So, we’ve already considered the candidates to win Euro 2020, but where else could you find real value across the markets?
If you’re after a dark horse for the tournament that could go far, Turkey picked up a number of impressive results in recent seasons and went unbeaten against France in qualifying for the tournament.
A team who have reached the semi-finals of both the Euros and the World Cup since 2002, The Crescent Stars could be a real surprise package, and are 11/4 to reach the quarter-finals, or 8/1 to make the last four again. Similarly, Denmark are embarking on a new era of real attacking verve in their play under new boss Kasper Hjulmand and a route to the semi-finals is entirely possible. 9/2 value can be found with MansionBet. For the other home nations besides England, Scotland and Wales both face tall tasks to reach the knockouts.
The Scots perhaps look best poised to advance however, with several Premier League talents in their ranks. For Scotland to reach the last 16 alone, £1 will treble your money with both UniBet and Betway at 2s. In Group C meanwhile – perhaps the most intriguing quartet – debutantes North Macedonia are expected by many to be tournament whipping boys.
Reaching a major tournament is a story itself, but the fairy-tale may not end there. With the Netherlands in uncertain form, the evergreen Goran Pandev could conceivably lead his side into last 16 over either Austria or Ukraine, and Betfair and Paddy Power’s price of 13/5 looks like tempting.
For the Golden Boot meanwhile, Harry Kane, for many, will take some beating to the top goal scorer prize after his win in Russia 2018. But, after holding a price of 5/1 earlier this week, Kane is now drifting out, at 13/2 with UniBet.
Are punters looking at England’s pre-tournament form and seeing their tough route to the final being cut short? Perhaps. Belgium’s hotshot Romelu Lukaku’s value has seen a similar tale in the past few days and the Inter striker who scored 24 goals in Serie A last season is now 13/2 with Bet365, noting also, that SkyBet’s odds have shortened from 15/2.
Casting our eye on the many special promotional offers bookies are making, SkyBet’s offering looks perhaps the best, as, if you place £10 on the tournament’s top scorer, every time they find the net, you will receive a £3 free bet with no expiry to use on any market.
Finally, for a Euro special that might take your fancy – or not in this case – England finally put to bed their penalty hoodoo during the last World Cup, but for the perhaps masochistic punter out there, the Three Lions are 4/1 with Betfred to be eliminated via spot-kicks.
Those with England allegiances, should however, all pray that does not happen.
Sports-Specific Betting Guides for Smarter Wagers
Welcome to Best Of Bets’ sports-specific betting guides, designed to help you turn informed opinions into well-judged wagers across the major codes. Use these insights alongside our bookmaker comparison pages and on-site banners to find competitive odds and fair terms from trusted UK brands.
Betting should be enjoyable, measured and for adults aged 18+ only, and it is never a solution to financial concerns. Set limits, keep records, and only stake what you can afford to lose.
How to read odds and choose markets by sport
Convert prices to implied probability to understand value: decimal odds of 3.00 imply 33.3%, so ask whether your assessment of the true chance is higher. Different sports carry different levels of variance, so adjust stake sizes accordingly and avoid chasing losses.
Compare odds and terms via our recommended bookmakers to reduce overround and improve long‑term returns. Always check each market’s rules, settlement conditions and any promotion’s full T&Cs before you place a bet.
Football betting guide: markets and strategy
Football pricing is sensitive to team news, schedule congestion, travel and refereeing tendencies. Build your view from lineups, formations, expected goals data and rest days, and beware narratives that are already priced in.
Key markets to know for football this season
Core options include Match Result, Draw No Bet, Asian Handicap, Both Teams To Score and Total Goals. Niche angles like Cards, Corners and Player Shots can offer edges if you have robust data and bookmaker-specific rules are clear.
Asian lines can reduce variance compared with 1X2 when matches are tightly priced. For player markets, confirm how voids, substitutions and stoppage time are handled before staking.
Smart strategies and common pitfalls in football
Account for fixture congestion and travel, especially after European nights or international windows. Consider tactical matchups such as pressing teams against deep blocks, and the impact of weather, pitch quality and referees.
Treat same-game multiples cautiously because of correlation and bookmaker margins. Avoid short prices in volatile derbies unless your edge is clear and your staking plan is disciplined.
