Without careful planning, you can’t expect to have much luck while placing bets on tennis, or any sport for that matter. Understanding the Xs and Os of tennis as well as the betting regulations and the methods used by various bookmakers to settle the bets and markets is the first step in being prepared if you aim to win big.
Fortunately for you, it’s our aim and mission to present you with the top tips on how to win your placed bets according to the tennis betting rules and regulations. Rules apply, so make sure to read thoroughly down below to be fully informed on the rules regarding betting on tennis matches before you place your stakes!
You can also check our list with top rated tennis betting sites and our guide on how to bet on tennis!
Happy betting!
Bookmakers’ Main Tennis Betting Rules
When it comes to learning how to bet on tennis and win, the Match Winner market is the most popular one where you can place a bet and make a profit on who you think will be the winner of the match. When a player leaves for any reason, it might be a game-winning play. Online bookmakers use the following settlement guidelines if such an event takes place:
Ball Served
The meaning of this rule is the same whether it is referred to as First ball, 1 ball, 1 ball served, One serve played, One point played, or First serve. Since the bet will still hold even if just one ball is served throughout a match, the rule is crucial for all match winners or money line markets, regardless of the number of games. Bets will be void if a player retires from a match, or in the event of a disqualification or retirement. However, those who bet on the last player, who was the winner, would win their wager.
One Set Completed
According to certain bookmakers’ set regulations, one game or a match must last the whole first set for the bets to be accepted. Other variations of this rule include One set, One set finished, and First set completed. The bet is invalid if the set isn’t completed before the player withdraws from the match.
Two Sets Completed
The only difference between this regulation and the previous one is that bookies who abide by it demand that at least two sets be completed before bets stand. Additionally, the rule may be named Two sets, Two sets finished, or Second set completed.
Match Completed
According to this regulation, before any kind of betting is permitted, the entire match must be completed and reach a natural conclusion. If not, there is no wager. The bookmaker may refer to this regulation as Full match, Full match completed,” or Whole match finished.
Unless the result of any bet has been determined before retirement or disqualification, in which case it can be either won or lost, any bets placed on other betting markets (over/under, game handicaps, etc.) will not be awarded.
Tennis Retirement Rules
At least one set must be played before a bet can be settled, according to bookies’ general rules. No bookmaker requires the ball to be served or played for at least one point to settle a bet. Bookmakers are the next in line, and they follow the laws that state that before the bets are deemed active, the full set must be finished (one set completed).
Since none of the bookies require the completion of at least two sets (2 sets finished) before they pay out a bet, however, some do require the completion of the whole match.
Betting Rules for Interruption Scenarios
A player’s retirement is not the only situation that might impact a match winner bet or a handicap bet. Other regulations apply, for instance, if a match is stopped or cancelled for whatever reason. These are the rules for scenarios where interruption may occur:
Walkover
In several sports, including this one, a walkover is a common occurrence. When an opponent is forced to lose their match due to incapacity to compete, the player who wins is counted as the winner of the walkover. The player in the standings advances straight to the next round in games, which are often structured like tournaments. In this case, all bets on the game are cancelled and regarded as invalid.
Weather Conditions or Technical Issues
In the event of a match starting, but due to technical issues and weather factors like rain and darkness, it may cause a match to be delayed or cancelled and rescheduled at a later date. For instance, the 2019 French Open saw several matches postponed because of intense wind and rain. In this case, any match bets on that specific match are still valid until the game ends on a different day or at a different hour.
Player Withdrawal or Disqualification
These days, it is more common to witness incidents where a player is hurt during play or is disqualified by the umpire for inappropriate behaviour. When this happens, the bets will be settled as mentioned in the section above on retirement.
Betting Rules on Tennis Conclusion
Now that we’ve explained the whole process of betting on tennis, you should be pretty clear on how to gamble responsibly. You should now know what factors could affect the outcome of your selected wager and match, and the general rules on tennis betting imposed by bookmakers.
Still, always remember to never gamble more than what you can afford to lose, and regardless of the result, next time is usually better as you will have more knowledge on how to place better bets thanks to our guide!
Happy betting and gamble responsibly!
