All About Tennis Odds

Tennis betting odds come in three flavours: American (Moneyline), UK-style fractional, and European decimal. Knowing each helps you pick the best lines—whether you’re using Betika, SportPesa, Parimatch or any other sportsbook.

American Odds (Moneyline)

American odds, or Moneyline, show how much you win on a KSh 12,987.00 bet (roughly USD 100). A plus sign (+) marks the underdog; a minus sign (–) marks the favourite.

Example: Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic

• Nadal: +150
• Djokovic: –200

If you stake KSh 12,987.00 on Nadal and he comes through, you’d collect KSh 32,467.50—your original KSh 12,987.00 plus KSh 19,480.50 profit. Back Djokovic at –200? You’d need to bet KSh 25,974.00 to win KSh 12,987.00 (total return KSh 38,961.00).

UK-Style Fractional Odds

Fractional odds (e.g., 3/1) tell you how much profit you’ll make per unit staked.

Example: Serena Williams vs Naomi Osaka

• Williams: 3/1
• Osaka: 1/4

Bet KSh 129.87 on Williams (about USD 1) and a win pays KSh 519.48—your KSh 129.87 stake plus KSh 389.61 profit. If you risk KSh 519.48 on Osaka and she wins, you get KSh 649.35—your KSh 519.48 stake plus KSh 129.87 profit.

European Decimal Odds

Decimal odds (e.g., 1.50 or 2.75) show the total return per unit staked.

Example: Roger Federer vs Alexander Zverev

• Federer: 1.50
• Zverev: 2.75

A KSh 12,987.00 bet on Federer returns KSh 19,480.50—your KSh 12,987.00 stake plus KSh 6,493.50 profit. The same KSh 12,987.00 on Zverev returns KSh 35,714.25—stake plus KSh 22,727.25 profit.

Bookmakers like Betika and SportPesa calculate tennis odds using past performance, head-to-head records, current form and even weather. They tweak lines to balance action on both sides, ensuring a profit no matter who wins. Remember, odds aren’t gospel—they reflect the book’s goal, not just the players’ true chances.

Here are the most popular markets you’ll find at any sportsbook:

• Match Winner: Pick who lifts the trophy. Simple and popular, just like betting on an EPL match winner.
• Set Betting: Nail down the exact scoreline, e.g. 2-0 or 2-1. Higher odds, bigger payouts.
• Total Games: Wager on whether total games go over or under a set line. Lines can vary between bookies—one might set 23.5 games, another 22.5.
• Handicap Betting: Give a player a virtual advantage/disadvantage in sets or games. Handy when one player is heavy favourite.

Treat tennis odds like you would an EPL table—study the form, conditions and matchups.

• Player Form: Check recent wins and losses. Just like you’d track Arsenal’s run, look at Novak’s last five matches.
• Head-to-Head Records: Some players have another’s number. A 5–0 H2H disadvantage can sway odds.
• Court Surface: Clay, grass or hard court? A clay-court specialist might struggle on grass. Think of it like home vs away form in the Premier League.
• Injury and Fitness: A niggling injury can derail a favourite. Always confirm fitness reports before placing your bet.
• Tournament Importance: Some players peak at Grand Slams and treat smaller events as tune-ups. Tailor your stakes accordingly.

Odds can swing wildly across bookies, so comparison is key. Most online sportsbooks offer tennis betting online, but only top platforms pack all the markets you want.

• Check Multiple Books: Compare Betika, SportPesa and Parimatch lines for moneyline, handicap and total games.
• Use M-Pesa or Airtel Money: Fast deposits/withdrawals keep you in the action—no bank delays.
• SMS Betting: Low data? Dial Betika’s shortcode or text your play on SportPesa for quick bets.
• Watch Line Movements: Tennis odds react to late injury news or rain delays. Lock in good lines early.

Here’s who’s serving up the best tennis markets in Kenya:

• Betika: Wide tennis coverage, easy M-Pesa/Airtel Money top-ups and SMS bets.
• SportPesa: Competitive moneyline and total games odds, plus a smooth app.
• Parimatch: Great for set betting and live tennis spreads, plus frequent promos.
• Unibet & William Hill: International names with deep markets—handy if you want exotic lines.

Compare these on CasinoRank to spot the best odds before you play.

1. Crunch the rankings and season record. A top-20 player on a hot streak is often worth backing.
2. Check surface stats. A 70% win rate on grass at Wimbledon matters more than 60% on clay in Monte Carlo.
3. Mind debutants vs veterans. Some players only heat up after a few rounds.
4. Analyse head-to-head. A 3–1 edge could tilt your bet, even if odds look tight.
5. Manage your bankroll via M-Pesa transactions—set daily limits and stick to them.

Bet responsibly. The BCLB regulates betting in Kenya. If you need help, visit Responsible Gaming KE or call 0800 722 200.

18+ | Bet responsibly.