In-play angles and the data points to track
Track shot quality rather than just possession, monitor press intensity drop-offs, and react to tactical subs. Red cards, in-game injuries and formation shifts can justify handicaps adjustments but never chase early losses.
Horse racing betting guide: cards, form and pace
Racing demands attention to going, distance, course configuration, pace shape and draw bias. Each-way terms and non-runner rules vary by bookmaker and race type, so check exact conditions.
Key markets to know for horse racing today
Win, Place and Each‑Way dominate, with enhanced places common in big fields but often at shorter win prices. Alternatives include Betting Without the Favourite, Place-Only markets, Forecasts and Tricasts for experienced bettors.
Make sure you understand deductions, Rule 4, non‑runner policies and each‑way fractions. Always verify declared runners close to the off, especially in handicaps with late withdrawals.
Smart strategies and common pitfalls in racing
Use pace maps and historical draw data to forecast run styles and track position advantages. Course-and-distance records and trainer patterns help, but update quickly for ground changes after rain.
Target enhanced place races where your selection is a solid placer at the price, not just for the offer. Avoid chaining volatile outcomes in accumulators; singles and modest each‑way staking suit many bettors.
In-play and exchange considerations for racing
In‑running markets are highly volatile and require sharp pictures, composure and discipline. Many bettors use in‑play defensively to reduce exposure rather than to chase unlikely turnarounds.
Tennis betting guide: surfaces, sets and value
Surface speed, altitude, ball type and format (best‑of‑3 vs best‑of‑5) massively influence outcomes. Travel, scheduling and fitness after long matches matter more than rankings alone.
Key markets to know for tennis match betting
Match Winner, Set Handicap, Game Handicap, Total Games and Tie‑Break markets are staples. Retirement rules differ by bookmaker and event, so confirm whether bets stand after the first ball or require match completion.
Player performance props can be value but check official scoring sources and settlement rules. For qualifiers and doubles, price sensitivity and liquidity can be low, so stake conservatively.
Smart strategies and common pitfalls in tennis
Model serve and return profiles by surface and consider indoor vs outdoor splits. Underdogs with big serves can outperform in fast conditions, while grinders thrive in slow clay events.
Be wary of short prices early season or after injuries when data is stale. Manage stakes at Grand Slams where five‑set variance can lengthen losing and winning streaks.
In-play angles and the data points to track
Break‑point conversion rates regress toward norms, so avoid overreacting to tiny samples. Medical timeouts, movement changes and serve speed dips can signal fading fitness in long matches.
Cricket betting guide: formats, runs and weather
Format dictates variance and totals: T20 is high volatility, ODIs hinge on middle‑over control, Tests reward patience. Weather, dew and Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern (DLS) affect strategies and settlements.
Key markets to know for cricket this season
Match Winner and Tied Match rules vary, so confirm settlement for ties and no‑results. Player markets include Top Batter, Top Bowler, Total Runs, Total Wickets and Player Performance points.
In T20s, Powerplay Runs and Most Sixes can be mispriced if team intent is misunderstood. Venue-specific par scores are essential context for totals lines and chase dynamics.
Smart strategies and common pitfalls in cricket
Venue matters: toss bias, boundary size and pitch wear alter win probabilities. Dew can favour chasing at night, while used pitches may suit spin and lower totals.
Match-ups like left‑arm pace to right‑handers or finger spin to lefties can tilt prop markets. Avoid over-weighting recent highlights; form cycles can be short in busy tours.
In-play angles and the data points to track
Use ball‑by‑ball context: wickets in hand vs required rate often beats raw run rate. Monitor field placements, bowling changes and set batter intent to judge par projections.
Golf betting guide: fields, form cycles and value
Golf is high variance with long prices common, so each‑way terms and place depth matter. Wind, wave splits and course fit via Strokes Gained are key to pre‑tournament and in‑play edges.
Key markets to know for golf tournaments
Outrights, Each‑Way, Top‑5/10/20, Nationality and Make/Miss Cut offer varied exposure. Matchups and 3‑balls can reduce variance, while finishing position markets suit data‑driven models.
