Get the Pimm’s and strawberries and cream at the ready as finally, after a 24-month absence, Wimbledon returns.

The only major slam absent from the calendar in 2020 due to the pandemic, this year’s edition should feel that extra special. So, who looks to be value on both the Men’s and Ladies’ sides of the draw at SW19?

Fresh from his second French Open title at Roland Garros earlier this month, Novak Djokovic is again the favourite to take home the Men’s trophy for a sixth time, priced at 17/20 with both UniBet and Betway. Remarkably, the Serb has not lost a game at the All-England Club since 2017, when he was forced to retire hurt against Tomas Berdych in the quarter-finals.

Should you feel ‘Nole’ has a defeat coming his way however, you can back anyone else to win the tournament at evens with Betfair and PaddyPower.  Individually, with Rafa Nadal and Dominic Thiem absent, some of the smart money has gone in the direction of Stefanos Tsitsipas.  Having led Djokovic in the French Open final 2-1, the Greek was hauled back to be denied his first slam. Nevertheless, Tsitsipas is being talked up as a future Wimbledon champion, so why not this year?

At 10/1 with SBK and 7/1 with MansionBet, a bet on the number three seed could be shrewd, but for a slightly more conservative 4/1 with SkyBet, he would only need to reach the final. Russian Daniil Medvedev meanwhile, is another name expected to go far in the competition, and is 7/4 with BetFred to reach the semis.

Britain’s love affair with Wimbledon is set to be reignited in the coming fortnight, but Murray Mania may be in short supply, due to Andy Murray’s on-going battle with fitness. But if the Scot can piece together a run, his price of 12/1 with UniBet for the final four could be made to look very silly.

Wimbledon will also seen the return of one its favourite sons in Roger Federer. Having withdrawn from the Australian Open earlier this year and forced out of Roland Garros last month through injury, the Swiss will be hoping for better fare in his favourite slam.  An eight-time winner at SW19, Federer is now expected to focus his efforts on another Wimbledon crown as his main career priority, as his years now threaten to catch up with him.

Still sentimental for some more Federer magic? You can get him at 12s to win outright with all four of Betfair, PaddyPower, SkyBet and BetVictor. Perhaps a more balanced bet however, would be for Federer to win his quarter of the draw and reach the last four. BetFred will oblige you at 5/2.

In the Ladies’ draw, the bookies are struggling to separate Serena Williams and Ash Barty in the favourites department. Though Williams has won the Venus Rosewater Dish on no less than seven occasions, Barty is the ever-so-slight marginal call in the markets, with SBK offering 36/5, compared with the American’s price of 38/5.

Away from that particular duo, the competition looks wide open with both Simona Halep unable to defend her title and number-two ranked Naomi Osaka having withdrawn for personal reasons.  If similarly to the men we split the draw into four sections, Iga Swiatek might be the wise choice to reach the semi-finals, and at 5/1 with UniBet and William Hill, the Pole should impress.

Petra Kvitova meanwhile – a former two-time Wimbledon champion herself – has put together form in the build-up to the tournament, and is 4/1 with UniBet in her portion of the draw also.

As tournament progresses, we will get a better picture of the shrinking brackets, and those with keen eyes on the markets could be rewarded going into week two.

Betting fundamentals and how-to guides for beginners

Whether you bet every weekend or you’re just getting started, a solid process beats gut feel. This Best Of Bets guide walks you through the essentials so you can bet smarter, safer and with confidence.

Build a solid foundation for smarter sports betting

Great betting combines clear goals, disciplined staking and fair prices, not hunches and hot takes. Use our bookmaker comparisons, banners and affiliate links to secure verified UK offers and tools that support a responsible approach.

Understanding odds formats and implied probability

Odds are just a different way of expressing probability and potential return. In the UK you’ll see fractional (5/2), decimal (3.50) and occasionally American (+250) formats for the same price.

Convert fractional and decimal odds quickly

Fractional to decimal: add 1 to the fraction’s value (5/2 becomes 3.50), decimal to fractional: subtract 1 then convert to a fraction (3.50 becomes 5/2). Pick one format and use it consistently to compare prices across bookmakers.

Calculate implied probability from any price

For decimal odds, implied probability = 1 divided by decimal odds, then multiply by 100 to get a percentage. For fractional odds a/b, implied probability = b ÷ (a + b) × 100, so 5/2 is 2 ÷ 7 ≈ 28.6%.

Spot value by comparing price and true chance

If your assessed chance is higher than the implied probability, you’ve found a value price. For example, if you estimate a 35% chance and the odds imply 28.6%, the difference is your potential edge.

Bankroll management and staking made simple

Your bankroll is money set aside for betting, distinct from everyday finances. Staking turns that bankroll into measured risk, so variance doesn’t derail you.

