Although snooker’s growth in popularity following WW2 piqued interest in snooker betting, courtesy of the emergence of tournaments like the World Snooker Championship and TV broadcasts, its origins trace back to billiards.
Formerly known as “snookers,” snooker is the brainchild of Sir Neville Chamberlain, a British army officer stationed in Jabalpur, India, in 1875. Snooker evolved into a thriving industry, claiming its spot as the most popular variation of pool games. Betting on snooker boomed in the 1980s, transitioning into the 21st century alongside online gambling sites – read all about them here.
Pocketing a shot in snooker may appear deceptively easy, but it demands precision and honed hand-eye coordination skills. This analogy resonates with the challenge faced by bettors when navigating the multitude of available betting sites for their snooker wagers, thinking that selecting a betting site is as straightforward as pocketing a ball in snooker.
In reality, it requires careful consideration and evaluation, much like lining up a shot on the snooker table. Here’s our line-up of the top 3 snooker betting sites you can check out!
Bet365 is a leading platform for snooker betting that covers all of the popular tournaments like the World Snooker Championship, the Snooker UK Championship and the Invitational Masters. Bet365 also provides live streaming of the sport and in-play betting so you can have an interactive betting experience. As well as this the platform provides bettors with in-depth information about snooker players and tournaments so they can make informed decisions when placing their bets.
Bet365 doesn’t offer snooker-specific promotions, but it more than makes up for it by allowing bettors to use its general sports promos on snooker betting.
LeoVegas is known for its extensive range of online sports betting features, including coverage and betting lines in major snooker tournaments like the Scottish Open, World, and the Masters as well as some more minor tournaments. The range of snooker events on offer at LeoVegas makes this platform a go-to for snooker fans.
This betting platform offers snooker fans a cash out option when betting on live snooker events and boasts mobile compatibility so you can place your bets and keep up with the action on-the-go. However, it is important to point out that punters can only view the current and next day’s lineup while surfing the available snooker events. Although, you can be rest assured that you will still be able to access your favourite competition just a couple of hours before the events start.
Launched in 2012 and licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, Casumo welcomes new Snooker betting enthusiasts with a 100% free bet up to £25 or equivalent in other currencies. Casumo boasts coverage of major snooker tournaments like The Masters and the Scottish Open, offering a variety of betting lines that cut through all betting niches, whether you are a fan of pre-match bets, in-play betting, or simple outrights. There are options to bet on the match, frame or centuries.
Casumo rivals even the top two in terms of overall offering thanks to their unique bet builder, flexible cash out options, and in-play betting options. However it doesn’t allow fans to live stream the action nor get access to full comprehensive stats, which is where Casumo falls down compared to the other betting platforms listed here. Still, you have the basics covered so it’s not a bad place to start.
Deciding whether to use a 7mm or 9mm cue stick during your friendly game nights is a straightforward decision. However, when it comes to choosing the best snooker betting site, the game changes. Navigating the realm of snooker betting sites involves more complexity than picking the right cue stick for your game. It’s not just about personal preference; factors like reliability come into play. Here are a few other pointers for you to watch out for.
Top bookmakers like Bet365 often offer a statistics page that allows punters to keep track of past events and ongoing tournaments to place informed wagers.
Choose a betting site that offers a diverse range of snooker markets and competitive odds. A site with a comprehensive and friendly offering enhances your betting options.
The best live betting sites are renowned for their exclusive provisions for live bettors. This can range from unrestricted access to snooker match-ups to exclusive in-play betting bonuses and odd boosts. Our review highlighted that Bet365 and LeoVegas are best for this. Take advantage of these live betting opportunities, especially if you are using live streaming at betting sites to watch the match simultaneously. Bet365 is our top pick for this.
If you found yourself just getting into snooker betting, it’s important you understand the basics of the game. Snooker is a cue sport played on a rectangular table covered in green cloth or baize, with pockets at each of the four corners and in the centre of each long side. The goal of the game is to score more points than your opponent by potting balls in a certain order. It is typically played between two players or two teams.
In snooker, the table contains 21 coloured balls, each with a different value. Players take turns playing pot balls, each attempting to score as many points as they can during their turn.
