Betting on Women's Football – A Complete Guide

Women’s football is definitely on the way up. And the recent women’s European Cup has attracted millions of viewers, not just in the UK and Europe, but all over the world. It’s no longer a joke, or just a niche interest… It’s becoming a global sporting phenomenon.

With women’s leagues getting more and more popular across Europe, North America, and beyond, events like the Women’s Euros and the FIFA Women’s World Cup are actually being given a platform now by the mainstream media – so it’s no surprise that sports bettors are also starting to think about the women’s game. From club matches to the biggest international tournaments, the options for betting on women’s football have never been better.

One of the main advantages of betting on football, both men’s and women’s, is how accessible it’s becoming. With more and more mobile-friendly sportsbooks and constant access to real-time analytics, you can access live betting odds from anywhere, at any time, whether you’re at home, at the pub, or even at the actual football stadium.

Understanding the Different Markets

If you are thinking about getting into women’s football betting, you need to understand the most commonly offered markets. Fortunately, all decent major sportsbooks will present you with a whole range of options, many similar to those you’d find in men’s football.

Match Result (1X2): This is the most straightforward and popular market. Here, you just need to bet on whether you think the home team will win (1), the match will end in a draw (X), or the away team will win (2). This market is especially popular because it’s easy and it’s familiar. However, in women’s football, particularly in those leagues where there’s a huge disparity between the top and bottom teams, betting on match results will require you to have a nuanced understanding of the team’s form and squad depth.
Correct Score: This is a riskier market, but it has the potential to be a lot more rewarding. You need to try to predict the exact score at the end of the match. In women’s football, where the dominant teams usually win by quite a margin, it can give you quite the value if you can spot a trend.
Over/Under Goals bets mean you have to bet on whether you think the total number of goals in a match will be over or under the number set by the bookie – usually 2.5. In higher-scoring leagues like the WSL or NWSL, people tend to bet on the over 2.5 goals market.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) is another popular market. Some matchups, especially if there are two evenly matched teams, will usually see both teams hitting the back of the net. It can be a savvy bet if backed by stats.
First Goalscorer betting can be a lot trickier but exceptionally rewarding if you’re someone who knows a bit about player form.

Bookmakers are offering more and more markets – you just need to make sure you spot which markets are offering the best value based on your knowledge and research.

Leagues and Tournaments to Watch

Up until recently, it’s been the men’s game that’s dominated the betting world, but now women’s football has started to gain traction, meaning there are lots more competitive leagues and tournaments to bet on than ever before.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup

This is, undoubtedly, the most prestigious tournament in all of women’s sport, not just football. Held every four years, the best national teams from around the world go head to head to lift the title. It has all of the strongest nations taking part, including the US, Germany, England, and Japan, and you’ll have access to all sorts of stats and data. What’s more, because it’s now being broadcast on the mainstream channels, it’s one of the most exciting events to bet on, with all sorts of pre-match and in-play betting options to choose from.

The UEFA Women’s Champions League

This is another huge competition featuring the best clubs in the world, like Barcelona, Chelsea, and Olympique Lyonnais – and it showcases the highest level of European club football. However, what makes it such a great choice for bettors is its consistency. The top teams generally dominate, so you can make more reliable predictions, especially in the earlier rounds. However, the knockout stages can throw in a few surprises, where form, fatigue, and tactics can start making a difference.

England’s Women’s Super League (WSL)

This has become one of the most competitive domestic leagues in the world. It has some of the biggest-name players, tactical depth, and it’s enjoying more media coverage than ever – meaning plenty of betting angles.

National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)

Over in the U.S., we have the NWSL, which is both fast-paced and unpredictable, which means it can be a lot harder to call. However, it also means there’s even more potential for value bets. This is a league where the underdogs are regularly upsetting the odds, especially in the midweek games or when international players are away playing for their country.

Why Bet on Women’s Football?

So, why would you choose to bet on women’s football over the men’s game?

Less Saturated: Because it’s more of an unknown quantity, bookies aren’t always as efficient at pricing women’s matches, which means there could be more value to be had if you’re an informed bettor.
More Predictable: In some leagues, it’s the top teams that dominate most of the time, which can make some of the outcomes easier to predict.
You Need to Know Player News: Because the squad sizes are smaller, any injury or suspension can have a massive impact.

Top Tips for Betting on Women’s Football

Thinking about giving it a go? Here are our top tips:

Do Your Research: Keep updated on the leagues, read up on team news, and know everything you can about the main players. Websites like FIFA.com and UEFA.com should be on your reading list.
Look for Line Movement: If odds start moving unexpectedly, it could be that there’s new insider information coming out regarding injuries or squad changes. Stay updated.
Bet Responsibly: As with any form of gambling, make sure you set yourself a budget and stick to it. Don’t start chasing losses.
Focus on Niche Markets: Instead of just betting on who you think will win a match, think about betting on players and other props bets, especially if it’s a league you know well.

A Game On the Up

Women’s football is definitely one to watch… and start betting on! As it starts getting more and more popular, the betting markets are just going to get even better. Whether you’re someone who just wants to place a simple match winner bet or you prefer having a go at a bit of live betting, there’s something for everyone – and there’s never been a better time to get involved.

Just remember… stay informed, bet responsibly, and enjoy an even more beautiful game!