With its thrilling matches and passionate fans, rugby is a great sport to bet on. But to enjoy betting on rugby and maybe even win a bit, it’s important to know the game and how it works. Here’s a practical guide to get you started.
Understanding Rugby
Rugby is a game of strength, strategy, and speed. It’s important to know the basics: the rules, the scoring system, and the difference between Rugby Union and Rugby League.
In Rugby Union, teams have 15 players, while in Rugby League, they have 13. This small difference changes how the games are played and scored.
Ensure you understand that rugby is not American football, Australian rules football or Canadian football – it has its own rules and particularities.
What’s the Difference?
Aside from the obvious differences – the different number of players, the size of the pitch, and the very different equipment – there are quite a few fundamental differences between Rugby, American football, and the other sports we mentioned above. For now, let’s focus on the two most popular: Rugby Union and American football:
- In American football, teams have four downs (attempts) to advance the ball 10 yards. Failing to do so results in a turnover. Rugby’s flow is more continuous, with possession changing through rucks, mauls, and turnovers without specific downs.
- Tackling styles differ. In Rugby, tackles focus more on bringing the ball carrier to the ground. American football allows more tackling styles, including head-on collisions.
- Rugby has penalty kicks and drop goals (both of them are worth 3 points). These have no direct equivalent in American football.
- The length of a match differs significantly from one to another. In American football, there are four 15-minute quarters, with breaks between them. In Rugby, the match is divided into two 40-minute halves with a single break between the two.
As you can see, while rugby and American football do share some apparent similarities, deep down they are two very different sports.
Types of Rugby Bets
Each sport has its own set of betting markets. Before diving into rugby betting, make sure you understand what you can choose from:
- Match Outcome Bets: The simplest bet is picking who will win the match or if it’ll end in a draw. There’s also handicap betting, which evens the odds when one team is stronger.
- First Try Scorer: This is about betting on the player who scores the game’s first try. It’s a bit of a guess, but it can be exciting.
- Points Betting: You can bet on the total points scored in the game, either over or under a certain number set by the bookies.
- In-Play Betting: This lets you bet on different aspects of the game as it happens. It’s fast-paced and needs you to pay attention to the game.
- Proposition Bets: Prop bets are bets on specific events in the game, like which team will score first or which half will have more points.
Do Your Homework
In sports betting, you should leave nothing to guesswork. The key to betting successfully is predicting the most likely outcomes based on the available information. In short, do your homework.
The teams’ statistics can give you a lot to work with. Before placing a bet, you should check the teams’ recent form and head-to-head statistics.
Be mindful of any news about injuries and suspensions: missing a key player can mean the difference between victory and defeat for the team – and a win or a loss for you.
The weather and the playing conditions can also affect the game a lot. Teams that are used to playing in wet conditions might need help on a dry field and vice versa.
Choose the Right Betting Platform
Pick a betting platform that’s easy to use, offers good odds, is secure, and has various betting options. Always go for licensed and reputable sites, even if there’s a more obscure one trying to lure you in with bonuses and better odds.
After all, the peace of mind that you can actually cash out your winnings beats a larger-than-life bonus any day.
Ensure the platform has extensive rugby betting coverage – not all bookmakers in all regions do. To help you decide, check out OnlineGamblingSA.co.za. The site has an extensive section dedicated to rugby betting that can help you find the right betting platform for you.
Betting Strategies and Tips
One of the keys to success in sports betting is good bankroll management. This means playing smart and staying in the game longer while keeping things fun. Your bankroll is your betting budget that you invest in a potentially profitable but risky activity.
Be responsible with your money. First and foremost, never bet using money you can’t afford to lose. It’s best if you earmark a certain amount for betting each month – and stop betting once you run out.
Look for bets that offer more value than the odds suggest. It’s called value betting and can increase your chances of winning. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your bets across different types. If you lose, don’t just shrug it off. Keep records of your bets, review them, and see where you can improve.
Finally, make sure to bet with your head, not with your heart. Just because you are the Springboks’ or the All Blacks’ biggest fan you shouldn’t bet on their victory every single time. Stick to your strategy and avoid impulsive bets, especially after a loss or a big win!
Bet Responsibly!
Betting should be fun, not a problem. Be aware of how much you spend and how often you’re betting. It might be time to take a step back if it starts to feel like more than just a game. There’s plenty of help available for gambling addiction.
Betting on rugby can add an extra thrill to watching the game. But being informed, smart, and responsible about it is important. Keep learning and adjusting your strategies. You might get better at predicting those thrilling rugby outcomes!
