[Wittmann 44]

Thought it might be worthwhile to put a sticky up regarding bookmakers and tennis specifically. I know there is a general bookmakers forum but as tennis is a bit of a niche sport betting wise outside the Grand Slams and Masters a number of the bookmakers are poor enough in terms of markets put up, their prices and the times they put them up. There are also a number of bookmakers who are far out in front of the competition when it comes to tennis betting.

I’d also like to add generally that the more accounts you have the better even if it is to take advantage of a single standout price. Also as anyone reading this is unlikely to bet just on tennis it pays to have as many accounts as humanely possible.

If you would like to add your own experiences and anything with those I have not covered please do. Please be aware that this is for bookmakers and tennis betting specifically as opposed to general comments about bookmakers.

Finally if there is an account that you are interested in please use the affiliate link with the Daily Punt if you decide to open an account with them.

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Bookmakers - Essential Accounts

Stan James

If you are serious about betting on tennis this is in my view an essential account to have. They price up almost all events and are usually first with their prices. If you see an early price on the exchange it will generally reflect a Stan James price. Prices are competitive in terms of bookmakers and customer service is good.

Pinnacle

Pinnacle’s over rounds are the smallest of any books reflected by the fact that they are often quoted to 4 decimals points. Prices are generally the best of any bookmaker for tennis. I’d rank them slightly below Stan James as for some reason they do not always put up prices for every game and their prices tend to go up after Stan James.

Bookmakers - Other Good Accounts

Ladbrokes, Hills, Paddy Power, Bet 365, Interwetten, Boylesports

I would tend to rank all these together when it comes to tennis betting. They do what they need to but their over rounds are poor when compared to Pinnacle or even Stan James. I don’t generally bet multiples when betting on tennis but when I do I find it is handy to have these accounts as between them you can usually add a bit extra to your price by shopping around amongst them. If you bet on the outright markets there can be significant variation in prices and again this is where these accounts are very useful. Much better obviously to get an 80/1 each way selection rather than a 60/1 shout by virtue of a bit of shopping around.

Exchanges – The Essential

Betfair

Betfair in my view really comes into its own in two horse races like tennis. I would go so far as to say you will not make money betting on tennis without an account with Betfair. Prices are as close to the bone as it gets especially when betting odds against. Liquidity is never a concern except on the very smallest events. Set betting prices are also the best you will get anywhere. Backing a player to win 2-1 on Betfair will usually get a price between 4.2 and 4.8. You will be very lucky to get 7/2 with a bookmaker.

Exchanges – The Possibles

WBX (World Betting Exchange)

I opened an account with these guys a few months ago. Major plus here is the 3% commission as opposed to the 5% on Betfair. Liquidity is a fraction of Betfairs but prices are competitive and I’ve made a few bets with them. I would fear that they would go the way of Betdaq and start with a 3% commission rate before heading up towards 5% after getting a client bases in. Have not had to deal with customer service yet and have not withdrawn any funds. Hopefully will develop over time into a viable alternative to Betfair but the history of the failed competitors to Betfair isn’t good.