Set a fixed bankroll and a consistent unit size

Ringfence an amount you can afford to lose and define a “unit” as 0.5–2% of that bankroll. Bet in units rather than cash amounts to standardise risk and remove emotion.

Choose a staking plan that fits your risk

Flat staking (same unit size every bet) is simple and robust for most bettors. Progressive systems can magnify risk and are rarely appropriate for long-term growth.

Track results with a simple betting ledger

Record date, market, selection, bookmaker, odds, stake, closing price and result. This builds accountability, reveals strengths and supports better decision-making.

How to price a bet and find expected value

Pricing is the craft of turning information into a percentage chance. Start conservative, be consistent, and let data lead your adjustments.

Build a baseline with broad market consensus

Average prices across several reputable UK-licensed bookmakers to get a market baseline. The market is not perfect, but it’s a strong starting point for most events.

Adjust for team news, travel and schedule

Injury reports, rest days, travel load and tactical matchups can shift true probabilities. Apply small, reasoned nudges rather than sweeping changes to your baseline.

Test your edge across a meaningful sample

Expected value (EV) = (win probability × profit) − (loss probability × stake). Your edge only becomes clear over hundreds of bets, so judge by long-run performance, not a weekend’s results.

Markets explained: match, handicaps and totals

Knowing what you’re betting on matters as much as the price. Learn the rules of each market so settlement never surprises you.

Asian handicaps and half-win protection explained

Asian handicaps balance favourites and underdogs by adding or subtracting goals or games. Quarter lines like -0.25 or +0.75 split your stake, offering half-win or half-loss outcomes that reduce variance.

Totals, team totals and alternative lines

Totals focus on combined points or goals, while team totals isolate one side’s output. Alternative lines let you trade risk for price, giving flexibility to fit your edge.

Props and player markets with fair limits

Player shots, tackles or aces can be mispriced but usually have lower limits. Use them to complement, not replace, your core markets.

Accumulator, Bet Builder and same game picks

Multiples amplify returns but also stack bookmaker margin and risk. Treat them as a tool for entertainment or to express a precise view, not as a shortcut to profit.

Understand correlation and overround stacking

Highly correlated picks in a Bet Builder can misstate true probability if not priced fairly. Remember that each added leg adds margin; the headline payout comes at a cost.

When multis add entertainment not betting edge

Accas can keep interest across a weekend and cap your stake, which suits recreational goals. If you’re edge-focused, singles at the best price tend to perform better long-term.

Use boosts and insurance with clear limits

Price boosts, acca insurance and profit tokens can tilt the maths in your favour. Always check maximum stakes, market exclusions and settlement rules before you click.

Live betting: timing, liquidity and discipline

In-play markets move fast, but speed without a plan is a liability. Prepare scenarios and stick to your triggers.

Prepare scenarios and pre-set entry points

Map out “if this, then that” entries like backing a strong server after going 0-30 down. Pre-planned price targets remove guesswork when emotion spikes.

Beware delays, suspensions and limit cuts

Data delays and frequent suspensions can change the price before acceptance. Expect smaller limits in lower-tier events and adapt your staking accordingly.

Keep stakes smaller and exits pre-defined

Risk less in-play than pre-match to account for volatility and execution risk. Define exits for both good and bad scenarios to protect your bankroll.

Using bookmaker offers the right way, safely

Welcome offers, free bets and clubs can reduce cost-of-betting when used sensibly. Always read terms, meet eligibility criteria, and remember 18+ and T&Cs apply.

Qualify, stake, and extract value safely

Use qualifying bets on low-margin markets and sharper prices to minimise cost. Place free bets on bigger prices to maximise expected value while keeping stakes modest.

Ongoing reloads, odds boosts and bet clubs

Weekly clubs, price boosts and early payout promos can add steady value. Opt in via our banners and affiliate links, and calendarise the key opt-in days.

Avoid bonus abuse and keep accounts healthy

Follow the spirit and letter of terms, mix markets, and keep bet amounts natural. Sustainable use of offers keeps your accounts in good standing with UK-licensed operators.

Data, trends and sample size: avoid bias

Good analysis respects sample size and context. The aim is to be approximately right, not precisely wrong.

Context beats small streaks and loud narratives

Three wins on a rainy Tuesday say less than season-long metrics and matchup detail. Prioritise quality of opposition, schedule density and tactical fit.

Regression to the mean and outlier alerts

Extreme hot or cold finishing spells tend to drift back towards long-run rates. Price in reversion rather than chasing extremes.

Use trusted data and timestamp your notes

Source results and stats from reputable databases with clear definitions. Timestamp updates so you know what you knew and when you knew it.

When to cash out and when to let it ride

Cash out is a convenience feature, not a strategy by itself. Use it intentionally to manage risk, not as a panic button.