The game kicks off when a player pots a red ball, followed by a coloured one, then back to the latter, and so on. Once all red balls have been potted, players must pot the coloured balls in ascending order of point value. The player with the highest point total at the end of the game is declared the winner.
| Colour | Points |
| Yellow | 2 points |
| Green | 3 points |
| Brown | 4 points |
| Blue | 5 points |
| Pink | 6 points |
| Black | 7 points |
| Red (15) | 1 point each |
With so many balls and points at stake, there are a lot of ways a snooker game can end, and thus a lot of ways you can bet. Here are some available snooker betting markets for players to explore while placing their wagers:
Overall Bet365 has the fullest selection of snooker betting markets, with Casumo coming in as strong as second. If you’re looking for a simpler offering, LeoVegas is your go-to.
| Casumo | Bet365 | LeoVegas | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Frame | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Handicap | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Total Frames | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tournament Winner | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Outright Betting | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Century Breaks | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Highest Break | ✅ | ||
| Correct Score | ✅ | ✅ |
Some snooker tournaments are more popular with bettors than others. Here we’ve listed the most popular snooker events for wagering that are available at our three top picks for betting on snooker.
| World Snooker Championships | Reputed as the oldest and most prestigious snooker tournament, the world snooker championship was first held in 1927. This tournament often has the highest prize pool, which often sees players putting their very best into winning. |
| International Championship | Formed in 2012, the International Snooker Championship may lack the extensive history of some other tournaments, yet it remains a compelling option for betting enthusiasts. The event boasts a substantial prize fund for the eventual victor, making it an exciting competition for wagers. |
| China Open | First held in 1997, the tournament takes place annually in Beijing, China, and has grown in stature over the years. With its impressive prize money and status as a ranking event, the China Open attracts top snooker players from around the world. Known for its rich history and pivotal role in the snooker calendar, the China Open has witnessed remarkable performances and intense competition. The tournament serves as a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills and earn valuable ranking points. |
| Masters Snooker Championships | Otherwise known as “The Masters,” stands as one of the most prestigious and iconic events in professional snooker. The tournament has a storied history dating back to its inception in 1975, and it is renowned for its exclusive invitation-only format. Held annually in London, England, The Masters typically takes place at the Alexandra Palace or Wembley Arena, providing a captivating setting for the world’s top snooker players to compete. |
As you may have guessed, successfully betting on snooker requires a combination of knowledge, strategy, and discipline. Here are some final tips to help you find better bet value at your bookie:
Develop a solid understanding of snooker rules, player statistics, and how different tournaments operate. Knowledge of player form, head-to-head records, and playing styles is crucial.
Different tournaments have varying frame formats. Some events may have longer frames or different scoring systems. Understand the format of the tournament you are betting on, as it can influence the outcomes.
Understand the playing styles of different snooker players. Some players may be more aggressive, while others focus on safety play. Consider how these styles match up in a particular match.
If you are able to remember these points, it’ll be easier for you to make the most out of the features presented to you at any snooker bookmaker.
In conclusion, navigating the dynamic world of snooker betting demands strategic insight and a keen understanding of the game’s nuances. Our top three recommended sites, Bet365, LeoVegas, and Casumo, offer unique advantages catering to diverse bettor preferences, from exclusive bonuses to extensive tournament coverage.
To excel in snooker betting, leverage knowledge of player statistics and utilise live betting opportunities for a competitive edge. When selecting a betting platform, prioritise diverse markets, value snooker odds, stats and live betting features.
With these considerations and our expert recommendations, you’re well-equipped to elevate your snooker betting experience. Remember to practise responsible bankroll management and capitalise on the tips provided to maximise your chances of success in this thrilling world of cue sports wagering.
Billiards is the classic version of the game that was played with 3 balls on a table with no pockets. While snooker is played on a similar table with pockets and played with 22 balls
Absolutely! Live betting on snooker match-ups are allowed on snooker betting sites.
Some popular snooker tournaments to wager on include the masters, the world snooker championships, or the China Open.
Common markets include Match Winner, Frame Betting, Handicap Betting, Total Frames, Tournament Winner, Outright Betting, Century Breaks, Highest Break, and Correct Score./faq-item] The legality of snooker betting depends on where you live and the restrictions in place there. Ensure that you are aware of and comply with the gambling regulations in your location before engaging in snooker betting activities.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
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