Table Tennis Betting Guide: Odds, Markets & How It Works

Table tennis is quick, skilful and full of momentum shifts, which is why it attracts plenty of interest from people who like to bet on sport. Understanding how the options work is the best place to start.

This guide covers the basics of odds, the main markets you will see, key terms, and what can move prices. You will also find an overview of live betting, plus a look at frequent mistakes to avoid.

Whether you are new to betting or just new to this sport, the aim is to give a clear, practical introduction so you can make informed choices and stay within a comfortable budget.

How Do Table Tennis Odds Work?

Table tennis odds express the bookmaker’s view of how likely an outcome is, and how much a winning bet would return.

In the UK, odds are usually shown as fractions, like 4/1 or 5/2, or decimals, such as 2.50 or 3.00. Lower odds indicate an outcome the bookmaker rates as more probable, while higher odds indicate one they rate as less probable. For example, at 1/2, the return would be smaller than the stake, whereas 5/1 would return more.

With decimal odds, multiply the stake by the decimal to get the total return, including your stake. With fractional odds, the first number is the potential profit for the amount shown by the second number as stake. At 3/1, a £1 stake returns £4 in total, which is £3 profit plus the £1 stake.

Odds can move as fresh information appears, so it helps to check them close to the time you plan to place a bet. Once the numbers make sense, the next question is which market to choose.

Which Markets Can I Bet On?

Table tennis offers several markets, each focusing on a different aspect of a match or tournament. Picking a market is really about deciding what you want to predict.

Match Winner

The simplest option. Choose the player you think will win the match, regardless of the final scoreline.

Correct Score

Predict the exact final score in games, such as 3-1 or 3-2. Because the result must match precisely, prices are often higher than for the basic match winner market.

Handicap (Games and Points)

A handicap gives one player a virtual start or deficit before the match begins. With a -1.5 games handicap, the player must win by at least two games for that selection to settle as a winner. A +1.5 games handicap would win if the player loses by only one game. Some markets use points instead of games, applying the adjustment to total points when the match is settled.

Over/Under Total Points

Decide whether the total number of points scored by both players will be over or under a figure set by the bookmaker. There are also versions that apply to a single game.

Set Betting

Some bookmakers label correct score in games as “set betting” for table tennis. The idea is the same as correct score, but the naming can vary. Always check whether the market refers to games or individual points.

Outright Tournament Winner

Pick the player you think will win the entire tournament. These prices can change significantly before and during the event as results come in.

How Does Handicap Betting Work In Table Tennis?

Handicap betting is used to balance matches where one player is strongly favoured. The bookmaker applies a plus or minus figure to a player’s total in games or points, and the bet is settled after that adjustment is applied.

For instance, if Player A has a -1.5 game handicap, they need to win by two or more games for that selection to be successful. If Player B has a +1.5 game handicap, that selection succeeds if they win the match or lose by only one game.

Points handicaps work in the same way but are applied to total points rather than games. This approach can make one-sided matches more competitive from a betting perspective, but the market rules still decide settlement, so it is worth reading them carefully.

How Do Correct Score And Set Betting Differ?

Correct score markets ask for the exact match score in games, such as 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2. In table tennis, matches are composed of games played to 11 points, so the numbers shown relate to games won by each player.

Set betting, when offered for table tennis, is often just another way of describing the same thing. Some bookmakers use “sets” even though they mean games. The key is to check the wording, then pick the precise outcome you want to back.

Because both markets require a specific scoreline, they are more precise than simply choosing the winner. Prices usually reflect that extra specificity.

How Do Live (In-Play) Markets Work?

Live markets allow bets during the match, with prices updating as the action unfolds. Momentum shifts, timeouts and short runs of points can all move the odds quickly.

Common in-play options include the winner of the next game, total points in the current game, or which player will win the match from the current score. You may also see markets on who will reach a certain point total first.

Because table tennis moves quickly, it helps to follow live updates closely and be comfortable with the speed at which prices change. Market availability can pause briefly during key moments, then return when play resumes.

How Are Point Totals Calculated?