Check dead‑heat rules and place terms, as “extra places” can come with shorter win odds. Round‑by‑round betting allows tactical entries when conditions shift.
Smart strategies and common pitfalls in golf
Prioritise approach play and around‑the‑green data for courses that demand precision. Do not overreact to one hot putting week; putting regresses and creates misleading narratives.
Bankroll management is crucial due to long losing runs in outrights. Diversify stakes across outrights, each‑way and placements to smooth variance.
In-play angles and the data points to track
Watch for advantageous tee‑time waves when wind picks up later in the day. Mid‑round strokes gained‑approach spikes can precede leaderboard moves before prices adjust.
Rugby union betting: lines, cards and conditions
Totals and handicaps are shaped by weather, referees, set‑piece strength and kicking quality. International windows bring travel fatigue and rotation risk that can widen spreads.
Key markets to know for rugby union matches
Match Winner, Handicap, Winning Margin Bands and Total Points anchor most slips. Team Tries, Penalty Goals and Card markets can offer value with the right referee profile.
Props like First Tryscorer carry high variance; size stakes accordingly. Confirm extra‑time settlement for knockout fixtures and cup ties.
Smart strategies and common pitfalls in rugby union
Referee tendencies for scrums, breakdowns and cards influence points and penalties. Altitude and travel in the Rugby Championship affect fatigue and second‑half scoring rates.
Wet conditions compress totals and elevate kicking battles; dry tracks favour line breaks. Beware late withdrawals and HIA protocols that can alter tactical plans.
In-play angles and the data points to track
Yellow cards create short‑term mismatches that drive try probabilities. Scrummaging dominance and maul success are strong indicators for second‑half handicaps.
Boxing and MMA betting: props, judging and pace
Styles, output and cardio matter more than simple records, and judging is subjective. Understand bout length, glove size, cage or ring dimensions and corner tendencies.
Key markets to know for boxing and MMA events
Moneyline, Method of Victory, Round Betting and Over/Under Rounds are core markets. Points Handicap and “Draw No Bet” can be useful where available in tightly matched bouts.
Check weigh‑in outcomes and late replacements but beware overreacting to narratives. Settlement rules for accidental fouls and technical decisions vary, so read T&Cs.
Smart strategies and common pitfalls in combat sports
Analyse stance matchups, clinch control, takedown defence and gas tank trajectories. Southpaw vs orthodox angles, leg‑kick strategies and wrestling pressure reshape live prices.
Do not chase short‑priced KO lines without clear stylistic advantages. Respect volatility in small gloves and keep stakes proportionate to uncertainty.
In-play angles and the data points to track
Momentum swings quickly after knockdowns, deep submissions or cuts, so avoid impulsive entries. Corners’ advice and visible fatigue cues can guide totals and method markets.
Formula 1 betting guide: pace, pits and penalties
Car performance, tyre strategy, safety cars and track characteristics shape outcomes. Practice and qualifying reveal true pace, but grid penalties and weather can reset expectations.
Key markets to know for Formula 1 betting now
Race Winner, Podium, Points Finish, Fastest Lap and Head‑to‑Head teammate bets are popular. Safety Car, Virtual Safety Car and Classification markets can be mispriced at certain tracks.
Sprint weekends alter tyre allocation and strategy, impacting Sunday race pace. Confirm settlement rules for red flags and shortened races before staking.
Smart strategies and common pitfalls in Formula 1
Map upgrade cycles and track‑specific strengths like downforce vs straight‑line speed. Anticipate undercut windows and pit‑stop deltas to time in‑play entries.
Weather forecasts and temperature swings change tyre degradation assumptions. Avoid chasing short favourites when reliability risks rise at street circuits.
In-play angles and the data points to track
Safety cars compress fields and flip strategies; consider hedging rather than chasing. Monitor tyre life, stint length and sector times to spot impending overtakes.
Darts betting guide: legs, sets, pace and in-play
Formats vary by event, affecting variance and comeback potential. Doubling percentages and stage form are more predictive than raw averages alone.
Key markets to know for darts tournaments
Match Winner, Correct Score, Most 180s, Total 180s, Highest Checkout and Checkout Over/Under are staples. Set and Leg Handicaps suit format specialists in longer matches.
