Learn how to bet on tennis with moneylines, game totals, and game spreads. This tutorial also discusses exotic bets like the set line, player total games, set betting, and 1st set winner. Most tennis matches will have a moneyline and game total. Major matches will have several other different bets available. Review odds for upcoming ATP, WTA, ITF Men, ITF Women, and Grand Slam events below.
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Table of Contents
- How Tennis Betting Works
- Straight Bets
- Exotic Bets
- Men’s Grand Slam Futures
- Women’s Grand Slam Futures
- ATP Tour Odds
- WTA Tour Odds
- ITF Men Odds
- ITF Women Odds
How Tennis Betting Works
This tutorial has two sections. The first contains common tennis straight bets. These include the moneyline, game total (over-under), and the game spread. Like other individual sports, the moneyline is the most common bet sportsbooks will offer for a tennis match. We also suggest learning how to bet tennis game totals and game spreads. These are great ways to manage risk when betting on major tennis matches, like those in any Grand Slam tournament event.
The second section discusses popular exotic tennis bets. We’ll discuss the set line, player total games, 1st set winner, and set betting. We also review how to place a tennis parlay bet. A parlay bet is only recommended when you’re highly confident 2 or more players will win their matches.
Straight Tennis Bets
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How a Tennis Moneyline Bet Works
A moneyline bet is placed on a player to win the tennis match outright.
Favorite
The favorite will have a minus number. A minus number indicates how much you risk to win $100.
Underdog
The underdog will have a plus number. A plus number indicates how much you win for risking $100.
Placing a Moneyline Bet
Select “Moneyline” from your sportsbook’s betting menu. It may also be abbreviated as “ML”. Finally, select either the favorite or the underdog.
Sportsbooks include the juice in each moneyline. They usually add 10 cents commission to each side. A -140 true odds favorite would get a -150 line, while a +230 true odds underdog would get a +220 line.
Tennis Moneyline Example
| Moneyline Match | Line & Odds |
|---|---|
Jaume Munar
Andy Murray
10/17/22 6:00am EDT | +210 -275 |
- Jaume Munar is the underdog. Risk $100 to win $210.
- Andy Murray is the favorite. Risk $275 to win $100.
Example Result: Andy Murray wins the match.
All favorite Andy Murray bettors win. All underdog Jaume Munar bettors lose.
Note: If the match is cancelled or the final result isn’t determined, all moneyline bets push. All bets will be refunded.
More Moneyline Info
Our moneyline video explains this bet completely. The entire moneyline tutorial also includes useful tips and strategies. Use the reference section to convert Moneyline odds to equivalent Fractional or Decimal values. Note required break even percentages for moneyline odds.
ATP Tour Odds Example
|
Game |
 BetMGMBet |
|---|---|
Hamad Medjedovic
Aleksandar Kovacevic
Belgrade (SRB) - 7:15am EST | -250+190 |
- Aleksandar Kovacevic bettors risk $100 to win $190 at +190 odds. The implied probability for Aleksandar Kovacevic is 34.48%.
- Hamad Medjedovic bettors risk $100 to win $40 at -250 odds. The implied probability for Hamad Medjedovic is 71.43%.
How a Tennis Match Game Total Bet Works
A tennis game total line estimates the match’s total number of games. Your sportsbook may also label this bet “Over/Under Games”. Decide whether final result will be over or under this number.
Combine the number of games played in each set. A 6-3 set result would be 9 games. A 7-5 set result would be 12 games. 9 + 12 = 21 total games. Over bettors win if the result is greater than the sportsbook’s line. Under bettors win if the result is less.
Placing A Tennis Game Total Bet
Select “Over/Under Game Total” from your sportsbook’s betting menu. Finally, select either the over or the under.
Why does the game total line include a ½ Game?
Half games aren’t possible in tennis. Sportsbooks set a ½ game line to prevent tie bets. The final result will either be over or under the line. No tie bets will be possible.
For example, consider a 21.5 game total line. 22 or more games is greater than 21.5 The over would win. 21 or fewer games is less than 21.5. The under would win.
