Rugby is one of the most popular sports in the British Commonwealth along with a few other countries like Argentina, France, and Italy. The Union, which emerged in the United Kingdom more than a century ago, was the cradle that gave birth to the League. The sport also attracts many punters due to the great opportunities that come through its popularity. It can be very profitable once you study and begin to understand the intricacies involved. You will need that knowledge when you start wagering to the specialized bookmakers offered via an agent on the sport.
Union vs League
The big brands of the industry offer markets for both versions equally, therefore, you will not have a problem finding the one you want. However, smaller bookmakers tend to focus on Rugby Union rather than the League. The reason for that is that this version is played on a wider scale worldwide.
The betting process
Betting on the sport is no different than any other. However, there are some notable differences. The first one being that you need to pay close attention to live bets especially when you have chosen to do so in a Union match. Things can change a lot quicker than, let’s say, a football or a basketball event. Therefore, you need to focus and make up your minds about changes fast. This also means that you need to do more homework beforehand. Here are the most usual markets to choose from for both versions:
- Match Result
As with most sports, this is the most popular market. You’re basically selecting the outcome of the game with a win or a loss for either team, or a draw being the available options.
- Handicap
Advantages given to the weaker side is a staple. However, there is a difficulty here as clubs from the commonwealth are more or less on an equal step. You will find the market usually when teams from countries where the sport is less evolved are playing. Usually, it is designed to take the possibility of a draw out of the equation.
However, for this sport, there is a special market called handicap with tie. It is designed to include the chance that the two clubs will score the same number of points and it is a really popular betting type.
- First Scoring Play
You’re placing your bet on how the first points of a game are scored and by which side. The options include a try, a penalty, or a drop goal.
- Winning Margin
It involves a series of scoring brackets set for each team.
- Props and Specials (exotic)
These are for those who like to think outside the box. Submarkets here could be the half where the most tries were scored, if a club managed to win both halves, which side will score the last point, which player, etc…
All of the usual generic markets of outrights, moneylines, half time and full-time totals are also available.
Conclusion
The intelligence of the players notwithstanding, rugby is a balance between strength, agility, and size. Both the research before a game and the markets and odds offered to take this balance seriously into account. It should also be rooted in your mind when you register for a betting account via agent to place wagers on this sport.