skill in poker, and it definitely applies as a skill in tennis betting as well. The best sports bettors know how to manage their bankroll efficiently and effectively, never betting more money than they know they can spare and limiting damage as soon as they smell a problem. Set stake limits to ensure you never overbet, make sure you know your bankroll at all times, and don’t overcommit (or under-commit).
Don’t forget to cash out
This is the most important aspect of sports betting, but many people who bet on tennis neglect to actually collect their winnings, believe it or not. Don’t forget that when you’re on a losing streak, it might pay to actually cash out and get some of that money for spending to congratulate yourself on your victory. Of course, you could use your winnings to build your bankroll for further betting, but don’t be afraid to cash out and go enjoy yourself.
