How To Bet On Rugby - Betting Guide For Beginners
- How Rugby Betting Works
- Rugby Formats - First Understand them
- Rugby Odds Explained
- Popular Rugby Bets
- Long Term and Special Rugby Bets
- How Does In-Play Betting For Rugby Matches Work?
- Step-By-Step Guide: How To Bet on Rugby
- Most Popular Rugby Tournaments To Bet On
- Rugby Betting Tips And Strategies
- Most Common Rugby Betting Mistakes
- FAQ
How Rugby Betting Works
Rugby betting involves predicting the outcomes of a Rugby match. Like other sports, bookies provide betting markets and rugby odds from different events. Using the options, you can determine the Match Winner and place Handicap bets. You can also wager on long-term events, some of which will be explained in this piece.
However, you need to sign up at an ideal sportsbook to enjoy gambling on rugby matches. Top online betting sites with the best bookmaker ratings offer bettors extensive rugby coverage. You can easily access matches from competitive competitions such as the Six Nations Championship and the Rugby World Cup. Such a long list of matches ensures you never miss betting on top rugby events.
Rugby Formats - First Understand Them
The only way you will have an easy time betting on rugby games is if you understand different Rugby formats. Here are the rugby formats that you should know:
Rugby Union
Rugby Union is one of the main formats and the most common rugby category that dates back to the early 19th century. This rugby type contains approximately 180,000 clubs with more than 6 million registered players. A Rugby Union match is played by two teams, each having 15 players and up to 8 substitutes. Over the years, Rugby Union has influenced the launch of different competitive tournaments. Some of the main contests under Rugby Union include:
- The United Rugby Championship (URC) - Northern and Southern Hemisphere Teams
- Rugby World Cup
- Super Rugby
- Gallagher Premiership
- Six Nations Championship
- Rugby Championship
- European Champions Cup
Rugby League
Another top variant of Rugby is Rugby league, a close-contact sport played by two teams, each with 13 players. All Rugby League games take place on a rectangular arena stretching 68 metres. This form of rugby was launched in 1895 after splitting from the Rugby Football Union due to payment issues. Currently, Rugby League is played globally, but it is more predominant in Australia and Europe. Similar to Rugby Union, Rugby League has a World Cup tournament that first took place in 1954 in France. The two major club competitions are:
- Super League
- National Rugby League (NRL)
Rugby Sevens
Rugby Sevens is one of the most popular variants of Rugby Union, often known as seven-a-side. As the name suggests, Rugby Sevens is played by two teams of seven players each. Events feature two seven-minute halves, with the halftime lasting 10 to 15 minutes. The competitiveness of the game and its straightforward rules have made Rugby Sevens popular in Asia, Africa, and parts of America.
Unknown to many, Rugby Sevens dates back to the early 1880s in Melrose, Scotland. This rugby format influenced the launch of different tournaments. These include the Hong Kong Sevens and the World Rugby Sevens Series, contested annually. In 2016, Rugby Sevens was among the games played in the Summer Olympics, which helped popularise the game further.
Rugby Odds Explained
Like any other sport, Rugby betting is highly dependent on the odds. Rugby odds are the numbers attached to every rugby market and used by operators to calculate your payout in case of a correct wager. You should also note that you can determine the favourites and the underdogs using the provided odds. Moreover, you can tell the likelihood of an event occurring.
This explains why understanding rugby betting odds is key before placing any rugby bet. Another crucial factor you must know is that rugby odds vary depending on the markets and the sportsbook you are using. Some operators offer decent odds, whereas others provide customers with average odds. Hence, odds comparison is crucial before settling for a particular sportsbook.
Popular Rugby Bets
Whether you are betting on the Six Nations or wagering on local rugby events, operators provide betting options to guide you when placing rugby bets. So far, some of the top available betting markets you should take note of include:
Outright (winner) Bets
Outright betting (Winner or Series Tournament Winner) is a market where you predict the team that will win a particular tournament. The advantage of an Outright bet is that the options often have competitive Rugby Union odds, especially if you place bets before the contest begins.
For example, if you are betting on Super Rugby, you can wager for the Crusaders to win the entire tournament. In such a case, you will win the bet only if the Crusaders come up on top at the end and take the Super Rugby trophy. This betting market should not be confused with Match Winner, which involves backing a team to win a particular rugby match. In this case, you only receive a payout if your chosen team wins the tournament.
