All Tennis Bet Types Explained (From Moneyline to Set Betting)
If you're new to tennis betting, it’s essential to understand all the different bet types available. Some are straightforward — like betting on who wins — while others require a bit more strategy.
This guide breaks down every major type of tennis bet, when to use them, and what to watch out for.
1. Match Winner (Moneyline)
This is the most popular and simplest bet: who will win the match. The bookmaker offers odds for each player, and you pick one to win.
Example:
Alcaraz @ 1.40
Sinner @ 2.80
Betting £10 on Sinner returns £28 if he wins.
Why use it:
Best for confident picks
Good value on underdogs
Safe option when you expect a clear win
Quick tips:
✅ Avoid very short odds (under 1.25)
✅ Use it when surface/form strongly favours one player
✅ Useful in parlays
2. Set Betting
Here, you're predicting the exact scoreline in sets.
Example:
Djokovic to win 2–0
Djokovic to win 2–1
This offers better odds than just backing the winner — but it’s harder to hit.
Why use it:
For dominant players likely to win in straight sets
When you expect a tight 3-set battle
To boost odds without taking more risk
Quick tips:
✅ Use with players who start strong
✅ Avoid in unpredictable matchups
✅ Look at past H2H set scores
3. Handicap Betting (Game Spread)
You bet on a player with a game handicap, e.g. +3.5 games or –2.5 games.
Example:
Zverev –2.5 games: He must win by 3 or more total games
Rune +3.5 games: He can lose, but not by more than 3 games
This is useful when:
You expect a close match
You want better odds on favourites
Quick tips:
✅ Great for matches with strong servers (few breaks)
✅ Look at average game margins over recent matches
✅ Better than moneyline if odds are too short
4. Over/Under Games or Sets
You bet on how many total games or sets will be played in the match.
Examples:
Over 22.5 total games
Under 2.5 total sets
These bets don’t depend on who wins, just how long or short the match is.
Quick tips:
✅ Good for tight matchups or when players are evenly matched
✅ Use on players with frequent tie-breaks
✅ Under 2.5 sets is common when a favourite dominates
5. Live Betting
Betting while the match is in progress. Odds shift after every point, and you can bet on:
Who wins the next game
Over/unders for next set
Match winner if player is down
Live betting is great for momentum-readers.
Quick tips:
✅ Watch the match if possible — body language tells all
✅ Look for value after a player loses a tight set
✅ Use during rain delays or injury timeouts to capitalise on momentum shifts
6. Special Bets (Props)
These include:
First set winner
Player to win a set
Total double faults
Number of tie-breaks
They’re more niche and riskier, but can offer high odds if you spot a pattern.
Quick tips:
✅ Use when stats show clear tendencies (e.g., tie-break frequency)
✅ Great for low-stakes, high-return punts
✅ Don’t overuse — treat as bonus bets
FAQ: Tennis Bet Types
Q: What’s the safest tennis bet type?
The match winner is the simplest, but value often lies in handicap or over/under bets.
Q: Should I use parlays?
Tennis parlays can boost odds, but stick to 2–3 legs max. Avoid adding low-value favourites just to inflate returns.
Q: What’s the best bet for live betting?
Focus on momentum swings, like betting the player who just lost the first set but is showing signs of coming back.
Recap: Tennis Bet Types You Should Know
🟢 Match Winner (Moneyline) — just pick who wins
🧱 Set Betting — predict the exact set score
🔢 Handicap — spread of games (e.g. –2.5 games)
📊 Over/Under — how many total games or sets
🔁 Live Betting — respond to in-match momentum
📌 Props/Specials — tie-breaks, double faults, etc.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different tennis bet types lets you choose the right market for the right matchup. Instead of always betting the winner, you can find better value in totals, spreads, or even in-play action.
👉 In the next guide, I’ll break down how court surfaces affect tennis betting — and which players thrive where.
Ready to level up your betting? Stay with me here at tennisbyhmjoro.co.uk for daily insights and weekly blog updates.
