Welcome to the our help guide to betting on the NRL!
With the game venturing into new territory by opening the NRL season in Las Vegas for season 2024, it is expected to bring a host of new followers to the game. The decision to take the game offshore was largely based on growing the game in the lucrative sports betting market. So, if you’re new to the game, welcome aboard! It is an exciting match, lasting 80 minutes, with numerous opportunities to ‘find a winner’ to add to your viewing enjoyment.
The aim here is to provide a little more knowledge for you when betting on NRL. Before You Bet will provide weekly previews of all NRL matches via the website. The in-depth look at each match will provide a valuable tool in assessing where and how you wish to bet on the NRL.
A Guide to Betting on the NRL
Betting Markets
The standard markets apply but there are a few which you should take note of:
First/Last Try Scorer: odds are high in this market because it is difficult to find a winner. You often hear of people doing this, but only when they win. It can be over quickly; it is your classic high risk/high reward investment. The better with a greater chance of return is the ‘Anytime Try Scorer’ market. To add value, include this is a Same Game Multi.
Margin: this is a traditional market with 5 options, including a draw, and the 1-12/13+ points offered to both teams. It seems straight forward; if a close game is expected, take the 1-12 option and if an easy win is anticipated, take the 13+ option. However, the recent rule changes in the NRL around the ‘6 again’ rule have sped up the match, meaning that fatigue is a large factor. Many games have been decided by a 13+ margin late when one team pulls away with momentum, from the other. Other margin markets are tighter in terms of what is offered and that comes with greater risk, but also a higher return. If you are tempted by these, it is best to avoid them early in the season.
Line: the ‘outsider’ for the match receives a handicap of points to even up the contest. Most of the time, the bookies get this right. This market is a good one to invest on, especially if you see a discrepancy in what has been offered. It is also a tool to use in conjunction with margin markets. If a small line is offered, this could suggest taking the 1-12 margin option, as the bookies believe it will be a tight contest.
Total Points: a market which most will look at, but few want to invest on it. When looking at it, you also must consider factors such as the current conditions, attack/defence averages of each team and their recent statistics of time in possession/completion rate. Teams who make fewer errors generally have more time in possession and thus, have more opportunities to score points.
Summary
There are a host of other NRL betting markets available on each match. Early in the season, stick to a simple method of investing small on only a few markets; teams are still establishing themselves and it is better to watch and wait. This should give you greater clarity on teams as the season progresses.
You are welcome to reach out via Twitter/X to further discuss NRL betting with Scooby @NRL_TheProfits. Punters will have their own likes/dislikes in rugby league betting, and you may even learn something from a person who you engage with.