Compare cash out to a fair in-play price estimate

Estimate a fair in-play price using live odds elsewhere or your pre-set scenarios. If the offered cash out is meaningfully below fair value, it may be better to hold.

Partial cash out to manage volatility sensibly

Taking a portion out can reduce variance while keeping some upside. Decide your percentage in advance to remove emotion from the choice.

Emotional control over short-term swings

Short-term luck cuts both ways and can cloud judgement fast. Define rules and follow them even when the last result stung.

How to choose trusted UK-licensed bookmakers

Using reputable, UKGC-licensed operators protects your funds and your experience. Compare prices, limits and tools before depositing, then diversify across a few accounts.

Check licence, KYC standards and safe tools

Look for UK Gambling Commission licence details, robust KYC and clear safer-gambling features. Deposit limits, timeouts, reality checks and self-exclusion options should be easy to access.

Compare limits, market depth and pricing style

Some firms specialise in niche props, others in top leagues with tighter odds. Match your sport focus to the bookmaker that consistently offers depth and fair pricing.

Payment methods, withdrawals and fair fees

Choose payment methods with fast withdrawals and no hidden charges. Verify processing times and ID requirements so payouts are smooth when you win.

Tennis betting at SW19: surfaces and serve data

Grass plays fast, rewards first-strike tennis and shortens rallies, so serve and return profiles matter more. Use surface splits and recent grass form to refine probabilities before you bet.

Grass-court indicators that actually matter

First-serve percentage, unreturned serve rate and hold-break metrics are key on grass. Strong servers with low double-fault counts and efficient first-strike patterns travel well to SW19.

Draw bias, seed paths and scheduling quirks

Project possible fourth-round and quarter-final paths to gauge variance in difficulty. Back-to-back court assignments and late finishes can carry into next-day performance.

Live angles on servers and break points pressure

Look for servers surviving early break points with strong body serves and high first-serve in. Short deuce games after long return games can signal next-game fatigue on grass.

Safer gambling essentials and where to get help

Gambling should be enjoyable entertainment, not a way to make money or solve problems. If it stops being fun, stop and seek support.

Set limits, timeouts and reality checks regularly

Decide deposit, loss and session limits before you start and stick to them. Use timeouts and reality checks to keep sessions short and focused.

Recognise risk signs early and take a break

Chasing losses, betting more than planned or hiding activity are warning signs. Take a break, review your habits and only return if you can set clear boundaries.

Support resources and 18+ eligibility notice

Help is available 24/7 from organisations such as BeGambleAware and other UK support services. Sports betting is strictly for adults aged 18+ in the UK; please bet responsibly.

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Please gamble responsible – online gambling is for 18+ aged adults only. Please review the terms of the online casinos and bookmakers we advertise here on our site.
What’s the smartest way to start sports betting as a beginner?

The Best Of Bets approach is to set clear goals, learn how odds map to probability, focus on fairly priced singles, and follow a disciplined, responsible process rather than gut feel.

How do I convert fractional and decimal odds and calculate implied probability?

Fractional to decimal: add 1 to the fraction (5/2 = 3.50); decimal to fractional: subtract 1 and convert (3.50 = 5/2); implied probability is 1/decimal or, for a/b, b ÷ (a + b) × 100.

What is value betting and how do I spot it?

You’ve found value when your assessed chance exceeds the odds’ implied probability, meaning the bookmaker’s price is bigger than the true chance.

How should I set my bankroll, unit size and staking plan?

Ringfence a bankroll you can afford to lose, stake 0.5–2% per bet as a unit, and use flat staking for consistency and emotional control.

What are Asian handicaps and what do quarter lines (-0.25, +0.75) mean?

Asian handicaps balance favourites and underdogs, and quarter lines split your stake so you can record half-wins or half-losses that reduce variance.

Are accumulators and Bet Builders good value?

They stack bookmaker margin and risk, so treat them as entertainment or to express a precise view, while best‑price singles usually offer stronger long‑term value.

How can I use bookmaker welcome offers, boosts and bet clubs safely?

Use qualifying bets on low‑margin markets, place free bets on bigger prices, opt in via verified UK links, and always read full T&Cs (18+).

How do I choose a trusted UK-licensed bookmaker?

Pick UKGC‑licensed operators with robust KYC, clear safer‑gambling tools, suitable limits and market depth, and fast, fee‑free withdrawals.

When should I cash out, and should I use partial cash out?

Cash out only when the offer meets or beats your fair in‑play estimate, and use partial cash out to manage risk without giving up all upside.

Where can I get help if gambling stops being fun?

Set limits or take a timeout and seek confidential support from BeGambleAware.org or other UK services, and remember betting is for adults 18+ only.