Tennis dominates live betting: Australian Open breaks attendance record 

Júlia Moura January 29, 2025
Tennis dominates live betting: Australian Open breaks attendance record 

Tennis has become one of the most attractive sports for bettors worldwide, especially in the live betting segment. According to Entain’s trend report, live bets currently account for 90% of all tennis-related wagers. The sport ranks fifth among the most popular in Entain’s global brands, which operate in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain, and Brazil. 

Major events like the Australian Open have played a crucial role in this growth. Last year, the tournament welcomed over one million spectators, setting a historic attendance record. Known as the “Happy Slam” for its popularity, the Australian Open draws bettors’ attention despite time zone challenges. Other major tournaments, including the US Open and the French Open, have also gained relevance in the betting scene. The French Open, in particular, has surpassed Wimbledon in popularity, possibly due to longer matches on clay courts, offering more opportunities for live betting. 

Currently, tennis is the second most bet-on sport live in the United Kingdom and the United States, trailing only football and basketball, respectively. In the U.S., tennis has outpaced football in live betting volume for three consecutive years. The dynamic nature of tennis matches, with frequent momentum shifts, allows bettors to use their knowledge of the game to predict outcomes, increasing the appeal of live betting. 

Entain’s report reveals that 60% of tennis bets are placed on men’s events, likely due to the longer match durations usually played in a best-of-five-set format. However, this trend is changing. Rising stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula are drawing increased attention to women’s tennis. Entain predicts a rise in betting options for women’s events following these athletes’ growing popularity. To meet this demand, Entain plans to expand its live betting options for tennis, enhancing the overall experience for bettors as the sport’s popularity continues to rise. 

Tennis betting offers a variety of markets that attract both beginners and experienced bettors. Some of the most popular markets include: 

  • Match Winner: Betting on which player will win the match. 
  • Total Sets: Predicting the total number of sets played. 
  • Handicap: Giving a fictional advantage or disadvantage to one player to balance the odds. 
  • Over/Under: Betting on whether the total number of games or sets will be above or below a specific number. 
  • Long-Term Bets: Predicting tournament winners or year-end rankings. 

Tips for betting on tennis 

For those interested in betting on tennis, here are some essential tips: 

  • Analyse Player Performance: Study recent performances, including wins, losses, and results on different surfaces. 
  • Consider Tournament Characteristics: Each tournament has unique factors such as court type, weather conditions, and crowd pressure that can impact player performance. 
  • Compare Odds Across Betting Sites: Odds may vary between bookmakers. Comparing odds can help find the best value for your bet. 
  • Manage Your Bankroll: Set a betting budget and stick to it to avoid significant losses. 
  • Stay Informed: Follow news and updates on player injuries, coaching changes, and other relevant factors that may influence match outcomes. 

By following these guidelines, bettors can improve their chances of success and enjoy a more rewarding tennis betting experience. 

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