Handicap Betting
For years, operators have used handicap betting markets to level the playing field. It is the ideal betting option if you seek better odds on the favourites. This market will see the operator disadvantage the strongest team favouring the underdogs. For instance, in a match between the Blues and Brumbies, the operator may handicap the Blues -12.5 and favour the Brumbies +12.5. Therefore, if you back the Blues to win, they must beat the Brumbies with 13 or more points for your bet to be correct.
Over/Under Markets
Over/Under markets are one of the most popular betting options that require you to wager on variables and not the final result. For instance, you can bet on the total points scored by two Rugby Union teams, like Leinster and Bulls, to be Over or Under 41.5. If your prediction is Over 41.5, you will win if the total points accumulated by both teams sum up to 42 and above. It is one of the most common gambling options on new and established sports betting websites.
Player Bets
Rugby is a team sport that also allows you to place player bets. Player betting options narrow down to the statistics of a particular player during the match and not the entire team. If you are betting on a game between the Leicester Tigers and Northampton, you will encounter player bets such as:
- The First Try Scorer
- A Player to Score a Try at Any Time of The Event
- Man of The Match
- Top Scoring Player
Different player bets attract distinct online betting odds, so always be keen when dealing with player markets.
Team Bets
The most common betting markets are team bets. These options are the direct opposite of player bets since they focus on the entire team and not an individual player. A good example is when betting on an event between the Saracens and Harlequins. Such a match may offer team bets opportunities such as:
- The First Team that Will Score a Try
- Winning Margin
- Will a Team Score a Try in The Match
- The Team that Will Score the Last Try
- Winning Team
Like other markets, team bets require extensive research for you to place the correct bets.
Long Term and Special Rugby Bets
Long-term and special rugby bets continue to dominate online sports betting sites. Long-term wagers entail gambling on rugby events that will occur in the near future. A good example is the Man of Steel award, where you bet on the most valuable player that will receive the Man of Steel trophy at the end of the Rugby Super League Season. Long-term bets also allow you to predict the tournament winner or a quadrennial Series such as the British and Irish Lions tour.
On the other hand, special bets entail online gambling on events that may or may not occur during a particular rugby event. For example, in a game between Mont-de-Marsan and Perpignan, you may predict Perpignan to score the first 10 points. Another example being will there be a drop goal in the game or even who will score a drop goal - team or player.
How Does In-Play Betting For Rugby Matches Work?
Rugby in-play betting allows you to place wagers on live events. The same applies to Rugby Union betting, among other tournaments. In this case, you will focus on usual markets such as Handicap and Draw No Bet. However, you will encounter live odds which constantly shift as the game progresses. Note that rugby live betting gives you access to multiple matches from competitions such as the Rugby World Cup and the Super League.
You can also take advantage of competitive odds, which will see you enjoy significant payouts. However, game selections and odds values depend on your sportsbook. Some online betting sites will offer you access to a rugby live stream feature to make in-play gambling more convenient. The function will help you follow the rugby game closely and gather relevant statistics while placing bets.
How To Bet on Rugby - Step-By-Step Guide
Now that you know more about the available rugby betting markets and odds, it is time to learn how to place rugby bets. Unlike most guides discussing rugby betting for beginners, this piece will provide you with detailed and straightforward steps. First, load the rugby gambling site on your computer. After that, continue as follows:
- Sign In To Your Account
- Fund Your Rugby Sportsbook Account With Some Cash
- Open The Rugby League Or Rugby Union Section
- Select A Rugby Game
- Compare The Odds
- Add Your Desired Prediction On to The Bet Slip
- Wager Some Cash
- Place the Bet
How To Start Betting?
Everything You Need To Know In 5 Easy Steps!
Find the right bookmaker for you and sign up.
Make a deposit with the payment method you prefer. Consider responsible gambling features and bankroll management.
Many betting sites have a welcome bonus or free bet, which you can claim after making the first deposit. *never forget to read the small print!
Find an event you are interested in, select a betting market that appeals to you the most and "click" on the odds.
Go to the bet slip and input the details of your desired bet and confirm the wager.
