From the markets offered to the length of matches, here is everything you need to know about betting on table tennis.
Table tennis, also known as ping pong, has been played around the world for centuries. Two players take turns hitting a ball back and forth across a table with a net in the centre, aiming to fire a shot that their opponent can’t return. With millions of fans worldwide, there’s a growing betting market for the sport’s professional scene.
If you’re looking to bet on table tennis, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide will teach you the basics of the sport, as well as how to understand betting odds, tricks you can use to boost your play, and the key mistakes to avoid. Here are our betting tips for table tennis to help you follow the action at home.
How does table tennis work?
Like in regular tennis, table tennis is played by two players who rally to victory.
Points are won by a player when their opponent is unable to return a shot, or a player’s shot either hits the net or doesn’t land on the table. A player is also given two attempts to complete a successful serve, or a point will be awarded to their opponent.
Matches are split into games: A game is awarded to the first player to reach 11 points, ensuring they have at least a two-point lead over their opponent.
If a player reaches 11 points with a lead of fewer than two points, there will be a tie-break between the two until one player opens a two-point gap.
Matches are then decided in a best-of-five game format – first to three, for example – or best of seven in major tournaments.
How to read table tennis betting odds
At Betway, we present our table tennis odds in fractional terms. This means that each outcome is assigned a fraction based on its likelihood of occurring. In simple terms, the larger the fraction, the more money you could win.
For example, let’s say Player A has odds of 1/10 to win. The number on the right of the fraction represents your stake, and the number on the left represents your potential winnings from a successful bet. In this case, you would earn one-tenth of your bet as winnings, as well as your original stake. That means placing a £10 stake on this bet would return £11 in total.
On the other hand, Player B could have odds of 5/1 to win a match. In this case, you would earn five times the money you bet, including your original stake, meaning a £10 bet would return £60 if you’re successful.
For more information on reading the numbers, check out our ‘Fractional odds explained’ guide.
How to bet on table tennis
Here at Betway, we offer a wide range of table tennis markets across every game in a match, including:
Match winner
One of the most common markets for betting on table tennis is predicting the match winner. Each match is made up of a certain number of games, and the player who wins the most games emerges victorious.
Game winner
Similarly to the match winner market, you will again be given the option of Player A or Player B here. But the difference this time is that you will just be backing them to win a specific game, rather than the entire match.
Total points per game
This market allows you to bet on whether there will be over or under a pre-determined number of points in a specific game. You can learn more about this in our guide to under/over betting.
Handicap line per game
This is another market that is for a specific game, rather than the entire match. It will allow you to bet on the number of points you think a game will be won by.
Race to three, five, and seven points per game
These markets will allow you to bet on either Player A or Player B to be the first to score three, five and seven points in a specific game.
Tips for betting on table tennis
So, you’re interested in getting involved, but first-looking for advice before you start playing? While there’s no definitive table tennis strategy guide, these tips and tricks can help you find your ideal bet.
Current rank isn’t everything
You need to understand the individual styles of each table tennis player. Simply because the world’s No. 3 is playing the No. 9, it doesn’t mean the higher-ranked player will always win. The No. 9 might have an impressive record against players of their opponent’s style, for example.
Form is important
Form can fluctuate wildly from tournament to tournament, with players going through ups and downs in short order.
Most major players will tailor their schedules to peak in time for the most significant events, like the Olympics, but it’s essential to keep an eye on their previous wins and losses. If a player is on a hot streak, they’re much more likely to win, so make sure you research their past games thoroughly.
Conduct your own research
There is relatively little coverage of table tennis, meaning it is easier to get an edge if you can watch games yourself. If you see a big upset, look into why it might have happened. Also, research the longer-priced player.
You might be able to find a top performer at a long price before anyone else.
Mistakes to avoid when betting on table tennis
Just as there are helpful tips and tricks, there are also a few common errors new players often make when placing their first bets. Here are some of the biggest pitfalls to avoid when starting your table tennis betting journey:
Betting with your heart, not your head
It can be tempting to back your favourite player in a tournament, even if they’re underperforming. Unfortunately, this is an unreliable strategy if an opponent outmatches them. Don’t be afraid to bet against your preferred player if you think you could earn more from a different bet.
Chasing losses
Some bettors fall into the habit of placing extra bets after losing, which can lead to even heavier losses. Make sure to regulate your play and keep yourself in check, staying level-headed and avoiding any rash decisions.
Not researching your options
While single bets are a reliable way to play, there are plenty of other betting options that can yield even higher winnings. If you’re looking to vary your play, consider trying multiple bets to get more out of your game.
How to bet on table tennis online
To start betting on table tennis today, simply log in to your Betway account or sign up if you’re new to the site.
Find which match you’d like to bet on and select your betting market, then enter your chosen stake. Our betslip will then show you how much you could win from a successful bet! Once you’re happy, click ‘Place bet’, sit back, and keep an eye on the results.
Where to bet on table tennis
Betway is the number one destination for table tennis betting, with competitive odds on all the biggest games in the calendar. From major matches like the men’s WTT finals and women’s WTT finals, to Olympic events, you’ll be able to keep up with all the action right here. You can also download the Betway app, so you can play from anywhere around the world.
Visit Betway’s table tennis betting page.
