Rugby Betting: Markets, Tournaments and Strategy

Rugby is closer to physical football than a traditional ball game. While it may seem simpler in structure than football, the differences in codes, pace, and scoring systems can be intimidating for beginners.

If this doesn't put you off, VivatBet Estonia offers a wealth of pre-match rugby betting options. The sports betting section features Rugby Union and Rugby League events, including the Six Nations, Rugby World Cup, and leading club tournaments.

This guide will help you understand markets, including match winner, handicap, and over/under, as well as major tournaments available to you if you join VivatBet.

How to Bet on Rugby at VivatBet

Before placing a bet on rugby, you need to fund your account. Swedbank, SEB, LHV, Luminor, Trustly, Visa/Mastercard, and Skrill are available for deposits in Estonia. You can also select a welcome bonus in your personal account before making your first deposit.

If you already have funds in your account, follow these steps:

Find the Line section on the VivatBet website or mobile betting app.
From the available sports, select Rugby.
Select a specific match from those currently available.
Explore the bookmaker's markets and pre-match betting odds. To add an outcome to the bet slip, click the odds next to it.
After adding all markets, enter the bet amount and confirm the bet slip.

Bets are accepted until kickoff. If there are no currently available matches, you can visit the online casino Estonia section.

Rugby Betting Markets

The rugby betting market offers options for every taste. The most popular by volume are:

Match Winner (1X2): a bet on one of the teams to win or a draw. Option X is possible in league play, while in knockouts, you should check whether the market is settled on regular time or includes extra time.
Handicap (Point Spread): a virtual point spread. Typically, the favorite is given a minus handicap, while the underdog is given a plus handicap. If -12.5 is chosen, the team must win by at least 13 points.
Over/Under (Total Points): a market on the total points of the two teams. If the line is 42.5, the Over bet wins if 43 points or more are scored.
First Try Scorer: a bet on the player who will score the first try. Rugby odds here are usually very high because you need to predict a specific player.
Winning Margin: a bet on the winner and the winning margin simultaneously. For example, if Team A by 1-12 points is selected, they must win by exactly 1-12 points. A loss by this margin will not count.

Market	Complexity	Best For
Match Winner	Low	Beginners
Over/Under	Low	Stats-focused bettors
Handicap	Medium	Betting on dominant favorites
Winning Margin	Medium	Confident form analysts
First Try Scorer	High	Player-focused bettors

Handicap Betting in Rugby — Why Spreads Matter

When teams are clearly outclassed, rugby handicap betting is the most practical market. Top teams can beat their opponents by 30-50 points, and this happens quite often. Moneyline betting on the favorite in such cases offers very low odds (near 1.05-1.15). However, handicap betting can offer a higher payout, and examples of possible scenarios are presented below:

Large favorite -20.5: See a top team playing against a weaker opponent? Handicap -20.5 in such cases can offer odds around 1.85-2.00. To pay out, the favorite must win by at least 21 points. This market is usually relevant for the Six Nations or the Rugby World Cup group stage, where the difference in class is more noticeable.
Close match -3.5 or -6.5: A small handicap is better suited for less obvious favorites. The odds for these options are slightly higher than for the moneyline, but sometimes the increased risk can be worth it.
Underdog +15.5: This bet isn't on the underdog to win, but on them not losing by too much. At +15.5, that number of points is added to the score. The bet is settled if the underdog wins the match, draws, or loses by 15 points or fewer.

Scenario	Handicap	When to Use	Note
Heavy favourite	−20.5	Clear mismatch, strong team at home	Favorite must win by 21+
Even match	−3.5	Closely matched teams	Tests competitive margin
Underdog cover	+15.5	Strong underdog at home	Covers even in defeat

Remember to consider the different scoring systems in Rugby Union and Rugby League. This can significantly impact handicap and total points markets. We recommend checking the competition type, market rules, and settlement conditions at VivatBet before placing a bet on rugby.

Major Tournaments: What to Bet On

If you're planning to dive into pre-match or live rugby betting, you need to understand the main tournaments and their rules. There are two different versions, namely Rugby Union (15 vs. 15) and Rugby League (13 vs. 13). Differences include not only the number of players, but also the pace and scoring. Below are the largest competitions, most of which are 15 vs. 15:

Six Nations Championship: An annual Rugby Union tournament between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Those looking to dive into Six Nations betting should definitely consider home advantage and weather.
Rugby World Cup: The premier Rugby Union tournament. Held only once every four years.
British & Irish Lions Tours: A rare Rugby Union test series against the Southern Hemisphere nations.
European Champions Cup: The top club tournament in European Rugby Union. Matches are more prestigious and intense, especially in the playoff rounds.
Rugby League Super League / Challenge Cup: the main Rugby League tournaments on the British calendar. In addition to the 13-a-side format, these games typically feature fast attacks, fewer pauses, and more forward movement.

Responsible Gambling

International rugby test match windows are taking place during the busy European sports season. A huge number of events are taking place simultaneously, which can lead to compulsive betting. This is especially true for football betting enthusiasts, as there are literally hundreds of matches.

To avoid the risk of betting more frequently than planned, it is recommended to use deposit limits. These are available in your VivatBet account settings. The platform operates completely legally in Estonia under an EMTA license. This also means that only users 21+ can register. If you feel that gambling is becoming addictive, it is recommended to self-exclude in your account settings.

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Rugby Betting Frequently Asked Questions

What is rugby betting?

It's a bet on matches in this sport. The bookmaker offers markets and calculates the odds. Users add the outcomes they're interested in to the bet slip, enter the amount, and then confirm it.

What is handicap betting in rugby?

It's a bet with a virtual point handicap. You can choose either a minus or plus handicap. The market itself is popular when there's a significant difference in the skill level of the teams, as the moneyline for such outcomes offers incredibly low odds.

What is the difference between Rugby Union and Rugby League?

These are two different versions of the game with different rules. In addition to the difference in the number of players (15 vs. 15 vs. 13 vs. 13, respectively), the tempo and attack patterns differ. There are also slight differences in the scoring system.

Can rugby matches end in a draw?

Yes, in league fixtures, a match can end in a draw. For matches in which a draw is possible, a separate outcome is available in Match Winner 1X2. Other tournaments move the match to extra time and, if necessary, a kicking competition or other tournament rules.

What is the minimum age to bet at VivatBet?

All licensed gambling operators in Estonia require a minimum age of 21+. VivatBet operates under a license from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA), and the platform strictly adheres to all requirements.