Whole Number Game Total Lines Can Push
Tennis game total bets can push if the sportsbook sets a whole number or integer line like 19, 20, or 22. If the total number games played equals the sportsbook’s line, all bets push. The sportsbook will refund all game total bets. Whole number lines are less common.
Pick the Over or the Under
Taking the Over
Over will be abbreviated as “o”. A bet on the Over wins if the number of games played is greater than the sportsbook’s line. For example, consider a 20.5 game total line. You’re betting that more than 20.5 games will be played in a particular match.
Taking the Under
Under will be abbreviated as “u”. A bet on the Under wins if the number of games played is less than the sportsbook’s line. For example, consider a 19.5 game total line. You’re betting that less than 19.5 games will be played in a particular match.
Tennis Game Total Example
| Game Total Match | Line & Odds |
|---|---|
Jaume Munar
Andy Murray
10/17/22 6:00am EDT | 21.5 o -120 21.5 u +140 |
- The match game total line is 21.5.
- Over bettors believe that 22 or more games will be played. They risk $120 to win $100.
- Under bettors believe that 21 or fewer games will be played. They risk $100 to win $140.
Example Result: Murray defeats Munar 6-3, 6-4. Sum the number of games played: (6+3) Set 1 + (6+4) Set 2 = 19. 19 is less than the 21.5 game total. All under bettors win. All over bettors lose.
More Over-Under Total Info
Our total betting video makes the over under bet easy to understand. The reference section explains how to calculate the value for the opposite side of the line when sportsbooks charge more than -110 juice. Note, most sportsbooks provide juice for both sides of a line at their websites. Calculating the opposite side is only necessary when viewing condensed third party odds tables.
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How a Tennis Match Game Spread Bet Works
A game spread bet is made on the expected difference between the number of games each player will win. The game spread line attempts to equalize two mismatched competitors. Favorites give games to the underdog. Underdogs take games from the favorite.
Combine the number of games each player won. For example, consider a 6-3, 7-5 match result for the favorite player. The favorite won 6 + 7 = 13 games. The underdog won 3 + 5 = 8 games.
Now, calculate the favorite’s margin of victory in games. Subtract the underdog’s number of games from the favorite’s: 13 – 8 = 5 games. Favorite bettors win if 5 is greater than the sportsbook’s game spread line. Underdog bettors win if 5 is less than the game spread line. They also win if the underdog wins the match outright.
Placing Tennis Game Spread Bet
Select “Game Spread” from your sportsbook’s betting menu. This bet may also be called a “Game Handicap”. Finally, select either favorite or the underdog.
Why does the game spread line include a ½ Game?
Half games aren’t possible in tennis. Sportsbooks set a ½ game line to prevent tie bets. Either the favorite or the underdog win will win. No tie bets will be possible.
For example, consider a 2.5 game spread line. 3 or more games is greater than 2.5. The favorite wins if they win 3 or more games than the underdog. 2 or fewer games is less than 2.5. The underdog wins if the favorite wins by 2 or fewer games, or if the underdog wins outright.
Whole Number Game Spread Lines Can Push
Tennis game spreads bets can push if the sportsbook sets a whole number or integer line like 2, 3, or 4. If the favorite’s winning game margin equals the sportsbook’s line, all bets push. The sportsbook will refund all game spread bets. Whole number lines are less common.
Pick the Favorite or the Underdog
Taking the Underdog
Underdogs have a plus sign next to their game spread line. An underdog bet wins if the favorite’s margin of victory in games is less than the sportsbook’s line, or if the underdog wins outright. A +2.5 game underdog must not lose by more than 2 games or win outright.
Taking the Favorite
Favorites have a minus sign next to their game spread line. A bet on the favorite wins if the favorite’s margin of victory in games is greater than the sportsbook’s line. A -3.5 game favorite must win by 4 or more games.
Tennis Game Spread Example
| Game Spread Match | Line & Odds |
|---|---|
Jaume Munar
Andy Murray
10/17/22 6:00am EDT | +3.5 -105 -3.5 -135 |
- The match game spread line is Murray -3.5.
