Learn the essentials of ping pong betting with our comprehensive guide. Discover how table tennis is scored, explore popular betting markets, and get tips to enhance your wagering strategy.
How to Bet on Table Tennis
Table tennis is a fast-paced, high-frequency sport that offers unique opportunities for bettors due to the sheer volume of matches played globally. This guide covers the fundamentals of how to bet on table tennis, including scoring rules and the most popular betting markets available to help you get started.
How do Odds Work in Table Tennis?
Odds represent the probability of an outcome and determine your potential payout. In the US format (American odds), favorites are marked with a minus (-) sign, indicating how much you need to bet to win $100, while underdogs have a plus (+) sign, showing how much profit you make on a $100 bet.
For example, if Player A is -150, you would need to bet $150 to win $100 in profit (total payout of $250). On the other hand, if Player B is +130, a $100 bet would yield $130 in profit (total payout of $230).
Matchup | Odds | Bet Amount | Expected Payout |
Player A vs. Player B | Player A (-150) | $150 | $250 |
Player A vs. Player B | Player B (+130) | $100 | $230 |
Table Tennis Betting Markets
Understanding the variety of markets available is key to developing a successful betting strategy. Here are the most common ways to wager on a match.
Table Tennis Moneyline
The moneyline is the simplest bet in sports: picking the winner of the match. It ignores point spreads or game counts; you simply need your chosen player to win the match outright to collect your winnings.
For example, if Player A is -200 and Player B is +160, betting on Player A means you need them to win the match. If they win, your bet is successful, regardless of how many games or points were played.
Table Tennis Point Spread
Point spreads level the playing field by giving the underdog a head start or the favorite a handicap. You bet on whether a player will cover the spread by winning by more than the designated number of points or losing by less than that amount.
For example, if Player A is -2.5, they must win the game by at least 3 points for your bet to win. If they win by only 1 or 2 points, or lose the game, the bet on Player A loses.
Table Tennis Prop Bets
Prop bets focus on specific events within a match rather than the final outcome. These can range from the total number of points scored in a game to which player wins the first point of the match.
For example, betting on "Total Points Odd/Even" is a popular prop bet where you predict if the total points scored by both players in a specific game will be an odd or even number.
Table Tennis Over/Unders
Over/Under betting, or totals, involves predicting whether the combined score of both players will be higher or lower than a number set by bet365. This applies to total points in a game or total games in a match.
For example, if the total points line for a game is 18.5, you bet "Over" if you think the combined score will be 19 or more, or "Under" if you think it will be 18 or less.
Table Tennis Parlays
A parlay combines multiple individual bets into one single wager. To win, every selection in the parlay must be correct, but the reward is a significantly higher payout than betting on each event individually.
For example, you parlay Player A to win, Player B to win their match, and Player C to win their match. If all three players win their respective matches, your payout is multiplied, offering a much higher return than three separate bets.
Table Tennis Same Game Parlays (SGP)
Same Game Parlays (SGP) allow you to combine multiple outcomes from a single table tennis match into one bet. This is great for focusing on one specific matchup while increasing the potential return.
For example, you bet on Player A to win the match AND for the total points in the first game to be Over 18.5. Both conditions must be met for the SGP to win.
Special Table Tennis Bets
Beyond standard markets, bet365 offers specialized bets that focus on the granular details of a match. These markets add excitement to every point played.
Game to go to Extra Points
In table tennis, if a game is tied at 10-10, it goes to "deuce" or extra points, where a player must win by two. This bet asks if a specific game will reach this scenario.
For example, you bet "Yes" on Game 1 to go to extra points. If the score reaches 10-10, your bet wins, regardless of who eventually wins the game.
Game Correct Score
This market requires you to predict the exact final score of a game or the entire match. It is a high-risk, high-reward bet because it requires precision.
For example, you bet that Player A will win the match with a correct score of 3-1 in games. If the match ends 3-0 or 3-2, your bet loses.
Game Race To
This bet asks which player will reach a specific point total first (e.g., Race to 5 points). It is a fast-paced market that is often settled early in a game.
For example, you bet on Player A to be the "Race to 5" winner. If they reach 5 points before Player B, you win your bet.
Tips for Betting on Table Tennis
To improve your chances, consider these strategic tips when analyzing matches.
Tip 1: Analyze Playing Styles
Table tennis is a game of matchups. Analyze playing styles, such as defensive "choppers" versus aggressive attackers. A defensive player might struggle against a specific type of attacker, regardless of their world ranking, so look for stylistic advantages.
Tip 2: Monitor Tournament Fatigue
Table tennis tournaments often involve multiple matches in a single day. Check the schedule to see if a player has already played several grueling matches, as fatigue can significantly impact performance and reaction time in later rounds.
Tip 3: Leverage the Service Advantage
Pay attention to the server. In table tennis, the server has a distinct advantage. If a player has a dominant serve, they are much more likely to win the point, making them a strong candidate for "Race to" bets or point spread wagers.
Responsible Betting on Table Tennis
Betting should always be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set strict limits on your time and budget before you start, and never chase losses by betting more than you can afford.
Utilize the responsible gambling tools provided by bet365, such as deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options. If you feel your betting is becoming a problem, seek help from professional support organizations immediately.
Table Tennis Betting FAQs
How is table tennis scored? A standard game is played to 11 points. A player must win by at least two points. Matches are typically best-of-five or best-of-seven games.
Can I bet on table tennis live? Yes, live betting is very popular in table tennis because the sport is fast-paced, allowing for wagers on individual points and games as they happen.
What is a "deuce" in table tennis? A deuce occurs when the score reaches 10-10. Play continues until one player gains a two-point lead.
Is table tennis betting legal? Legality depends on your jurisdiction. Always ensure you are using a licensed and regulated sportsbook in your region.
What is the best strategy for beginners? Start with moneyline bets to get a feel for the players and the sport before moving on to more complex markets like spreads or parlays.
Additional Betting Guides
To learn more about other bet types and sports, take a look at our guides below:
