Rugby Union probably isn’t as popular as what it has been in previous years, but from a betting perspective, there is more competitions than ever before, so punters are spoiled for choice.
There are a stack of ways for punters to bet on Rugby Union, whether you fancy the stock standard regular options such as Head To Head or Margin Betting, or going out wide in search for value, so down below are the different types of betting options for Rugby Union.
Head To Head Bet
This bet sees a market on the two teams and who will win. An example of this would be Australia taking on New Zealand, with $3 odds against $1.4 odds. If you place $10 on Australia to win, you’ll get a return of $3. If the game ends in a draw, that dividend will be halved.
Line/Handicap Bet
This is a betting option where the bookmaker handicaps the match. An example of this is the bookmaker will consider a team 12.5 points better than the oppoising team, so with that, the punter can back the team will win by more than 10.5 points, or the other option is backing the other team to lose by 12.5 punters or under, or win the match. As an example, putting $10 on a team to win by more than 12.5 and cover the line at $1.90, you will collect $19.
Margin Bet
This is where punters can back the winning margin on a game between the two teams. Margin betting is available on the major sporting codes, including Rugby Union. The usual margin betting for Rugby Union is 1-12 or 13+, so you can back a team between 1 and 12 points, or back a team to win by 13 or more points. There are other margin betting options which are more specific, to the point where you can back a team to win by an exact margin. For example, if you bet on a team to win by 1-12 at $2.90 and place a $10 bet, you will collect $29.
Total Points Unders/Overs Bet
The vast majority of bookmakers will have the betting option of total points and will set a specific number. Then punters can bet on whether the game will have more points than that number, or lower. It’s generally close to $2 odds for either option depending on the teams playing and weather conditions. Some bookmakers will also bet on other total points markets and offer odds on specific total points options. An example of this bet is putting $10 on Under 42.5 points for the match at $1.90 and the total points is 40, the punter will collect $19.
First Try Scorer Bet
This is a betting option where the punter needs to find the first try scorer for the match. Generally the wingers are the players shorter in the market but there is value to be found if you find another player that can cross the white line. This is a popular betting option, especially in the Grand Final. An example of this bet is putting $10 on Marika Koroibete to be the first try scorer at $7, you will collect $70.
Any Time Try Scorer Bet
This form of betting gives punters the option to back a player to score a try at any stage of the game. This form of betting is very popular when it comes to same game multis, but for a single bet, there could be potential value if you look away from the backs and look at forwards who could be a decent price.
First Scoring Play Bet
The first scoring play is a popular betting option for Rugby Union given the penalty goal is quite prevalent. It is often the first scoring play compared to other football codes, where first try/goal scorer is more popular. An example of this bet is putting $10 on Australia to get the first scoring play via a penalty goal at the odds of $3.50 and if they do, the punter will collect $35.
Pick Your Own Line Bet
This is an option that most bookies have available for punters. It allows punters to pick what line they want for a team, and depending on what the bookie rates the two teams and their chances, the odds vary when it comes to what line the punter elects to take. It can range from 1.5 start and it can upwards of 50+ depending on the teams and how well they are matched up.
Same Game Multi Bet
The same game multi is the most popular form of betting across Rugby Union. This where you can combine multiple selections together to enhance your price.
This is a form of betting which is popular because you don’t need to outlay too much to potentially win big. You can add as much as 25 legs to a same game multi, and add legs from both teams, which will ensure a bigger divided.
Rugby World Cup Winner Bet
Futures betting is always popular with sports and the best futures market for Rugby Union is the World Cup. An example of this bet is putting $10 on New Zealand to win the World Cup at the odds of $4. if they do win, the punter will collect $40.