Most Popular Rugby Tournaments To Bet On
Rugby is a diverse sport grouped into two codes: the Rugby League and the Rugby Union. Rugby Union games feature 15 players on each side, whereas Rugby League matches have only 13 players per team. These two codes are the foundation of hundreds of rugby leagues and competitions, including the Rugby World Cup for Rugby Union and the Rugby League World Cup. Other top rugby tournaments include:
Super Rugby
Super Rugby is a tournament under the Rugby Union inaugurated in 1996 by SANZAAR. This competition comprises Fiji, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and New Zealand teams. Between 1996 and 2006, the tournament went by Super 12. The name later changed to Super 14, lasting four years starting from 2006. In 2010, the contest was rebranded to Super Rugby. Since its creation, the Crusaders have won most Super Rugby titles.
Six Nations Championship
As the name states, Six Nations is an annual Rugby Union Championship participated by 6 teams from 6 different countries. These include Wales, France, Italy, Scotland, England, and Ireland. The contest dates back to 1883. During its formation, the Six Nations Championship went by the name Home Nations Championship. It was not until 2000 that it started going by its current name. England and Wales are the teams with the most Six Nations Championship titles.
Gallagher Premiership
Gallagher Premiership or Premiership rugby is a long-standing Rugby Union competition established in 1987. The tournament is one of the fiercest Rugby Union competitions that brings together tough contestants such as Bristol Bears, Saracens, and Leicester Tigers, the club that holds the most Gallagher Premiership titles. The Gallagher Premiership has been evolving since 1987, and now it is among the top flight competitions with millions of fans.
Super League
Founded in 1996, Super League, also known as the Super League Europe, is a Rugby League competition with 69 teams. The contest was a replacement for the First Division which had been active since 1895. As soon as Super League was launched, the organising body shifted the contest from the initial winter season to the summer season, gaining popularity in most European countries.
NRL
National Rugby League, Popularly known as NRL, is one of the top-tier Rugby League contests that started in 1998. The tournament mostly comprises clubs from New Zealand and Australia. NRL came about as an aftermath of the Super League War, a popular commercial competition that reigned in the 1990s. The number of teams participating in the NRL tournament is currently 16, with South Sydney Rabbitohs holding the most NRL titles.
HSBC World Sevens
HSBC World Sevens is a competitive tournament under World Rugby, launched in 1999. The contest comprises 15 core national teams and one regional qualifier. HSBC started the IRB World Sevens Series to promote Rugby Sevens and propel the form of rugby to international status. In 2014, the name changed to HSBC due to sponsorship reasons and has gained traction ever since.
Rugby Betting Tips And Strategies
Like other sports, you need rugby betting tips to place bets successfully. You can easily manage your bankroll and increase your chances of placing the correct wagers using the following strategies:
Look out For the Best Available Odds
Before placing any Rugby bet, you must make sure that you go through the available odds. Note that the levels of odds differ from one sportsbook to another. However, you will only notice this if you make a thorough odds comparison for the games you want to bet on. Opting for the best available odds will help you enjoy significant payouts regardless of the market.
Take Advantage of Matched Betting and Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage and matched betting are two gambling systems that you should always apply when wagering on rugby. Arbitrage betting entails covering all the markets of a specific bet, guaranteeing a win. To perform arbitrage betting successfully, you must sign up on multiple sportsbooks. Furthermore, you will require a sufficient bankroll.
On the other hand, match betting entails utilising rugby bonuses, reducing the amount of money spent placing rugby bets. Some of the offers you should consider are free bets and reload bonuses.
Follow Rugby Tipsters and Their Expert Predictions
It is always a great idea to use all the resources available when placing rugby bets; this includes following tipsters' advice and checking expert predictions. Such sites' results and betting hints are usually after extensive research. Therefore, they may help you notice various betting opportunities. You can also use the information to confirm your findings or resolve your doubts.
Take the Small Wins and Profits
Always celebrate and pocket small wins. In rugby betting, you are not guaranteed profit. The only way to enjoy the moment is to keep any winnings you make. After all, you may never earn significant sums of money. Besides, if you add small wins, you may be surprised to end up with a decent sum that you never thought was possible. Therefore, every time you win a bet, place a withdrawal request, especially if it is within the transaction limits of the sportsbook.
Most Common Rugby Betting Mistakes
New and expert sports bettors are known to make common rugby betting mistakes whenever they are gambling. These blunders have caused most bettors their bankrolls or denied them a chance to pocket significant winnings. Here are some of the common betting mistakes most rugby bettors make knowingly and unknowingly:
Not Familiar with The Sport
Most betting enthusiasts are not familiar with the sport. This hinders them from doing effective research and making informed decisions. Rugby games vary depending on the code and competition. For example, Rugby Sevens comprise seven minutes halves which can significantly impact the event's outcome. Therefore, take your time to study the game and the rugby format before you start placing rugby bets. Whether you are only interested in the Rugby League or Rugby Union competitions, this is key.
