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Tennis Betting in Illinois
The introduction of online sports betting in Illinois has sparked excitement among many bettors eager to get in on the action. While most begin by placing bets on their favorite sports, there is also great pleasure in discovering the wide range of sports betting options available.
Including tennis betting in your repertoire is a fantastic decision. The sport’s popularity is on the rise in the US, thanks to the wide range of betting opportunities it offers. From head-to-head matchups to predicting match winners, there are numerous tournaments to bet on. Additionally, futures, props, and live betting are also available for those looking for more options.
Our guide will explain all the ways you can get involved in tennis betting in Illinois.
Best IL betting apps for betting on tennis
How to bet on tennis in Illinois
Tennis provides a wide range of unique betting opportunities, yet there are also beneficial parallels with other sports that can be used for handicapping strategies.
For instance, there are betting options that work in a similar way to moneyline, point spread, or totals bets found in team-based sports. Futures and prop markets also operate with similar odds. Live betting allows you to stay engaged with every serve and volley.
At its core, tennis revolves around one-on-one battles that can greatly impact the overall outcome of a tournament. Complicating matters further, the playing surfaces can vary between events, altering the ball’s trajectory and adding an additional element of challenge.
Let’s dive into the main types of tennis bets and learn how they work.
- Bet on tournament champions by predicting who will win each tournament. You can also place bets on players you think will finish high in the rankings, like reaching the semifinals. Betting odds are available for all competitors, from the favorites to the underdogs.
- In head-to-head tennis tournaments, players are initially seeded and matched up in elimination rounds. You can place bets on the winning player in each matchup, with odds similar to those in NFL or MLB moneyline bets.
- In Spread Betting, oddsmakers add a ‘spread’ factor to head-to-head matchups to enhance the excitement of betting. Unlike other sports that involve points, goals, or runs, tennis spreads are determined by games or sets. Just like in other sports, you can bet on the favorite minus the spread or choose the underdog plus the spread.
- Total Betting in Tennis: Similar to over/under bets in other sports, tennis betting also includes totals. Instead of focusing on points scored, tennis totals are based on the number of games needed to complete a match. Bookmakers will set a specific number for reference, giving bettors the opportunity to place their bets.
These are the main betting options you can explore, but there are also many other choices available on the tennis betting menu. Let’s take a look at other popular ways to participate, beginning with a sector that has seen a recent increase in interest.
How to bet on tennis matches live in IL
The sports betting industry has seen significant advancements, with live betting now being a prominent feature that was once considered niche. It has become an essential component at top operators.
Live betting, also known as in-game betting, enables you to make real-time bets while the event is happening. In tennis, this provides a constant flow of betting options as the matches progress.
While offerings are subject to change depending on the circumstances, here are some sample options:
- Newest betting odds for the outcome of the match.
- Bet on a player to win the upcoming game or set.
- Place a bet on the team that will score the next point.
The fast-paced market of betting odds and offers in Illinois sportsbooks can change in an instant. Top apps make it easy to stay updated on the game, allowing you to log in and watch live action on your device so you never miss a moment.
The increase in popularity of tennis betting can be attributed to the rise of live betting, which provides more chances to wager on matches. However, it is important to not become too caught up in the thrill of it all. It is crucial to make well-thought-out bets and avoid letting them consume you.
How to bet futures on tennis
Tennis also offers a lively futures market where you can place bets on upcoming results. The Grand Slam events, which are the four major tournaments of the year, are the focal point of the most significant tennis markets.
Below is a quick summary of the top futures bets worth considering:
- Wimbledon winner
- US Open winner
- French Open winner
- Australian Open winner
- Player of the Year
- The player who emerged victorious in the Grand Slam tournament.
- Winner of Davis Cup
After the current Grand Slam tournament ends, bookmakers immediately release the odds for the next edition. The betting market remains active year-round, offering odds for all expected players in the upcoming tournament.
It is recommended to keep a close eye on the board as it may change based on market interest. Grand Slam futures can be a valuable resource for gauging the betting market’s expectations for the season, and making a well-timed futures bet can result in a significant payout.
How prop betting works
Prop bets, commonly seen in team sports, are also widely enjoyed in tennis. They provide additional betting options beyond simply predicting the match or tournament results.
It’s like wagering on a player’s performance or predicting what might happen during the event. There are many choices to consider for a typical match, all of which can be viewed by clicking on the matchup listing.