Beware exhibitions where motivation differs from ranked events. Confirm how deciding‑leg tiebreaks are settled in specific tournaments.
Smart strategies and common pitfalls in darts
Recent doubling under pressure often separates contenders from hot scorers. Stage conditions, crowd size and walk‑on time can affect rhythm and early legs.
Avoid overreacting to a single poor leg or purple patch. Small, consistent stakes can outperform chasing dramatic swings.
In-play angles and the data points to track
Leg‑to‑leg momentum regresses, so price spikes can offer value entries. Focus on doubling trends and first‑nine averages rather than highlights alone.
Snooker betting guide: frames, tempo and breaks
Frame length, table speed and safety exchanges dictate pace and scoring. Player temperament and concentration under pressure matter in closing frames.
Key markets to know for snooker events today
Match Winner, Frame Handicap, Total Frames, Highest Break and Next Frame Winner are common. Session betting adds flexibility in longer matches and triple‑session finals.
Check re‑rack and foul‑and‑miss policies for settlement clarity. Some markets are voided if players withdraw mid‑match; read the small print carefully.
Smart strategies and common pitfalls in snooker
Contrast attacking vs safety‑first styles to judge frame‑length and totals. Travel schedules and jet lag can affect early‑round sharpness on overseas swings.
Beware recency bias from a single century‑heavy performance. Expect fluctuations in long‑pot success and cueing rhythm over a tournament.
In-play angles and the data points to track
After a long tactical frame, next‑frame over/under can be mispriced. Watch for table conditions improving or slowing as cloths bed in.
US sports betting: spreads, totals and player props
US leagues reward discipline and data: injuries, rest, altitude, pace and travel are crucial. Spreads and totals dominate, but props can be strong if you respect correlations and limits.
Key markets to know across major US leagues
Point Spreads, Moneylines and Totals are the foundation for NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. Player props, team totals and derivative markets can add precision but often carry higher margins.
Same‑game accumulators involve correlation risk and reduced expected value. Confirm overtime rules, push conditions and void scenarios for each league before placing bets.
Smart strategies and common pitfalls in US sports
Track schedule spots like back‑to‑backs, travel across time zones and altitude effects. Use pace metrics, efficiency ratings and injury reports to adjust projections promptly.
In baseball, starting pitching changes and bullpens drive late moves. In ice hockey, goalie confirmations and special teams trends influence totals.
In-play angles and the data points to track
Live lines often bake in public bias after early swings; trust your pre‑game numbers. Expect higher vig in live markets and keep stakes proportionate to the uncertainty.
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What is Best Of Bets and how does it help me bet smarter?
Best Of Bets is a UK betting tips and bookmaker comparison site at BestOfBets.com that offers sport‑specific strategies and links to trusted, licensed brands to help you find fair odds and terms.
Which sports do your betting guides cover?
Our guides cover football, horse racing, tennis, cricket, golf, rugby union, boxing, MMA, Formula 1, darts, snooker and major US sports.
How do I convert decimal odds to implied probability?
Implied probability = (1 ÷ decimal odds) × 100, so 3.00 equals 33.3%.
Which football betting markets should I know this season?
Key football markets include Match Result, Draw No Bet, Asian Handicap, Both Teams To Score and Total Goals, each with distinct risk profiles and rules.
What does Rule 4 mean in horse racing?
Rule 4 is a deduction applied to winnings when a declared runner is withdrawn, adjusting prices for the reduced field.
How do bookmaker rules and T&Cs affect settlement?
Settlement can differ by sport and bookmaker, so always check market rules, void and tie conditions, and any promotion’s full T&Cs before betting.
How should I manage my bankroll across different sports?
Scale stakes to each sport’s variance, set limits, keep records and never chase losses or bet more than you can afford to lose.
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Yes—many of our links and banners are affiliate links to UK‑licensed operators, which may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Who is eligible to use Best Of Bets’ guides and offers?
Best Of Bets content and partner offers are for adults aged 18+ in Great Britain and Northern Ireland using licensed operators only.
How should I use your comparisons and promotions to find value?
Start with the sport you know, choose markets you understand, compare odds and terms via our partner bookmakers, and activate promotions only when they align with your plan.
