Whether you are a Union or League fan, you are probably looking for offers and special bets from online betting sites but which ones are the best rugby betting sites?
In this guide, we shall take you through the top online bookmaker sites that you can consider and the different types of rugby tournaments and bets you can place.
Over the years, rugby has increased in popularity, and as a result, the number of betting sites offering great bets has increased as well. To show how popular rugby betting has become, during the Rugby World Cup, bets worth millions of money are placed from all over the globe.
Editor's Pick - Best and Recommended Rugby Betting Sites
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Rugby Types and Tournaments (Best for Betting)
Generally, there are two types of tournaments;Â
Rugby Union
This type of rugby is played by two teams of 15 players each. It doesn’t put a cap on the tackles in a game.
Whenever the ball is out of play, coaches dictate the use of a line out. A line out is where members of the team line up and every player try to catch the ball that comes flying above them (a member of the opposing team throws the ball).
In this type of game, mauls and scrums are expected and are part of the game. The line out is a strategic play.
Rugby League
The rugby league is played by teams with 13 players. Usually, the ball is smaller than the one used in Rugby Union. Because of this, it can’t fly far when kicked, and its bounces are challenging to predict.
After a team completes six tackles, it hands over ball possession to the opposing team. Unlike in Union Rugby, when the ball goes out of play, teams use a simple tap and go strategy.
In rugby league, there’s minimal scrummaging.
In both types, there are sevens tournaments. A single play lasts for 14 minutes (there are two halves). However, in the finals, the two halves last for ten minutes each.
In the union tournaments, there are many competitions punters can place bets on. These include Lions Tour, Super 15, Six Nations, the World Cup and Guinness Pro 12.
On the flip side, though the league doesn’t enjoy as much popularity as Union, it still has a lot of competitions you can bet on. These include NRL, Challenge Cup, and the Super League.
You can also bet on the women’s league on various competitions which include the World cup (Women’s).
Best Rugby Betting Types
Now that you know the different rugby types and tournaments let’s look at the markets (types of bets you can place).
Rugby Head to Head
This is by far the simplest and straightforward type of rugby bet. With this bet, you are simply predicting the winner of the match (including the extra time).
Most betting sites have dead heat rules for when the teams draw. The bet placed only wins when the team you pick is displayed as the winner on the fixtures.
Match Result
In this bet, punters are simply betting on the result of the match. This can either be a draw, win or loss. The draw bet option always has larger odds.
Rugby Handicap
In this, you bet on a team to exceed specific expectations set by the bookmaker before the match starts. The handicap given can either be plus or minus a number of points. The bet wins if the team beats the spread.
Double Result
This bet splits the outcome of a match into two halves. As such, there are nine possible outcomes of the match. These include; Win/Draw, Win/Win, Win/Loss, Draw/Draw, Draw/Win, Draw/Loss, Loss/Win, Loss/Loss, Loss/Draw. For you to win the bet, you have to predict both outcomes correctly.
Winning Margin
This is the most difficult rugby bet. To win on this one, you have to guess the difference in points between the two rugby teams at the end of the game. The margins range from 1-5 points and can rise to between 46 and 50. However, these always vary depending on the teams that are playing.
Line Betting
This bet type is used by bookmakers to try and even the bet. It is used when a specific team is expected to win by a huge margin. The betting site handicaps the stronger team by some points, and then you bet on whether they will win with more points or if the weaker team will complete the game within the set margin.
First Try Scorer
This bet works the same way the first goal scorer does in football games. It is only available for high profile Rugby Union games. Your bet wins if you correctly predict the first player to score.
Best Rugby Betting Sites
Here are our best rugby betting sites;
Betway and rugby
Betway is a genius in marketing and one of the best rugby betting sites. But aside from this, it has a lot to offer on rugby matches and bets. For those who are new to the platform, you get a welcome bonus that you can use on the site on any rugby match that you please. In addition, you can bet from your phone and enjoy the live streaming service.
Check Betway’s New Account Offer
Betfair and rugby
This betting site is known for its lucrative bonuses. The bonuses are quite appealing, especially for punters who already have strategies up their sleeve that they can’t wait to try. The betting site also offers treble odds in rugby union matches on the first try scorer bet type if there is a touchdown in the initial 15 minutes. Being a large betting site, it has a wide selection of rugby games.
Check Betfair’s New Account Offer
Ladbrokes and rugby
This betting site is easy to navigate and find rugby matches to bet on. But even better, they have a wide range of specials for numerous games which are designed to encourage you to bet with them. The betting site also has live streaming, and in-play betting.
Check Ladbrokes’ New Account Offer
Bet365 and rugbyÂ
Of all the options, this is by far one of the best rugby betting sites and well-rounded betting sites available. Bet 365 has an excellent market depth for both League ad Union Rugby. Moreover, it has many special markets and has many in-play rugby betting options for you to enjoy.
This betting site has attractive odds and is loved for the live streaming option they have for the rugby union and league. Aside from these, they have numerous rugby betting opportunities, including Six Nations. If you need help with the selections, you can look for the tip advisor logo and read through the comments that other players have made on the bet. This service makes a favorite in rugby betting.
Check Bet365’s New Account Offer
Paddy Power and rugby
This betting company packs a punch as one of the best rugby betting platforms. Some of the big matches attract more than 80 bet types, including win margin, head to head, first try scorer and under/over total points. You can even bet on the next country to host the Rugby World Cup.
Check Paddy Power’s New Account Offer
Betvictor and rugby
This betting site is always in the countdowns. It is user-friendly and intuitive. And in regards to rugby, it has a wide range of markets and events.
On this site, you are guaranteed to find more than ten competitions that you can bet on at any given time. And with such wide markets, the possibilities of the bets that you can place are endless.
Check Betvictor’s New Account Offer
People gain an interest in rugby games every day. There couldn’t be a better time to get into rugby betting. And when you choose to place your first bet, consider the above top rugby betting sites first.
Our Final Thoughts on the Rugby Betting Websites
As the thrill of rugby captures fans worldwide, betting on the sport has never been more exciting or accessible. Whether you’re placing a wager on the hard-hitting action of a Rugby Union match or the strategic plays in the Rugby League, the best rugby betting sites we have reviewed offer a comprehensive blend of competitive odds, rich promotions, and an extensive market selection to enhance your betting experience. Dive into rugby betting and make each match more thrilling than the last.