- Favorite bettors believe that Murray will win by 4 or more games. They risk $135 to win $100.
- Underdog bettors believe that Murray will win by 3 or fewer games, or that Munar will win outright. They risk $105 to win $100.
Example Result: Murray defeats Munar 6-3, 6-4. Sum the number games Murray won: 6 + 6 = 12. Sum the number of games Munar won: 3 + 4 = 7. Murray’s margin of victory in games is 12 – 7 = 5 games. This result is greater than the sportsbook’s -3.5 game line. All favorite Murray bettors win. All underdog Munar bettors lose.
More Spread Betting Info
Watch our spread betting video and read our complete spread tutorial.
How to Bet on Tennis
Time needed: 4 minutes
How to Bet on Tennis
- Open a new sports betting account for this year’s tennis season.
Review our list of sports betting sites. Open a new account and deposit money before your tennis match or tournament begins. Don’t forget to add your bonus code.
- Tap to the sportsbook’s tennis page, then look for the match or tournament you want to bet on.
Navigate to the sportsbook’s tennis page. Next, select your league or Grand Slam tournament, and then look for live or upcoming matches. You’ll also see futures odds for upcoming Grand Slam events and other major tournaments.
- Handicap your match, then review the sportsbook’s betting lines and odds.
Do your own handicapping and see whether it matches the sportsbook’s betting lines and odds. Identify the best wager for your prediction, reviewing alternate betting lines if necessary.
- Place a bet before the game begins.
Place a moneyline, game total, or game spread bet on the side you think will win before the match begins. Other options include betting the set line, when available.
- The sportsbook will grade your wager after the game.
Your sportsbook will grade the wager after the match is over. Any winnings will be deposited to your account.
Exotic Tennis Bets
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How a Tennis Set Line Bet Works
A set line bet is made on the expected difference between the number of sets each player will win. Like the game spread bet, the set line bet attempts to equalize two mismatched competitors. Favorites give sets to the underdog. Underdogs take sets from the favorite.
Sum the number of sets each player won. The favorite wins if the margin of victory is greater than the sportsbook’s set line. The underdog wins if the favorite’s margin of victory is less than the sportsbook’s set line, or if the underdog wins outright.
For example, the favorite won 2-0 in a 3 set match. That means the favorite won the match in straight sets. A set line bet on the -1.5 favorite would win. The -1.5 set favorite can only win in straight sets (2-0) in a 3 set match.
How to Place a Tennis Set Line Bet
- Select “Set Line” from your sportsbook’s betting menu.
- If two set lines are offered, select either the match favorite as set line favorite, or the match underdog as set line favorite.
- Payouts will vary depending on which side is the set line favorite or underdog.
- Select a player to win.
Why does the Set Line include a ½ Set?
Half sets aren’t possible in tennis. Sportsbooks set a ½ set line to prevent tie bets. Either the favorite or the underdog win will win. No tie bets will be possible.
For example, consider a 2.5 set line. 3 or more sets is greater than 2.5. The favorite wins if they win 3-0 in straight sets in a 5 set match. 2 or fewer sets is less than 2.5. The underdog wins if the favorite wins 3-2 or 3-1, or if the underdog wins outright in a 5 set match.
Whole Number Set Lines Can Push
Tennis set line bets can push if the sportsbook sets a whole number or integer line like 2 or 3. If the favorite’s winning set margin equals the sportsbook’s line, all bets push. The sportsbook will refund all set line bets. Whole number lines are less common.
Pick the Favorite or the Underdog
Sportsbooks may offer 2 set line bets with the same line for each player. Two different set line bets offer more flexibility than just one.
The first will be for the match favorite as the set line favorite. Note the minus sign next to the favorite’s set line and the plus sign next to the underdog’s set line. Taking the match underdog as the set line underdog typically pays more than the favorite.
The second will be for the match favorite as the set line underdog. Here the favorite and underdog swap lines. There will be a plus sign next to the favorite’s set line and a minus next to the match underdog’s set line.