Ignoring Team Form and Their Injuries
Rugby is a full-contact sport where collisions are rampant. This means some of the best players in a team may easily find themselves on the injured list. Therefore, do not ignore going through the form of the teams playing before you start placing bets. Note which players are coming back from injury and their match fitness status. Also, do not forget the ones who will miss a particular match.
Also, try and find the motivating factor of every team. For example, rugby teams tend to perform better during home matches. Gathering such information will help you make correct decisions. This is whether you're placing Match Winner, Handicaps, or Prop bets.
Mismanaging Your Bankroll
Most gamblers mismanage their bankroll, which often leads to bankruptcy. With this in mind, you should develop a bankroll management strategy that works. For example, before placing rugby bets, set aside your betting money and use it within the specified period, a week or a month. Moreover, set betting limits if you find it hard to control your wagering habits. This can be done by contacting the operator and seeking help.
A good bankroll management system will keep you from spending more than required when placing bets. Besides, you should consider using bonus offers provided by the operator. Sportsbook promotions will see you increase your betting activities without depleting your bankroll.
Betting On Your Favourite Team
When placing rugby bets, the biggest mistake you can make is wagering on your favourite team. Not unless statistics back your decision, you should never bet on your favourite rugby club. Whenever you pick a rugby match, make sure you do adequate research. Also, compare your findings with rugby tipsters before you go ahead and place the bet. This will keep you from making an emotional decision that will see you lose the bet.
Online Rugby Betting Guide FAQ
🏉 Is It Easy to Place a Bet on Rugby?
Yes, it is easy to place a bet on Rugby. You just need to understand the game and know how to do research. After that, log into your sportsbook, fund your account, navigate to the rugby events, and compare and understand rugby betting odds before placing a bet.
❔ What Does +3 Handicap Mean in Rugby Betting?
+3 handicap is a gambling market stating that the bet will win so long as the underdog does not lose by three or more points. The plus sign on the number indicates an advantage to a particular rugby team.
🏆 Which Is The Best Rugby Betting Site?
The best Rugby betting site is PaddyPower. It provides the best Rugby coverage with events from top competitions such as the Gallagher Premiership and Super Rugby. The online bookmaker also offers a full range of rugby markets and guarantees competitive odds. All you have to do is sign up to start betting.
💰 What Types of Promotions Do Bookmakers Offer for Rugby Betting?
Bookmakers offer rugby bettors a wide variety of promotions to make gambling exciting. Some of the common bonuses include cashback, reload offers and free bets. The promotions vary from one sportsbook to another.
🧮 How Are Rugby Betting Odds Calculated?
Rugby odds are probabilities presented in decimals. Therefore, when calculating rugby odds, you need to take 100% and divide it by the probability of an event occurring, for instance, 80%. The answer will be 1.25. Note that the higher the probability of the event happening, the smaller the odds value.
🤔 Can I Cash Out My Rugby Bets?
Yes, you can cash out on rugby bets and minimise your loss or increase your profits. However, make sure the event has a cash-out symbol for you to apply the feature. Also, confirm whether you can cash out partially or fully. This always varies depending on the sportsbook.
🏉 Which Rugby Format Is the Most Popular to Bet On?
Rugby Union is the most popular format to bet on. Unlike other forms of rugby, Rugby Union offers sports bettors access to a wide range of markets. Furthermore, it has the best media coverage. Thus, it is easy to research.
🏆 Can I Bet On Live Rugby Matches?
Yes, you can always bet on live rugby matches as long as the bookie should have an in-play betting section. Furthermore, it would help if you were conversant with live odds and live markets to place live rugby bets successfully.
💶 What Does Over/Under Mean in Rugby Betting?
Over/Under is a common rugby betting market where you gamble on variables of a rugby event and not the exact result. The betting option is used when dealing with markets such as total points and is denoted as Over/Under 40.5.
🏆 Which Rugby World Cup Is Best for Betting on - League or Union?
- How to Bet on Rugby guide, and the different types of Bets. by The TRU Team Tuesday 12 May 2020. https://www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/how-to-bet-on-rugby-guide-and-the-different-types-of-bets/26128.htm
- How Does Rugby Betting Work? | rookie road. https://www.rookieroad.com/rugby/how-does-rugby-betting-work/