Point totals are the sum of every point scored by both players. Unless a market specifies a single game, all games that form the official result are included.

For example, if the games end 11-8, 9-11 and 11-7, the individual game totals are 19, 20 and 18. Adding them together gives a match total of 57 points. Deuce situations, where play continues beyond 10-10 until a two-point gap is created, are fully counted within these totals.

Some bookmakers have specific settlement rules for postponed or incomplete matches, so it is sensible to check how those situations are handled before placing a bet.

What Factors Affect Table Tennis Odds?

Odds are built from a mixture of data and judgement. Player rankings, recent results and head-to-head records are common inputs. If one player has dominated previous meetings, prices may reflect that history.

Style matchups matter, too. For instance, a player comfortable against heavy top-spin or strong on the counter may fare better against certain opponents. Fitness concerns, travel schedules and conditions at the venue can also influence performance.

Public betting patterns can move prices as well. If a lot of money comes in on one side, a bookmaker may adjust the numbers to balance potential payouts. None of these factors guarantees an outcome, but together they shape how odds are set.

Why Do Odds Differ Between Bookmakers?

Bookmakers do not all weigh the same information in the same way. Two firms can look at identical stats and arrive at slightly different prices based on their models and trading views.

Demand can drive differences, too. If one bookmaker takes heavy interest on a player, they may shorten that price, while another, seeing a different balance of bets, may leave theirs unchanged.

Some companies also choose to compete on price in certain markets, while others focus on breadth of options or features. If you plan to place a bet, it can be useful to compare prices across licensed sites.

How Do Accumulators And Multiples Work?

Accumulators and multiples combine two or more selections into one bet. Every selection must be correct for an accumulator to win, which is why potential returns are higher than placing each bet separately.

A double has two selections, a treble has three, and larger accumulators can include many more. The combined price is calculated by multiplying the odds for each selection. If one selection loses, the whole accumulator settles as a loss.

Multiples increase potential returns but also add more points of failure, so it helps to be selective and understand exactly how each leg is settled.

Common Betting Mistakes In Table Tennis

A frequent mistake is not reading the market rules closely enough. That can lead to confusion about settlement, especially with handicaps, point totals and any markets that are labelled differently by different bookmakers.

Another is focusing only on favourites without considering style matchups, recent form or whether a player is stepping up in opposition quality. Reputation alone does not tell the full story.

Chasing losses is a further pitfall. Trying to recover quickly often leads to decisions that do not align with a plan or budget. Taking a break and reviewing calmly is usually the better approach.

Some people also miss out by not comparing odds or by using unlicensed sites. Sticking to licensed bookmakers adds protection, and shopping around can help you find a better price for the same selection.

Keeping these basics in mind creates a more considered approach and helps table tennis betting remain manageable.

Glossary Of Key Table Tennis Betting Terms

Below are some common words and phrases you might see when reading about table tennis betting. Understanding these terms may help make betting options clearer:

• Accumulator (Acca): A single bet that links together multiple selections. All selections must be correct for the bet to succeed.
• Bookmaker (Bookie): A company or person offering odds and taking bets.
• Decimal Odds: Odds shown as a single number (e.g. 2.50) that represent the total payout from a £1 bet, including the stake.
• Fractional Odds: Odds shown as fractions (e.g. 5/1), commonly used in the UK.
• Handicap: A type of bet where one player starts with a virtual advantage or disadvantage to even out the contest.
• In-Play Betting (Live Betting): Bets placed during the match, with odds updated as the action unfolds.
• Match Winner: A market where the bet is on who will win the match.
• Outright Winner: Predicting which player will win the entire tournament.
• Over/Under: A bet on whether the combined number of points or sets in a match will be above, over, or below, under, a set figure.
• Set Betting: Predicting the correct score in sets at the end of the match.
• Stake: The amount of money placed on a bet.

If you choose to bet, do so within a budget you can afford. Set personal limits that suit your circumstances, and take regular breaks. If gambling starts to affect your wellbeing or your finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential help.

Use this guide as a reference whenever you want to check how a market works or what a term means, and make choices that fit your limits.