Taking the Underdog
Underdogs have a plus sign next to their set line. An underdog bet wins if the favorite’s margin of victory in sets is less than the sportsbook’s line, or if the underdog wins outright.
Taking the Favorite
Favorites have a minus sign next to their set line. A bet on the favorite wins if the favorite’s margin of victory in sets is greater than the sportsbook’s line.
Set Line Bet Winner Shortcut
A set line equal to the number of sets required to win a match means the favorite must win in straight sets. For a 3 set match with a -1.5 set line, the favorite must win in straight sets 2-0. For a 5 set match with a -2.5 set line, the favorite must win straight sets 3-0.
The following table summarizes possible set line bet outcomes:
| Match Sets / Set Line | Favorite Wins | Underdog Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Sets -1.5 Favorite +1.5 Underdog | 2-0 Only Straight Sets | 2-1 Favorite Or Win Outright |
| 5 Sets -1.5 Favorite +1.5 Underdog | 3-0 Straight Sets Or 3-1 | 3-2 Favorite Or Win Outright |
| 5 Sets -2.5 Favorite +2.5 Underdog | 3-0 Only Straight Sets | 3-2 or 3-1 Favorite Or Win Outright |
More Info
Read more about point spreads. Watch our helpful video for more detail. Set line betting is unique to Tennis. Return to this page for specific tennis set line help!
How a Player Game Total Bet Works
A player game total line estimates the number of games a player will win. Decide whether final result will be over or under this value. This bet is on an individual player’s game total. Match game totals are different, read more above.
Sum the number of games your player won. If the total is greater than the sportsbook’s player game total line, the Over wins. If the total is less than the sportsbook’s player game total line, the Under wins.
For example, suppose your player won the first set 6-3 and the second set 7-5 of a 3 set match. They won 6 + 7 = 13 games total. If the sportsbook set a 11.5 game line, the Over would win.
How to Place a Player Game Total Bet
- Select “Player Game Total” from the sportsbook’s wagering menu.
- Review your player’s game total line.
- Bet over or under the sportsbook’s line.
Pick the Over or the Under
Taking the Over
Over will be abbreviated as “o”. A bet on the Over wins if the number of games the player won is greater than the sportsbook’s line.
Taking the Under
Under will be abbreviated as “u”. A bet on the Under wins if the number of games the player won is less than the sportsbook’s line.
More Info
Review our total betting video. See also tennis total betting above. The mechanics of player total betting and match total betting are similar.
How a Tennis 1st Set Winner Bet Works
Choose which player will win the first set. Sportsbooks will set odds as moneylines. The 1st set winner bet is considered a prop bet because the result isn’t directly related to the match’s outcome.
How to Place a 1st Set Winner Bet
- Select “1st Set Winner” from the sportsbook’s wagering menu. It may be listed as a match prop.
- Review each player’s odds to win the 1st set.
- Select a player to win the 1st set.
More Prop Bet Info
Read our expansive prop betting article. These bets are popular with knowledgeable sports handicappers if the numbers are right.
How Tennis Set Betting Works
Choose which player will win and their final set score. Sportsbooks will offer moneyline odds. Note that set betting is different from the set line bet discussed above.
How to Place a Tennis Set Bet
- Select “Tennis Set Bet” from the sportsbook’s wagering menu. It may be listed as a match prop.
- Review odds on each player’s potential winning scores.
- Select a player to win by a specific score.
Set Betting Outcomes for 3 and 5 Set Matches
Recall that a player must win the best of the total number of sets in a match. For a 3 set match, the winner must win 2 sets. For a 5 set match, the winner must win 3 sets. The match length in sets also determines various winning set scores.
3 Set Matches
Players can win with two different set scores: 2-0 or 2-1.
5 Set Matches
Players can win with three different set scores: 3-0, 3-1, or 3-2.
More Prop Bet Info
Read our expansive prop betting article. These bets are popular with knowledgeable sports handicappers if the numbers are right.
How Tennis Parlay Betting Works
A parlay bet combines 2 or more selections into one bet. Select bets from one or more tennis matches. You can also include point spreads, over-under totals, moneylines, and some prop bets from other sports.
How to Place a Tennis Parlay Bet
- Select 2-15 tennis moneylines, match game totals, match game spreads, set lines, or any other tennis bet.
- Selections from other sports like football, basketball, soccer, or MMA can be included.
- All selections must be correct to win.
- Each tie reduces parlay size by 1 selection. Review your sportsbook’s parlay rules carefully.
More Parlay Bet Info
Our parlay betting tutorial explains this bet in detail with examples and suggested betting options. Learn what happens when one or more parlay selections tie. The reference section also discusses the difference between standard parlay odds and true odds.
A parlay combining 2 or more tennis matches benefits the winning bettor more than separate straight bets. See the bottom of the parlay tutorial for more information.
Men’s Grand Slam Futures
|
Team |
|---|
| OH,US tennis Evnum: 1 Odds Pending |
Women’s Grand Slam Futures
|
Team |
|---|
| OH,US tennis Evnum: 2 Odds Pending |
Tennis Betting FAQs
The most popular tennis straight bets include the moneyline, game total, and game spread. Other popular tennis bets include the set line, when available.
The most popular tennis exotic bets include the parlay, player game total, set betting, and 1st set winner.
Tennis prop bets for both the game and individual players are legal in most US States, with the exception of any NCAA college tennis match or tournament. Refer to your sportsbook’s wagering menu and house rules for more information.
A set line bet is made on the expected difference between the number of sets each player will win. Like the game spread bet, the set line bet attempts to equalize two mismatched competitors. Favorites give sets to the underdog. Underdogs take sets from the favorite.
A player game total line estimates the number of games a player will win. Decide whether final result will be over or under this value. This bet is on an individual player’s game total.
Choose which player will win the first set. Sportsbooks will set odds as moneylines. The 1st set winner bet is considered a prop bet because the result isn’t directly related to the match’s outcome.
Choose which player will win and their final set score. Sportsbooks will offer moneyline odds. This bet is similar to a soccer correct score bet. Note that tennis set betting is not the same as a set line bet.
Tennis Betting Resources
- How to Bet on Tennis – Learn to bet on tennis matches with moneylines, game totals, game spreads, and exotic bets like set line, player total games, and 1st set winner.
- Tennis Betting Sites – We reviewed the best legal tennis betting sites serving customers in multiple US states. Get your bets in before the players step on the court!
- ATP Tour Betting Odds – Current moneyline odds for upcoming ATP Tour matchups.
- WTA Tour Betting Odds – Current moneyline odds for upcoming WTA Tour matchups.
- ITF Men Betting Odds – Review ITF Men moneyline odds for major international tournaments.
- ITF Women Betting Odds – Review ITF Women moneyline odds for major international tournaments.
Women’s Grand Slams
- Women’s Australian Open Odds – See the latest Women’s Australian Open futures odds, paired with lines and odds for the tournament’s upcoming single’s matches.
- Women’s French Open Odds – Our page contains the latest Women’s French Open futures, plus betting odds for upcoming singles tournament matches.
- Women’s Wimbledon Odds – Our Wimbledon Ladies’ guide has the latest odds to win the tournament, with lines and odds for all matchups, including the qualifying rounds.
- Women’s US Open Odds – The Women’s US Open is the last Grand Slam event of the year, so stay on top of the latest Women’s US Open futures odds, plus betting lines and odds for each upcoming tournament matchup.
Men’s Grand Slams
- Men’s Australian Open Odds – Have a look at futures odds for the Men’s Australian open, and then browse moneylines, total games, and game spread lines and odds for all of the tournament’s singles matches.
- Men’s French Open Odds – Dive into the latest Men’s French Open futures, while you review betting odds for the next scheduled singles matches.
- Men’s Wimbledon Odds – See the latest Wimbledon Gentlemen’s futures odds, along with betting lines and odds for the next scheduled qualifiers and tournament matches.
- Men’s US Open Odds – The last Grand Slam of the year offers bettors a final chance to place US Open futures odds, as well as bets on individual Men’s US Open matches through the final.
References
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Slam_(tennis)
tennisbettingexplained.com/spread.html