Below are some prop bets that you might come across:
- Who will win the first set: Dominic Thiem or Rafael Nadal?
- Will this match end in straight sets: Yes or no?
- Will Ashleigh Barty or Simona Halep record the first ace in the match?
Props in tennis elevate the excitement of betting and offer a fantasy sports-like experience. They allow for a deeper engagement with matches and create another way to potentially profit.
Sportsbook rules when it comes to betting on tennis
The basics of tennis betting are just like betting on any other sport. You place your bets, watch the match or tournament, and then the operator will quickly review the bets and pay out any winning wagers without delay.
However, there are instances where things may not be as straightforward as they appear. While standard operating procedures are widespread in the industry, the way they are implemented can vary from one operator to another. It is important to be familiar with the following key guidelines:
- Bets placed on games that are postponed due to weather or unforeseen circumstances will typically stay in effect as long as they are completed within a reasonable amount of time.
- In order for bets to be settled, at least one set must be completed. Additionally, operators will consider bets live once the first ball is in play.
- If a player chooses to retire during a match, the outcome of the bet may be affected based on the amount of the match that has been completed. In certain circumstances, if the match has progressed past a certain point before the retirement, the bet will be settled as normal.
Typically, books handle specific situations in this manner, but there may be occasional quirks. It is advisable to review the rules of the sportsbook.
Typically, each sport has a designated section for house rules. If not, you can find information in the “Help” menu. If you have any unanswered questions, feel free to reach out to customer support for assistance.
Easy tips for beginners to bet on tennis
Beginning to bet on tennis is like starting any new sport. There is a learning curve that can be difficult, but with dedication, it can be conquered. It is normal to face losses along the way, but they are all part of the process.
If you are new to tennis, begin by learning the fundamentals such as scoring, game and set structure, and the tournament format. Once you have a solid understanding of these basics, you can then explore handicapping. Here are some tips to help you begin:
1. Study futures odds and player rankings
There are two ways to measure the comparison between tennis players. The first is to look at the futures odds for the Grand Slam tournaments, while the second is to analyze player rankings. Futures odds provide a betting perspective on player comparison, while ATP and WTA rankings offer insight into current form.
2. Make a shortlist of players to watch
With both men’s and women’s tournaments having packed fields, researching every player can be challenging. To simplify this task, focus on a select few players. One approach is to analyze the tennis betting odds for potential winners and choose a small group to closely follow.
3. Understand the playing surface and potential impacts
Not all tennis courts are created equal, as there are four main types of playing surfaces: clay, hard, grass, and carpet, each impacting the game in unique ways. This means that players may excel on one surface but struggle on others, making it crucial to consider surface type when evaluating tournaments.
4. Review previous results from tour stops
Those who have a track record of success on a particular surface or location are more likely to succeed again, while those who have struggled in the past may face more challenges. It is important to consider the players’ past performances at the current event as part of our analysis.
5. Continue learning and studying
It is not realistic to expect to learn everything about tennis and betting in just one session, so it is important not to overwhelm yourself. Instead, focus on understanding the key aspects first and then gradually delve into studying the game and betting techniques. Stay updated with the latest news in the sport to enhance your knowledge over time.
While this list of tips may not cover everything, it provides a solid starting point for developing a basic handicapping routine. By learning and applying these fundamentals, you can improve your chances of success. As you continue to refine your approach, you will eventually find the strategies that work best for your tennis betting style and schedule.
IL players who made the circuit
Many well-known professional players, both male and female, have ties to Illinois.
Andrea Jaeger
- Illinois Connection: Chicago native
- Career Titles: 10
- In 1981, the highest rank achieved was No. 2.
Kevin Anderson
- Illinois connection: Alumnus of the University of Illinois
- Career Titles: Six
- Ranked at No. 5 in 2018 as the highest position.
Laura Granville
- Illinois connection: Hailing from Chicago
- Career Record: 249-177
- Achieved a peak ranking of No. 28 in 2003.
Seymour Greenberg
- Illinois connection: Hailing from Chicago
- Career achievement: Quarterfinalist at the US Open on four occasions
- In 1943, the fifth highest ranking was No. 5.
Below are the current ATP rankings of several active men’s players who attended the University of Illinois.
