Table tennis might not be the first sport you think of when it comes to betting, but it’s one of the fastest-growing options in the UK. Why? It’s quick, exciting, and offers year-round opportunities to place bets.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about betting on table tennis. We’ll cover the basics, how to find the right betting sites, and some practical tips to improve your chances of success.
Understanding How Table Tennis Betting Works
If you’re familiar with sports betting, you’ll find table tennis pretty easy to grasp. At its core, it works the same way as betting on football or tennis. The simplest bet is predicting who will win a match. Straightforward, right? But if you want more excitement or depth, there are other markets to explore.
For example, you can bet on the exact score of a match or how many sets will be played. Some sites also offer handicap betting, which is perfect when one player is a clear favourite. Let’s say Player A is much stronger than Player B. A bookmaker might give Player B a +2.5 set advantage. For you to win a bet on Player A, they’d need to win by at least three sets.
Another interesting option is total points betting. In table tennis, matches can be tight, with lots of points scored. You can wager on whether the total number of points in a match will be over or under a certain number. And if you love the thrill of in-play action, table tennis live betting is one of the most exciting markets out there. The game’s pace makes it perfect for quick decisions and reacting to momentum shifts.
Practical Tips to Improve Your Table Tennis Betting
Here are six tips that should make your table tennis betting experience more enjoyable.
- Get to Know the Players and Events: Unlike football, where most punters know the star players, table tennis can feel a bit niche. Take the time to research. Check out player rankings, recent performances, and how players fare against different opponents. Some thrive in high-pressure tournaments, while others excel in league matches.
- Understand the Formats: Not all matches are played the same way. Some are best-of-five sets, while others might be best-of-seven. Knowing this can help you decide which bets make the most sense.
- Start Small: If you’re new to table tennis betting, don’t go big on your first wager. Place smaller bets until you get a feel for how the sport plays out and how odds shift during matches.
- Look for Value in Lesser-Known Tournaments: Everyone bets on the World Championships, but smaller events often offer better odds. Bookmakers might not have the same level of expertise when pricing these games, giving you a chance to find value.
- Watch the Games: This one’s a game-changer. Watching table tennis matches live gives you insight into the players’ form, confidence, and momentum. Many betting sites offer live streams for events they cover, so take advantage of this.
- Track Your Bets: Keep a record of what you bet on, why you placed the bet, and whether it won or lost. Over time, this helps you understand what works and what doesn’t.
Popular Events You Should Know About
Table tennis has no off-season, so there’s almost always something to bet on. The Olympics and World Championships are the big ones but don’t overlook other competitions.
The ITTF World Tour features events all over the globe, and leagues like the Chinese Super League or European Championships are packed with talent. Even smaller regional tournaments can be worth exploring if you’re looking for niche betting opportunities.
How to Find the Right Betting Sites for Table Tennis
Not every UK betting site gives table tennis the attention it deserves, so knowing where to look can make all the difference. The first step is finding a platform that offers a wide range of table tennis markets.
While most bookies will usually cover the big tournaments like the Olympics or the World Table Tennis Championships, you’ll want a site that offers odds on smaller events, such as ITTF Challenger tournaments or national leagues like the Chinese Super League. These smaller competitions often provide unique betting opportunities.
Now, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of options out there, comparison sites can be your best friend. Websites like Bojoko.com, Oddschecker, and BettingExpert are designed to help you compare betting platforms quickly and easily. They show you which sites are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, where you’ll find the best odds, and even highlight bonuses or promotions available specifically for table tennis betting.
Comparison sites are especially useful for spotting perks like welcome offers, enhanced odds, or cashback deals. Bojoko, for instance, stands out for its rankings of betting sites based on how well they cater to each sport. This makes it very easy to see the top table tennis betting sites in the UK and compare them. Meanwhile, Oddschecker is brilliant for comparing odds across multiple bookmakers, ensuring you always get the best value for your bet.
Beyond that, look for sites with live betting features, as table tennis is perfect for in-play action. And don’t overlook ease of use—betting should be straightforward, so choose a platform with a clean interface and clear navigation.
Final Thoughts
Table tennis might not yet rival football or horse racing in popularity, but it’s a fantastic sport for betting. It’s fast, exciting, and offers countless opportunities to bet throughout the year. By understanding the basics, doing a bit of research, and staying disciplined, you can make the most out of your table tennis betting experience.
Dive in, have a go, and enjoy the ride—but remember, betting is meant to be fun, so always approach it with a clear head. Set a budget before you start, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