- Aleksandar Vukic: 186
- Jared Hiltzik: 1,269
- Ruan Roelof: 626
- Keenan Mayo: 1,284
- Aleksandar Kovacevic: 519
How to bet on tennis Grand Slams
The Grand Slam tournaments are the highest level of annual tennis competitions, drawing in the best players from around the globe to compete for substantial prize money and prestigious titles.
These tournaments are the center of attention in the sport each year, especially in terms of betting. While many tennis bettors are active throughout the year, these events also bring in more casual fans.
US Open
- From August 30 to September 12, 2021.
- The event will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.
Australian Open
- Dates: Feb. 8-21, 2021
- Melbourne Park is located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
French Open
- May 23rd to June 6th, 2021
- Location: Roland-Garros in Paris
Wimbledon
- From June 28 to July 11, 2021
- The venue for the event is The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, located in London.
ATP and WTA tours
You can witness top-level professional tennis at the ATP and WTA tours, with the ATP focusing on men’s tennis and the WTA highlighting the world’s best female players. With nearly year-long schedules, tournaments are consistently happening on both tours.
Below is a summary of the key highlights from each circuit, including the type of surface and the starting date for the next edition:
Top ATP tour stops
- The Indian Wells Masters tournament, originally set to take place on March 11, 2021 in Indian Wells, CA, US on a hard court, has been delayed.
- The Dubai Tennis Championships were held in Dubai, UAE on March 15, 2021.
- The Barcelona Open took place on April 19, 2021, in Barcelona, Spain, on a clay court.
- The Summer Olympic Games are being held in Tokyo, Japan on July 24, 2021, under challenging conditions.
- The Canadian Open took place in Toronto, Canada on August 9, 2021, and was played on a hard court surface.
- The St. Petersburg Open, a hard court tennis tournament, was held in St. Petersburg, Russia on September 20, 2021.
- The European Open will be held in Antwerp, Belgium on a hard court from October 18, 2021.
- On November 1, 2021, the Paris Masters, a hard court tennis tournament, was held in Paris, France.
Top WTA tour stops
- The Qatar Open will take place in Doha, Qatar on a hard court starting on March 1, 2021.
- The Lyon Open, which took place on March 1, 2021, in Lyon, France, featured matches played on a hard court surface.
- The Stuttgart Open will take place on April 19, 2021 in Stuttgart, Germany on a clay surface.
- The Summer Olympic Games took place in Tokyo, Japan on DecoTurf on July 24, 2021.
- The Canadian Open was held on hard courts in Montreal, Canada on August 9, 2021.
- The Pan Pacific Open took place in Tokyo, Japan on September 20, 2021, with matches played on a hard court surface.
- The Kremlin Cup in Moscow, Russia will be played on hard court on October 18, 2021.
- The WTA Finals will take place on hard court in Shenzhen, China starting on November 1, 2021.
At every tour stop, there are plenty of betting opportunities available for tennis fans. Whether you prefer betting on outright winners, head-to-head matchups, or live betting, there is a wide range of options to place your wager on the sport.
Tennis Betting FAQ
The treatment of matches may vary depending on the operator, so we recommend getting acquainted with the sportsbook’s rules. A tennis bet is considered active once the first ball is played. Some operators may stipulate that at least one set must be completed for a match to be considered official, while others may require the entire match to be finished.
If a match is delayed due to weather or a change in court, the bet will remain active until the match is completed within a reasonable timeframe. However, if a match is cancelled or called off, the bet will be considered void and the full amount of your bet will be refunded.
The ball and playing style can be influenced by each of the four main playing surfaces.
- Carpet provides a fast playing surface while also allowing for easier player movement.
- Challenging: The surface is speedy, the rebounds are lofty, and it requires physical exertion.
- The clay surface is slower, resulting in slower bounces and making it slightly less physically demanding.
- Grass bounces quickly and close to the ground, with some unpredictability and potential slipperiness.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are tied for the most men’s Grand Slam titles with 20 each. Following them are Novak Djokovic with 17 titles and Pete Sampras with 14. Margaret Court leads the women’s side with 24 Grand Slam titles, followed closely by Serena Williams with 23 and Steffi Graf with 22.
Learning tennis betting is not significantly more difficult than learning any other sport. It may take time for newcomers to become accustomed to it. Beginners must have a thorough understanding of how it works and the intricacies of scoring. It is important to familiarize yourself with the players and improve your handicapping skills in order to increase your chances of success.